Hi Guys.
I was a big fan of Sketchup, - until it became an online-tool. I cannot get the online-thing to work properly (UI, shortcuts, mouse... feels wrong).
Whats the free alternatives? 3D preferred, 2D could be acceptable.
I'll be using it to design speakers, boxes and the odd house-renovation once in a while.
Kind regards TroelsM
I was a big fan of Sketchup, - until it became an online-tool. I cannot get the online-thing to work properly (UI, shortcuts, mouse... feels wrong).
Whats the free alternatives? 3D preferred, 2D could be acceptable.
I'll be using it to design speakers, boxes and the odd house-renovation once in a while.
Kind regards TroelsM
I had a bit of a play with this (an earlier version) a few years ago (just looked and it was eight years ago 
) and liked it. Creo Elements/Direct Modeling Express 6.0 Download | PTC
The little speaker I used it to do the drawings for SB acoustics SB12MNRX25-4 "full range" Build thread the pdf in post 14 is the final one.
I thought at the time it was pretty good.
Tony.
) and liked it. Creo Elements/Direct Modeling Express 6.0 Download | PTC The little speaker I used it to do the drawings for SB acoustics SB12MNRX25-4 "full range" Build thread the pdf in post 14 is the final one.
I thought at the time it was pretty good.
Tony.
I’m in exactly the same boat - totally love Sketchup. Have designed 3 house Renos with it. Not a massive fan of the online tool either.
Can I suggest using an older version of sketchup. The 2018 and 2019 versions are still available to download from their website. I’m still using 2019 - the only issue is that you need a Trimble login to access the 3D warehouse now, but it’s free to get one so no major inconvenience.
So long as it’s not for commercial work, the older versions should be good for years to come.
Can I suggest using an older version of sketchup. The 2018 and 2019 versions are still available to download from their website. I’m still using 2019 - the only issue is that you need a Trimble login to access the 3D warehouse now, but it’s free to get one so no major inconvenience.
So long as it’s not for commercial work, the older versions should be good for years to come.
I have a copy of the old version of Sketchup from before it went to inline only. I'm glad I saved the download. Maybe it's still around on the Web?
Offline Download | SketchUp
Offline Download | SketchUp
Unfortunately Autodesk has just tightened the offer for free Fusion 360 Changes to Fusion 360 for Personal Use | Fusion 360 | Autodesk
FreeCAD and OpenSCAD have been suggested.
F360 I've been using for a little while and it's very powerful (but it's worth watching some tutorials and not just diving right in or you can come undone pretty quick) and they haven't hobbled it too much in my opinion.
But I'm probably going to look into FreeCAD and openSCAD now nonetheless. Maybe even Blender although its less CAD oriented.
F360 I've been using for a little while and it's very powerful (but it's worth watching some tutorials and not just diving right in or you can come undone pretty quick) and they haven't hobbled it too much in my opinion.
But I'm probably going to look into FreeCAD and openSCAD now nonetheless. Maybe even Blender although its less CAD oriented.
I tried all the popular free 3D-CAD Programs.
DesignSpark Mechanical is by far the best!
https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/mechanical-download-and-installation
Perfect for construction of speakers and for 3D-Printing.
Very Precise, good function, still quite easy to learn.
And its free.
DesignSpark Mechanical is by far the best!
https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/mechanical-download-and-installation
Perfect for construction of speakers and for 3D-Printing.
Very Precise, good function, still quite easy to learn.
And its free.
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QCAD Pro is decent and definitely affordable ($40).
If you're using CAD for hobby projects, I'd strongly consider Fusion 360. I generally find it worthwhile to learn a transferrable skill when given the opportunity. As said earlier in the thread: Watch some intro videos. There's a Dane living in the US who has some good intro videos on YouTube: Fusion 360 Tutorial for Absolute Beginners— Part 1 - YouTube
Both Fusion 360 and QCAD work with Mac, which I happen to appreciate.
Tom
If you're using CAD for hobby projects, I'd strongly consider Fusion 360. I generally find it worthwhile to learn a transferrable skill when given the opportunity. As said earlier in the thread: Watch some intro videos. There's a Dane living in the US who has some good intro videos on YouTube: Fusion 360 Tutorial for Absolute Beginners— Part 1 - YouTube
Both Fusion 360 and QCAD work with Mac, which I happen to appreciate.
Tom
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