Architectural drawing software

MacDraft Professional, powerful 2D CAD, drafting, technical illustration, architectural drawing and more in one easy-to-use, CAD software package.

The right tools for the job whatever it may be.

The Tool palette offers a full complement of drawing tools including lines, rectangles, circles, arcs, polygons, curves, parallel line and freehand tools.

Full info about MacDraft you can find here: http://www.squidoo.com/MacDraft

SmartDraw offers a plethora of diagram templates and art elements that eliminate the need to start from scratch...
As a fast illustration or business tool...
We think this program functions extraordinarily well.

Word processors work wonderfully, right up until the time you need to draw a diagram to illustrate your work. SmartDraw provides a handy shortcut for anyone in this situation, offering a plethora of diagram templates and art elements that eliminate the need to start from scratch.

A huge variety of possible uses has been included, from software engineering or business modeling to anatomical illustration. Generic templates include flowcharts, organizational charts, mind maps, family trees, ER diagrams, and far more. A clip-art collection helps fill out the basic templates, and a drag-and-drop tool lets users easily add frequently used symbol combinations.

The program also functions as a standalone drawing tool, supporting free-hand drawing, image layers, text, and tables. Work can be saved in a number of formats including JPEG, PDF, HTML and AutoCAD Interchange.

ProgeCAD 2009 is the next generation of ProgeCAD and represent the state of the art of IntelliCAD® evolution.
His native DWG support from version 2.5 to 2009 and the high level of compatibility with AutoCAD® enviroment and interface are only two of the key features.

ProgeCAD, powered by IntelliCAD 6.5, is an AutoCAD® Industry compatible 2D/3D CAD application that works with AutoCAD® DWG files, from AutoCAD® 2.5 through AutoCAD® 2009!

ProgeCAD's original format DWG ensures a complete compatibility with AutoCAD® WITHOUT ANY FILE CONVERSION and without loosing any critical information ProgeCAD lets you export drawing files both in DWG and DXF format

ProgeCAD supports an interface complete with an "AutoCAD® Like" icon menu and "AutoCAD® Like" commands.

The size of drawings reflects the materials available and the size that is convenient to transport - rolled up or folded, laid out on a table, or pinned up on a wall. The draughting process may impose limitations on the size that is realistically workable. Sizes are determined by a consistent paper size system, according to local usage.

Normally the largest paper size used in modern architectural practice is ISO A0 (841 × 1189mm) or in the USA Arch E (762 × 1067mm), although there is a Large E size (915 x 1220mm) which does not have an ISO equivalent.

Architectural drawings are drawn to scale, so that relative sizes are correctly represented. The scale is chosen both to ensure the whole building will fit on the chosen sheet size, and to show the required amount of detail. At the scale of one eighth of an inch to one foot (1/96th) or the metric equivalent 1 to 100, walls are typically shown as simple outlines corresponding to the overall thickness.

At a larger scale, half an inch to one foot (1/24th) or the nearest common metric equivalent 1 to 20, the layers of different materials that make up the wall construction are shown. Construction details are drawn to a larger scale, in some cases full size (1 to 1 scale).

Scale drawings enable dimensions to be 'read' off the drawing, i.e. measured directly. Imperial scales (feet and inches), while lacking the simple logic of the metric system, are equally readable using an ordinary ruler. On a one-eights inch to one foot scale drawing, the one-eighth divisions on the ruler can be read off as feet. Architects normally use a scale ruler with different scales marked on each edge. A third method, used by builders in estimating, is to measure directly off the drawing and multiply by the scale factor.

Dimensions can be measured off drawings made on a stable medium such as vellum. All processes of reproduction introduce small errors, especially now that different copying methods mean that the same drawing may be re-copied or copies made in several different ways. Consequently dimensions need to be written ('figured') on the drawing.

The disclaimer "Do not scale off dimensions" is commonly inscribed on architects drawings, to guard against errors arising in the copying process.

A floor plan is the most fundamental architectural diagram, a view from above showing the arrangement of spaces in building in the same way as a map, but showing the arrangement at a particular level of a building. Technically it is a horizontal section cut though a building (conventionally at three feet / one metre above floor level), showing walls, window and door openings and other features at that level.

The plan view includes anything that could be seen below that level: the floor, stairs (but only up to the plan level), fittings and sometimes furniture. Objects above the plan level (e.g. beams overhead) can be indicated as dotted lines.

