What CAD Software Do I Need?

I primarily deal with TurboCAD, but over the years, I have used a wide range of CAD and other types of design software.

So if you’re unsure what software you need, please refer to the table below and if there is anything that you are not sure of, you are welcome to call me on 07724 882403.

Requirements:

Just 2D

TurboCAD Designer – TurboCAD Designer, (For PC and Mac), is exclusively 2D, so possibly all you need.

2D & some 3D, or 2D and need to open 3D drawings to view in 2D

TurboCAD Deluxe – PC and Mac. Everything you need in 2D. Used by engineers, builders, surveyors, etc. Example: The BBC uses Deluxe for the planning of their outside broadcasts.

• Opens and saves in over 20 file formats, including DWG, DXF, PDF and STL.
• Free training on YouTube, plus lots more training available on this site. Optional back up software, including getting started training films for £15.
• Surface modeling in 3D. Create objects in 2D then extrude to 3D, or create directly in 3D.

Extensive 3D Modeling

TurboCAD Platinum

• Opens, edits and saves in over 30 file formats.
• Create just about any 3D object you can imagine, anything from a door to a complicated engine. Solid or surface modeling.
• Create assemblies and automatically convert them into orthographic projections showing sections. Impose a wide array of editable renderings.
• Draw buildings and show in perspective with shadows, render walls.

Software Overview – TurboCAD

What is TurboCAD?
TurboCAD is a straightforward CAD system that is relatively easy to learn for anyone with some computer experience. It is a tool to be used to give the user a greater chance of getting the job right. It will not take months to learn and there is lots of free help. TurboCAD will enable the user to create anything from 2D house plans or orthographic projections of machine parts to a full size 3D jet engine. It has the facility to connect objects to spreadsheets and databases, but its strength is in its basic drawing capacity, so it will draw that jet engine, but it won’t simulate it’s flight, or tell you how much it weighs, if you need that, then you’re going to have to spend an awful lot more money. However if you need to design anything from an engineering component, or a chair, right up to planning events at theatres, or national sporting venues, in either 2D or 3D, then TurboCAD is your best choice of software.

Who Uses TurboCAD?
TurboCAD is the biggest selling CAD system in retail in the world. It is the CAD system used by the greatest breath of people simply because it is so versatile. So a short list of regular customers:

• Engineering – Model Engineers, Clock Makers, Locksmiths, Engineering Parts Manufacturers, Musical Instrument Makers, Surgical Instrument Makers,
• Design and Make – Carpenters, Cabinet Makers, Kitchen and Bathroom Designers and Fitters, Interior Designers, Designers of Play Areas, Packaging Design, Designers and Makers of Fencing and Gates,
• Planning – Architects, Surveyors, Urban Planners, Facilities Management, Builders, Landscape and Garden Designers, Electrical Engineers, Heating and Plumbing Contractors

What are the Advantages of TurboCAD?
Just three points:

• Easy and quick to learn
• Complete compatibility and integration with all other CAD software
• Inexpensive with no hidden costs, or yearly licensing

What Version is Best for You?

This mainly comes down to whether you want to work in 2D or 3D and if 3D, then how complicated you designs will be.

If you only want to work in 2D, then buy the latest version of Deluxe and check out my training films on YouTube. You can pay a thousand pounds more for a 2D package, but it will still only save in the same file formats and a rectangle is a rectangle in any package, whatever the cost. I’d also recommend that you buy some training from this site. No matter how simple, all packages need learning and the training here could save you a lot of time.

If it’s mainly 2D that you need, but are thinking of moving into 3D or just want to look at how 3D works, then again the latest version of Deluxe will be fine for you. Learning to draw in 3D is a little more complicated for the beginner than 2D, but again there are training films explaining the principles as well as others taking you through exercises for sale on this site.

If it’s both 2D and 3D that you want then I’d strongly recommend the Platinum version. As far as 2D there is not a lot of difference between the Pro, Platinum versions and Deluxe, but Platinum comes into its own with its 3D capabilities, which are far superior to software costing a great deal more. There is a very wide range of 3D tools to create and edit your designs in both solid and surface modes.

For more in-depth info on TurboCAD Platinum and to purchase, please click here.

For more in-depth info on TurboCAD Deluxe and to purchase, please click here.

More information

If you’re still unsure what software you need, please call me on 07724 882403, or email [email protected].