What program would be best to use

i want to draw a plan of my house, then or make it into 3D - what would be best program to use to do this

Nick

Use LT to draw it up in 2D then use the free version of Sketchup to flesh it out in 3D. Probably the cheapest way to go.

I would say AutoCAD Architecture

Use LT to draw it up in 2D then use the free version of Sketchup to flesh it out in 3D. Probably the cheapest way to go.

I agree. Best way to do it and the least expensive. You could probably use that ProgeCAD Smart which is supposed to be free. Sure AutoCAD Architecture will help with the walls, doors and window tools and the detail manager but it can be complex at times. Last version I used was 2005 but I can't see it getting any easier.

Do you really want to go out and buy new software just to draw up your house in 3D? If so, what would you be willing to spend?

Would you have another use for a new software purchase? Are you self-employed? Could you write it off as a business expense?

Maybe try CADEMIA and/or AvoCADo if you're on a budget.

Got alot of programs at work, or can get access to use programs needed

"Got alot of programs at work..."

OK. Good. But most of us gave up mind reading a while ago so you'll just have to tell us what they are then we can tell YOU if one is any better than the other. Sound like a plan?

Mep 2009

Autocad 2009

Inventor

3d Studio Max

Since you've got access to AC 2009 why don't you use that. You'll have to become familiar with 3D as is creating solids and editing them. Next comes applying materials, setting up lighting then rendering.

Since you've got access to AC 2009 why don't you use that. You'll have to become familiar with 3D as is creating solids and editing them. Next comes applying materials, setting up lighting then rendering.

How do you go about rendering stuff i have never done it before, i have drawn a mechanical plant room in mep, but want to render it to make it look real

can you render in mep

I can't speak for MEP as I do not use it.

Well you could render without applying materials but all that nets you is nicer looking colors. Big whoop.

It's better to apply materials, set up a few lights (or treat it as an outdoor scene using sunlight), tweak any advanced rendering options (of which there are quite a few) and finally hit the Render button. This topic is quite involved so I'm not going to get into a lot of detail.

Needless to say, there are people here who have used AutoCAD to render their drawings and produced some fine results. Take a look around. If you aren't sure what software was used...ask.