Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Software Forum => Topic started by: orchidius on May 18, 2010, 01:10:10 pm

Title: Design software
Post by: orchidius on May 18, 2010, 01:10:10 pm
Hi there,

I've been browsing the forums for quite some time now, took the time to read (most of) saint's book, did all the homework, came up with an idea, made some sketches,...

Now I would like to convert my idea and my sketches to an actual digital rendering and actual plans with measurements on them. What software do you guys use for those kind of things? I've been playing around with google sketchup, which I think will work eventually (takes a ton of time to get the hang of and get something decent out of it), but for the 2D plans I'm still stuck.

What do you guys use?

Ps: Software to design side-art/marquees/CP-layouts also welcome!
Title: Re: Design software
Post by: andrewbean90 on May 18, 2010, 03:16:27 pm
gimp 2.6
Title: Re: Design software
Post by: gryhnd on May 18, 2010, 05:01:21 pm
gimp 2.6

+1

Also inkscape for vector work.
Title: Re: Design software
Post by: orchidius on May 18, 2010, 05:33:03 pm
I take it gimp is used for artwork design?
Title: Re: Design software
Post by: andrewbean90 on May 18, 2010, 07:51:21 pm
yes because its like photo shop only free
Title: Re: Design software
Post by: orchidius on May 19, 2010, 02:03:37 am
how 'bout 3D renderings? Any alternative for sketchup that is easy to use?

2D plans? I keep hearing "autocad", but it seems that that program costs a ton and is designed for professional and industrial use (looks really complicated too...)
Title: Re: Design software
Post by: MB on May 20, 2010, 04:05:36 pm
I am using Sketchup at the moment. There are a lot of tutorial video's you can download showing
you one function each in the program. Wasn't very hard at all even though I had never designed anything before.
It's great to be able to visualize everything and see if things fit. I even designed my control panel with it and
printed it out true size to be able to drill the holes. Worked like a charm.
It takes a little time to learn but it delivers great results later.

Good luck.