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Design, Visualize, Document, Share
Realize your ideas with efficiency and clarity,
from conceptual design through drafting and detailing. Whether
you’re creating solids and surfaces, studying the effects of
lighting on your design, exploring design alternatives with
walk-through animations, or producing an entire sheet set,
AutoCAD® 2007 software has the tools to make it happen quickly and
accurately.
Autodesk provides a complete set of tools to help
designers clearly convey their design vision to clients and then
quickly and accurately document those visions so that projects are
completed on time and within budget. AutoCAD® 2005 built on the
dramatic productivity gains of AutoCAD® 2004 software by adding
tools that help designers efficiently manage sets of drawings.
AutoCAD® 2006 enabled designers to work even faster and smarter on
a wide range of day-to-day tasks with powerful new drafting
features such as Dynamic Blocks and Dynamic Input.
Now, AutoCAD 2007 focuses on improving designers’
ability to create, navigate, and edit a conceptual design, clearly
present the design to a non-technical audience, and then easily
document the design using all the powerful AutoCAD drafting tools.
AutoCAD 2007 provides a huge productivity boost to users who
currently do conceptual design in AutoCAD and to users who would
like to do so. The common set of underlying technology “engines”
and enhanced interface tools mean interoperability and
cross-training between AutoCAD and Autodesk® products such as
Autodesk® Revit® Building and Autodesk Inventor® software
applications has never been better.
From turning thoughts into designs to creating
compelling, rich graphical presentations that market your work to
documenting that work as an entire set of drawings—AutoCAD helps
you realize your ideas.
This Features and Benefits guide outlines the key
features of AutoCAD 2007 by presenting the problems designers
might currently encounter when creating and presenting conceptual
designs, and by outlining the solutions provided in AutoCAD 2007.
This guide also details the bottom-line benefits to designers and
organizations.
Design
AutoCAD software provides powerful tools for the
creation, management, and sharing of design documentation.
Companies around the world use these documents and drawings to
create buildings, landscapes, sheet metal parts, and much more.
There is a key step that precedes the creation of drawings,
however. That step is conceptual design. During this phase,
designers lay out their vision for how to meet the customer’s
requests and solve their problems. It is during this stage that
the customer is sold on the abilities of the person or firm that
they are discussing doing business with. Large and small firms
alike go through this stage, often repeating the process many
times during the different phases of a project, from bid to
contract signing to project completion.
Currently, small firms commonly use simple tools
such as hand sketches or foamcore models to convey their ideas.
Larger firms may have a single specialist or a whole department
that works only on the presale design process using complex and
expensive dedicated software tools. Many firms use AutoCAD
software to complete the conceptual design process, but the tools
to produce these hand sketches or models in older versions can be
difficult to learn and use. Using AutoCAD for the conceptual
design process is especially challenging for small firms that
cannot dedicate a resource to learning the more complicated tools
found in the older AutoCAD versions.
AutoCAD 2007 makes the creation, editing, and
navigation of solid and surface models simple and intuitive. It
brings the power and flexibility of AutoCAD lines, arcs, and
circles to cubes, surfaces, and spheres. It enables even an
occasional AutoCAD user to quickly and easily create a model of a
design. Designers can explore design alternatives with a client,
and then, after the contract has been won, reuse that model data
as a basis for the drawings needed to build the design.
Design Environment
Problem
The solid and surface tools in previous versions of AutoCAD are
not integrated, making creation of these objects more difficult.
There is no single place that users go to create a solid or
surface model. Instead, they are forced to jump around and
“discover” features as they move through the AutoCAD application.
In addition, the tools used to edit a model are completely
different from the tools used to edit drawing geometry. This lack
of integration makes editing difficult. As a result, users
sometimes delete their work and start over rather than trying to
remember how to edit a solid model.
Solution
AutoCAD 2007 introduces the new design “dashboard.” This interface
element consolidates all solid and surface modeling tools into a
single place and enables users to see at a glance the tools and
workflow available in AutoCAD. AutoCAD 2007 also takes the
intuitive, grip-based editing features introduced for drafting in
previous AutoCAD versions—such as Dynamic Input, ortho, and
tracking—and integrates them into solid and surface modeling.
