Software related to Design Processes

Note that the inclusion of software on this list does not imply a recommendation from the D&T Association nor a preference over any other similar software. The list is provided to help schools access appropriate software to assist students in designing and making activities. For further information please contact John Myerson (see Trainer section for contact details).

2D & 3D image and Document creation 

• 123D - create makeable models. Autodesk 123D software is powerful, precise, and free
• 123D Make - create 3D objects by slicing CAD models and assembling by slicing or slotting together. An alternative to Boxford's Rapid Pro. Slices the model in any thickness pieces. Output to EPS or PDF. NEW
• 3DVIA Shape - free 3D program from Dassault Systemes rather like SketchUp
• ArtRage2 - Stylish painting package 
• Artweaver - allows you to paint creatively with the help of a huge range of painting tools. You can create sketches from photos or just experiment with colors.
• Block CAD - 3D visualisation using Lego blocks
• CreoSketch free download: http://www.ptc.com/products/creo/sketch/download.htm
• Creo Direct Modelling Express free download: http://www.ptc.com/products/creo-elements-direct/modeling-express/
• Draftsight - A no-cost, easy-to-use 2D CAD product from Dassault Systemes. See list of features here.
• Dia - Diagram software similar to MS Visio  
• DrawPlus Starter - easy to use, free vector drawing program from Serif
• eDrawings - Publish and export 3D models from various CAD programs. Export STL from SketchUp
• EPS Viewer - enables Encapsulated Postscript file to be seen and converted (e.g. files that come with the book Structural Package Designs).
• GIMP - GNU Image Manipulation Program.  It is a freely distributed piece of software for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image creation. Similar to Photoshop etc.
• Google SketchUp - Easy-to-learn 3D modelling program  (See below #)
  Extra modules at http://www.crai.archi.fr/RubyLibraryDepot/Ruby/em_fil_page.htm and http://www.smustard.com/ and http://www.3dvinci.net/ to export DXF and STL from the free version.

Making metalwork components http://www.drawmetal.co/home

Other resources and export DXF see: http://www.sketchupsuite.com/7.html

• PosteRazor - free poster maker. Splits large image into printer size pages for re-assembly by gluing. Easy to use.
• Project Falcon - free wind tunnel simulation software designed to be used early in the conceptual design phase. Imports STL files and saves output as AVI.
• Shaderlight - Whether you're using SketchUp Free or Pro, Shaderlight fits seamlessly with your workflow you don't have to be a rendering expert to get great results.
• Genetica Viewer - 3D Texture generation 
• LEGO Digital Designer - Virtual LEGO modeller  
• OpenOffice Draw - Powerful graphics package with additional scripts 
  Extension for CAD see: http://extensions.services.openoffice.org/project/cadooo
• OpenOffice Impress - Create effective multimedia presentations 
• Project PhotoFly -  Allows anyone with a digital camera to create near accurate 3D models from photographs.
• Project Vasari - conceptual design for buildings
• Directory list and Print - Print directory listings from Windows folders 
• Scribus - Desktop publishing 

D&T Courseware

• Chip Factory Logic - System Digital electronic circuit diagrams and PIC programming
• Crocodile Clips Elementary - Simulation for teaching the first principles of electricity 
• Yenka - free for home use. Circuit design and simulation. Also mechanical output simulation. Create PCBs.
• Genie Design Studio -  for programming Genie microcontrollers (flowcharts and simulations etc.)
• Programming Editor Software - Programming environment for generating PICAXE programs, includes BASIC to assembler code compiler  
• Easy Sense - Datalogging (evaluation) for Primary Schools 
• IKEA Kitchen Planner - Drag and drop kitchen units and appliances into layouts and view them in 3D  
• IKEA Office Planner - Planning tool for offices - drag and drop into a layout and view in 3D 
• GanttProject - A tool for creating a project schedule by means of an interlinked Gantt chart and resource load chart 
• OpenProj - A tool for creating a project schedule by means of an interlinked Gantt or network chart. Also reads MS Project files  http://openproj.org/product-overview
• MindManager Smart - Icon based mind map creator   (see below*)
• FreeMind - Mind mapping software with hyperlinking 
• XL Designer Lite - PCB software - restricted in design capacity - as used by Paul Gardiner
• Roland 3D engrave - Create a 3D design starting with a 2D image   TechSoft UK Free with Roland machines 
• Roland Modela Player - Toolpath generation from DXF and STL files  TechSoft UK Free with Roland machines
• Roland Virtual Modela - 3D simulation of manufacturing   TechSoft UK Free with Roland machines
• Roland Dr Picza - Controls PIX 3D scanners and scanning function  TechSoft UK Free with Roland machines
• Snap Surveys - Survey software tool trial version that comes with a quick start guide and enables you to set up a test survey with 25 questions and 25 responses. Free download on request. 
• West Point Bridge Designer - Model, test, and optimize a steel highway bridge 
• Wild Things - Design and Print Patterns for Hats, Bags & Other Fun Stuff 
  
  # Free instructor license for full version is available from Man and Machine (http://www.manandmachine.co.uk)
  *Password for installation is: enlighten