Autodesk Introduces Productivity Boosts to AutoCAD Software

Feb. 28, 2008
Autodesk, Inc. has released the AutoCAD 2009 family of software including AutoCAD 2009, one of the leading applications for conceptual design, drafting and detailing

Autodesk, Inc. has released the AutoCAD 2009 family of software including AutoCAD 2009, one of the leading applications for conceptual design, drafting and detailing. The latest release's significant user interface enhancements help AutoCAD customers of all levels work more productively toward competitive design ideas and compelling presentations.

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.

"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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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