The Framers Forum

Does anyone know of any computer programmes that are good for planning layouts for multi-aperture mounts? (preferably free)

Thanks

do it in draw mode in a spreadsheet

open office is free and has a spreadsheet

envelope or fag packet (hard to come by as I given up smoking for 8 weeks) for me

Try Sketchup, it is also free. Simple to use and many tutorials online.

Just draw your board & apertures then move them around/resize etc to your hearts content.

http://sketchup.google.com/

Thanks Crofter, didn't know about that. I think I've just found a new toy.

Here is some useful kit: Not free but less than a fiver!

Corel Draw allows placement of shapes but unfortunatley it uses the centre point of the shape as a reference.

I think you might have copied my idea J2M


You still need to know how to do it if your computer dies

Hi Robyn
I'm all out of fag packets too, but I can send you a copy of the Wizard Mat Designer which you can load on any PC! It is free and will run in a demo mode, but will have all the functions you need for designing multi layouts. (There is no time limit on how long the software will run for). You can either set your outside size then position your openings were necessary, or lay your openings in the right position and it will work the outside size out for you. (You can literally drag and drop the openings around on the screen to find the layout that works best).You will also be able to read the positions of the openings to make it easy to cut out manually.

If you let me have your address I can post a copy out to you today.

Sam

Yes, I can vouch for the Wizard Mat Designer, this software is a perfect solution, and very easy to use.

I hesitated to mention it in this context only because I wasn't aware that it was free.

That's good news, Sam.

Thanks John.
(We actually give it out to anyone interested in the Wizard with our information packs, so if anyone else wants a copy to have a play with then just let me know!)

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for your replies. Apologies for not following up on this thread but the job I was working on got postponed, so the need to resolve the problem disappeared.

Stcstc - good tip on the Draw mode in Excel.
The Crofter - wow! That Sketchup sure looks like fun. Have checked out the tutorials and am downloading the program as I'm posting this reply.
Sam - Is the Wizard Mat Designer compatible with Macs? If it is I will PM you with my details.

Thanks
Robyn

Hi Robyn

Sorry but we are PC only for the software! (You can run it on a MAC using a virtual PC desktop), if thats any good to you let me know and I will post a copy.

Sam

Thanks Sam got your cd will look forward to playing with it great service
Regards
Dave

Hi Sam,

Thanks for sending the disk. Really appreciated.

Cheers
Robyn