What software do you use for deckplans?

[vutpakdi]

I use Canvas for my deckplans. Cheaper than Illustrator, but still too pricey for non professional use unless you pick up one of the older versions that occasionally show up in print/design magazines. Wonderfully suited for doing deckplans though on many levels, not the least of which are the variable scales, automatic display of area and size, and output to PDF, JPEG, PNG (and many other formats.

Something that looks promising is Google Sketchup now that it is free, particularly in combination with some Hirst Arts tiles. Here is someone's first attempt at designs for a modular starship system.

Ron

 

[Scarecrow]

Originally posted by Ron Vutpakdi:
Here is someone's first attempt at designs for a modular starship system.

Ron

WOW! That's fantastic!

Crow

 

[fredofmars]

Originally posted by Ron Vutpakdi:
I use Canvas for my deckplans. <snip> Wonderfully suited for doing deckplans though on many levels, <snip>

Ron

You put out a "starter image" for Canvas deckplans. I'd love to see a full scale "this is how I set up Canvas and do a small deckplan" article from you.

I've got Canvas, but it's a fancy enough program that I haven't pushed myself up the learning curve yet.

 

[RandyT0001]

Originally posted by Joseph Kimball:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Ron Vutpakdi:
I use Canvas for my deckplans. <snip> Wonderfully suited for doing deckplans though on many levels, <snip>

Ron

You put out a "starter image" for Canvas deckplans. I'd love to see a full scale "this is how I set up Canvas and do a small deckplan" article from you.

I've got Canvas, but it's a fancy enough program that I haven't pushed myself up the learning curve yet. </font>[/QUOTE]What would be nice is if there was a step-by-step "How to draw Traveller deckplans with (insert software here)" article, including a few illustrations, for each of the various programs we use. An article for a beginner to use. We can then post it to the f/library here, post it on the individual's personal website or post it on another person's Traveller website for reference. I have done this (sorta) for CC2 which can be found here:
http://www.freelancetraveller.com/features/shipyard/cc2deckplans.html
and here:
http://www.mega-traveller.com/downloads/Drawing-Traveller-Deckplans-with-CC2Pro.pdf
It's not an exact step-by-step article but it does give the CC2 user something to start with.

 

[soloprobe]

I remeber the First time this was discussed

I used a pencil and graph paper then.....and I still do today!

 

[vutpakdi]

Canvas does have quite a few features, but you don't need most of them to just do deckplans, especially if you aren't doing any fancy curves.

Given that my free time is limited and my interests have shifted somewhat away from Traveller (for the most part), I really don't do many deckplans these days other than the odd much appreciated commission. So, while I'd be happy to answer questions, I'm unlikely to do a step by step "How to Draw Deckplans with Canvas" article, particularly since if I were inclined to do one, I'd want to do it properly.

Not completely ruling out the idea, just saying it's unlikely to happen anytime soon.

Ron

 

[aramis]

Fundamentally, the basic tasks may differ in commands, but building a deckplan is building a deckplan.

CC2, for example, is figure out your contents, figure out your hull shape, and place contents. Exactly the same meta-approach as in Appleworks.

In general, though, my mode of operations (sans command details):

decide any features which MUST be accommodated by the hull: Air-Rafts, small craft, etc.

Next, I do plan, elevation and aft views; most of my designs to date have some aft entry.

I then block our my decks using line segments on the side and aft views. If the deck in question has sloped sides, I do max and min bars separately.

I align these segments after moving them, so that I have bounds points. I draw the outline of the deck to the max, set to wide line, light fill, and call it the hull.

If I have a constrained height issue, like sloped sides, I then mark with a hairline the edges of the full height area.

I superimpose a grid which is locked down. In CC2, I use theirs. In AW, I draw it in electric blue, as line segments, clone and align, then group and lock.

Next go the interior rooms
7 halls. I use a polygon tool, medium line, light fill. When done making rooms, I move it behind the grid if needed (AW).

Drives and consoles: I do my own, usually hatched fill, red is PP, Green is MD, Purple is JDrive, Blue is systemry.

Finally, select the hull, change fill to med gray for fuel.

 

[fredofmars]

Aramis, thanks for the breakdown of basic tasks.

Ron, I'll just have to figure out some way to entice you into writing that article sooner then.

 

[PVernon]

And just to make sure it gets mentioned I use CC2/CC3 for mine. For examples take a look at my site.

 

[Pickles]

Originally posted by PVernon:
For examples take a look at my site.

I often do, I often do ...

 

[sid6.7]

all these tools look very neat for rpg'ing
thanks for listing them...esp the free ones..