Free CAD viewer?

[ottotc]

Does anyone know of a good free (or very low cost) CAD viewer?

I'm going to hire a firm to take my TFP exports (DFX, 3DS, WRL), and make any necessary code compliance adjustments, and produce standard size builder's drawings/plans.

I'd like to first see what my TFP exports are going to look like to this firm.

I don't know which CAD program the firm will be using, because I haven't yet started interviewing firms.

Thanks,
Otto

[Allan Chesney]

Otto,

Have a look at some of the PC Magazines. We often have TurboCAD free on PC magazine cover disks here in Australia.

If you are only concerned about how it LOOKS (rather than how editable it is) you can always import DXF and 3DS files back into TFP and you will see how it looks. (Import as a 2D image). Obviously a CAD program would be better though naturally.

Allan

[Doug.S]

Here are 3 solutions...

- from CadSoft specifically for viewing .bld files
http://forum.turbofloorplan.com/index.php/topic,158.0.html
but not all the materials are readily seen....but defaults seem OK

- for .3ds (and more) and is very handy in general for simple uses
http://www.quick3d.com/

- full program but works very well with TFP...this is a $500 steal if you can find it..promo to hope you buy next newer version
http://forum.turbofloorplan.com/index.php/topic,271.0.html

[Kajvin - Robert W]

2 more free CAD viewer http://www.bravaviewer.com/  dwg,dxf

http://www.xs4all.nl/~karelse/3DViewer/ 3ds

[Voodooman]

Hi

Brava viewer is not free as it does expire anf forces you to go to their website every few days you use it for supposed non-existant upgrades - and it doesnt allow printing.

E drawings is superior and is free http://www.edrawingsviewer.com/pages/products/DWG-DXF-Viewer.html .

Good Luck

Peter