3ds Max vs AutoCad

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I'm participating in a competition in which my group has to create an architectural design of a community center. We are mostly beginner-level in the field. My entire group has access to the full suite of Autodesk products. What software would you recommend we use for our project?

Thank you

[DarrenP]

depending on the needs have you looked at revit?

otherwise 3ds max & autocad are 2 different products they do not do the same thing

you can’t really compare the 2

[dbroad · Accepted solution]

Each product requires extensive training so use a product you already know how to use.

• AutoCAD Architecture - If you already know how to use AutoCAD, it gives you AEC objects and an advanced display system.  Downside:  Very complex to learn and master.  Modelling geometry is done by splitting up the model into levels. Views and sheets are also separate drawing files.  Project navigator packages and manages the multiple files. Has excellent detailing features. Expect 200-1000 hours of use to learn well (after learning AutoCAD).
• AutoCAD: Excellent 2d drafting, dimensioning, and annotation.  Decent 3d modelling, materials, and lighting.  Animations are limited to walk-throughs. I use it practically every day to create shop drawings and technical details. Expect 200-700 hours to learn well.
• 3ds-Max: Excellent modelling, lighting, materials, rendering, effects, and animation.  Also very complex to learn.  Has some architectural modelling features.  Has the ability to populate features with entourage and moving people and vehicles. Good tutorials. Has almost no capacity to turn the model into construction documents. I use this for high-end rendering tasks. Expect 100-700 hours to learn well.
• Revit:  Probably the best current Autodesk Architectural software.  Takes a lot of time to master but beginners can do some good work with limited understanding. With it you can model, visualize, document and schedule designs. I use this mostly for architectural projects. Expect 200-1000 hours to learn well, perhaps a lifetime to master.

[leeminardi]

AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, Revit, and 3ds Max all have steep learning curves.  If you have very limited CAD experience I would probably go with 3ds Max.  You can set a grid and quickly add and edit 3D walls then easily add pre-defined doors and windows to them.  The rendering features are the most extensive of the Autodesk products.  You will not be able to create formal detailed/dimensioned drawings with 3ds Max but that may not be necessary for the competition. You can output floor plans, elevations, and nice perspective renderings.  You can also produce animated walkthrus.

[Tomislav.Golubovic]

If you're doing anything Architectural, go with Revit.