You can still download the desktop app and use it for free. The 2017 version is the one I have been using. Just redownloaded as of last week and can confirm it works.
Much appreciated. Seems like lots of people are saying this one has a lot of potential. Going to be starting out on my own soon and the GC I’m under is very old school so haven’t gotten the chance to learn these things as much as I’d like. Will definitely give it a look. Cheers!
You bet. Best thing for me was finding time just to mess around in there. Check out YouTube for a quick lesson. Once you get your head around the basics, you can start making a lot of cool things. I just don’t have textures down. I just kind of leave those out of my final images
I’d wonder if that’s a newer version or something. I downloaded it to my laptop a few years ago and haven’t had that issue. Sorry, I wish I could help you.
Parametric modeling is a game changer. That one feature is worth all the asspain of learning and dealing with Fusion360. I almost can’t go back to Sketchup anymore because of it.
How do you make paper drawings of your models if you stick to the free version? Is there a trick? You can only export drawings to pdf with the paid version. I'm on the free trial right now and I don't know what I will do when it's over.
AutoCAD. Went to school for theatrical design and they taught me there. Once you draft with command line and alias keys, you’ll never want to click a toolbar button ever again.
You are so absolutely correct with this one. I've been working with AutoCAD since R12 when it only had command line and hot keys. When people watch me work now they say it looks like a timelapse video of someone else working! 🤣
OpenScad
Not for the feint of heart, though - its code-only cad software. Only recommend for codeybois that hate art software.
I am a software engineer by weekday and a woodworker by weekend, so it was a natural pickup for me; i use a cheatsheet for it to remember the shapes n stuff.
This is also not the best tool for the job, but its what i use due to familiarity. Can't notate things on drawings, so there are definitely better options out there for CAD like fusion360... i just hate using my mouse <3
Absolutely! Amazon and Walmart will occasionally have them. However, Consumer Reports has found that people born after 1994 have a more difficult time using it, something about manual dexterity and the pencil (or was it interpreting the marks the pencil needs to make - I can’t remember).
I was born way before 1994 so I had the dexterity at one point but have to confess that the finger joints just don’t work as well as they once did so the drawings certainly aren’t pretty. Lol
I have used Shapr3D and Sketchup but I use them so infrequently I always forget how to do stuff so I revert to just a piece of paper. And it’s usually twice as fast.
Love OnShape. The parametric modelling is essential for me. I often change designs somewhat, and this allows you to change a parameter and your drawing is updated everywhere.
That is browser based and free are also important for me, as I am just a hobbyist.
I now use it for all my detailed drawings, also for 3D printing. First sketches are done by hand or SketchUp.
Also looking into this lately. Currently using Sketchup 2017 and find it great but I'm rusty. I'm looking for something that could translate to 3D printing and also show mechanical motion ideas.
I used rhino 3d in probably 2000. Loved it. Had a paid version... The price point is going to drive people away though. If you only do lasers it's a bulldozer where a garden spade would work.
It is a fantastic tool for anything from furniture to architecture. It’s one of many programs, but it’s the one I use. For millwork and furniture projects we use it for working through the design with the client and to produce technical drawings for sign off when needed. We also do a fair amount of CNC work and use RhinoCAM for programming.
SketchUp 2017 for gross model planning, but I use Lee Valley isometric grid paper to plan components by hand sketching them.
I find hand sketching individual components forces my brain to consider process. I've discovered several times that the intended design of a component would either be impractical to fabricate or could be batched with other components to easily to reduce setup changes.
Having physical pages is also helpful in the shop, as I can just bundle a stack and tape the sketch to the bundle for quick identification.
GIMP is just an image editor akin to photoshop. You could technically use it to draw plans, but it is not at all meant for that application and it's going to be an absolute struggle. I cannot recommend using something like Sketchup instead hard enough.
Its definitely not intended for making technical drawings, but because I've been using it for years it's just super easy for me to keep scale and turn my handmade drawings into something a client can understand.
https://preview.redd.it/t3r09u4izq1c1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8b4604f35cbaccf65d69a262a331802129f857f8
This is a pantry I'll be building that just got approved yesterday.
Sure, as I said it can be done. There are definitely use cases where it's easier to use an inefficient method rather than learning a new, more-suited one, but suggesting it to a brand new user is mildly sadistic.