Geometrically, plan view is defined as a vertical orthographic projection of an object on to a horizontal plane, with the horizontal plane cutting through the building.

A site plan is a specific type of plan, showing the whole context of a building or group of buildings. A site plan shows property boundaries and means of access to the site, and nearby structures if they are relevant to the design. For a development on an urban site, the site plan may need to show adjoining streets to demonstrate how the design fits in to the urban fabric.

Within the site boundary, the site plan gives an overview of the entire scope of work. It shows the buildings (if any) already existing and those that are proposed, usually as a building footprint; roads, parking lots, footpaths, hard landscaping, trees and planting. For a construction project, the site plan also needs to show all the services connections: drainage and sewer lines, water supply, electrical and communications cables, exterior lighting etc.

Site plans are commonly used to represent a building proposal prior to detailed design: drawing up a site plan is a tool for deciding both the site layout and the size and orientation of proposed new buildings. A site plan is used to verify that a proposal complies with local development codes, including restrictions on historical sites. In this context the site plan forms part of a legal agreement, and there may be a requirement for it to be drawn up by a licenced professional: architect, engineer, landscape architect or land surveyor.

With so many architectural design software programs on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? The answer lies in your needs. Not all computer aided design (CAD) software is created equally. Some architectural home design software programs are geared towards the do-it-yourselfer home builder looking to create fast and simple plans. Other architectural CAD programs are aimed at meeting the needs of architects, engineers and home plan designers.

The bottom line is it is best to do your research to find out which architect design software will get the job done for you. We have compiled a list of drafting and design software that you may find useful:

1) Punch Home Design It is reasonably priced (under $200). A top selling home and landscape design program.
Punch Home Design Features
Includes fully integrated landscape software, Master Landscape Pro
Architectural design software for home remodeling projects
Built-in video tutorials; roofing wizard; deck wizard and deck templates
Drag-and-drop over 30,000 design combinations with just a click
Extensive framing, estimating, mechanical design, and CAD functions

It is great for beginners because:
- Relatively easy to use
- Offers lightening fast 2 dimensional and 3D capabilities
- Has drag and drop features for doors, windows, furniture and more
- Contains video tutorials. If you're anything like me, learning by video is the way to go.
- Professional CAD users will also appreciated some of the advanced features, however we believe this software to be aimed more towards a home enthusiast.

Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 4000 brings you all the features of our industry-acclaimed Punch! Architectural Series 3000 -- plus we've fully integrated our most popular landscape software title, Master Landscape Pro. The result: The most powerful and comprehensive Punch! Architectural Suite of products ever assembled into one package. 400 Powerful Applications all in one easy-to-use interface.

Regardless of your level of expertise, Punch! Architectural Series 4000 produces professional results. Beginners will appreciate the built-in Video Tutorials - it's like an architectural designer by your side. Simple drag & drop functions for windows, doors, furniture, materials, color, and landscaping make producing top-notch designs a snap!

Professionals will appreciate the more complex features such as extensive framing, estimating, mechanical design, and CAD functions, to name a few. Punch! Architectural Series 4000 was designed to grow with you, as you become more proficient with the program. From beginner to pro, Punch! Architectural Series 4000 makes designing a home a rewarding experience.

Punch! Architectural Series 4000 is a quantum-leap in performance and realism over any other competitive product. Its 3D redraw speeds are up to FOUR times faster than the competition -- allowing Hollywood-style walk or fly-through in real time! New design wizards and a deep reservoir of design elements let you drag & drop over 30,000 design combinations with just a click! You'll be amazed at the power, versatility, realism you'll have at your fingertips!

Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 4000 V10 adds decorator pallets, GSP Sun angle, pool designing, and much more keeping Punch's top line product ahead of the pack.

2) TurboCAD - TurboCAD Pro Architectural Edition is tailored towards architects, contractors and homebuilders looking at both 2-D and 3D design capabilities. It also contains a parametric library of architectural objects, such as stairs, doors, windows, etc. It's priced at around $1,400.

3) Data CAD - A good number of members in the American Institute of Architects use this architectural design software. It has been around since the beginning of CADD development. Pricing ranges from $300 for the Lite version of DataCAD to $1,300.

Printing architectural drawings to scale allows sharing them with others who may need to measure from the plans to order materials or construct elements for home improvement or construction projects.

