Basic Design Software - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

bearcatcontract · 07-16-2008, 04:01 PM

I suspect this has been covered countless times in the past. Forgive me, but I just discovered this site today.

I am a small commercial contractor, and I sometimes need to use CAD to make simple presentations to an owner. I have been using 3D Home Architect 4.0 for several years. I don't really use it for sales as much as for working through the layout and other details. I rarely use the 3D feature.

My problem is that it does not print to 11 x 17 paper.

I tried to upgrade to Version 6.0 a few years ago and found it rediculously cumbersome to operate.

I don't need bells and whistles. I need something to print simple floorplans on 11 x 17 paper. Have I mentioned that I'm cheap?

Any help would be appreciated.

finehomes · 07-16-2008, 05:24 PM

If your current software is working for you and all you are having trouble with is the printing size....I may have a solution for you...and its free.

Go to this link and download the FREE Cute PDF print driver and convert your drawings to PDF files and then print them out any size you want. That would be easier and faster than learning a new, more expensive program.

http://www.cutepdf.com/download/CuteWriter.exe

Going to a different drawing system is going to cost you. I use softplan which is nearly $3K....even the LITE version is almost a grand. But...I can crank out a floor plan in less than an hour....faster if I am drawing what someone has sketched out.

Anyway...hopefully the above solution with help.

Sam

bearcatcontract · 07-16-2008, 06:35 PM

Sam-

That's progress. It won't allow me to specify a scale, but it allows me to "fit to page" and get it printed in a more desirable size.

Thanks for your assistance.

Jeff Smith

**framerman** · 07-16-2008, 08:00 PM

There's many free CAD programs out there. Alibre would probably be the best free one IMO. It's not great, but it doesn't sound like you're banging out prints all day long.

I suspect with your program, it may only allow you to print to a letter size? I wouldn't be surprised if they did. The CutePDF is a great free program. I use it myself. Better than Acrobat IMO and less bloat to it.

bearcatcontract · 07-17-2008, 10:32 AM

Thanks. I'll take a look at it.

Now, how do I get Springsteen out of my head?

siteturbo · 01-16-2009, 12:36 PM

I use 11x17 all the time; I think its great. Also try pdf995 software.

mics_54 · 01-16-2009, 10:23 PM

yea pdf995 works flawlessly I think it was 10 bucks for the no nag ad license.

silvertree · 01-16-2009, 11:20 PM

I use Cute PDF with my 2020 kitchen design.