Anyone have CAD software advice?

[Tothiro]

I'm wondering if there's a shareware or similar lower level or defeatured, trial, etc option for a CAD program out there?

I've got Autodesk 123D, but not sure if the file structures are compatible with Solidworks (the software that has to be used on the final end).
I've got a hook-up with a 3D printer for a cool project, but my last hardcore CAD experience was a decade ago... so any help appreciated.

[ddgaff1132]

What is the output file format for CAD? .dxf or .obj ? 3D objects can be created in scale using several cheap/free programs and imported into CAD as long as the file format is accepted. The best is a program called POV. Its free and the modelling feature can output objects in .DXF or other.

[Tothiro]

I believe it's a proprietary structure for finished SolidWorks files (*.sldprt, *.sldasm, *.slddrw), but importable formats include the typical *.prt and so forth. The ultimate output format would be *.stl for sending to a 3D printer.