Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
I find even the recommended system requirements on the minimal side. For
example, my desktop computer runs at a screen resolutions of 1600 x 1200 and
1280 x 1024 (yes, I run dual monitors), and my tablet computer runs at 1400 x
1050. The igures in this topic were shot at a resolution of 1024 x 768, and as you
can see, things can get pretty crowded at that resolution.
Suddenly, It's 2012!
There's been a new release of AutoCAD every spring since AutoCAD 2004 was launched
in 2003. That's not much time for even an army of programmers to deliver a compelling
new feature set that's going to convince all users that they just have to upgrade. What
seems to have been happening is a concentration on particular areas in recent releases.
For example, AutoCAD 2007 was a 3D release; the 3D modeling engine was made much
easier to use, but there was relatively little to please the 2D crowd. By contrast,
AutoCAD 2008 was deemed to be “the drafter's release” because of the number of en-
hancements to 2D drawing capabilities — above all, the introduction of annotative docu-
mentation objects. In AutoCAD 2009, the new interface got the lion's share of develop-
ment (suddenly, it's Office 2007!); major new features were limited to some 3D navigation
tools, the very useful Quick Properties tool, and a palettized Layer Properties Manager.
AutoCAD 2010 offered significant enhancements to both 2D and 3D users, in parametric
drafting tools, and free-form mesh modeling, and AutoCAD 2011 introduced some work-
flow changes and a welcome new object property,
transparency.
AutoCAD 2012 once again has presents for both the 2D and the 3D crowds, in
the new “in-canvas” viewport controls (not in AutoCAD LT), a selectable user co-
ordinate system icon, a powerful Content Explorer feature, and the Inventor Fu-
sion plug-in that helps you generate 2D drawing views from existing 3D models.
(
Note:
Inventor Fusion is not included in AutoCAD LT, and I don't have room to
cover it in this topic). Here's a short list of some of AutoCAD 2012's new features,
along with where you can go to find out more:
Content Explorer:
If you're running in Windows Vista or Windows 7, you're familiar
with the new and fast Search feature. Content Explorer is like Windows Search for
drawings. You tag folders to be watched in the Content Explorer palette. Then,
after they've been indexed (a background operation that can take some time to
