FREE 2D CAD (Solid edge)

[ynneb]

Download a fully working FREE 2D CAD package from here.
I cant tell you much about it yet since I am currently downloading it myself.
From what I have heard it is quite a comprehensive package.

http://www.plm.automation.siemens.co...2d/index.shtml

[ynneb]

Here are some screen captures of what it looks like.....

[ynneb]

If you download the software, let us know what you think of it.
So far I think its pretty good. Especially since its free.
What are your thoughts ?

[RTP_Burnsville]

I have been using Solid Edge 2D for a couple years and like it very much. I find it to be much more user friendly than AutoCad which I have pretty much retired from use. Just wish I could justify a copy of SE 3D.

[photomankc]

I really like it but there is no path for a hobby user to get even limited 3D it seems. At least I take the fact that I never see a price listed for the 3D stuff to indicate that 'if you have to ask'.

I still don't fully understand all of it but I got going making some pretty decent drawings in just a few days having no background in it beyond a high-school class 18 years ago on drafting.

[GlaStar1]

I have been using Solid Edge 2D for a couple years and like it very much. I find it to be much more user friendly than AutoCad which I have pretty much retired from use. Just wish I could justify a copy of SE 3D.

I wish I were smart like you. I've been working at this software for 2 weeks and I have never been so utterly frustrated! I got started on a drawing, the software locked up and I have been unable to do anything with it! AND, NO "DELETE"! in the Free 2D package! No display of the cursor location on all layers, No layer name display! No real tool bar display/control. The 2D package is a subset of the 3D package and is not in the least bit friendly. I am dumping it after 2 weeks of dilligent trying to make friends with it.! ! !

[doorknob]

Maybe the free DraftSight CAD package will work better for you.

See Free CAD software * for your DWG files: DraftSight - Dassault Systèmes

[hq308]

I've been using Solid Edge 2D for approx the last 12 months and find it very easy to use. Before using SE 2D, I briefly tried Draft Sight and prior to that I'd never used CAD software. I found it a little frustrating at first but after doing a couple of the tutorials it started to make sense and became a lot easier.

For those that are interested you can also download a free 45 day trial of the 3D version, I'm currently trying it out and I like what I've seen so far.

[Beefy]

I have found there's not many tutorials around for SolidEdge 2D, not if you really want to get to know it. Access to teaching materials is half the battle with CAD. I've noticed others have similar thoughts.

I have Alibre Design and the user manual is quite detailed. In comparison I find the SolidEdge manual (under the Help menu) a bit lacking, and the software comes with only one mechanical sketching tutorial. Apart from that it seems like it will be quite good if you can learn it.

I've noticed Yakfisherman actually called them up and asked for a user manual and was told sorry no manual. That boggles my brain a bit, why give out free the 2D version of your software if you are going to make it difficult for the user to get aquainted with it. Having read about a few different types of CAD it seems people stick with a version they are familiar with. Help them as much as possible to learn your giveaway then maybe when they are ready to upgrade to a paid 3D version it will be a no brainer which one they will choose.

Also I've recently read on a forum that SolidEdge can't do patterns (circular, horizontal, etc) in sketching. The forum members said it can only pattern features made from a sketch.

Being an Alibre user I liked SolidEdge 2D but due to lack of training material and lacking something like the ability to do 2D patterns, I've gone with Draftsight for my free 2D. Seems very capable, well thought of and most importantly to me has quite a few hours of training videos on Youtube, as well as at least two pdf manuals. Now I'll get to know what it's like on the other side of the fence (Autocad style drawing - many say Draftsight is an Autocad clone).

[hq308]

Solid Edge 2D does patterns, it's in the drop down on the mirror command.

[RTP_Burnsville]

I wish I were smart like you. I've been working at this software for 2 weeks and I have never been so utterly frustrated! I got started on a drawing, the software locked up and I have been unable to do anything with it! AND, NO "DELETE"! in the Free 2D package! No display of the cursor location on all layers, No layer name display! No real tool bar display/control. The 2D package is a subset of the 3D package and is not in the least bit friendly. I am dumping it after 2 weeks of dilligent trying to make friends with it.! ! !

That is very strange..... I wonder if your graphics card is the problem? The reason for saying that is I have had similar issues with other graphic heavy programs and when I either updated the graphic card or it's drivers the issues vanished.

Robert

[Beefy]

Thank you hq308, I found it. Maybe the thread on that forum appied to an earlier version.

I'm finding out what it's like on the Draftsight side of the fence. Not as user freindly as Alibre or SolidEdge style sketching at all, and a complete brain shift.