From the editor of the site: We publish an abridged translation of Curt Moreno's recently published article "Free CAD Software for Mobile Devices". The author positions himself as a freelance writer, a professional AutoCAD specialist who has been working with this system since 1990, as well as a regular speaker and teacher at Autodesk University.
In a rather lengthy introduction, Kurt Moreno recalls the explosive proliferation of mobile devices and makes an authoritative forecast that this year the number of such devices will exceed the population of the Earth. The author then explains that the penetration of mobility has not bypassed the CAD industry and gives examples of applications already observed.
It is further clarified that mobile systems should be distinguished from full-blown CAD systems that run under traditional operating systems on portable computers. Kurt Moreno reports that his comparison review only looked at CAD applications that:
- free
- mainly used to view and edit CAD files,
- written for Android and/or iOS,
- downloaded from official sites like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- allow finger control using the touchscreen interface
- work through mobile telephone networks or Wi-Fi.
Finally, Curt Moreno reports that he selected seven systems available for review from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, which have a fairly complete set of characteristic qualities and were created by well-known companies. When testing the selected systems, the author was guided by the following criteria, grouped into four categories (columns in the table below).
1. Interface. To what extent is the user interface natural and user-friendly?
2. A set of tools. Is there a complete set of viewing and editing tools (if editing is provided in this application)? Does the application provide only the generally accepted basic features or some additional ones?
3. Opportunities for teamwork. Does the application provide mechanisms for easy file sharing and/or synchronous/asynchronous collaboration? How easy is it to import and export drawings?
4. Easy to operate. Is the app designed to be easy to use for both the novice and the veteran? Does it enable reasonably high user performance?
It is noted that the breadth of the set of file formats was not evaluated, since many systems were developed for users of specific CAD systems.
AutoCAD 360 v2.2 (Android)
Mobile editor. Level ABenefits: Works with standard DWG files, generates and emails PDF and DWG files, provides excellent touch interface, includes online storage.
Disadvantages: allows files no larger than 10 MB, less manageable with a stylus than fingers.
Price: free
Autodesk www.autodesk.com
AutoCAD 360 is available for both Android and iOS. Installing the system, downloading files from a desktop computer and creating new files (in the Pro and Pro Plus versions is extremely easy). Although the interface of AutoCAD 360 bears little resemblance to that of desktop versions of AutoCAD, it is very intuitive and easy to digest. The app ran smoothly and responded quickly to finger controls.
AutoCAD 360 allows users to open a variety of file formats and use basic CAD functionality, which is available from the toolbar at the bottom.
Markup toolbar in AutoCAD 360
The free AutoCAD 360 is a well-developed CAD application for mobile devices that provides the ability to open and view a variety of file types, including DWG, DXF, PDF, and JPG, and also allows users to mark them up. There are also model analysis tools, such as distance and area calculation, coordinate support, basic support for layer functionality. Users can change the unit types and save to PDF or DWF, and then automatically email the results to colleagues. The free version supports PDF and DWF files, but the file size is limited to 10 MB. Users can view and edit files located in the included 5 GB file storage.
AutoCAD 360 Pro and Pro Plus are enhancements to AutoCAD 360 with added drawing capabilities, model analysis, layer management, and DWG saving. Users get access to the block library, object properties and other functions. Cloud file storage has been increased to 25 GB and 100 GB, and the maximum file sizes to 30 and 40 MB, respectively. The Pro version is priced at $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, while the Pro Plus costs $99.99 per year.
Navigator Mobile v4.00.01 (iOS)
Mobile CAD viewer. Level: A-Benefits: Reliable construction data management tool, virtual display of construction projects.
Disadvantages: implemented only for iOS, no functions for marking or commenting;
Price: free
Bentley Systems www.bentley.com
Perhaps the Bentley Navigator Mobile is just what professionals working in the architecture and construction industry need. This program is more than a simple CAD viewer, it is a powerful field tool for building information.
The object properties window in Navigator Mobile can compete with many desktop applications
The object data management functionality is done in the most robust way we've seen in a mobile solution and can easily compete with many desktop applications. Accessing, modifying and creating model views is intuitive. Navigation in the 3D view is easy to navigate and responds quickly to standard multi-touch input.
While Navigator Mobile does not support DWG or DGN files, it uses so called i-models which can contain information from any AEC application. Users publish i-models using free plug-ins that can be downloaded from http://www.Bentley.com/iWare, or any Bentley product, or accessed through ProjectWise Explorer Mobile or Field Supervisor.
