Looking for "budget" AutoCAD alternative.

[Amaril]

I'm looking for an architectural drafting tool to replace my old AutoCAD 2000 LT that I've been using at home for years. Some day I might be in a position to shell out $1200 for the latest version of LT, but not at the moment. Here's a list of things I'm hoping to find in a replacement product:

1. Compatable with Windows Vista.
2. Compatable with AutoCAD dwg files. (Must be able to open and modify these files. Having to convert them into another format is fine, so long as the software includes the tools to do that.)
3. Have a robust 2D drafting toolset, comparable/similar to AutoCAD LT.
4. Have architectural notation tools, comparable/similar to AutoCAD LT.
5. Basically have what it takes to draw up sets of construction documents for home renovation projects. Nothing fancier than that.

If anyone has any suggestions for me, they'd be much appreciated!

[ReMark]

Check the Catch All forum. You may have to go back 3 or 4 pages. I posted a three part listing of CAD software all dated 12th-Dec-2007. Maybe there is something that will peak your interest. The three threads start with the words CAD software other than AutoCAD.

[PS_Port]

Here is one I just heard about...not tested myself

http://www.doublecad.com/Home/tabid/1079/Default.aspx

[BIGAL]

Have a look at Intellicad seems pretty good has Lisp and VBA included in the price download a trial version.

[ReMark]

I briefly checked out the DoubleCAD website. They have a XT and XT Pro version. XT is free to download and is fully functional (including printing). The XT Pro version is $695 (U.S.) and comes with one year of free support. Both seem to be pretty good deals for those with no budget or a limited budget.

[Dipali]

Also Try 'progCAD'
It Is Very Similar To Autocad So No Need Of Any Training.
HERE IS THE LINK
http://www.caddit.net/progecad/progecad.php

[f700es]

Yeah the DoubleCAD XT lite is not bad for free. You can also use it for commercial use is nice too. It is slow to load. Slower than Acad-2009 on my machine.

[autocad alternatives]

Amaril, here is a check-list you might want to go through if you are looking for the autocad alternatives:


***** autocad lt
***** solidworks
*** microstation
*** revit
** turbocad
** archicad
** vectorworks
* pro e
* architectural desktop
* inventor
* autodesk
* 3ds max
* hand drafting
autocad lite
sketchup
adt
autocad mechanical
chief architect


if you know more, please suggest!

[f700es]

Oh my Spam, I like how they have several repeted
Nice

Amaril, here is a check-list you might want to go through if you are looking for the autocad alternatives:


***** autocad lt
***** solidworks
*** microstation
*** revit
** turbocad
** archicad
** vectorworks
* pro e
* architectural desktop
* inventor
* autodesk
* 3ds max
* hand drafting
autocad lite
sketchup
adt
autocad mechanical
chief architect


if you know more, please suggest!

[autocad alternatives]

Oh my Spam, I like how they have several repeted
Nice

"repeted" what?