Introduction:

In the world of computer-aided design (CAD), choosing the right software can significantly impact your productivity, creativity, and budget. While AutoCAD has long been a standard in the industry, TurboCAD emerges as a compelling alternative, offering exceptional value and a suite of advanced features. Let's delve into why TurboCAD is worth considering over AutoCAD, especially for those seeking a cost-effective yet powerful CAD solution.

1. Affordable Pricing with Multiple Options:

A standout advantage of TurboCAD is its pricing structure. Starting at just $69, TurboCAD provides an array of options catering to different budgets and needs. This competitive pricing is a significant draw, especially for independent designers, small businesses, or anyone looking to minimize software costs without compromising on functionality.

2. Perpetual License Option:

In an era where subscription models are becoming the norm, TurboCAD offers a refreshing alternative with its perpetual license option. This means you can own the software outright, a boon for those who prefer a one-time investment over recurring subscription fees, as is the case with AutoCAD.

3. Founding Member of OpenDWG - Ensuring DWG Compatibility:

TurboCAD's status as a founding member of OpenDWG underscores its commitment to DWG compatibility. This is crucial fo

TurboCAD shines in architectural drafting with tools specifically designed for this purpose. Unlike AutoCAD, which offers basic multi-lines for walls and dynamic blocks for doors and windows, TurboCAD goes further. It includes smart objects for creating and editing walls, adding window and door openings, and designing roofs. These tools automate tedious tasks like cleaning up intersections and orienting symbols, streamlining the architectural design process.

5. Robust Mechanical Tools:

In the realm of mechanical design, TurboCAD again outpaces AutoCAD by offering a more extensive suite of tools for both 2D and 3D modeling. This includes the Parts Tree palette for editable history trees of 3D operations, allowing for intricate changes to chamfers, fillets, Boolean operations, and more. The ability to deform facets of solid models adds another layer of sophistication to your mechanical design projects.

6. Customizable User Interface for Smooth Transition:

Transitioning to a new CAD platform can be challenging, but TurboCAD eases this with its customizable user interface. It mirrors many elements of AutoCAD's interface, making the switch smoother for AutoCAD users. The familiar layout of menus, toolbars, and scroll bars reduces the learning curve, ensuring a comfortable and efficient adaptation to TurboCAD's environment.

7. Free Trials: Test Drive TurboCAD's Capabilities at No Cost

One of the most user-friendly features of TurboCAD is the availability of free trials for its software. This is a fantastic opportunity for users to explore and experience the full range of TurboCAD's capabilities without any initial investment. The free trial period allows you to delve into the software's advanced tools, test its compatibility with your projects, and evaluate its user interface to see how it fits into your workflow. This risk-free exploration is especially beneficial for those who are considering transitioning from AutoCAD to TurboCAD, as it provides a practical, hands-on comparison to inform your decision. Remember, the word "free" isn't just a buzzword; it's an invitation to experience the power of TurboCAD and understand why it's a cost-effective and feature-rich alternative to AutoCAD.

Trials are available at :  TurboCAD FREE Trials

Conclusion:

TurboCAD presents itself as an incredibly viable alternative to AutoCAD, especially when considering its affordability, diverse feature set, and user-friendly interface. With options suitable for various professional needs, from architectural to mechanical design, and a pricing model that offers exceptional value, TurboCAD stands out as a smart choice for CAD professionals and enthusiasts alike.

One of the most powerful, yet least known tools in professional versions of TurboCAD is the Drafting Palette. The Drafting Palette is used for the creation of 2D construction and manufacturing documents from 3D designs, including ACIS® solids and 3D surfaces. It can be used in conjunction with both 3D Architectural and Mechanical designs. 3D Designs created or imported into TurboCAD’s Model Space are fully associative with the 2D views and construction drawings that the Drafting Palette creates in TurboCAD’s Layouts, even when working on an XRef. Dimensions are also fully associative. For Mechanical designs, both individual parts and assemblies can have any of 10 different standard views, 9 different preconfigured sectional views, as well as custom, detailed views chosen by a line or other closed arc or polyline. Recent versions of TurboCAD have also added the ability to add Layer Sets containing both visible and non-visible layers, and no scaling of Drafting Objects can be controlled by the Local (right click) menu. The Drafting Palette gives you great artistic control over how your views will work. Each drafting object placed on your Layout may be hatched, colored, or have its line weight and style adjusted as needed, with separate controls for visible and hidden line. In addition to standard cross-sectional views, fragmental views can be created and Drafting Breaks added.

The Drafting Palette works with over a dozen file formats and helps make TurboCAD Platinum, Professional and LTE Professional an excellent collaboration tool with other CAD applications. This includes Architectural formats such as .SKP (SketchUp) and .DGN (MicroStation/Intergraph) so the Drafting Palette can be used to create elevations, floorplans, sections, even detailed views, all of which are associative to changes in the model! 

Are you thinking about using TurboCAD with AutoCAD or switching from AutoCAD to TurboCAD?

We’ve created a resource to provide you with the information you need to shorten your learning curve and start creating professional designs in no time at all. Once you’ve made the decision to use TurboCAD, this guide will help you get started by outlining the few differences in jargon, commands, and tools.

Here is just some of the information you’ll find:

TurboCAD offers the AutoCAD user

• File Compatibility
• AutoCAD DWG, Autodesk DXF and DWF, Spatial Technology SAT, ASCII, 3D Studio, STL, DGN, DCD, FCW
• Supports vector formats: IGES, STEP, Meatstream, HPGL, VRML, CDM, WMF
• Similar User Interface
• Better handle-based editing
• Larger variety of object snaps
• Built-in raster to vector conversion
• History for 3D solid models
• Node editing
• Constraint Management

The few differences and how they are resolved between TurboCAD and AutoCAD

• Command selections and differences
• Drawing Command differences
• Node Editing

What you will love about TurboCAD!

• Significantly more Mechanical tools
• Significantly more Architectural tools
• Additional Snaps not offered in AutoCAD
• More affordable
• Both permanent licenses and subscriptions are available

Download TurboCAD for AutoCAD Users now to learn more about why it’s easy to switch between TurboCAD and AutoCAD.