Front Panel Artwork Software

[johnnyx]

I want to add lettering for the names of switches and pots on the front panel of some test gear I've built. I thought I could use my computer to do the lettering, but there doesn't seem to be an easy program to use.
Autocad is way over the top to write "ON" and "OFF" in the right place, Windows Paint and Paint Shop Pro don't have the co-ordinate system to place the text in relation to the controls. Turbocad is difficult to learn and probably over the top in complexity.
It's a simple thing that I want, to draw an outline of the front panel, and write "ON" and "OFF in the right place. I spent two hours with Turbocad today and got nowhere.
How would you do it?
What programs do you use?

[sayang001]

Times have changed and there is no need to keep your elaborate electronic project in an old cigar packet any longer.Today specialised dealers offer cases for almost all electronic applications you may think of. But still self-made devices often look quite incomplete, because of a missing front panel design. Use FrontDesigner to design good-looking front panels for your self-made devices and take advantage of the following features:

exactly fitting coloured and b/w symbols and labels
predefined and user-editable library
a scale-assistant creates scales for switches, potentiometers and instruments
measurement options simplify drilling
a mirrored printout to transparent film gives a long-life panel design
and many more ...

http://www.abacom-online.de/UK/html/frontdesigner.html

[planet10]

Originally posted by johnnyx
How would you do it?
What programs do you use?

For tasks like these, i usually use Adobe Illustrator... but it is a bit of overkill if you don't already have it in your toolbox.

dave

[johnnyx]

Thanks
Why does it have to be so complicated?
Front designer looks good, inexpensive too, does all I want and more.

[A3rd.Zero]

I understand why you think that AutoCAD is over the top. I love it however, and use it for everything that I can. I have a friend, Theatrical Technical Director, that actually makes all his calendars and work lists in AutoCAD because it gives him infinite control over placement of items and scaling.

Milo

[planet10]

Originally posted by A3rd.Zero
I understand why you think that AutoCAD is over the top.

And grossly expensive ... around here Architects buy Vectorworks (which is a better & more capable program anyway) and the money they save vrs an AutoCad seat is enuff to pay for the workstation to put the CAD software on.

dave

[pinkmouse]

Originally posted by A3rd.Zero
I understand why you think that AutoCAD is over the top. I love it however, and use it for everything that I can. I have a friend, Theatrical Technical Director, that actually makes all his calendars and work lists in AutoCAD because it gives him infinite control over placement of items and scaling.

Milo

I know a guy who uses powerpoint for everything he does, for much the same reasons I suspect, he simply knows the package inside out.

[medum]

Originally posted by johnnyx
.........
How would you do it?
What programs do you use?

These frontpanels are made by Schaeffer, Berlin.
You download the program and send the file and recieve the frontpanels - nice work



Shaeffer - Berlin

[Orgonom]

As Jørn pointed out this program is free and you could print your
design. Isn´t this what you wanted johnnxx?
It is very easy to use.
Andreas

[A3rd.Zero]

nd grossly expensive ... around here Architects buy Vectorworks (which is a better & more capable program anyway) and the money they save vrs an AutoCad seat is enuff to pay for the workstation to put the CAD software on.

dave

Oh no you didnt! Vectorworks! VECTORWORKS! you have got to be kidding me!

Actually AutoCAD is only grossly expensive in its 3d variant. The 2d version is only around $600. The 3d software however is absolutely, no question, the most flexible and spectacular 3d CAD rendering software out there IMHO. I have used Vectorworks and it defiantly has its place but it certainly lacks in the flexibility. For simple drawings Vectorworks is superior but as soon as things get even the smallest bit complex it starts to loose it luster. I know Lighting designers who swear by Vectorworks because of its ease of use but I dont know anyone who creates technical drawings (not pretty picture drawings) that use it. Not that those people use AutoCAD either but Vectorworks? No.

Sorry this was a ranting not meant to be a flame. I totally respect others choices of software I just happen to think that AutoCAD is the best piece of software ever (which I know is silly but the fact remains).

(smiley just to show that Im not really a jerk, despite what the former may lead you to think)

Milo