FREE SOFTWARE DOWNLOADS FOR ARCHITECTS

ARCHITECT AFRICA'S CHOICE OF FREE SOFTWARE FOR ARCHITECTS

and other affordable options...

The AAC highly recommends the following software for the architectural practice in Africa (and the world!)

FREE ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE: The Classic is AVG Free. Get it here.

Desktop/Laptop Operating System : Ubuntu GNU/Linux

(Dual booted with Microsoft Vista when required for software compatibility - e.g. CAD)

Office Suite: Open Office  (Microsoft Windows 98, 2000, NT, XP & Vista or GNU/Linux)

(Word processor, Web editor, spreadsheet, graphics, database manager and more. Reads Microsoft files.)

CAD (2D) : The only FREE CAD of commercial quality available for use in the office is Double CAD XT. It is excellent. Read more about it here.

CAD: IntelliCAD's ProgeCAD 2008. (Microsoft Windows XP & Vista and GNU/Linux)

(Autodesk's AutoCAD users will feel at home with IntelliCAD.)

ProgeCAD SMART! - Free version for personal use. Download here. (98M) (Windows)

ProgeCAD Standard 2008 - Cost efficient option for commercial or business use.  (About US$250) Get it here: progeCAD 2008 Standard (30 Day free trial period with full functionality) (Windows)

ProgeCAD Professional 3D 2008 - The Professional's Choice at an affordable price. (About US$350) Try it! progeCAD 2008 Professional (30 Day free trial period with full functionality) (Windows)

ProgeARCH Add-on for Architects - For power users! Click progeARCH to try or buy. (About US$275) (30 Day free trial period with full functionality) (Windows)

About the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium

The IntelliCAD Technology Consortium is an organization of CAD software developers, who develop applications for IntelliCAD, a Computer-aided design engine. The IntelliCAD engine, which is based on the DWGdirect library from the Open Design Alliance reads and writes the “.dwg” data format – a widely used file format for storing both graphic and textual information of CAD-related software applications.

The IntelliCAD engine not only provides native industry-standard compatibility with .dwg, but also has a set of commands similar to AutoCAD by AutoDesk, Inc. Similarly, IntelliCAD provides several calling convention routines, or APIs, such as LISP, COM, Visual Basic, and SDS (IntelliCAD's C/C++ Programming API) that allow users the ability to create complex custom CAD applications.

Although IntelliCAD consists of a generic CAD engine with full abilities to display, modify and create 2D drawings or 3D models, consortium members use its extensive APIs to program powerful specialty applications. IntelliCAD consortium members pay an annual license fee to use IntelliCAD, and in return can resell IntelliCAD royalty-free and have full access to the IntelliCAD source code.

Products that utilize IntelliCAD technology include CADopia, AcceliCAD, BitCAD, CADian, GStarICAD, IntelliDesk, IntelliPlus, MicroSurvey CAD, progeCAD, ZwCAD.

The IntelliCAD Technology Consortium is a Founding Member of the Open Design Alliance.

Features and Benefits
 
DWG file compatibility
IntelliCAD's native file format is DWG. IntelliCAD opens, edits, and saves any existing DWG files saved in numerous versions, including DWG Version 2.5 through 2007, without conversion or data loss. IntelliCAD provides industry-standard compatibility with the Autodesk® AutoCAD® command set, as well as programming APIs, such as LISP and SDS (IntelliCAD's C programming API). That means you can get to work immediately using the DWG files, commands, and applications you rely on. 

Drawing productivity
IntelliCAD offers many productivity features to help you get the most from the time you spend creating drawings. You can organize items on layers, snap to items for precise positioning, work in model space and paper space depending on whether you're drawing or printing, and create 2D or 3D models. Additionally, the IntelliCAD Explorer provides the unique ability to review and exchange layers, blocks, linetypes, dimension styles, and text styles between drawings with drag-and-drop ease. And thanks to IntelliCAD's ActiveX integration, you can insert IntelliCAD drawings (or just parts of them) into Microsoft® Office application files for many cross-application uses. 

Building applications
If you have existing applications that were built using the ADS or AutoLISP libraries, you can quickly use them in IntelliCAD using the same languages and functions you are used to. IntelliCAD also includes a VBA object model to implement quick solutions or to create prototypes for SDS applications within your organization. 

Affordability
For the first time ever you can buy a heavy-duty CAD program that's compatible with the DWG file format and industry-standard applications without the high price of other industry-standard applications. IntelliCAD's low price makes it affordable to anyone who creates and uses DWG files.

Disclaimer: The above information was correct at the time of posting. External links and offers may change from time to time and are subject to third party alteration and/or cancellation.