Anybody Use Visio?

[StreamlineGT]

Does anybody else besides me use Microsoft Visio to prepare layouts if ones are not provided, for instance for residential panel layouts and services? Here is one I am working on now.

Outside..

Inside..

Wall that I had to frame.....

Here is a recessed can layout I did, even though it wasn't perfect, the customer wanted it anyway. By far the hardest thing I had to layout, due to the joists changing direction halfway through the room.

Roughed in....

Who else uses it, and what for? I am looking for this to make my life easier.

 

[Speedskater]

I have in the past, but didn't have the latest a greatest version and from time to time it would just refuse to do what I thought was a simple task. Some people are using Sketch-up. For Audio/Video "AVsnap" is interesting.

 

[aline]

I've been looking into SmartDraw.

http://www.smartdraw.com/specials/ppc/visio-compare.htm?id=324949&gclid=CKyV6oygsJkCFShRagodSRnmJQ

I'm currently using the trial version for some industrial control wiring I'm currently working on.

 

[brantmacga]

I also use this product for layouts occasionally, if the customer wants to see a 3-d walkthrough. it doesn't accurately portray how well fixtures may light a room, but its an easy way to make a few bucks and have the customer say "wow".

 

[Mr.Sparkle]

Stream,

I completely appreciate the time & skill you put into things but I have to ask ,

What is your opinion on laying out recessed cans like that?

I only ask because I had a customer that insisted on triangle and plus shaped layouts once and I thought the finished product looked weird.

I myself just got Visio, have not even attempted to use it yet, how is the learning curve?

 

[StreamlineGT]

Stream,

I completely appreciate the time & skill you put into things but I have to ask ,

What is your opinion on laying out recessed cans like that?

I only ask because I had a customer that insisted on triangle and plus shaped layouts once and I thought the finished product looked weird.

I myself just got Visio, have not even attempted to use it yet, how is the learning curve?

The learning curve is pretty easy. Some things are hard to do, but it comes quick. I have patience, so if you don't, forget it.

As for the cans, whatever they want. Laying them out on visio took about an hour, but saved me plenty in labor. The service layout is all me.

 

[mxslick]

I'll be picking up Visio Pro soon, as I will be needing to provide detailed drawings to scale for some upcoming jobs.

Looks to be a very versatile program and does a lot of what AutoCad can do, I understand it will import CAD files to scale as well.

 

[aline]

I'm currently considering Visio or SmartDraw.

Does anyone know anything about the differences between the two besides what is listed on the SmartDraw link below. Of course their website makes it sound like SmartDraw is a better choice.
http://www.smartdraw.com/specials/ppc/visio-compare.htm?id=324951&gclid=CM_PhN3Wt5kCFQ6jagodf0cT5Q

 

[cadpoint]

Looks good, I'd bring the F/A circuit directly into the can... as with the the low voltage disconnects...

 

[jdsmith]

I'm using Visio for fiber optic and ethernet network layout drawings. You can insert hyperlinks in the drawing so when I double click on one of the buildings in the attached drawing, it takes to me to a different page showing the rack layout, interconnection schedule, or list of connected devices and IP addresses.

 

[Karl H]

What are the advantages of VISIO compared to CAD? Price?

 

[Speedskater]

What are the advantages of VISIO compared to CAD? Price?

VISIO is a Windows type user interface program. AUDOCAD has a very different type user interface. So the average bear can quickly get up to speed using VISIO, but AUTOCAD will require some serious training.