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I need to sketch a rough diagram of something I want made, proper technical drawings aren't required but dimensions, labels etc are.
Is there some nice freeware software that lets you do this well, before I bust out the pencil and paper?
Draftsight is pretty good. Probably more than you need.
It's also available for Linux! Bonus
I've used Inkscape to do wiring diagrams etc in the past, works surprisingly well.
Also available for Linux..
Inkscape is OK
But I tend to use Sketchup and just put it to top view and parallel projection for 2D drawing - much quicker to work in than Inkscape - depends a little on what exactly you're trying to draw though.
Sketchup lends itself more readily to displaying scale and dimensions
I use gliffy online which allows me to do most technical bits I need.