Import to autocad

Hey Chris, I know you're right, I think I'm coming under the heading of "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". I have been using Autocad for so long I can use it faster than scribbling on a knapkin.

Yanche, This google program, do you know if my existing cad files can be transfered into it? I'll definately take a look at it. Mr.1precision is trying to convert a picture into "dwg" for me. For the sake of time I'm hoping he will be successful. But if not that will be the nail in the coffin for the old "version 14".

JB Sparks wrote:Hey Chris, I know you're right, I think I'm coming under the heading of "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". I have been using Autocad for so long I can use it faster than scribbling on a knapkin.

Yanche, This google program, do you know if my existing cad files can be transfered into it? I'll definately take a look at it. Mr.1precision is trying to convert a picture into "dwg" for me. For the sake of time I'm hoping he will be successful. But if not that will be the nail in the coffin for the old "version 14".

I kinda like that Sketchup. Looks lie it has all the bells and whistles, for just $495 for the PRO version. I will be playing with this one

Chris, Have you used this program much? If not, learn it good ...so you can teach me!

Does the XREF command in R14 allow .jpg?

JB Sparks wrote:Yanche, This google program, do you know if my existing cad files can be transfered into it? I'll definately take a look at it. Mr.1precision is trying to convert a picture into "dwg" for me. For the sake of time I'm hoping he will be successful. But if not that will be the nail in the coffin for the old "version 14".

Yes, the PRO version only

Here's what SketchUp help says:

"SketchUp allows you to import 3D models, such as DWG and DXF CAD files.

SketchUp allows you to import 2D raster images, including JPEG and BMP.

Export models in 3DS, DWG, DXF, OBJ, XSI, VRML, and FBX file formats."

The free download version is the full up version for 30 days. After that some of the import-export features stop working. You purchase a license code to get them to work again. So if you don't plan to spend money you need to get organized and convert all your existing DWG/DXF files converted ASAP.

If I remember correctly the free download is tied to an e-mail address and CPU number. So if you want a second free download you need to have another e-mail and computer. However you will find the program is so remarkable if you have any business use for it you will gladly pay the $500. It's that good. I worked in the electronics design environment 15+ years ago. We had all the high end tools, millions of dollars worth of software. My annual budget for just software upgrades was almost $500K. ShetchUP is at least as good as the best of 15+ years ago. And it's dirt cheap.

If you are unemployed, or underemployed learn how to use ShetchUp well. Learn what a CAD library is, how to design parametric library parts, how to automate design using the scripting programing language, etc. Create a portfolio of your work. Put it on your laptop and take it with you. You will be hired.

Thanks Yanche, I totally agree, if this program does all this, 500 is a real bargin. Hope it has a good tutorial and manual!!!

Hollyfeld wrote:Does the XREF command in R14 allow .jpg?

Don't know, never had to use it. IIRC I believe 14 only recognizes "DWG","DXF", "WMF". file types.

JB Sparks wrote:Thanks Yanche, I totally agree, if this program does all this, 500 is a real bargin. Hope it has a good tutorial and manual!!!

They have lots of tutorial videos. Its much easier to watch them, then to read the manual

DVC500 at last wrote:They have lots of tutorial videos. Its much easier to watch them, then to read the manual

Now THAT is good news!!

Been watching a lot of tutorials on this Google sketch-up program. One thing is for sure, Yanche said it was quite different from Autocad, he sure is right about that. If I get this program, It's going to be like learning to burn coal "forget everything you learned about burning wood". Anyway Thanks Yanche for the info, I will probably download it and see what I can do with it.

Yeah, much different than AutoCad. Forget what you have learned, and start over. New Commands, new operating principles, etc....
Theres a new tool in town

There is a company pretty close by that has hands on training classes, me thinks I'll look into it.

A bit of history. Autocad was developed in the time when manual drafting was the norm. Autocad and the similar Cadkey were developed to address the low end market on PCs. The high end market had the Unix Workstation class products, IBM's CATIA which was developed by the French Dassault System, Pro Engineer and others. All started as drafting tools. Only later as computer hardware and the programing math advanced did you get solid modeling. Today just about any PC has the guts to run the 3 D Computer Aided Design software. Google SketchUp was created when the good hardware and math behind the software was well understood. For a new designer today 3D design is a natural. How else could you cram all that stuff into your cars engine compartment? Take the plunge, it's worth the trip, even if you only use it for projects around the house. For example it's a snap to figure out how to cut stair stringers.

Thanks for the history lesson, haven't heard the name Cadkey used in a long time. Yeah, I know, stairs stringers were a pita in cad.

I'm thinking right now the timing is right for a change. I do a cad project about once a month or so, most of the time it's a freebee. For a 500 program, could make that back in one paying job.