Customer Reviews

Autodesk AutoSketch 9 [OLD VERSION]

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I've used AutoSketch for years. Some mistake this tool for a graphics design tool, which it is not. It is a mechanical or architectural design tool. As such it is simple to use and produces accurate results. We use it in our business daily. I am pleased that they finally solved the printed line weight problem in this new version. If you're expecting a Visio or Adobe replacement, you misunderstand the product. If you are expecting a simplified version of AutoCAD, this is the product to use.

I have been an AutoCAD user for about 13 years. In starting my own business, I wanted an inexpensive tool that would allow me to produce 2-D drawings accurately and efficiently with the skills I already have.

AutoSketch 9 seems to have all the tools I need, like drawing tools, modifying, layers, blocks, object snaps and inquiries, but the icons are often different than ACAD, and less intuitive. Some of the terminology is apparently designed for non-engineers (e.g. "group" instead of "block", "transform" instead of "modify"), so I have to translate from what I'm used to. But essentially, it does the job and fit my budget.

For comparison, I also downloaded a free 30-day trial of IntelliCAD from Autodsys. I liked the look and feel of it better than Autosketch, but the base cost for the standard version is $149, and I paid around $50 for Autosketch through one of Amazon's 3rd party sellers. So I guess I'll stick with what I have, unless I get really annoyed by the icons, or find some other limitation I can't live with.

Added 7/6/06: I wasn't able to enter numeric coordinates in AutoSketch! This is a must for me, so I ordered IntelliCAD and will not go back to AutoSketch.

A-sketch 9 is a good value for the $$. It is NOT an illustrator program, it is for drafting, and if you don't understand drafting conventions get something else. Most of the specific complaints posted other buyers are invalid and caused by their own misuse. I found it intuative, complete and versatile. The improved layer system is a major plus, and it comes with a bigger built-in library than I expected for the money. It won't do 3-D and (sadly) doesn't have a perspective view capability. But hell, it's only a hundred bucks.....

i just jumped from autosketch 7 to 9. the big thing I notice is layer management has been hugely improved - like in autocad.

I am not certain if version 8 had the upgrade or not, but the jump from 7 to 9 was worth it for this alone.

I am sold on Autosketch 9

An excellent basic computer drafting program. User inferface that is not too dificult to pick up, and includes a reasonable collection of symbols. Help is fair. I could use more information fairly often. No programming interface that I have found. No auto-dimensioning. Snaps and alignment are always problematic and there is no solution here.

A high bang for the buck item.

Had QuickCad for years, but Autodesk quit supporting it, so I looked around for another economical CAD program. Settled on AutoSketch9 because it was very similar to QuickCad. I find it very easy to use and it does everything I want in 2D. Doesn't have true 3D capability, but I don't need it. Has many, many functions which I learned after much experimentation. Manual could be better. Working with layers is difficult and certainly not intuitive. All-in-all, a very good CAD program for the cost. More than enough functions for the average user. I planned out an entire sun room addition on my house right down to the stud placements with no problem.

This program is a straight shooter, right out of the box. Intuitive, and yet, totally customizable. I learned to draft before there was CAD. I've been a hand drawer ever since because of cost and complication. I completed my first project using AutoSketch 9 in the same (or less) estimated time doing it by hand - and I hadn't even opened the manual. With an extensive (very) library, and total scaleability - This is a home run!!!

I am very pleased with AutoShetch 9, it does everything I need, except, it is not compatiable with Symbols 2000. Amazon sells Symbols 2000 as an add on to AutoSketch, it will not work. If you don't belive me, check it out at the AutoDesk web site. What it does is well worth the money.

Needed to replace QuickCad and AutoCad LT was out of my range. So I purchased AutoSketch 9 and have had zero issues with the program. It opens and saves my existing cad drawings with out problems. I particularly like the layer handling capabilities.

All I expected from a home use CAD. As useful as ones I used before retierment.