AutoCAD 2011 Cosmetic changes

The grid has been reworked. Instead of dots, it looks like graph paper. It’s on by default in acad.dwt, which is meant to show it off, but is kind of annoying if you don’t use the grid that much. Of course, you can open acad.dwt,  turn off the grid by clicking the Grid button on the status bar, and save. This won’t affect existing templates, because the grid setting is saved in the drawing.

AutoCAD 2011 grid

The default color of the background has changed yet again. Third time in three years. This is a touchy subject with many users! This time it’s dark gray. I stick to white because it makes for better images.
The UCS icon looks a little different. No arrows. Maybe they think it looks more modern.

AutoCAD 2011 UCS icon

The Help system is Web-based. You’ll be opening HTML files. As long as you’re connected to the Internet, they’ll be from Autodesk’s Web site. The new system takes a little getting used to.
There are 5 new predefined visual styles: shades of gray, sketchy, x-ray, shaded  with edges, shaded. These just mean that you can usually find a look you like without creating a custom visual style. The x-ray visual style is especially nice for working in 3D; it gives you a sense of the solidarity of objects (unlike wireframe), yet you can see the back sides and edges of objects.

eDrawings for SketchUp

eDrawings for Google SketchUp provides an innovative way to share your designs. You can publish your SketchUp models to eDrawings files that can be packed into a self-executable (.exe). The self-executable file contains the viewer as well as the design data.This ensures that the recipients of such a files do not need to purchase or install any viewer to see the model.
Review enabled eDrawings files allow an unlimited number of recipients to easily query product designs and provide feedback. With eDrawings, the end recipients don’t need to buy any additional software for design review, markup, measurement and dynamic cross sectioning.
eDrawings also provides you with greater control over your design information by disabling measurement and STL export as well as password protection.
Save eDrawings files as self extracting executables and zip files that contain the viewer as well as design data. With eDrawings executables, the end recipient does not need to download or install any additional software. Exporting to various image formats and STL is also available. eDrawings files can also be saved as HTML files for sharing on your websites and intranets.

Google SketchUp 5, SketchUp 6 & SketchUp 7 support (for both Free & Professional versions) View, publish and share exact read-only representations of SketchUp models for design review and collaboration.   Ultra Compact Files Export your models to eDrawings to generate ultra compact (upto 95% compression) representations for sharing over email.   Add Markup Comments for Design Review and Collaboration Add markup elements, such as geometric elements, clouds, text and dimensions to your comments using the markup tool.   Measurement Measure geometry. Use in-built filters for easy selection of vertices, edges, faces and holes. This option can be disabled while publishing to eDrawings.   Dynamic Cross-Section View cross sections of models by creating a variety of cross section planes.   Password Protection & Data Security Password protect your eDrawings. Disable measurement and STL export of eDrawings files to protect sensitive data.   Save as EXE/ZIP with Built-in Viewer eDrawings offers a complete, self-contained communication tool since no other viewing software is needed. eDrawings files can be saved as self extracting executables and zip files that contain the viewer as well as design data for sharing & collaboration.   Save as STL, HTML, BMP/JPEG/TIFF format eDrawings can be exported by the eDrawings Viewer as HTML/STL/BMP/JPG/TIFF files.   Move, Show and Hide Components Move, Show & Hide components to understand assembly structure more quickly   Insert Stamps Insert your company logos and images as stamps in the eDrawings file.   eDrawings publishers are also available for Pro/ENGINEER, CATIA V5, Unigraphics/NX, Autodesk Inventor, Solid Edge, CoCreate, KOMPAS & for STEP/IGES/STL formats. Free download

Easy Zooming with Mouse Wheel

Recently, I was looking over the shoulder of one of my fellow "CADets" and saw her zooming using the window method in AutoCAD. I hadn't done that in quite some time and thought that maybe I needed to review.
Then, I remembered why I switched. Since the advent of the wheel-mouse, AutoCAD's window function has become very limited in use. Today, I just use the wheel. Here are a few tips about using AutoCAD's Zoom command via the wheel-mouse.
When you use the wheel on your mouse to zoom in AutoCAD, the focus of the zoom is where the cursor lies. Notice how the drawing shrinks and grows in conjunction with the wheel around the cursor arrow point. Combining this with the pan feature (holding down the wheel), you can conveniently navigate around the drawing as you desire.
As you turn the wheel, notice the feel of the notches as you zoom in and out. Observe this: Open any drawing. Place the cursor at the center of the screen. Roll the wheel backward one notch and then forward one notch. Notice that the view is now slightly smaller than it was before. Repeat this procedure and the view gets smaller and smaller.
Another feature I use quite frequently is the ZOOMFACTOR system variable. A small LISP routine (included as ZT.LSP below) toggles the variable from a factor of 65 (my default) to 5 (for fine-tuning). To understand the ZOOMFACTOR settings, just type Zoomfactor, enter different values from 3 to 100 and observe how it performs. (For convenience, I've set the right-click, Shift +Ctrl key combination on my menu file to execute this routine.) It's all a matter of what works best for the operator.

