Blender. It does it all. Although it is made primarily for 3D animation and rendering, it is also great for use as a CAD program. Admittedly, it takes a while to learn, but once you do, it's one of the best software packages you'll ever use. And yes, it can open .dxf files, though I don't know if it lets you export them.
I was thinking about posting this question too. I wanted a CAD program that I could use to make things for 3D printing (Shapways) and I had only been able to really find Alibre that was somewhat reasonablely priced. They had a 50% off sale on Monday and I bought there basic version "Alibre PE" but it is throwing fits trying to do the registration and I wasn't too impressed when I did their free trial. So... I would love to use something better and just get a refund. I'll try the ones you guys mentioned. Thanks!
If you are a student OR a veteran OR previously worked in architecture, engineering, design or manufacturing, then you can get a free license for most any AutoDesk product.
I was wondering if these free programs are able to electrical drawings that have NEMA electrical symbols, since I been using Express PCB to do my schematics and designed my NEMA symbols.
TurboCAD Deluxe 12.5 is still free as far as I can tell as a result of part of a promotion that was going on ... I got my free copy when this first came out, and recently had to download it again. I used the code that I received the first time around and it still worked fine for me.
TurboCAD Deluxe 12.5 is still free as far as I can tell as a result of part of a promotion that was going on ... I got my free copy when this first came out, and recently had to download it again. I used the code that I received the first time around and it still worked fine for me.
Comments
There's also FreeCAD (3D): http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/free-cad/index.php?title=Main_Page
Here's a site that rates other free CAD programs: http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-cad-program.htm#Quick_Selection_Guide
-Phil
Dave
http://students.autodesk.com/?nd=community_faq
If that doesn't work for you then I would use SketchUp. With a free plugin it will import/export DXFs.
Jim...
Worth looking at :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KiCAD
http://www.mydigitallife.info/turbocad-deluxe-12-5-free-download-with-serial-number-for-activation-key-code/
Somebody try it and report back if they are still issuing out "new" Activation Key Codes.
Yep, I just installed it and it works.