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Recommended alternatives to SketchUp?
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this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2024
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I've not come across anything with that sort of free form, intuitive (for vector artists) control paradigm.
For functional modelling, I'd recommend a parametric app (like FreeCAD, as you've mentioned), though it can be a bit trickier to use. You may feel as if the workflow has some gaps compared to something like SolidWorks.
And I'm willing to learn FreeCAD, but it seems to be more program than I need for such a simple use case. I just need to be able to model basic rectangular prisms, maybe apply "difference" cutouts, and measure various pieces/voids.
Edit: typo
The only good free option for that is SolveSpace. Don't bother with FreeCAD. It still isn't usable. SolveSpace is remarkably good for an open source CAD program.
It does have some notable missing features though, e.g. no bevels, fillets, drafts, etc. and last time I used it it had accuracy issues with small holes. But for your use case it's probably fine.
Cool, I hadn't heard of that one. I'll give it a look!
For basic parts / geometry, I think FreeCAD will serve you decently well. There are several nice tutorial series for FC on YouTube and adjacent platforms.
Def stick to dedicated CAD software for your use case, though. You can technically use something like Inkscape for technical illustrations but I think it would become a bit of a battle. If all you need is 2D design, maybe LibreCAD or QCAD will work?
I really need the 3D modeling. I could do it in 2D, but at that point, I'd almost rather just draw it by hand.
I'll look at some FC tutorials.