(defun c:zt (/ qt); Toggle Zoom Factor 5 - 65
  (setq qt (getvar "zoomfactor"))
   (if (/= qt 65)
     (progn  
      (setvar "zoomfactor" 65)
      (princ "\nZoom Factor = 65")
     )
   )
   (if (= qt 65) 
     (progn  
      (setvar "zoomfactor" 5)
      (princ "\nZoom Factor = 5")
     )
   )
  (princ)
)

Lastly, panning with the wheel provides different outcomes when used with the Shift key (orthogonal mode) or the Ctrl key (dynamic pan mode). In Windows XP, notice that panning doesn't stop when the cursor reaches the edge of the screen -- it continues past it. The Shift key must be held down constantly to maintain orthogonal mode, but the Control key can be released to maintain dynamic pan mode. I've also included a LISP routine (ZR.LSP) that performs a Zoom Extents, then backs off 5%. There's no reason for this -- it's just that some of us feel more comfortable with a little border space around the view. Both routines can be renamed so they don't conflict with your present naming conventions.

 (defun c:zr (); Zoom Room
  (command "zoom" "extents"
           "zoom" ".95x"
  )
  (princ)
)

Autocad Side Button Mouse Customization for the OSNAP Menu

If you have a mouse with side buttons and would like to make one of these side buttons pop-up your OSNAP menu (instead of having to hold down the SHIFT key and right-click) try this:
First go to the Windows Control Panel, double-click the mouse settings icon. If you have the correct mouse driver installed, you should be able to assign functions to every button on your mouse. Assign the button that you would like to use for OSNAPS as F12 ( since this funciton key is not used for anything else ).
Open AutoCAD and go to the Tools pulldown menu, choose Customize, then Toolbars. On the Commands tab, click User-defined.
On the top right, drag and drop a User-Defined Button out of the dialog box. This just made a new button and toolbar.
Right-click on the new button and choose Properties.
Name the button something, like OSNAPS. Look for ^C^C in the Macro text field, and type
$p0=SNAP $p0=*
or cut and paste that from the Acad.mns file.
The string should look like the following:
^$p0=SNAP $p0=*
Select the Close button. Next, go to the Tools pulldown menu, choose Customize > Keyboard. Under Categories look for Toolbar1 Toolbar. If you have the right toolbar it should say OSNAPS under Commands. To the right under Press new shortcut key: pick the F12 button. Click the Assign button, Close, and try it.
The method above will also allow you to assign a Diesel macro function to your mouse buttons.

NVIDIA Quadro and AutoCAD 2011

AutoCAD 2011 adds powerful new 3D features and visual styles to help explore your ideas. To take full advantage of AutoCAD 2011, experience superior image quality, and realize true interactive performance, you need a NVIDIA Quadro professional graphics solution. Quadro lets designers dial up the complexity of their designs, visualize them in software and work out any issues before moving to production, thereby increasing productivity and eliminating waste.

Each year, NVIDIA and Autodesk together spend over 2,000 engineering hours to test, certify, and optimize the latest Quadro and AutoCAD solutions. This collaborative development process reduces the likelihood of issues that could interrupt your workflow causing down time.

NVIDIA Quadro is the right choice for professionals, enabling designers and engineers to deliver AutoCAD 2011 projects on time and within budget. So don’t settle for less! Get Quadro, the Autodesk-certified and recommended choice for AutoCAD. Autodesk created AutoCAD 2011 to take designs further. Proven Quadro solutions will get you there faster!

To get the latest AutoCAD Performance drivers for Quadro, click here.

For more information on Autodesk system requirements, click here.

Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011

Autocad® Revit® Architecture 2011 (Publisher Autodesk ® ) is a 2D 3D architecture software sold by Eurostudio . Services Available : new version, update , support , purchasing , training, library ... AutoCAD 2011 is already available, Revit Architecture 2011 is available since last May 10, 2010 .

