Below is a list of applications used within UTSOA. For information about training, visit Software Training and Tutorials
| Function | Name | How Students Use It | Strengths | Weaknesses | Cost Structure | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Design | ArcGIS | Free | Request a license from the Tech Desk, either in-person or via email, then visit this page | |||
| Energy Plus | Simulating energy loads | Free | https://energyplus.net/ | |||
| eQuest | Simulating energy loads | Free | http://www.doe2.com/equest/ | |||
| Google Earth Pro | Exploring site conditions and contexts |
| Free | https://www.google.com/earth/versions/#download-pro | ||
| Microsoft o365 | Free | Log in with your EID credentials | ||||
| Microsoft Windows 10 | $19.99 | https://store.hied.com/item/Microsoft/WAH+Windows+10/1605667 (requires a login in here first) | ||||
| R | Statistical computing | Free | https://www.r-project.org/ | |||
| SPSS | Statistical computing | $92.99/yr | https://store.hied.com/item/IBM+SPSS/IBM+SPSS+Statistics/1693258 or 5x Floating Licenses in the Computer Classrooms | |||
| CAD Modeling | Rhino 3D | Iterative massing models Model complex geometry, like curved surfaces Easily create 2D drawings | Highly Accurate, versatile, includes parametric functionality | Somewhat difficult to learn | Perpetual Ed. License - $95 (per version) | https://www.rhino3d.com/edu or purchase via WIO at Tech Desk |
| Sketchup | Quickly model Share models with student in other disciplines/students without subscriptions to paid software | Easy to Learn, quick Entourage from 3D Warehouse easily enlivens models Files can be accessed online with any computer with free web-only version | Imprecise, slow when files get large | Yearly Ed. Subscription - $55 Free web-only version (limited functionality) | https://www.sketchup.com/plans-and-pricing/sketchup-studio-for-higher-education | |
| AutoCAD | Create 2D drawings Import and export to a variety of other software | Closest to drawing lines on paper, industry standard for 2D | Somewhat difficult to learn | Free with Ed. Account | https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/autocad | |
| Solidworks | Mostly used to model/simulate mechanical components | Difficult to learn | Yearly Ed. License - $20 | https://www.solidworks.com/product/solidworks-education | ||
| Fusion 360 | Mostly used to model for industrial manufacturing processes like CNC or 3D Printing | Easy to create models using variables | Hard to make non-industrial looking products | Free with Ed. Account | https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/students-teachers-educators?mktvar004=668081&internalc=true | |
| 3DS Max | Rendering and animation | Robust material editing ablity Integrates with other Autodesk Applications | Difficult to learn | Free with Ed. Account | https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/3ds-max | |
| BIM | Revit | Model at a greater technical resolution than Rhino, with embedded materials and thicknesses Automatic generation of organized 2D drawings | Industry standard Large library of standard building components Manages collaboration on a single model | Not conducive to loose massing modeling | Free with Ed. Account | https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/revit |
| Rendering | V-Ray | Render light, and sometimes materials, for perspectives and 2d drawings | Good initial results only get better with additional adjustments Ample materials included Available online | Requires a lot of computer power | Yearly Ed. License - $99 | https://www.chaosgroup.com/education/students |
| Enscape | Instant rendering plugin for Rhino, Revit, and SketchUp | Fast, real-time rendering will good initial results | Over saturated at times | Free with Ed. Account | https://enscape3d.com/educational-license/ | |
| Lumion | Vast compatibility with modeling softwares | Requires a lot of computer power | Free with Ed. Account | https://lumion.com/students.html | ||
| Kerkythea | Free, open source | Freeware | http://www.kerkythea.net/ | |||
| Blender | Professional grade, open source 3D modeling for free | Difficult to learn | Open Source | https://www.blender.org/ | ||
| ArchVision RPC | Populate your renderings with entourage | Yearly Ed. License - $99 | https://archvision.com/shop/archvision-rpc-software-edu/ | |||
| Raster Graphic Editing | Adobe Photoshop | Powerful functionality, from quick touch-ups on drawings to adding layers of depth to renders Link to other Adobe programs for seamless editing | Industry standard Lots of education material available | Expensive | Yearly Creative Cloud Subscription - $239.88 | https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html |
| Affinity Photo | Alternative to Adobe Photoshop | Similar to Photoshop Often on sale Perpetual license | Missing some of the "smart" features of Photoshop | Perpetual License - $25 - 50 | https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/photo/ | |
| GIMP | Free, open source | Significantly different than industry standard | Open Source | https://www.gimp.org/ | ||
| Procreate (iPad) | Intuitive, mobile, able to edit .PSD | Apple Specific | App Store - $9.99 | https://apps.apple.com/us/app/procreate/id425073498 | ||
| Vector Graphic Editing | Adobe Illustrator | Assign lineweight to drawings exported from Rhino, Revit, AutoCAD, etc. Link to other Adobe programs for seamless editing | Industry standard Lots of education material available | Expensive | Yearly Creative Cloud Subscription - $239.88 | https://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html |
| Affinity Designer | Alternative to Adobe Illustrator | Similar to Illustrator Often on sale Perpetual license | Perpetual License - $25 - 50 | https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/designer/ | ||
| GIMP | Free, open source | Significantly different than industry standard | Open Source | https://www.gimp.org/ | ||
| Inkscape | Free, open source | Significantly different than industry standard | Open Source | https://inkscape.org/ | ||
| Document Layout Editing | Adobe InDesign | Combine drawings into boards for reviews Portfolio design Link to other Adobe programs for seamless editing | Industry standard Lots of education material available | Expensive | Yearly Creative Cloud Subscription - $239.88 | https://www.adobe.com/products/indesign.html |
| Affinity Publisher | Alternative to Adobe InDesign | Similar to InDesign Often on sale Perpetual license | Perpetual License - $25 - 50 | https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/publisher/ | ||
| Microsoft Publisher | Included with Microsoft 360, simple | Somewhat clunky interface | Free through UT M360 Access |
Updated August 2020.