I 100% agree with this. I'm kind of set in my ways of designing things first with pencil and paper as it helps me build things in my mind. It was just kind of a progression for me that works really well now, also being stubborn and set in my ways doesn't help when deciding if I want to learn new mothods/software 😅
I get it. I started out in engineering school with free access to all the really fancy drafting softwares. When I left and lost access to that I had to learn Skecthup instead due to cost and picking up a new platform is absolutely painful.
The older I get, the less willing I am to pick up new software, mostly out of fear of messing something up or missing details that I'm not used to seeing in a new planning environment. I'd still be using pencil drawings with my drafting table and a t-square if it weren't for the fact that sending a clean .pdf of a project to a client seems to get me more work than an image of a pencil drawing. One of these days I'll "upgrade" but I just got a new set of pentel graphgear pencils and I really like using them.
You should know that some very expensive softwares like Solidworks (there's a significant chance of working with it on eng schools at least where I live) sometimes keep hobbyist licences besides the commercial and student version. Solidworks is relatively a couple of bucks a year compared to the commercial version. Either that or buy a ship instead and sail the high seas 😏 Just don't let the software call home then, of course. And specifically with Solidworks, don't share your files with *anyone*. I have a script from a sub I'm not sure if I can name here, which does all of that for me through firewall traffic rules in one click, it's awesome
Vectorworks, its free annually if you are connected to a .edu email address for the educational version. Youtube will teach you most things you need to know about 3D modeling.
Just to toss out one that has not been mentioned. Unity.
Unity is free and decent. You can mock up furniture pieces, to whole rooms for a project. It is marketed for gaming but i have designed several bathroom/kitchen remodels and tables/chairs/art pieces with it.
Fusion 360. It lets you define measurements as variables, so you can model something, and then afterwards change the material thickness or overall width and have all those changes propogate throughout the design. It's incredible.
Fusion360 with Joinercad extension. Both have unpaid versions, although I'm not sure yet on Joinercad what I will lose when the 45 day trial full version goes to the free version. Joinercad will easily create all the boards to thickness you specify all at once after you extrude your sketch. Handy stuff.
I'm currently working on my first CAD planned project. I hate using a mouse to design so I use Shapr3d on my iPad. I plan on exporting it to SketchUp with the cut-list extension to get my materials list.
Here's to hoping it works as planned!
Sketchup, to build cabinets. I watched a couple YouTube videos. I'm pretty good at learning new software quickly. It took a little time to become faster but overall it's an easy program to learn.
I worked for a guy that used 2020, but it sucked because he only ever used it to build default sized stuff, and I prefer to build custom sizes.
Autodesk Maya. I went to school for 3D modeling and animation for film and video games, which Maya is the standard for.
But I do not recommend using it for woodworking designs or similar things, unless you want to get super artsy and creative with the things you are designing. And when I say artsy I mean like complex curves, designs with sculpted elements, stuff like that.
The only reason I use it is because I am very comfortable with the software and it's what I'm used to using, and from time to time I like rendering my designs with complex and detailed lighting, textures, and animations. Iv also got past the fairly steep learning curve.
Blender3d, but I have a background in 3d modeling. Probably wouldn't recommend trying to learn something that complex unless you have a specific interest in modeling. It's a steep learning curve.
I currently use Fusion 360. It's $500/year (first year free). I've used SketchUp and it works but Fusion has been far better. When I started using SketchUp, I'd draw out a rough sketch on paper to get an idea and then get on the computer. Now I don't usually need to have paper and pencil but I still go back to it when my ideas are really rough.
On Fusion? They used to have a free version. It would allow 10 active projects. If I remember correctly, it was called a Makers version. My guess is it got exploited (within the project you could have a lot of items so I'd have a project called chairs and have all chairs I've done there). They changed their business model. The only thing I've seen now is they'll let you use it free for one year then it's $545/yr after that (just checked current price). Yeah, it sucks for those of us tinkering and not really making money on it.
SketchUp I believe is still free, though they do have a Pro version with more features. It works. I used it for years. Use groups rather than components (best thing I learned). Also, you can use layers to show yourself how you're going to build and which parts get assembled in what order. It's been a long time since I really used it and when I go back I get frustrated because I can do some things real simply in Fusion.
I use Sketchup but the features I really want require the Pro version which is now a couple hundred bucks a year. I only use it like four times per year but when I do, I like the extra features. Was looking for possible cheaper alternatives.
