Free software for drawing optical diagrams in lab reports

[AdkinsJr]

I wasn't sure which section to post this, I was going to put this in learning materials:
https://www.physicsforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=151

But it says I cannot post there...anyway,


Are there any good programs, preferably free or inexpensive, that are useful for drawing professional looking diagrams for lab reports typed in word? Paint is really the only tool I have at the moment, for circuits I know of a site called circuit lab, but at the moment I am typing up a lab report on an analysis of an optical system and it I am going to need to be able to make diagrams to define all the points, distances, planes etc. with symbols. I have no idea what physicist typically use, so any suggestions would be appreciated...

thanks..

 

[Student100]

Visio, if you're a student you should be able to get a free copy.

 

[AdkinsJr]

I tried to google it, but the website I find: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/v...op-features-diagram-software-FX103796044.aspx

...does not seem to work when I click "buy now," it can't load the page. I didn't see anything about a student copies either, I thought maybe it would be an option when I clicked "by now." Hopefully microsoft will fix their site.

 

[Student100]

You have to have a dreamspark account to download it free, google dreamspark.