Printing architectural drawings to commonly used scales also enables using templates and symbols for furniture, appliances, plumbing fixtures, plants and trees readily available in the same scale. Drawings can be assembled from segments printed out on a home computer or printed out directly on plotters and large format printers at local blueprint or large format graphic service companies.

Printing Plans to Scale Using a Home Computer:
1) Ensure that the drawing program used has an option to print drawings to scale. This will be listed as an option in the print menu. Most products will have this option, but if the chosen software package does not, switch to another program with the capability.

2) Prepare the architectural drawing and select the option to print it to scale. The software will automatically segment the drawing and indicate how many regular-sized pages it will print to make up the overall image. Make sure you have enough paper in the printer and printout all the pages.

3) Trim the pages with an X-Acto knife and straight edge.

4) Piece the pages together and tack them in place with small pieces of transparent tape on the front to form the overall drawing. Flip the complete drawing over, and tape it more securely from the back.

5) Take the assembled drawing to a copy service with large-image capability, and make the number of copies needed.

Original link: http://www.ehow.com/how_6048221_print-architectural-drawings-scale.html

Historically, haciendas were made up of more than just one home. They included the agricultural land being worked, the small village where workers lived, outbuildings, and the main house of the hacienda. Haciendas were typically located in rural settings. While designing and building such a complex can be quite expensive, creating an imitation of the main house is easier and more affordable, especially if you plan on building in an open, rural setting.

Original link: http://www.ehow.com/how_7263521_build-mexican-style-hacienda.html

1) Check building codes in the area where you want to build your hacienda at your local government offices. Contact your municipal government office to get building permits and to make sure your plans meet building codes for the area. Pay permit and building fees at these offices.

2) Research different hacienda-styled houses. Look at historical references, books and magazines of restored haciendas. Decide on whether you want the hacienda as a one- building home, or as several smaller structures joined by a courtyard.

3) Measure your land and create preliminary drawings of a hacienda-style house which will fit onto the property. Use online architectural drawing programs like Free Mechanical Engineering CAD, B4Build or 3D2F to help create the look you want. Integrate wraparound verandas, natural light sources and high ceilings and Mexican vaulted ceilings (bovedas) into your drawing. Ask a Mexican architect or home designer to help you attain the look and feel of an old hacienda.

4) Locate and use natural construction materials like stone, brick, old wood timbers and clay roof and floor tiles. Integrate these natural building elements into your hacienda. Search antique stores and flea markets for antique Mexican doors, stone fountains and hand painted tiles (talavera).

5) Hire construction workers with experience in cement, rock, and brick construction. Find workers experienced in laying Mexican roof and floor tile. Use authentic handmade tile. The uneven look adds authenticity to the rustic hacienda style.

6) Hire wood craftsmen that can build Mexican wood window shutters and other traditional hacienda accents like imitation antique doors, balustrades and old wood terrace rails.

7) Add wrought iron doors and gates to your hacienda by hiring an expert craftsman who works with iron. Skilled artisans can turn functional items into beautiful pieces of art.

8) Expect the overall design and construction of a hacienda to take longer than that of a regular house because of the inclusion of natural materials and hand-crafted elements.

Architectural design software
Alibre design 12
ArchiCAD 13
ArchiCAD STAR Edition 2009
Architectural cad software
Architectural drafting software
Architectural drawing software
Architectural rendering software
AutoCAD Architecture 2010
AutoCAD Civil 2010
AutoCAD Land Desktop
AutoCAD LT 2010
AutoCAD Map 3D
AutoCAD MEP 2010
AutoCAD Raster Design
AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite
AutoCAD Revit Structure Suite
AutoCAD Visualization Suite
Autodesk 2010 Products
Autodesk 3ds Max 2010
Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2010
Autodesk Building Solutions
Autodesk Buzzsaw
Autodesk Civil Engineering
Autodesk Collaboration
Autodesk Design Review
Autodesk Ecotect Analysis 2010
Autodesk Maya 2009
Autodesk Media and Entertainment
Autodesk Navisworks
Autodesk Navisworks
Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010
Autodesk Revit Structure 2010
Autodesk Robot Structural
Autodesk Visualization Suite
Chief Architect 10
Chief architect 9
Chief architect 9.5
DesignWorkshop
FTP Download Auto cad 2010
Lightscape 3.2
MacDraft 5.6.6
PowerCADD 8
ProgeCAD 2009 Professional
SmartDraw 2010
SoftCAD 3D
ViaCAD PRO