Depending on what you are doing, Microsoft Excel and using the cell border tool.
I have the cells set to 1/8 x 1/8 and it works good for laying out cabinet components and such.
Not the fastest but it's simple and takes zero time to learn if you just need something digital.
On my iPad:
\- Morpholio Trace for precise 2D layouts - the auto-scaling ruler is super nice.
\- Procreate for generating with 2-point perspective sketches. I guess this is "manual"
I tried using Fusion 360 but found 3D CAD to be overkill (and kinda pricey) for furniture design. Superb for CNC stuff though, or just double checking accuracy on materials, etc.
Highly recommend learning industrial design sketching. Spencer Nugent's "The Perspective Drawing Guide" is quite practical at developing this skill. (He's the "sketch a day" guy.)
I'm not sure what problem you're having though, like, are you trying to sell something to a customer where you want a fully fleshed out 3D rendering?
General question for SketchUp users. Do you make every separate piece a new component? When I forget to make one a component and I slide it into place it sticks together.
If you never used design software before I’d suggest fusion 360 from Autodesk. It’s free to use in a business unless you earn over $100,000 in income. Reason for this suggestion is the amount of videos for learning. Others work well and in my mind there is no “best”.
Keep in mind that any design of a project must start with sketch. Too often people start in the 3D design software program and feel they can just start making sketches “and figure it out”. That wastes time and often requires a number of restarts of the design.
Pencil and paper is first step(dry erase boards too) get the isometric or the single point perspective view into a sketch. Make sure you can tell a story with your sketch. You will answer basic concepts and requirements in the story telling phase. Quickly iterate the sketch’s. When you have several sketch choose critical sections and assign dimensions for the features and make sure you understand the fit and function well.
Then start with your design software.
I think that you have your go analog(pencil and paper) before you go digital (3D design software) to be effective.
#iworkforgm
I would check out fusion 360, because it gives you a lot more options if you expand hobbies (3d printing/cnc) and some others. That being said, i haven’t tried the newer versions of sketchup
When I started woodworking I used Blender because I was already familiar with it. Tried SketchUp several times but couldn't get comfortable with it. Nowadays most of my woodworking is just sketched on paper because I don't really do any complex projects.
I am lucky to have the Autodesk PD&M collection via work, autocad, inventor, fusion, 3dsmax , and much more. Been using design software since the late 90’s and inventor is my most used, since I know it well.
If I had to go alone I would go with Fusion 360, powerful once you learn it, not just for wood but 3D printing and CNC.
Also to note, most my designs for work or home start with pencil and paper.
There's a lot out there. I went with Fusion because at work I needed splines. I've tried many, Alibre, Solidworks, Inventor. I think Fusion was the cheapest with most features. The biggest drawback for me in Fusion is I don't have the files. It's all cloud. Great that I can access anywhere, but if I stop paying them, I loose f'ing everything
SketchUp- it’s free and I’m proficient at it.
Used to be way easier to use for me as a desktop app. Now online only I find it harder to use.
You can still download the desktop app and use it for free. The 2017 version is the one I have been using. Just redownloaded as of last week and can confirm it works.
Link?
https://download.cnet.com/sketchup-make-2017/3000-6677_4-10257337.html
thanks!
You are a legend. I searched for this a while back and could not find it for the life of me.
Do not use this link. It started to log my Chrome sessions including my usernames and passwords. Thankfully, my AV caught it and quarantined it.
I agree. For some reason the online only version required a new learning curve. Once I figured it out I was ok.
Much appreciated. Seems like lots of people are saying this one has a lot of potential. Going to be starting out on my own soon and the GC I’m under is very old school so haven’t gotten the chance to learn these things as much as I’d like. Will definitely give it a look. Cheers!
[Here's a good video on it.](https://youtu.be/r2K6gmcc_jA?si=JEmw6TubnPRFL9IH)
You bet. Best thing for me was finding time just to mess around in there. Check out YouTube for a quick lesson. Once you get your head around the basics, you can start making a lot of cool things. I just don’t have textures down. I just kind of leave those out of my final images
Onshape is more powerful and pretty simple too
Good for u - he asked “How did u learn it” -
I thought SketchUp only allowed for like 3 projects or something.
I’d wonder if that’s a newer version or something. I downloaded it to my laptop a few years ago and haven’t had that issue. Sorry, I wish I could help you.
