Layout design

[monkeydadnola]

As a sometime visitor to the bulletin boards, I have not kept up with all the exchanges on layout design software.

Can I impose on folks to let me know what they think works best?

I've tried the free version of Altas Right Track, but ran out of patience trying to learn it (that's not Atlas's fault - maybe I just have an attention deficit!)

I've seen recommendations for Atlas, Planit and CADRail. Mind giving me recommendations? Does anyone have experience with all three? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

[SpaceMouse]

Atlas's is probably the easiest to learn, but it is counter-intuitive and you can only use Atlas products.

XtraCAD is free as well, but very powerful. They have an excellent tutorial, but it will take you a couple evenings to get through--but it is worth it.

3rd Planit, is more difficult to learn and as counter-intuitive as the Atlas RR. The upside is you can do a lot with it in terms of 3d rendering, but that is it's only advantage over XtraCAD. All the features must be learned pretty much through trial and error. There is a manual if you pay extra for it, but it never seems to answer the question you have. 3rd Plan It costs around $100.

Addition to 3rd Plan It. There is zero support from the designer. He does not answer email or phone calls. There is a support group on Yahoo and there is one for XtraCAD as well.