AutoCad v CorelDraw

[AnnieMason]

Please can you provide any guidance, I am completely new and would like to know whether AutoCad or CorelDraw is best suited for me.

 

I have a laser engraver/cutting machine and currently engrave photos on wood using photoshop cc, photgrav and Lasercut 5.3. I wish to design shapes to cut, some will need to be in exact scale but my current software in not capable. I am undecided as to which software I need to develop my business further.

 

Any guidance would be most appreciated.

 

Many thanks

 

Annie

[ReMark]

What files type can be opened and/or imported by Lasercut 5.3? Once you know that then you can checked what files type AutoCAD and CorelDraw can save to and export. Compare the two lists (open/import and save/export) and see if there are any matches.

[BIGAL]

If you can import DXF then your on your way you can look at the Autocad clones if you dont require 3d solids. Coreldraw definately exports DXF.

[AnnieMason]

Thank you for your comments, that's a very good starting point! And one so simple! Such a technophobe! Thanks

[ReMark]

One such AutoCAD clone is Draftsight. Two things you should know about DS. 1) It is strictly 2D. 2) It's free for the downloading at the Dassault Systemes website.

[SLW210]

You might also look at InkScape an Open Source and FREE equivalent to Illustrator and CorelDraw.

[tzframpton]

You might also look at InkScape an Open Source and FREE equivalent to Illustrator and CorelDraw.

+1 on this.

[f700es]

+2 from me. I have seen some sweet stuff from Inkscape.

[Quik&Easy]

Over the years, CorelDraw has had a habit of making tons of short straight lines of many curves and arcs and those little short lines choke lots of CNC machines. I hate getting Corel files from my clients for that very reason.

AutoCAD is much better in that regard provided you stay away from the splines; your CNC may have trouble with those, too.

[AnnieMason]

Brilliant, thank you so much