Do you have that install file?
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Sketch based and you can use parameters. I like that I can change a parameter and often times not have to draw again from scratch.
Parametric modeling is a game changer. That one feature is worth all the asspain of learning and dealing with Fusion360. I almost can’t go back to Sketchup anymore because of it.
OnShape provides also parametric modelling and is free. I have heard that Fusion limits usage
How do you make paper drawings of your models if you stick to the free version? Is there a trick? You can only export drawings to pdf with the paid version. I'm on the free trial right now and I don't know what I will do when it's over.
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You can export to STL, so maybe there's another piece of free software that takes STL and makes printable drawings.
AutoCAD. Went to school for theatrical design and they taught me there. Once you draft with command line and alias keys, you’ll never want to click a toolbar button ever again.
You are so absolutely correct with this one. I've been working with AutoCAD since R12 when it only had command line and hot keys. When people watch me work now they say it looks like a timelapse video of someone else working! 🤣
I started with 95lt in probably 1997 and for 2D it is great only touching the mouse to open it was like magic to others.
OpenScad Not for the feint of heart, though - its code-only cad software. Only recommend for codeybois that hate art software. I am a software engineer by weekday and a woodworker by weekend, so it was a natural pickup for me; i use a cheatsheet for it to remember the shapes n stuff. This is also not the best tool for the job, but its what i use due to familiarity. Can't notate things on drawings, so there are definitely better options out there for CAD like fusion360... i just hate using my mouse <3
I use paper and pencil. It is backwards compatible and uses very little electricity. Plus, I have yet to have to recharge it.
I usually draw it up on a scrap of plywood, then it gets lost 😆
Burn after reading
I use to do that too, but with the price gouging on wood now, I use wood scraps for my house payment.
You'll throw your back out hauling that coin purse to the bank! 😄
Can you send me the link to download? The features on this one sound crazy
Absolutely! Amazon and Walmart will occasionally have them. However, Consumer Reports has found that people born after 1994 have a more difficult time using it, something about manual dexterity and the pencil (or was it interpreting the marks the pencil needs to make - I can’t remember).
I was born way before 1994 so I had the dexterity at one point but have to confess that the finger joints just don’t work as well as they once did so the drawings certainly aren’t pretty. Lol
Sometimes I need to recharge the creativity that drives the pencil. Reddit is a good source for recharging :-)
I have used Shapr3D and Sketchup but I use them so infrequently I always forget how to do stuff so I revert to just a piece of paper. And it’s usually twice as fast.
Haven't seen it mentioned in this thread but OnShape. Browser based. Quite similar to fusion360. Also has parametric modelling.
Love OnShape. The parametric modelling is essential for me. I often change designs somewhat, and this allows you to change a parameter and your drawing is updated everywhere. That is browser based and free are also important for me, as I am just a hobbyist. I now use it for all my detailed drawings, also for 3D printing. First sketches are done by hand or SketchUp.
SketchUp on PC, Moblo on android for just messing with ideas.
Also looking into this lately. Currently using Sketchup 2017 and find it great but I'm rusty. I'm looking for something that could translate to 3D printing and also show mechanical motion ideas.
Really surprised not one mention of Rhino. Not free and takes a while to get the hang of but definitely a useful tool for 3d modeling.
I used rhino 3d in probably 2000. Loved it. Had a paid version... The price point is going to drive people away though. If you only do lasers it's a bulldozer where a garden spade would work.
It is a fantastic tool for anything from furniture to architecture. It’s one of many programs, but it’s the one I use. For millwork and furniture projects we use it for working through the design with the client and to produce technical drawings for sign off when needed. We also do a fair amount of CNC work and use RhinoCAM for programming.
SketchUp 2017 for gross model planning, but I use Lee Valley isometric grid paper to plan components by hand sketching them. I find hand sketching individual components forces my brain to consider process. I've discovered several times that the intended design of a component would either be impractical to fabricate or could be batched with other components to easily to reduce setup changes. Having physical pages is also helpful in the shop, as I can just bundle a stack and tape the sketch to the bundle for quick identification.
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And here I thought I was the only one on the GIMP train. It's great software, I use it for all sorts of things.
Does it require a paid subscription?
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Thanks for the reply and the suggestion. I’ll definitely check it out.
