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Assuming you are using a pc and not mac:
My first choice would be a product called rhino (rhino3d.com). They
are quite amenable to offering a non-profit discount - so the base
program is $200, instead of $1000....of the many programs i have used
over the years, with the exception of sketcup, it is by far the
easiest to learn. two of the best features? it continues to evolve
in open beta, meaning McNeal is incredibly responsive to its users
needs. It also has more import/export choices than any other program
i know. email their educational sales department - they are very
helpful.
Having said all that, if all you want to do is produce floor plans
that can be readily shared via print, use the free version of Sketch
Up. You'll find its really more of a three-d program, and pretty
simple to use....Paul Orselli has created a user group where you'll
find good info. However, if you want to port the product over to
autocad, you have to pay for the premium package and, if i'm not
mistaken, they no longer offer a museum/non-profit discount, so its
hundreds of dollars more than the rhino. and by-the-way, rhino can
import export the sketch up files.
all of the programs mentioned have trial versions available. look at
the galleries, try several, and see which one fits. be forewarned,
though, any of them do take a while to reach a comfort level in their
use.....
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