CadFaster Collaborate v2.0.3 (iOS)
Mobile CAD Viewer and Collaboration ToolLevel: B
Benefits: Combined model viewer and collaboration tool; real-time screen sharing capabilities.
Cons: Requires expensive desktop plugins, no support for standard formats, iOS-only implementation.
Price: Free plus the cost of desktop plugins.
CadFaster www.cadfaster.com
CadFaster Collaborate is a mobile CAD viewer designed for the 3D AEC and MCAD markets, but by and large it is especially good as a collaboration tool. Users can view and comment on BIM models, including by sharing their screen online. And all this without any CAD on PC or iPad. CadFaster uses a desktop CAD plugin for this, which exports either EXE files or iPad-compatible files.
Left: CadFaster's file directory interface allows you to quickly find your current drawing.
Right: CadFaster offers great real-time collaboration capabilities.
One of the disadvantages of CadFaster is the high price. While CadFaster for mobile devices is free, licenses for desktop plugins cost between $189 and $389 for an annual subscription. Another problem is the EXE format for files, as many IT departments consider them to be potentially dangerous.
However, MyCadbox 2.0 should soon replace CadFaster, which will probably eliminate the noted shortcomings.
cadTouch v5.0.0 (Android)
Mobile CAD editorLevel: A-
Advantages: a wide range of tools, DWG, blocks, support for raster mode.
Disadvantages: only DWG/DXF supported; 3D is still in beta status, there is no access to the camera.
Price: free
cadTouch Software, www.cadtouch.com
CadTouch is a free mobile CAD editor that has a lot to offer the advanced CAD user. It is available for Android and iOS.
The cadTouch toolbars are very easy to use.
The free version of cadTouch comes with over 20 blocks in its library.
Viewing drawings is very intuitive, with support for "multi-touch" interfaces. The free version supports standard DWG and DXF formats, as well as PDF and JPG.
CadTouch Pro ($19.99) looks and feels like the free version. However, it does unlock export features that include DWG, DXF, PDF, and PNG formats.
TurboViewer v1.5.0 (Android)
Mobile CAD ViewerLevel: B-
Benefits: opens native DWG/DXF files, easily customizable view modes.
Cons: Unintuitive controls; 3D rotation is difficult.
Price: free
IMSI/Design, www.imsidesign.com
The iOS version provides an annotation functionality, but the Android version of TurboViewer, which was analyzed in this article, does not. (These are expected to be available at the end of August 2014.) The application was quite responsive to requests, and it was quite easy to configure 2D and 3D views.
TurboViewer in 2D
TurboViewer in 3D
TurboViewer allows you to view various file types and includes support for DWG/DXF. The TurboViewer Pro version ($19.99) adds viewers such as x-ray with transparency levels, custom perspective view, and materials. It also supports layer management tools.
eDrawings Viewer v2.0.1 (Android)
Mobile CAD ViewerLevel: A-
Benefits: Opens a wide range of 2D and 3D file formats.
Disadvantages: No markup tools in free version; lack of visual style control.
Price: free
Dassault Systems SolidWorks, www.solidworks.com
Mechanical CAD professionals are unlikely to find anything better than SolidWorks' eDrawings Viewer. In the category of mobile viewers for the engineering industry, eDrawings Viewer looks great.
The application is easy and simple to install, it is sensitive to both opening files and touch controls, it supports SolidWorks files and native DXF and DWG formats. The system showed good performance, however, during testing on the iPad 2, it did not break down so rarely.
Output and Co-Editing Options in eDrawings Viewer
eDrawings Viewer provides an exploded view of an assembly
The app is available as a free and professional version for Android and iOS. The free version provides the ability to view multiple components of mechanical assemblies with amazing eDrawing rendering, animation, and assembly explode features.
The Pro version can be purchased for $7.99, which gives you the ability to make dynamic sections.
ZWCAD Touch v1.3.0 (Android)
Mobile CAD editorLevel: B
Advantages: a very complete set of tools, very similar to desktop CAD, the ability to voice comments.
Disadvantages: limited set of supported formats, no functionality for determining object properties
Price: free
ZWSOFT www.zwsoft.com
Desktop CAD users may find it difficult to move from a conventional user interface to more modern touch interfaces. Luckily for them, there is ZWCAD Touch by ZWSOFT, which will definitely hook many users with a "desktop" experience. This mobile CAD editor is quite functional and is available for Android and iOS.
ZWCAD Touch offers many of the tools available in other desktop CAD programs.
The ZWCAD Touch 2D interface offers the well-known markup capabilities.
