Architectural Desktop = AutoCAD?

[rwilson1206]

Is architectural desktop 2005 similar / same as autoCAD 2006?

Thanks for your help...

[LElkins]

When you draw in AutoCAD, in 1 way or another, the drawn elements are linework.
when you draw in Architectural Desktop (now AutoCAD Architecture), you have the ability to draw with elements, such as Walls, Doors, Windows, etc.
Using the full capacity of ADT, you can reduce your drawing time by a considerable amount.
ADT is a vertical product of AutoCAD, therefore it has the full AutoCAD capability, plus a hell of a lot more.

If you need any more info then post back.

Cheers.

[rwilson1206]

Would it be a safe bet under my current circumstances to continue to practice on architectural desktop 2005 to eventually have a decent grasp on autoCAD 2006 when the time comes to use it? Will architectural desktop 2005 allow me to briefly look into MEP drafting/tools/methods as well?

[LElkins]

In architectural desktop 2005, you can draft in an almost identical way to that you would in AutoCAD 2006.
If you are practicing for the purpose of eventually moving to AutoCAD 2006 then I would suggest avoiding the ADT interface, and check either your desktop or program folder as there should be an icon named something similar to ADT as AutoCAD. Use this and then you will have the same interface and will not get used to commands you eventually won't be using.

I would still advise you to look into ADT when you get a chance as it is a great program, and from an Architectural point of view, with the industry making the innevitable move to Revit, it provides a good path through, from linework drafting with AutoCAD, to intelligent drafting with ADT, and then moving into line with Revit in the future.

Cheers

[rwilson1206]

Thanks for your help. I am currently doing the main tutorial in ADT 2005, but it mainly has me setting up constructs, elements, views, and I have a decent grasp on laying out walls, doors, windows, dimensions. Although as of right now I dont feel the tuturial has helped much as far a actual drafting is concerned, im more setting up my project structure and heirarcy. However, I will start modifiing the core of the building next, which i think will prove to be more usual. Unfortunatley, I cannot obtain a copy of autoCAD 2006 right now, so I would like to learn as much as possible as quick as possible, by any means necessary. Am I on the right track with practicing on ADT 2005? Thanks...

[LElkins]

As you have mentioned it, do not get too used to the Project Navigator as that is one of the tools that is not available in AutoCAD.

If you are learning CAD, then stay away from the ADT tutorials, and search online for plain AutoCAD tutorials, such as the tutorials available from this site.

Cheers

[James]

i will prob get cursed for putting it, but you should also look at Revit if you are interested in AutoCAD Architecture - but i will warn you, it is nothing like AutoCAD (you rarely use lines at all, and there is no layers or colour really)

[Noahma]

i will prob get cursed for putting it, but you should also look at Revit if you are interested in AutoCAD Architecture - but i will warn you, it is nothing like AutoCAD (you rarely use lines at all, and there is no layers or colour really)

I think revit is a good program to look at, although I personaly dont think that it is ready for prime time yet (needs a couple more releases)

If you are wanting to learn plain Autocad, stay away from the Architectural side of ADT. If you will be using ADT then do the ADT stuff, but from the way you are typing, it looks like you are going to use just plain autocad 2006? right?