I have no real info or talent in C A D programs...... BUT I do know I and a friend of mine both wasted $100 on a PUNCH software program "Professional HOME DESIGN Platinum " version 8.... I presume that 1 thru 7 are equally as bad..... We both wasted HOURS trying to get ANYTHING to come out.... YOU must have to have a computer degree I guess... The best I got was an octipussey looking thing that was supposed to be a deck with stairs ??? I believe to get an E A S Y to use program you must spend some real money so dig a bit deep and make sure you know what your buying....

I believe that most drafting programs today have become sophisticated enough that figuring it out on your own is getting harder and harder. I'd liken it to cell phones-you need a 2 semester course to figure it all out. As the hardware advances the applications advance. I'm only familiar with basic AutoCAD (no add-ons) and I have taken two full semester classes at the community college withoutout which I'd be fumbling around making octopussies. The classes have been very worthwhile. And we didn't even touch on 3D. That's next semester if I choose. My guess is that any program you get is going to require a bit more than winging it on your own. Good luck.

Oh, yeh...one more thing...I also have the Punch Design program and haven't been able to do a thing with it!!

i have a punch program that i used for the stick built homes i build and i think it is great. i can't remember the exact title of it but i will look for it. (i just moved back to indiana, things are still in boxes). what i like most about the program is i can see how the different roof angles and pitches will meet and fit together.