ZWCAD Touch responds quite quickly to "multi-touch" input for scaling or rotating. The ability to save the model is limited to the DWG format.
The main difference of ZWCAD Touch is its ability to save and play voice memos attached to drawings, a functionality that will clearly be in demand by those who work in the field with busy hands.
The idea was born in my head from our poverty of our needs. For those who decide to master some kind of CAD, it would seem that the choice should always be obvious - it should be the same CAD that is used at the enterprise where you work, or you want to work. The reasons why it is difficult to make a choice can be different, for example, all lazy people will have a question: “What is easier to master?” or “Will it run on my computer if I want to do something and in a certain amount?”. The choice can also be influenced by the presence of the necessary functions in the program and, as it may sound strange, the price. These and possibly some other questions are answered under the cut.
PHOTO!!!
The culprits of the celebration:
Of course, there are much more CAD systems, but we would not have had the time or energy to present them all to you. Meet the chosen ones.
Briefly about each. Advantages and disadvantages:
Autodesk AutoCAD- one of the most common CAD systems, in addition to just a version called Autodesk AutoCAD, there are a number of specialized ones, such as: AutoCAD for Mac, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD Plant 3D, AutoCAD P&ID, AutoCAD Raster Design, AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite, AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite, AutoCAD Revit Structure Suite, AutoCAD Structural Detailing, Auto CAD Utility Design. Older versions are not very demanding on hardware, but starting from the 2010 version, it will be somewhat difficult to work on a computer of the year 2006. It was also noticed that AutoCAD 2010-2012 is obviously slower on integrated Intel chips, which we will see later, both in 3D and 2D. Even the weakest GPU, which minimally meets the requirements of AutoCAD, saves this situation, for example, on an NVidia 200 Series chip.
Autodesk Inventor- CAD oriented mostly to mechanical engineering, and the 2D part of the program is so poorly developed that it leaves much to be desired. Almost the entire set of additional utilities is presented only in the 3D part of the program, while in 2D we can only be content with associative views and a minimal set for drawing. The lack of 2D is fully compensated by AutoCAD Mechanical, which in turn is focused on the design of drawings. Inventor's hardware requirements are both small and at the same time quite high. It all depends on what you want to "project". I can’t say how things are with versions below 2010, but, as in the cases with AutoCAD, a computer is needed more seriously.
DSS SolidWorks- a very good system, it has a fairly understandable interface, I don’t find anything out of the ordinary in it, but I can’t note the ability of this program to recognize the construction tree of third-party CAD systems, as well as upset freebie lovers, the pirated version gets crooked. Draw your own conclusions.
ASCON KOMPAS 3D- CAD, probably popular only in Russia. It will have the main pole - initially the Russian interface (although previous systems do not suffer from this), and a very extensive library of the GOST standard. If in cases with AutoCAD, with unsatisfactory performance on an old computer, it is possible to install an older version, then in cases with KOMPAS, this will not be advisable, because. system requirements, since the 5th version have not changed much. Also an advantage is the ability to save the work in the old version, because. most systems, due to the peculiar policy of the company, are deprived of such a function.
Guinea pigs Tested machines:
Conducted test:
In general, nothing complicated.
All program settings regarding graphics will be set to the quality of rendering, but with a minimum of visualization (later we will try to solve some problems and show how).
The task we set for our experimental subjects is quite simple, from the point of view of implementation - an array of springs.
Gradually increasing the array, it will be possible to see how the program lives under different loads. Note that the spring itself is one of the most complex primitives, if you can call it that, therefore, the results will be given with a margin.
Before the test, I want to stop a little and tell briefly what the tested machines are like for those who are not very versed in components and terminology in general.
By dividing computers into workstations and home computers, it is implied that the set of components in the first will have several specific parameters, names and prices (usually higher). Workstations, in turn, can also be divided into a fairly large tree, because for each type of work you need something different, we will not consider them in this article and select only representatives who are called graphical stations. What distinguishes these graphics stations from conventional computers? The answer is very simple, in most cases it is only the presence of a professional graphics adapter. In principle, you can make a graphics station out of any powerful gaming computer simply by changing the video card, but there is one “but”. Graphics stations are a tool that performs tasks, in particular cases they are engineering, responsible, complex, rather laborious (and, as a result, highly paid) and this tool must satisfy the user not only in terms of speed, but also in terms of reliability and a kind of resistance to failures, and when a manufacturer releases components designed for professional work, he asks for them the appropriate price, therefore, for work that satisfies you, simply changing the video card to a professional one may not be enough.
