Beginner CAD recommendation

[krith]

Hey guys what cad software do you recommend that I can learn to make a model ship plans(sorry for the bad grammar, English is not my first language)

[TJM]

I use QCAD, it is very cheap for a lifetime license, I find it very easy and intuitive to use with no prior CAD experience and there is a free trial you can just download to evaluate if this is for you. The downside is that it is strictly 2D, so all the spacial considerations will have to happen in your head! It's like doing it on paper, but with digital precision and layers.

 

It is very easy to import an image, scale it, and then start to draw your design on top of that reference. I have designed several PoB hulls from original construction drawings like this over past year.

 Have a look here: https://modelshipworld.com/topic/37190-historical-plans-via-cad-to-laser-cut-parts-practicum/

 

 

You can also use Onshape, which is online and completely free AND full 3D. But the learning curve is steeper and I have not progressed very far on mine yet!

 

 

Edited June 11 by TJM

[CCClarke]

There could be as many recommendations as there are different software applications for beginning CAD users.

 

Two of the most powerful and popular CAD applications: 

Fusion 360 has a free version and there is a lot of free training available.  The same goes for Blender. 

[krith]

On 6/11/2025 at 2:33 PM, TJM said:

I use QCAD, it is very cheap for a lifetime license, I find it very easy and intuitive to use with no prior CAD experience and there is a free trial you can just download to evaluate if this is for you. The downside is that it is strictly 2D, so all the spacial considerations will have to happen in your head! It's like doing it on paper, but with digital precision and layers.

 

It is very easy to import an image, scale it, and then start to draw your design on top of that reference. I have designed several PoB hulls from original construction drawings like this over past year.

 Have a look here: https://modelshipworld.com/topic/37190-historical-plans-via-cad-to-laser-cut-parts-practicum/

 

 

You can also use Onshape, which is online and completely free AND full 3D. But the learning curve is steeper and I have not progressed very far on mine yet!

 

 

Thank you imma try qcad and then print it into a paper and then put it in a balsa wood 

[CDR_Ret]

You should visit the many threads in this CAD/3D Forum that address your question. For basic hull creation from plans, I believe that DELFTship Free will produce the most faired and smooth results.

 

Then export the resulting model into other recommended programs to create the details.

[Johnny Mike]

As mentioned there are many types of CAD programs.

I started with auto cad LT but of coarse it is only 2D and you will need 3D

for printing. For a while I used 2D and had a friend convert them to 3D but this does require some time to do

because they have to redraw the piece. I am using Solid Works now. Not cheap but I like it because it is common as used everywhere.

And will communicate easily with most all formats.

These may not be the cheapest but they are professional grade and produce electronic files easily read by most software and printers.

You will be best if you make sure what ever software you use can produce a drawing in STL format. Or something that a printer can read.

I can design and draw a part in STL and down load it to my printer and print with no issues.

Printed parts shown using PLA wood.