What software is used to make manuals etc?

Edvin M · 25th January 2008, 07:55

Hi!
Got on upcoming schoolproject where I need to make some nice drawings, I have tried to make them in both Solidworks(CAD program) and photoshop but doesnt get that little extra out of it.

I really like the look from the Armadillomanual and various manual, what program is used to make such manuals?

/Edvin

Phil · 25th January 2008, 09:21

Have a look at Adobe InDesign CS3

divetheworld · 25th January 2008, 10:53

Quote: (Originally Posted by Edvin M)

Hi!
Got on upcoming schoolproject where I need to make some nice drawings, I have tried to make them in both Solidworks(CAD program) and photoshop but doesnt get that little extra out of it.

/Edvin

Solidworks can render some nice drawings using the Photoworks tools in the program. Scenes and surface properties can be custom set to give some nice effects.

cadblaster3 · 25th January 2008, 11:22

Solidworks & Adobe, is what I use for most technical manuals.

Ed

lizardland · 25th January 2008, 12:57

I use Sketchup for a lot of illustrative work for presenting to clients because it is a lot rougher and doesn't overwhelm them. It's good for non-technical people because it gives a pretty picture which is still a good representation but isn't too in-depth. But you can do some good work with it, I did the full site design for a recycling plant on it, it's a good tool when you get used to it.

Depends on what you're illustrating and how accurate/representative you need it to be. Detail isn't always necessary, think about what you're illustrating and who is going to be looking at it.

Cheers,

Stuart

Edvin M · 25th January 2008, 13:29

Quote: (Originally Posted by divetheworld)

Solidworks can render some nice drawings using the Photoworks tools in the program. Scenes and surface properties can be custom set to give some nice effects.

That looks really good. Think I have missed that function. I am completely selfthought so there is quite alot I have missed in the program.

I will check out the other two programs too. My class mates is'nt very technical-minded so it will be very simple drawings this time.

**Freef** · 25th January 2008, 16:43

Back in the good old days we did it by hand...often on the back on an envelope.

I was at a site a couple of years ago and a bloke got his laptop out to draw me a map that was four roads and a roundabout...then didn't have a printer to print it out!

Professional CAD packages will render in 3D, but sometimes the manuals can take a lot of deciphering.

schnappi · 25th January 2008, 17:07

i use gimp and adobe stuff for the graphical parts and latex for the typesetting stuff. latex because it produces beautiful documents and there is huge set of document classes and macros available and all open source...

cheers
--bruno

25th January 2008, 07:55	#1 (permalink)
Edvin M New Member Current Rebreather/s: Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Home Build Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lysekil, Sweden Posts: 97	What software is used to make manuals etc? Hi! Got on upcoming schoolproject where I need to make some nice drawings, I have tried to make them in both Solidworks(CAD program) and photoshop but doesnt get that little extra out of it. I really like the look from the Armadillomanual and various manual, what program is used to make such manuals? /Edvin
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25th January 2008, 09:21	#2 (permalink)
Phil Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Ouroboros rEvo Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Evolution Megalodon rEvo Other CCR Join Date: May 2005 Location: Geneva-Switzerland Posts: 172	Re: What software is used to make manuals etc? Have a look at Adobe InDesign CS3 __________________ Phil __________________ CCR/OC Instructor CCR Training to Mixed Gas in Switzerland, France, UK & Germany on Megalodon/KISS/Ouroboros/rEvo/Inspiration/Evolution/Sentinel www.zerogravitydiving.com
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25th January 2008, 11:22	#4 (permalink)
cadblaster3 New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NC Posts: 26	Re: What software is used to make manuals etc? Solidworks & Adobe, is what I use for most technical manuals. Ed
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25th January 2008, 12:57	#5 (permalink)
lizardland Yak Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Home Build Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: North... Posts: 1,302	Re: What software is used to make manuals etc? I use Sketchup for a lot of illustrative work for presenting to clients because it is a lot rougher and doesn't overwhelm them. It's good for non-technical people because it gives a pretty picture which is still a good representation but isn't too in-depth. But you can do some good work with it, I did the full site design for a recycling plant on it, it's a good tool when you get used to it. Depends on what you're illustrating and how accurate/representative you need it to be. Detail isn't always necessary, think about what you're illustrating and who is going to be looking at it. Cheers, Stuart __________________ Can you imagine drifting along in the sea with your mouth open and a load of f***ing plankton going in? You'd like it, would you? www.westons-cider.co.uk Azerbaijani Association of Technical Divers Publicity Officer and Goat Wrangler
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25th January 2008, 13:29	#6 (permalink)
Edvin M New Member Current Rebreather/s: Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Home Build Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Lysekil, Sweden Posts: 97	Re: What software is used to make manuals etc? Quote: (Originally Posted by divetheworld) Solidworks can render some nice drawings using the Photoworks tools in the program. Scenes and surface properties can be custom set to give some nice effects. That looks really good. Think I have missed that function. I am completely selfthought so there is quite alot I have missed in the program. I will check out the other two programs too. My class mates is'nt very technical-minded so it will be very simple drawings this time.
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25th January 2008, 16:43	#7 (permalink)
Freef Custom Title Disallowed! Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Land of the Freef, UK. Posts: 1,356	Re: What software is used to make manuals etc? Back in the good old days we did it by hand...often on the back on an envelope. I was at a site a couple of years ago and a bloke got his laptop out to draw me a map that was four roads and a roundabout...then didn't have a printer to print it out! Professional CAD packages will render in 3D, but sometimes the manuals can take a lot of deciphering. __________________ David. Currently owner of two differently sized ankles.
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25th January 2008, 17:07	#8 (permalink)
schnappi New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Zurich, Switzerland Posts: 33	Re: What software is used to make manuals etc? i use gimp and adobe stuff for the graphical parts and latex for the typesetting stuff. latex because it produces beautiful documents and there is huge set of document classes and macros available and all open source... cheers --bruno
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