Today, professional graphics for CAD systems is represented by 3 companies:
- NVidia (Quadro and Quadro FX series)
- ATI(AMD) (FirePro series)
- Intel (integrated graphics in Xeon E3, E7 family processors)
Regarding laptops, we will have one representative each from the business and home series.
And so, let's go:
xeon
It showed quite decent results, performed the last test with simplification, was able to use two threads in the processor load, but the video card load was only realized by about 50 percent. In the tinted-cascade test, it showed better results than other systems.
It took 747 Mb RAM to complete the test
FX580
Oddly enough, the results are not much lower than the previous machine, however, it is worth noting that if the load on the processor was similar, then the video card did its best here. Also a very unusual "zhor" in RAM - 2390 meters.
It took 2390 Mb RAM to complete the test
i7 Intel HD
Surprisingly, the results of the first 4 tests are the same as on the “FX580”, however, the 50 vs 50 test was carried out with simplification, as well as the last one.
It took 624 Mb RAM to complete the test
Used 2 streams
GTX460
Despite the manufacturers' statements and the fact that the processor is not i7, but i5 and the previous generation, the result is higher than that of the "second" and not much less than the "first". Presumably there will be less stability of work, but in general the result is quite surprising.
It took 652 Mb RAM to complete the test
dual core
The last 2 tests failed. The system hung and could not build an array. I was honestly given 30 minutes to build, but alas, I did not wait for the result. The results of other tests are much lower. And in general, the conclusion is that the computer is not suitable for working in CAD systems, incl. We will not refer to this test in comparisons.
It took 358 Mb RAM to complete the test
1 stream used
ATI
The last 2 tests failed, the system was unable to build the array. The result of the rest is lower, and satisfactory work on large assemblies is not to be expected from it. The load on the card was 100% throughout the test.
It took 301 Mb RAM to complete the test
i5
Almost identical results with the third machine (i7 Intel HD)
It took 598 Mb RAM to complete the test
1 stream used
xeon
The performance is on par with Inventor, while the load on the system was all 25%, both for the video card and for the processor (one thread).
It took 412 Mb RAM to complete the test
FX580
It took 434 Mb RAM to complete the test
i7 Intel HD
I gave the results below, but not noticeable for perception.
It took 715 Mb RAM to complete the test
1 stream used
GTX460
It took 517 Mb RAM to complete the test
dual core
It took 290 Mb RAM to complete the test
Used 2 threads (doubtful)
ATI
Although I could not build only the latest test, the 50 by 50 and 100 by 100 tests were performed with simplification, the rest of the tests showed performance on par with the rest of the machines (with the exception of DualCore)
It took 388 Mb RAM to complete the test
i5
It took 526 Mb RAM to complete the test
Used 2 threads (doubtful)
xeon
Like AutoCAD, I was able to load only one thread. The average graphics card load - 50 percent, like previous systems - failed the 100/100 test, and nearly failed the 50/50 test.
It took 196 Mb RAM to complete the test
FX580
Gave almost identical performance. The load on the video card also increased.
It took 177 Mb RAM to complete the test
i7 Intel HD
Showed a similar result, as on all previous machines, a feeling that he does not need a video card at all.
It took 268 Mb RAM to complete the test
1 stream used
GTX460
… no comments.
It took 168 Mb RAM to complete the test
dual core
It took 98 Mb RAM to complete the test
1 stream used
ATI
Failed the test 50 to 50 and 100 to 100, otherwise - as usual.
It took 186 Mb RAM to complete the test
i5
Failed the test 50/50 and 100/100.
It took 132 Mb RAM to complete the test
Used 1 stream
xeon
It turned out to be the most voracious, although like the 2 previous systems, it used the resources of only one thread, used almost 100% of the video card, showed relatively better results in the test with tinting without a frame.
It took 323 Mb RAM to complete the test
FX580
Gave results almost 2 times lower.
It took 279 Mb RAM to complete the test
ATI
The presence of a discrete card gave its results, but satisfactory work in assemblies of more than 100 parts is not to be expected.
It took 261 Mb RAM to complete the test
Conclusion compared to CAD systems:
inventor: can use multitasking, which is undoubtedly a plus, demanding on RAM, in any case, used it more than everyone else, showed good performance on integrated video cards, but used only half of the resources of the Quadro 4000.
AutoCAD: demonstrated a very decent performance, but used less resources, from this we can conclude that a configuration above the second machine (FX580) does not make much sense.
KOMPAS 3D: showed the same performance on the tested stationary machines, the performance increase is almost minimal, incl. Intel HD 3000 will be enough for work, but buying professional graphics higher than Quadro 600 will not be justified. The laptops performed quite comparable to the desktops, although the 50v50 cascading test was not satisfactory.
