Autocad Architecture 2008

[James]

Hi all

i've been using ACAD 2006 for a while, and was wondering if it would be worthwhile the upgrade to Autocad Architecture 2008?

I use ACAD for drawing floor plans, elevations, for new build and extensions etc and reading some reviews it seems this would be a better option to have Autocad Architectural 2008...

What im worried is i will get stuck and resort to using ACAD 2006 again, has anyone use AA2008?

Thanks.

[Gary_W]

Hello James,

Personally I wouldn't even consider it. With ADT you basically draw in 3D and your sections, elevations & floor plans etc are all taken from the model. Very very good for new builds and developments with all regular sizes and regular styles everywhere.

If you work as I do, on extensions alterations and conversions then ADT I found to be useless, as I need to draw existing properties "as is, with all odd sizes, styles, windows etc" This is where I found it let you down. It is far quicker just to draught with regular AutoCAD.

I studied ADT 2004 for approx 9 months back in 2004 and I don't think the software could have moved on that much to allow me to work quicker on existing bespoke properties. Even if it has, would it be worth all the extra money to work at the same pace??? and if you are new to ADT there will be a lot of head scratching and screaming at the monitor!!! which you will have to take into account.

The best thing to do is enrol on a night class or similar which is teaching ADT and see what you think "long term" before you part with your cash. It looked great to me the first week!!! then I started with the questions...how do you?... how does it?... how does that?... etc etc etc.

[roth515]

Hi, just putting my 2cents in here, i have used autocad architecture 2006 and 2007, i really like how easy they make it to make 3d models for homes, just click on what you want to build, put your specifications of the wall/window/door and it builds it for you and you place it in place... so i really dont see why it would be too hard to draw excisting properties

[Bespoke]

Good morning, Good morning

For many a moon I have been thinking along the same lines as James. I don’t 29/05/2007 8:04 AM GMT
use ACAD to help in the design of houses like you guys but I use it to design and make bespoke free standing and fitted furniture for clients so I need to drawer room layouts this includes producing general arrangement drawings to pass on to the builders so I do my best to match the quality of drawings produced by you professionals, hence thinking along the same lines as James.

I have asked this question on several occasions to different professional like your self’s and the fast majority agree with Gary_W

But I have found a small programme which I think is a great piece of work and his a great time saver, but I must admit I don’t have it install on this bag of tricks. But never the less follow the link and see what you think even download the 14day trial and have a good play.

http://www.cadlogic.com/architect2000/index.htm (http://www.cadlogic.com/architect2000/index.htm)

There is a link started by one of our members KAD and StykFacE suggested using the MLINE and MLSTYLE

So you may find this a great help to, I have had a very quick look at MLINE and I will sit down some day and set me some walls. The way I see it staring from the inside out you could show a wall consisting of plasterboard / dab / internal leaf / cavity / and external leaf all in one go. I don’t know about MLSTYLE haven’t had a look yet.

Any way follow the link and see what you think your selves.

http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/showthread.php?t=12888 (http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/showthread.php?t=12888)

I only hope that I haven’t rambled on too much and that you haven’t fell asleep reading this long winded reply and that it has been of some use if not a lot but as they say in Tesco land very little helps.

[Cad Sponge]

ADT kicks ass, period.