Autodesk AutoSketch 10

I have been using AutoSketch for 20+ years and I felt very sorry, when I noticed, that it was discontinued by AutoDesk. I really don't need Auto-CAD with all its features for my needs (drawing cables, pcb footprints and heat sinks etc.) and I have quite a big collection of cable drawings to copy from, so it is a great relieve to still be able using AutoSketch for work.I like the comprehensive user interface and the useful featires, like layers wicht can be switched on and off, the snap to endpoiunt, middle etc. Easy editing the sizes of the elements in the drawing. IMHO the best semi professional drawing program, that I know.

I have been using Autosketch in one guise or another for over twenty years. In that time I have seen it progress from a relatively simple 2D drawing package to quite a feature rich and complex one.This latest version adds one or two new features including 32 bit support (Autosketch 9 was a 16 bit package) and AutoCAD support with the ability to both open and save in DXF or DWG format.My only complaints are threefold:-1. When you open an AutoCAD file it converts to an SKF file format in the filename so SKF is still the hard programmed default format rather than a user chosen one.2. If you save an SKF file, your layout orientation and scale as well as your printer orientation and scales are saved. When saving in AutoCAD format you lose the printer settings which to me is a major pain the backside! Who wants to have to set the printer up every time you want to print a saved drawing? Come on Autodesk, wake up!3. The price has more than doubled from version 9 which is not really excusable in my opinion considering the issues with the autocad format printer problem.Those three issues aside, Autosketch 10 is a very capable package (new users must be prepared to take the time to learn how to use it) more than sufficient for architectural, mechanical and electrical 2D drawings. If this is all you need you really don't need to be spending 3-4 times as much money on packages packed with features you just don't use. Autosketch will do very nicely.UPDATE: Since writing this review I have discovered that you can get around the loss of orientation on the printer page with AutoCAD drawings by setting your printers default to Landscape mode. Of course, if you need it set to Portrait for some other app this won't help you and I stand by my point that a saved DWG or DXF should retain the printer settings like the SKF drawings do.

I bought version 10 to replace my old version 4 which would not install on my new windows 7 pc. I've used Autosketch for years and it's a very competent 2D drawing package. Version 10 runs fine on my Windows 7 pc, but apparently Autodesk is no longer supporting it, as it has guaranteed compatibility only as far as Windows Vista. I was surprised at the lack of new features between my Version 4 and Version 10. The look and feel are virtually identical. The few changes that I do find I don't like, such as "Snap" modes, which now can have multiple modes on at the same time, causing the cursor to snap to unwanted places at times. I was also not pleased to pay more than twice as much, $238 for version 10 as opposed to $99 for version 4. Only 3 stars due to lack of continuing support by from Autodesk.

The software wouldn't load in a computer running Windows XP Pro. It froze during install. I tried several times. There is no number to call for help. The website that was listed in the disk case as being installation support, doesn't exist. I'll have to try another brand. I expected a bit more from Autodesk.

I used Autocad LT for several years and then moved to Turbocad when the ongoing upgrades became too expensive for the amount of use that I had (upgrades were necessary to update operating systems). There were things about the Autocad interface that I have missed, however, so decided to try AutoSketch, hoping for a reasonably complete 2D application. It falls well short of the interface and capabilities of LT. I have reverted to the (less than perfect) TurboCad.

We decided to take a risk on a cheaper software instead of the much more expensive versions. It was way more affordable then other options and we were rewarded greatly. It did everything we needed it to and was fairly easy to pick up and learn how to use. I am so glad we didn't waste our money on a fancier product!

Thanks got this very fast and it works exactly as advertised. I used QuickCAD the Millennium edition and this has just a little more options. It is a simple but powerful 2D program. I use it to design all my little home and farming projects. I design all my buildings on it. I also have my 6 acre farm and house master plan on it with crop and watering areas. It works very well for this.

Great CAD program. If you're used to Autocad's commands and workflow it takes a bit to adapt to Autosketch's way of doing things. But it's definitely a very capable CAD program. Worked just fine under win 8.1 pro. I give it 4 stars because it's now a bit outdated (2008-2009) and it can't open latest Autocad dwg files. I hope Autodesk releases an updated version soon.