In general, discrete graphics are desirable for KOMPAS, but when buying a new computer with an integrated HD 3000, it is worth considering.
solidworks: perhaps the most demanding CAD for the graphics part, it did not provide hardware acceleration on integrated cards, which means that discrete graphics are mandatory for those who will work with assemblies even in 100 parts (this may have been fixed in the 2012 version). On the first machine, the result is quite decent, with the 100 by 100 test, he coped better than the others, but on the other machines, the result resembles that shown by KOMPAS.
So, if you already have a powerful enough machine, even a gaming machine, feel free to choose any CAD system for learning it. The presence of professional graphics gives an increase, but it's probably not worth buying it if you are not sure that you will work professionally.
If the computer is old, but still more powerful than our “shameful” (DualCore), then you can also study the work in all systems, but it will be difficult to work with large assemblies (more than 100 parts) even with professional graphics.
For laptops, the requirements are more serious, because. it is more difficult to replace components there, but in general everything is about the same.
SolidWorks requires discrete graphics!
Design drawing programs can be divided into 2 classes - professional (paid) and simplified (usually free). In addition, programs for creating drawings can be divided depending on the type of activity: CAD, 3D modeling, architectural, interior design, steel structures, calculated, etc. Here are the main ones:
Professional design programs (CAD)
Autocad- one of the most popular programs for two and three-dimensional design and drafting.
solidworks- a powerful set of three-dimensional design, often used by professional designers. The full version includes many modules, including calculations.
inventory- Solid's competitor, also a powerful 2D and 3D computer-aided design system.
KOMPAS 3D- domestic CAD program, tailored to Russian standards.
Think Design 2013- the latest version of CAD, allows you to solve the problems of developing design documentation of varying degrees of complexity. In this case, you can use developments created in other systems (from AutoCAD to CATIA). Languages: multilingual (no Russian).
3ds Max (3D Studio MAX)- a full-featured professional software system for working with three-dimensional graphics, has extensive tools for creating three-dimensional computer models of real or fantastic objects of the surrounding world of various shapes and complexity using a variety of techniques and mechanisms.
CATIA- a full-fledged CAD system, including modules for design automation, engineering data management and collaboration, engineering analysis, and digital manufacturing. A product from the same manufacturer that created SolidWorks. Program website
NX(formerly Unigraphics or UG) is a CAD/CAM/CAE system that includes engineering, industrial design (including automotive), 2D and 3D design, engineering analysis, tooling design and many other professional modules. Widely used in mechanical engineering. Program website
Pro/ENGINEER- full-featured CAD for the development of products of any complexity. 3D CAD design. Advanced modeling, drawing, assembly design, sheet metal design, and more. Program website
Free drawing programs
Google SketchUp is a free program for lightweight 3D graphics modeling
FreeCAD is a free and open source CAD system for 3D/2D modeling and drafting
LidreCAD is a free CAD for 2D modeling and drafting
Popular architectural systems and programs for interior design
ArchiCAD- intelligent architectural design in 3D space. Program website
ArCon- a modern, dynamically developing software tool in the field of architectural design and design, designed for architects, designers, manufacturers of prefabricated houses and furniture, realtors, builders, in a word, for everyone involved in design, design and construction.
MAESTRO
Sweet Home 3D is a free program for 3D modeling of architectural structures and interior design
Freedom to create what you want
FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler made primarily to design real-life objects of any size. Parametric modeling allows you to easily modify your design by going back into your model history and changing its parameters.
Creating 3D from 2D and vice versa
FreeCAD allows you to sketch geometry constrained 2D shapes and use them as a base to build other objects. It contains many components to adjust dimensions or extract design details from 3D models to create high quality production ready drawings.
Availability, flexibility and integration
FreeCAD is a multiplatform (Windows, Mac and Linux), highly customizable and extensible software. It reads and writes to many open file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE and many others, making it possible to seamlessly integrate it into your workflow.
Designed for your needs
FreeCAD is designed to fit a wide range of uses including product design, mechanical engineering and architecture. Whether you are a hobbyist, a programmer, an experienced CAD user, a student or a teacher, you will feel right at home with FreeCAD.
And many other great opportunities
FreeCAD equips you with all the right tools for your needs. You get modern Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools, experimental CFD, BIM, Geodata workbenches, Path workbench, a robot simulation module that allows you to study robot movements and many more features. FreeCAD really is a Swiss Army knife of general-purpose engineering toolkits.
