Autodesk Introduces Productivity Boosts to AutoCAD 2009

By DE Editors

Autodesk, Inc. (San Francisco, CA) announced the AutoCAD 2009 family of software including AutoCAD 2009 — one of the leading applications for conceptual design, drafting, and detailing — at its annual World Press Days event held in mid-February 2008. This release will 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, says Autodesk, and delivers automation tools that do not require programming knowledge, and new 3D navigational tools. Plus, AutoCAD 2009 subscription customers receive Autodesk Impression, enabling customers to create presentation-ready graphics with a hand-drawn look directly from AutoCAD DWF and DWG files.

A new ribbon interface in AutoCAD 2009 lets users view operations that are relevant to the current workspace in a single, compact place. Customizable and extensible, it allows a smooth transition from previous versions of AutoCAD,  and a “classic workspace” option offers a traditional toolbar and menu interface.

The AutoCAD 2009 portfolio of industry-specific solutions, which is certified for the 32- and 64-bit Microsoft Windows Vista OSes, includes several discipline-specific applications built on familiar AutoCAD technology: The AutoCAD Architecture 2009, AutoCAD Civil 3D 2009, AutoCAD Electrical 2009, AutoCAD Map 3D 2009, AutoCAD Mechanical 2009, AutoCAD MEP 2009, AutoCAD P&ID 2009,  and AutoCAD Raster Design 2009.

Certain select features in AutoCAD 2009 software are incorporated in AutoCAD LT 2009. Users of any of the AutoCAD 2009 family of products benefit from free Autodesk Design Review 2009 software, which allows team members to participate in the digital review process — ships with all Autodesk design software and is available as a free download.

Details and purchasing options will be accessible starting March 25, 2008. For additional information, contact Autodesk.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.