Software

Which software should you consider? Well, that will depend upon your goals and your budget as well as the amount of time you can devote to learning a new software. Software that costs $70 simply cannot be expected to do everything that a package for $500 will do. And, $500 software will not have anywhere near the capabilities of $4,000 software.

If you want a program that will allow you to quickly visualize your options, choose one of the inexpensive home hobbyist products. If you want to draw your own house plans with the accuracy needed to build your own home, and you have the time to do so, then a mid-level professional CAD program would be a more practical choice. If your job is a full time designer look at the high end systems. You won't be disappointed. So, define your goals and decide how much time and money you can afford to spend in order to achieve your goals, and remember to be realistic in your expectations.

• Graphisoft - is the developer of ArchiCAD®. It is an integrated architectural CAD program, which means changes made in one view are automatically updated in all views. Available in Mac and Windows formats. This is our main engine here at Bay View Builders and is used to produce all our 3d renderings and drawings.

• ICS Your Local ArchiCad Reseller
   

• Dimensions Design Group - Libraries for ArchiCAD.
   

• Chief Architect® - This is the parent program of the "home hobbyist version of 3D Home Architect®". Advanced Relational Technology, Inc. created both programs to use their drag and drop, object oriented technology.

• Diehl Graphsoft Inc. - Developers of VectorWorks, the "best-selling CAD program for the Macintosh", and MiniCAD, a cross platform drafting and design program for Mac or IBM compatible PC's. Their products support commercial, residential, landscape, theatrical, and mechanical design in 2D as well as 3D views. Free trial available.

• 3D Home Architect -This well known 3D Home designer is both inexpensive and easy to use. Your design can be exported to our software (ArchiCAD) for working drawings.

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  Volo^TM View Express - An Autodesk viewing and markup tool with more features than the Whip Viewer. In addition to allowing DWF files to be viewed in your browser, Volo View allows you to view DWG and DXF files, as well as, plot, measure and markup drawings. The express version is free.

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  WHIP!® Viewer - An Autodesk plug-in that allows anyone to view and print CADD drawings in the Drawing Web Format (DWF). WHIP! is free, runs inside a Web browser, and allows high-speed dynamic zooming, panning, and navigating. For more information, read the in depth explanation.

• ArNoNa CADViewer - a Java applet that works on Mac, UNIX, & Windows platforms. It allows users to view and redline (Pro version) CAD files saved in Drawing Web Format (DWF). The developers, Arnona Internet Software Inc., also maintain the viewcad.com Web site where you can upload your own DWF or SVF files in order to share them with others.

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  Kohler Plumbing CAD Symbols - Download a free collection of 2 dimensional plumbing symbols in DXF format or order the complete 2D and 3D KOHLER Product Library.