Looking for simple design software

[jimmy2x2x]

Here is what I want to do:

Design a CP with simple geometric shapes, lines, curves, circles etc

To be designed to an exact scale, suitable for exporting to a common file format that can be used for printing or the addition of graphics.

Visio looks like a reasonable option, is there any freeware that would be suitable?

[EvilNuff]

I would say paint.net at www.getpaint.net or inkscape if you want a vector graphics application.

Edit: Oh and google sketchup is fantastic for anything in 3d btw.

[ragnar]

Having just designed an entire cabinet.  And having cut my sides, I have to tell you that hte ol' pen and paper are wonderful.  Things are not to scale, but they don't really have to be.  The key things are CP height/angle and monitor height/angle.

[DirtyDachshunds]

If you're looking to model in 3D.  Google sketchup is a great utility.  It can do everything you want.  And its free!

[jimmy2x2x]

Sketchup is fantastic software, but not really suitable for what I want.

Im having a play around with visio right now, its a little clunky but does everything I need, I have draw a box for my overall CP dimensions, put a nice bezier curve on the botton edge, positioning accurate spheres for trackball/spinner/stick and button placements.

I am going to take this to the printshop tomorrow, get it printed to size

Drill out and test fit everything, if Im happy then I will work on the photoshop art using this template to label the controls etc..

[EvilNuff]

How does sketchup not do what you want?  You can use a top down 2d view and print to size or export to png.

I've actually been using sketchup for everything layout wise lately.

[ragnar]

How does sketchup not do what you want?  You can use a top down 2d view and print to size or export to png.

I've actually been using sketchup for everything layout wise lately.

It has a learning curve.  That's pretty much why I abandoned it.  Pen and paper was quicker and easier.

[EvilNuff]

Forgive me if I'm being rude here but he wants to do simple geometric shapes...in sketchup you just click where you want it and type the dimensions in...where is the learning curve?  Its faster to learn how to do it in sketchup than visio if you only care about 2d.  The only learning is 3d stuff in sketchup.

[jimmy2x2x]

Im having a play around with sketch for the 2D work, and its a lot more capable than I initially thought!

Time spent learning this, is time well spent - Thanks for the heads up, I had dismissed this too early