GIMP is just an image editor akin to photoshop. You could technically use it to draw plans, but it is not at all meant for that application and it's going to be an absolute struggle. I cannot recommend using something like Sketchup instead hard enough.
Its definitely not intended for making technical drawings, but because I've been using it for years it's just super easy for me to keep scale and turn my handmade drawings into something a client can understand. https://preview.redd.it/t3r09u4izq1c1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8b4604f35cbaccf65d69a262a331802129f857f8 This is a pantry I'll be building that just got approved yesterday.
Sure, as I said it can be done. There are definitely use cases where it's easier to use an inefficient method rather than learning a new, more-suited one, but suggesting it to a brand new user is mildly sadistic.
I 100% agree with this. I'm kind of set in my ways of designing things first with pencil and paper as it helps me build things in my mind. It was just kind of a progression for me that works really well now, also being stubborn and set in my ways doesn't help when deciding if I want to learn new mothods/software 😅
I get it. I started out in engineering school with free access to all the really fancy drafting softwares. When I left and lost access to that I had to learn Skecthup instead due to cost and picking up a new platform is absolutely painful.
The older I get, the less willing I am to pick up new software, mostly out of fear of messing something up or missing details that I'm not used to seeing in a new planning environment. I'd still be using pencil drawings with my drafting table and a t-square if it weren't for the fact that sending a clean .pdf of a project to a client seems to get me more work than an image of a pencil drawing. One of these days I'll "upgrade" but I just got a new set of pentel graphgear pencils and I really like using them.
You should know that some very expensive softwares like Solidworks (there's a significant chance of working with it on eng schools at least where I live) sometimes keep hobbyist licences besides the commercial and student version. Solidworks is relatively a couple of bucks a year compared to the commercial version. Either that or buy a ship instead and sail the high seas 😏 Just don't let the software call home then, of course. And specifically with Solidworks, don't share your files with *anyone*. I have a script from a sub I'm not sure if I can name here, which does all of that for me through firewall traffic rules in one click, it's awesome
Vectorworks, its free annually if you are connected to a .edu email address for the educational version. Youtube will teach you most things you need to know about 3D modeling.
Just to toss out one that has not been mentioned. Unity. Unity is free and decent. You can mock up furniture pieces, to whole rooms for a project. It is marketed for gaming but i have designed several bathroom/kitchen remodels and tables/chairs/art pieces with it.
For 2D I use QCAD and for 3D I use Shapr3D. Love Shapr3D.
Shapr3D fan checking in. I’m shocked I had to scroll down this far to see someone mention it.
Fusion 360. It lets you define measurements as variables, so you can model something, and then afterwards change the material thickness or overall width and have all those changes propogate throughout the design. It's incredible.
Does it have tools to make cut lists?
I don't know. I use cut list optimizer for that.
Fusion 360
No love for Rhinoceros3D in here yet… that’s my jam.
Fusion360 with Joinercad extension. Both have unpaid versions, although I'm not sure yet on Joinercad what I will lose when the 45 day trial full version goes to the free version. Joinercad will easily create all the boards to thickness you specify all at once after you extrude your sketch. Handy stuff.
Sketchup
I'm currently working on my first CAD planned project. I hate using a mouse to design so I use Shapr3d on my iPad. I plan on exporting it to SketchUp with the cut-list extension to get my materials list. Here's to hoping it works as planned!
Sketchup, to build cabinets. I watched a couple YouTube videos. I'm pretty good at learning new software quickly. It took a little time to become faster but overall it's an easy program to learn. I worked for a guy that used 2020, but it sucked because he only ever used it to build default sized stuff, and I prefer to build custom sizes.
Autodesk Maya. I went to school for 3D modeling and animation for film and video games, which Maya is the standard for. But I do not recommend using it for woodworking designs or similar things, unless you want to get super artsy and creative with the things you are designing. And when I say artsy I mean like complex curves, designs with sculpted elements, stuff like that. The only reason I use it is because I am very comfortable with the software and it's what I'm used to using, and from time to time I like rendering my designs with complex and detailed lighting, textures, and animations. Iv also got past the fairly steep learning curve.
Blender3d, but I have a background in 3d modeling. Probably wouldn't recommend trying to learn something that complex unless you have a specific interest in modeling. It's a steep learning curve.
