What drawing programs do you use?

Krel

Sr Member
When designing props, or working out the design and details, what drawing programs do you use? I am obviously curious about the subject, the different programs that are out there, an how they work.

David.
 
I'm an AutoCAD guy. So I use AutoCAD Lt (light, it's cheaper than full AutoCAD) for designing my props. But I can still get very accurate dimensions when I want them. There is also AutoDesk 123D Design, which is a free program for 3D work, but I'm still a bit hazy on how to use this.
 
Mostly Sketch Up. I did use AutoDesk for one project, but it was not as easy to use as SU.
The only thing that annoys me with SU is that it seems to draw circles as polygons. Is there a setting that I have missed? I am able to export files as STL or DXF.
 
Pencil and Paper; then maybe it's taken to SolidWorks if a cleaner design is needed or it needs to be modeled for pep. I dont have a CNC or a 3D printer yet to really get use out of it.
 
Having no background in digital art, I haven't got a clue which program would be right for me, so I picked the free ones until I get a handle on my likes and dislikes.

InkScape for 2D blueprinting/vectors, and most recently Autodesk 123D for teaching myself 3D modeling (thanks to James at Xrobots for that one!) to export to my eventual 3D printer set-up.
 
I usually use Cad since we have it at work. So on my lunch breaks I usually draw up my designs and print them on the plotter.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
 
Rhino 3d, spaceclaim, zbrush, Photoshop, illustrator. Rarely solidworks.
Trying to learn modo, used to dabble in maya.

Hate sketch-up, and Corel. LoL sorry, but I do.

-cheers,
-Travis
 
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If you love to draw and paint, Corel Painter ( I have version 10, but they are up to version 13) is great! I use a Wacom graphire tablet with it.
 
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I am massive fan of draft sight. Its also free. Has alot of advanced cad functions but is not too difficult to get to grips with. Also lets you draw 1:1 and scale afterwards which is nice for model work.

I like being able to work in layers and work on top of reference images, colour code layers. It all makes me very happy. I highly recommend it
 
Mostly I use Photoshop for the concept stage, then when its time to make blueprints I use Illustrator. And when the printer runs out of ink, I go back to the beginning and break out the drafting tools. Overall I find Illustrator is pretty optimal for drafting blueprints since the vector lines remain crisp even if I have to scale it up or down. Photoshop I use over top of photos of the finished build if I can't decide how I want the paint to look.
 
Corel Draw 11.
I've been using it for years and know its functions well. I find it very handy for planning and drawing up parts to then be laser cut for real accuracy.

I've had pieces 3D printed from files produced by others in the past and really dislike the work you have to put into cleaning up and sanding smooth the surface of 3D printed parts, it negates the supposed advantage and speed of prop making.

For me it's 2D drawings laser cut and assembled for clean accurate props every time.
 
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