2009 Cometh...

Like every year around this time we all start to eagerly await the coming of spring, out with the snow, the return of sunshine, and the rebirth of all things nature. We also await the new versions of Autodesk software, usually released around the end of March / early April. Well this year is no different than past years; make way for version 2009, for it cometh….

Expected late March is the release of AutoCAD 2009, Autodesk’s “platform” technology. What’s new you ask? Well, here is a quick list of new and enhanced items for your reference:

Menu Browser, Ribbon, User Assistance, Quick View, Quick Properties, ViewCube, SteeringWheels, ShowMotion, Action Recorder, Modeless Layer Manager, Export Layout to Model Space, Geographic Location, Dynamic Xclip, eTransmit, Materials, MTEXT, Find and Replace, Blocks, Array, Nonrectangular Viewports, Plotting, Purge, DWFx Support, DGN Support, and Window’s 32 and 64 bit Operating System Certifications.

Here are some brief descriptions on some of these:

Menu Browser
No longer is reviewing and working with several files a tedious and time-consuming process. The new menu browser interface enables you to browse files and examine thumbnail images, and provides detailed information about file size and file creator. Plus, you can organize recently used files by name, date, or title.

Ribbon
The ribbon interface helps you increase overall drafting productivity by decreasing the number of steps required to reach a command. The ribbon interface presents command options in a concise visual format so you can quickly select commands based on the work you are doing. Moving between applications is now quick and intuitive. The ribbon
is both customizable and expandable so that you can optimize it to fit your workstyle and company standards.

User Assistance
· Get additional information about items from Level 2 Enhanced tooltips
· Customize dynamic help to quickly access and link help documentation for commands
· Access Show Me animations in the help file
· Access clear and concise information for the task at hand with enhanced task dialog boxes• Search the Autodesk knowledge base and forums with the InfoCenter search bar
· Press F1 to go directly into context-sensitive help for any item

Quick Properties
The easily customizable quick properties menu increases productivity by reducing the steps to access properties information, helping to ensure that information presented is optimized for that particular user and project.

Quick View
The quick view feature uses thumbnails instead of file names, making opening the correct drawing file and layout faster and decreasing time spent opening incorrect drawing files.

ViewCube and SteeringWheels Features
The ViewCube™ feature is an interactive tool for rotating and orienting any solid or surface model in AutoCAD® software. Just select a face, edge, or corner of the cube to bring the model quickly to that predefined orientation. Click and hold the ViewCube to rotate the model in any direction. Since the ViewCube is in a fixed location on the screen, it provides at-a-glance orientation. The ViewCube will be introduced in Autodesk products as a common tool for working with 3D models.In addition to allowing quick access to the Orbit command, the new SteeringWheels™ tool provides quick access to the Pan, Center, and Zoom commands. The SteeringWheels tool is highly customizable so you can add walk-through commands to help create and record a walk-through of your model.

ShowMotion
· Improve the design process with superior review capability
· Use Authoring mode to create animations and transitions
· Use Presentation mode to play back shots and sequences
· Create motion and transitions like those seen in television commercials by using captured camera positions to which cinematic movements may be added

Action Recorder
The new action recorder helps you save time and increase productivity by automating repetitive tasks without requiring the skill or assistance of a CAD manager. Quickly record a task, add text messages and requests for input, and then quickly select and play back recorded files.
Modeless Layer Manager
· View changes made to layer settings without exiting the Layer Manager
· Freeze columns to aid scrolling in the layer list
· Set Layer Manager to dock, autohide, and anchor just like tool palettes
· Instantly access Layer Manager during a drawing session

Export Layout to Model Space
· Export all visible objects from the current layout to the model space of a new drawing
· Exchange drawings with other CAD systems without limiting the use of layouts
· Take a snapshot of a drawing layout to create a ready-to-use model space drawing

Geographic Location
· Create a single marker that defines the geographic location of the entire drawing
· Create a geographic marker—a visual representation of location information—automatically when location information is embedded in a drawing

Dynamic Xclip
Dynamically adjust xclip boundary frames without having to re-create the xclip boundary

eTransmit
· Purge drawings before packing
· Choose not to save a drawing before packing

Materials
· Fit gizmo to object
· Fit mapping to gizmo for material map scale

MTEXT
· Press Esc during MTEXT to save MTEXT input
· Display MTEXT table toolbar as fixed, floating, or in the ribbon
· In-place spell checking in MTEXT editor

Find and Replace
· Find and replace text in blocks
· Replace text in xrefs
· Use wild cards

Blocks
Select a block or dynamic block and then type W to invoke the wblock command, which lists the selected block’s name in the source text box

Array
Zoom and pan while previewing an array result

Nonrectangular Viewports
Find properties, input scale, and lock or unlock settings from the Properties palette

Plotting
Know immediately if a plotter device is missing, since “Missing” is now added as a prefix in the plotter device name instead of as a suffix, avoiding the possibility of truncation

Purge
Implement the shortcut key for Close in the Purge command

DWFx Support
· The future of DWF™ technology is based on the XxML Paper Specification (XxPS) format from Microsoft.
· Create DWFx files by publishing or plotting your drawing files
· Use DWFx as an underlay

DGN Support
· Access DGN V7 and V8 support
· Access DGN and DWG translation mapping support for levels, lineweight, linetype, and color
· Use a DGN file as an underlay
· Import and export to DGN file format

Windows Logo Certification
· Certified for Windows® XxP 32- and 64-bit
· Certified for Windows Vista® 32- and 64-bit
· Access native 64-bit OS support

Stay tuned for similar updates on AutoCAD Architecture 2009, AutoCAD MEP 2009, Revit Architecture 2009, Revit Structure 2009, and Revit MEP 2009.