NewsBreak

Autodesk Unveils AutoCAD 2009

Includes task-based user interface, claims productivity boosts, drafting efficiency

AutoCAD 2009 uses a new ribbon interface but a "classic workspace" lets user have the traditional toolbar and menu interface.  (click for larger picture)
 

AutoCAD 2009 includes the first task-based user interface in a computer-aided design (CAD) application, allowing new and veteran AutoCAD customers to experience greater efficiency. The new version also delivers automation tools that do not require programming knowledge, and new 3D navigational tools. In addition, AutoCAD 2009 subscription customers will receive Autodesk Impression illustration software for the creation of presentation-ready graphics.

Macro recorder automates repetitive tasks. (click for larger picture)

"The AutoCAD 2009 portfolio is designed to improve the productivity of veteran users and allow new users to become productive more quickly," said Amar Hanspal, senior vice president, Platform Solutions and Emerging Businesses. "Autodesk has a long history of helping our customers make a difference in people's lives with better design in the buildings where we live, work and play, the roads we travel and the products we use. The innovations in AutoCAD 2009 extend to a product portfolio unmatched for breadth, depth and best-in-class solutions that help our customers improve and bring to life their design ideas."

Software Integrates Drawing and Visualization, Speeds Tasks

Updates to the AutoCAD 2009 software portfolio support individual users' needs and preferences, making routine CAD tasks faster and less-common commands easier to find. A new ribbon interface (see above) in AutoCAD 2009 software affords the ability to view operations that are relevant to the current workspace in a single, compact place. Highly customizable and extensible, the new interface allows a smooth transition from previous versions of AutoCAD software, and a "classic workspace" option offers a traditional toolbar and menu interface. Other helpful tools include enhanced tooltips, which provide more information about commands, links to help documentation and Show Me animations to improve learning inside the application. The Menu Browser, Quick Properties and Quick View display relevant information quickly and visually.

The ViewCube allows navigation of 3D models

In addition to user interface enhancements, new productivity features include the Action Recorder, which further streamlines drafting tasks by allowing the user to automate them without any software programming. A mode-less layer manager lets users view changes to layer settings without exiting the Layer Manager. AutoCAD 2009 users also will find extensive 3D navigation improvements with new ViewCube and SteeringWheels tools. AutoCAD 2009 software is certified for the 32-bit and 64-bit Microsoft Windows Vista operating systems, helping assure that the product meets Microsoft Windows Vista standards for compatibility, reliability and security.

SteeringWheels allow for panning, zooming and walkthroughs (click for larger picture)

Autodesk Impression software also is included with AutoCAD 2009 subscription purchases, enabling customers to quickly and easily create presentation-ready graphics with a hand-drawn look directly from AutoCAD DWF and DWG files. With the addition of Impression functionality to the AutoCAD feature set, AutoCAD subscription customers can create compelling artistic images that they can share with clients and members of their extended design teams.

The AutoCAD 2009 Portfolio of Industry-specific Solutions

The AutoCAD software portfolio includes discipline-specific applications built on AutoCAD technology. (See related press releases: "Autodesk Unveils 2009 Versions of MCAD Products" and "Autodesk Unveils 2009 Versions of AEC, Civil Products."

• AutoCAD Architecture 2009 features intuitive architectural drawing and design tools within a familiar AutoCAD workflow, offering users the flexibility to learn new tools at their own pace and increase their productivity
• AutoCAD Civil 3D 2009 software offers better surveying, design, analysis and construction documentation for civil engineering, within a familiar workflow for experienced AutoCAD users.
• AutoCAD Electrical 2009 is purpose-built to design electrical controls systems quickly and accurately with automated tasks, comprehensive symbol libraries, and an electrical-specific workflow designed to dramatically increase the productivity of controls engineers.
• AutoCAD Map 3D 2009 bridges CAD and geospatial information systems (GIS) information by providing direct access to data and enables the use of AutoCAD 2009 software tools for maintaining a broad range of design and geospatial information.
• AutoCAD Mechanical 2009 is designed to accelerate the mechanical design process with standards-based symbol libraries, engineering calculators and a mechanical-specific workflow created to significantly improve productivity for AutoCAD users in manufacturing.
• AutoCAD MEP 2009, the AutoCAD software for mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) businesses, features intuitive system drawing and design tools and built-in design calculators for more efficient and accurate designs.
• AutoCAD P&ID 2009 lets users create, modify and manage piping and instrumentation diagrams; user interface enhancements help automate even more common tasks and streamline access to information so that projects start easier, run better and finish sooner.
• AutoCAD Raster Design 2009 used with AutoCAD 2009 software applications provides raster-to-vector conversion, raster editing and raster data preparation capabilities that extend the value of scanned drawings, maps, satellite imagery and more.Select, innovative features in AutoCAD 2009 software are incorporated in AutoCAD LT 2009, the world's best-selling 2D drafting application. AutoCAD LT 2009 software features make drafting tasks more productive and include user interface

enhancements, improved dynamic blocks, streamlined annotation features and better data exchange and publishing capabilities.

Users of any of the AutoCAD 2009 family of products will also benefit from the availability of free Autodesk Design Review 2009 software, which allows team members to participate in the digital review process with tools to view, mark up and revise designs electronically.

Availability

Product availability will vary by country. Details and purchasing options will be accessible starting March 25, 2008, at http://www.autodesk.com/purchaseoptions. Autodesk Design Review 2009 software ships with all Autodesk design software and is available as a free* download at http://www.autodesk.com/designreview-download. 

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit http://www.autodesk.com/. 

* Free products subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that accompanies download of the software.

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