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There's not really a right answer here, just right for each person; but I'm an AutoCAD person. While the interface may look a little daunting, there are actually only about 15-24 actions I use on a regular basis. Here are some of my reasons for using it:
1- it's a great value for the power- I'm always amazed by what I don't know, and I would consider myself a "power user" of AutoCAD
2- it plays well with others. The .dwg file can be brought in and out of SketchUp and other programs, and there are some great free plug-ins for AutoCAD. Techo-Bloc and Cultured Stone (Owens Corning) have free hatch patterns, and USP fasteners organizes their blocks into a nice little menu that shows up IN AutoCAD- I don't even have to go to "insert block."
3- The layer management is easy and clean, and blocks are pretty straightforward. I don't know if it's a user issue or a software issue, but every Dynascape drawing I've brought into CAD has been pretty bad- I usually just redraft the whole thing to save time.
4- Because I draw for other companies, I love how easy it is to create titleblocks. If my client sends me the .eps file of their logo, my staff graphic designer can convert it to a .dwg and drop it right in the drawing, already vectorized.
5- There are a lot of resources out there for AutoCAD. I have a free plug-in that allows me to open and edit newer versions of CAD; and there are thousands of premade blocks out there. I just finished a job for a client who made it really clear she LOVES her Miata. Since we redid the driveway as part of the project, I spent two minutes searching and found a beautifully detailed plan view Miata online. You know those stupid little details that get your clients excited? This was one of those. I may not have 140 plant symbols like Agla, but I have what I need.
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Dave
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