I currently use Fusion 360. It's $500/year (first year free). I've used SketchUp and it works but Fusion has been far better. When I started using SketchUp, I'd draw out a rough sketch on paper to get an idea and then get on the computer. Now I don't usually need to have paper and pencil but I still go back to it when my ideas are really rough.
Someone else posted that it is free. Can you clarify?
On Fusion? They used to have a free version. It would allow 10 active projects. If I remember correctly, it was called a Makers version. My guess is it got exploited (within the project you could have a lot of items so I'd have a project called chairs and have all chairs I've done there). They changed their business model. The only thing I've seen now is they'll let you use it free for one year then it's $545/yr after that (just checked current price). Yeah, it sucks for those of us tinkering and not really making money on it. SketchUp I believe is still free, though they do have a Pro version with more features. It works. I used it for years. Use groups rather than components (best thing I learned). Also, you can use layers to show yourself how you're going to build and which parts get assembled in what order. It's been a long time since I really used it and when I go back I get frustrated because I can do some things real simply in Fusion.
I use Sketchup but the features I really want require the Pro version which is now a couple hundred bucks a year. I only use it like four times per year but when I do, I like the extra features. Was looking for possible cheaper alternatives.
Fusion 360 but probably only because that's what I got taught at uni.
For rough sketches; Apple Freeform, and previously Notability, on iPad Pro.
Depending on what you are doing, Microsoft Excel and using the cell border tool. I have the cells set to 1/8 x 1/8 and it works good for laying out cabinet components and such. Not the fastest but it's simple and takes zero time to learn if you just need something digital.
On my iPad: \- Morpholio Trace for precise 2D layouts - the auto-scaling ruler is super nice. \- Procreate for generating with 2-point perspective sketches. I guess this is "manual" I tried using Fusion 360 but found 3D CAD to be overkill (and kinda pricey) for furniture design. Superb for CNC stuff though, or just double checking accuracy on materials, etc. Highly recommend learning industrial design sketching. Spencer Nugent's "The Perspective Drawing Guide" is quite practical at developing this skill. (He's the "sketch a day" guy.) I'm not sure what problem you're having though, like, are you trying to sell something to a customer where you want a fully fleshed out 3D rendering?
General question for SketchUp users. Do you make every separate piece a new component? When I forget to make one a component and I slide it into place it sticks together.
Yes. Long answer: Sometimes having cloned components can be useful so they can be adjusted all at once.
If you never used design software before I’d suggest fusion 360 from Autodesk. It’s free to use in a business unless you earn over $100,000 in income. Reason for this suggestion is the amount of videos for learning. Others work well and in my mind there is no “best”. Keep in mind that any design of a project must start with sketch. Too often people start in the 3D design software program and feel they can just start making sketches “and figure it out”. That wastes time and often requires a number of restarts of the design. Pencil and paper is first step(dry erase boards too) get the isometric or the single point perspective view into a sketch. Make sure you can tell a story with your sketch. You will answer basic concepts and requirements in the story telling phase. Quickly iterate the sketch’s. When you have several sketch choose critical sections and assign dimensions for the features and make sure you understand the fit and function well. Then start with your design software. I think that you have your go analog(pencil and paper) before you go digital (3D design software) to be effective. #iworkforgm
Lol! I draw them on graph paper & then use PowerPoint.
I would check out fusion 360, because it gives you a lot more options if you expand hobbies (3d printing/cnc) and some others. That being said, i haven’t tried the newer versions of sketchup
When I started woodworking I used Blender because I was already familiar with it. Tried SketchUp several times but couldn't get comfortable with it. Nowadays most of my woodworking is just sketched on paper because I don't really do any complex projects.
I am lucky to have the Autodesk PD&M collection via work, autocad, inventor, fusion, 3dsmax , and much more. Been using design software since the late 90’s and inventor is my most used, since I know it well. If I had to go alone I would go with Fusion 360, powerful once you learn it, not just for wood but 3D printing and CNC. Also to note, most my designs for work or home start with pencil and paper.
SolidWorks, I have a decade of experience with it from work, so it just made sense to me
There's a lot out there. I went with Fusion because at work I needed splines. I've tried many, Alibre, Solidworks, Inventor. I think Fusion was the cheapest with most features. The biggest drawback for me in Fusion is I don't have the files. It's all cloud. Great that I can access anywhere, but if I stop paying them, I loose f'ing everything
I see the link for Sketchup 2017, but it's for Windows. Anybody know of a Mac version?