New in Version Autocad Revit Architecture 2011 

• Improvements user interface (toolbar rapid improvement ribbon , the selector , ... )
• Process Large Team : models related ( default visibility subprojects ,...)
• Graphics - realistic ( DX9 hardware acceleration enabled by default , adaptive levels of detail with respect to zoom , ambient occlusion, improvements in display performance over 30% of drawings mechanical and electrical up to 200 %
• Material (Exporting FBX files into Max with appearances Protein 2 and Import of DWG and ADSK ), definition the size of a texture and its positioning,
• Interoperability with Inventor and 3ds Max
  
• Improvement performance (graphics , multicore operations , synchronization with the central file , open the template , time reaction of the user interface, related models )
• Export DWG ( visual fidelity when exporting, true color, export option for the treatment of text )
• Improvements Editor families , settings, ratings temporary, 3D alignment
• Area developed high- precision geometric
• Improvements selection, text notes , leaves , soil
• Analysis ( sun's path , an interactive tool to visualize the effects of shadows and natural lighting on buildings and sites )
• Environment Design / Tool Enhancements creation and modification Pattern conceptual
• Improvement rationalization surface
• Subscription Advantage Package
• Extensions Revit : Converter shared settings , checking model , Autodesk Revit DB Link modules road and field , improvements wall frames
• Aid Users ( documentation), short tutorials in video format, improved tooltips additional new videos on tools , first use improved . Label elevation personalized List of sheets in a project not in the list of designs, images background within minutes , repeat the last command , grid positioning sheet, the interface of Google mapping service Maps ™ ( in the Location dialog box ) allows you to view the project sites .

 

Autocad returns on Mac

  Autocad found Apple. The 2011 version of this design tool , widely used among others by architects , will be officially launched next October . It will be available either on Windows and Mac OS, and at the same price (ie $ 3,995 ) .

Autodesk eye on the Apple community at least since one year. In July 2009, he extended his support to Mac usersOr, more specifically to users of Windows on the Mac (via Apple's Boot Camp) : AutoCAD 2010, 3ds Max 2010 , Autodesk Revit and Autodesk Inventor 2010 , among others, were officially compatible with the platform "hybrid . "

2009, the publisher suggested a more elegant solution : Autodesk software on Mac via Parallels Desktop. In fact , Autodesk was working on a Mac OS native for several months. Some captures screens and a video of a beta version appeared and on the Web in June. With feedback sometimes critical on the performance of Sledgehammer , the codename of the project, however, a 64-bit application based on Cocoa. For cons , the software seemed already to manage the Magic Mouse Apple and interfaces multi-touch .

The American publisher has hopefully resolved the performance problems for the Mac version announced for this fall.

This launch is an event for the Apple community : you have to search on Wikipedia to find traces of a launch Autocad on Mac ... in June, Autodesk seems to go further since versions iPad and iPhone are planned . They will , however, that the consultation documents Autocad and should not allow editing.

Autodesk, which also offers 3ds Max, the tool star of the 3D on Apple machines , will go he further in its strategy? will propose there also the Revit platform for architects , or Inventor 's 3D CAD tool ?

AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a CAD (Computer Aided Design or Computer Aided Drafting) software application for 2D and 3D design and drafting. It was developed and sold by Autodesk, Inc. First released in December 1982, AutoCAD was one of the first CAD programs to run on personal computers, notably the IBM PC. At that time, most other CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or mini-computers which were connected to a graphics computer terminal for each user.
Early releases of AutoCAD used primitive entities — lines, polylines, circles, arcs, and text — to construct more complex objects. Since the mid-1990s, AutoCAD has supported custom objects through its C++ Application Programming Interface (API). Modern AutoCAD includes a full set of basic solid modeling and 3D tools. With the release of AutoCAD 2007 came improved 3D modeling, which meant better navigation when working in 3D. Moreover, it became easier to edit 3D models. The mental ray engine was included in rendering, it was now possible to do quality renderings. AutoCAD 2010 introduced parametric functionality and mesh modeling.
AutoCAD supports a number of APIs for customization and automation. These include AutoLISP, Visual LISP, VBA, .NET and ObjectARX. ObjectARX is a C++ class library, which was also the base for products extending AutoCAD functionality to specific fields, to create products such as AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Civil 3D, or third-party AutoCAD-based applications.
AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are available for English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Russian, Czech, Polish, Hungarian, Brazilian Portuguese, Danish, Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Vietnamese. The extent of localization varies from full translation of the product to documentation only. The AutoCAD command set is localized as a part of the software localization.