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#1 Guest_CT_*

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Posted 27 February 2015 - 10:38 AM

Hi,

I'm a very new user with SP2014 and SP+ and I'm a builder, not a draftsman or architect.  I probably have about 20 hours watching tutorials and fooling around with the manual open while I draw.  I can see that the potential of this program is enormous - so big it's hard to know how to study.  Would care anyone to offer some wisdom about how to learn Softplan in general?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

CT



#2 Chris Stewart

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Posted 27 February 2015 - 10:53 AM

At first learning a program like this is frustrating because there is a certain procedure to things but after another 20 hours you should be reasonably familiar with the way it works. 

I did not take classes or watch videos and just learned by reading the manual trying new things and asking questions here. Just jump in and start doing an actual project.

 

There are also two other resources:

https://softplantuts.com/forum

https://www.facebook...64477849?ref=hl


All comments are my opinion only and may or may not be correct
-Chris

#3 randolph cohn

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Posted 27 February 2015 - 01:19 PM

also on the "start page" of softplan (+) / plus >  is "training video libraries"

check all of them out as you proceed learning a specific area of softplan

or

when your confused in a specific area.

 

the videos are real handy on the start page

and

also at bills website "softplanTuts"

 

those are you two best places to go for videos.


randy

v10 to future 2016+ ;)


#4 Keith Owens

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Posted 28 February 2015 - 06:47 AM

I agree - the best way to get started is to go through the book thouroghly, watch the videos, and diving right into your own project.

 

I actually started using softplan when I was framing - I used it to specifically draw complex roof plans. I would pre-cut an entire roof on the ground before putting any of it together, so I wanted to have it all drawn out with all the rafter lengths to save time calculating in the field, then I eventually got into drawing entire plans for builders. Now I mostly draw 8-16 unit complex apartment buildings, as well as complex houses, additions, etc.

 

I'm in CT as well, so you could always email directly with questions at kobuilders@comcast.net - depending on where you are located, we could always meet up and you can shadow me if you want.

 

Being a builder in CT, you are obviously dealing with the newly adopted 2009 IRC - I also do very comprehensive wall bracing plans, have done them in 10 different towns for various builders, and have had no problem getting plans approved.

 

Keith



#5 Guest_CT_*

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Posted 04 March 2015 - 11:20 AM

Thanks, everyone for your responses.  Noted all!  I'm especially hopeful for this forum.  

 

Keith, thank you, I really appreciate your offer -  the letters CT are my initials.  I'm actually in upstate NY.  (I'm also small potatoes, I think, compared to yourself and others here.  My work is small construction and remodeling.  I do, however, believe strongly in professional development and Softplan is the way forward for my company.)  

 

CT



#6 Matt Orner

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Posted 11 March 2015 - 06:58 PM

When I switched to softplan I started with a simple shed. Then a little rambler in so on. This forum is awesome too. I've gotten a lot of help myself On a few things.



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