CAD software

[buckeyefarmer]

I assume you must be having issues opening drawings of a newer version of Autocad? The software should still function fine provided you don't have issues with a newer os. Not so for Inventor, but even the newest version (2021) allows saving as dwg or dxf file to way before your version.
BTW - I've used some version of Autocad daily since it was installed from floppy disks and a zoom in or out equaled a 10-15 minute break for regen. And yes, I despise the subscription model too!

No, autodesk has disabled my license so the software won’t run. They said they don’t support it, so you can’t use it. That version wasn’t bought as a subscription.
I have versions of autocad on 5.25 floppies.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I did buy turbocad deluxe. Kind of difficult to use compared to others I’ve used before.

 

[John_Mc]

I've used AutoDesk Fusion 360. They have a free version for hobbyist/non-commercial use (or at least they did - I have not logged on in over a year). I used it mainly for 3D printing designs. It was a powerful, full featured program - I barely scratched the surface of what it could do.

It had been a long time since I used a CAD program in any depth - basically back in the DOS days. My needs when I used Fusion 360 a few years ago were fairly simple, but I ran into folks who used it on a more advanced level, and they were happy with it.

 

[Cougsfan]

A lot of it depends on what you are doing, how complicated it is, how and who it needs to be shared with. I use a program called Sketchup 8. I used have used it for years for such things as providing a contractors with 3d concept drawings (both interior and exterior) for both my new house and my new shop. Just a few days ago I used it to make a sketch for part for my motorcycle. My Daughter was able to manufacture the part on her 3-d printer. It is freeware, and it is relatively easy to learn and use, but not overly complex or nearly as sophisticated as the commercial CAD offerings. In my case that is just fine.

 

[crashz]

I've run into these issues too. I don't need to input drawing data into anything (like GPS equipment or CNC equipment) so pdf drawing works fine for me. A couple of years ago I bought a personal version of BlueBeam Revu. Works good for my needs and converts nearly everything to pdf.