With the advent of woodworking software, the ways woodworking projects are conceptualized and designed have changed. Woodworkers now have access to software that can help them create designs that would be have quite cumbersome with pen and paper. Now with the click of mouse, you can create intricate designs and also create three dimensional models of projects. However, there are a number of woodworking software in the market with various features, that choosing one for a beginner can be quite a confusing task. The best thing is to search for good free woodworking software as per your need, and if you like the free version, you can later to buy a paid version of it.
Good free woodworking software.
Now the question is – what criteria that you should be keeping in mind, when searching for free woodworking software. Do not worry, we will help you with that and will also let you know about 3 such great software that you should definitely try.
These 4 steps will help you to find a free woodworking software:
- Firstly, you should check out the basic requirements of the software you want to try. Most software have a compatibility requirement like graphics, processing speed, hard disk size, memory space, etc., without which they can be ineffective.
- If you are looking for software for some very simple design woodwork, you can use general deisgn software, but if you need 3D modelling of woodwork, you should concentrate on finding a woodworking program only.
- The more features a particular woodworking software has the steeper is the learning curve. Beginners may find it overwhelming at first, but once they get a hang of it, things might seem as difficult. So, give yourself sometime to get used to the program before making up your mind.
- If you not have the time to test a number of software, ask fellow woodworkers for recommendation. There are many woodworking forums online where you can put your queries and get advice from experienced fellow woodworkers. If you have particular needs, like the ease of use and simplicity of the user interface, you can ask the same too.
Now that you know what all you should consider when choosing woodworking software, let us recommend you one of the most popular free woodworking software – Sketchup:
It is great and comprehensive software and enables the user to do almost anything they want to design – right from 3D rendering of all sorts of joints, finishes, textures, and much more. Since, it is used by many woodworkers there are many use contributed elements too. So, you do not have to do everything from scratch. Say for example, you can find joints, screws, hinges, latches, etc. In fact, Sketchup is so popular that manufacturers, they offer Sketchup version of their hardware. As you use it, you will realize how functional it is and it has been designed keeping in mind the requirements of the woodworkers.
So, what are you waiting for? Why don’t you go online and get the free version now. The possibilities are endless and it is best to start early.