Benefit
Quickly create and edit solid and surface models without the
extended learning and relearning time necessary in older versions
of AutoCAD software. A common set of editing tools means that no
retraining is required to edit solids as opposed to lines, arcs,
and circles. This capability increases speed and decreases the
training time required to be productive with solid and surface
modeling in AutoCAD.
Solid and Surface Modeling
Problem
To perform common conceptual design tasks, such as massing
studies, mechanical prototypes, or landscape design, users must be
able to quickly and easily place and manipulate multiple, basic
solid shapes. They also must have the ability to create complex
surfaces from both simple profiles and complex linear data.
Solution
New tools in AutoCAD 2007 make it much easier to create solid and
surface models. The redesigned interface uses a single,
easy-to-learn environment for creating both solids and surfaces.
Creation and editing of surfaces (as opposed to mesh objects) have
been added, and users can now create solid objects that have faces
defined by more complex surfaces.
Benefit
Using solids and surfaces in AutoCAD enables designers to avoid
the use of expensive, third-party software tools and to bypass the
use hand sketches and physical models that can be difficult to
update or modify.
Model Navigation
Problem
Navigation is another common problem when working with models in
previous versions of AutoCAD. Designers must use the Pan and Zoom
commands repeatedly as they create, edit, and examine 2D drawings.
Basic 3D navigation tools are difficult to use. It is not possible
to pan and zoom in a perspective mode. In addition, rotating the
model to the correct orientation can be challenging, and users
cannot edit models during use of the Rotate or Orbit command.
These tools need to be more closely integrated with the AutoCAD
user’s working habits.
Solution
AutoCAD 2007 software expands existing tools by allowing
transparent pan or zoom while in perspective mode and by allowing
editing during use of the Orbit command. It also introduces
several new tools such as “walk” mode, which enables designers to
walk through a model in the intuitive manner used in computer
games. A new camera function enables designers to take a quick
“snapshot” of how their design will look from a specific point of
view in the design.
Benefit
These improved navigation tools make designers more productive
because they encourage interaction with models during creation and
editing. They also enable designers to more easily explore and
understand their own designs. Designers can more easily evaluate
design alternatives, uncover flaws early in the design process,
and explain design choices quickly and efficiently during and
after the design process.
Visualize
During conceptual design, designers often need to
convey their design vision to someone who is not accustomed to
looking at drawings. This process happens at multiple stages of
the project lifecycle, for instance, presenting a preliminary
concept to a client to make sure that the design is proceeding in
the right direction. During this phase a sketch may be best
because it indicates visually to the client that the design is
fluid and unfinished and encourages detailed feedback. At another
stage in the process, for instance, in the final bid package, the
designer may want to put in a rendered image so beautiful that it
looks like a photograph of the completed project. This type of
image can pull an entire sales presentation together and create
the excitement necessary to close the deal.
Previous versions of AutoCAD have tools that
address some of these problems (for instance, the ability to
create a rendered image), but they are time consuming to learn and
use. In addition, because earlier versions lack common
visualization tools (such as a selection of screen display
methods), designers are forced to use third-party products if they
want to achieve this type of look in their presentations.
AutoCAD 2007 solves these problems by significantly
enhancing existing visualization tools, making them much easier to
both learn and use. This release also simplifies the process of
modifying images after they have been created. In addition,
several new tools that complete the suite of AutoCAD visualization
tools, have been added. These improvements make it unnecessary for
AutoCAD users to spend extra time and money to learn additional
software tools.
Visual Styles
Problem
A designer using AutoCAD may need to pull a design idea together
quickly, performing the preliminary work in AutoCAD to take
advantage of the software’s documentation features. At this stage,
the design idea is an abstract thought, and the AutoCAD shade
modes—wireframe, flat shading, and Gouraud shading are too formal
to convey the fluid nature of the design.
Popular conceptual design tools use display modes
to give the model a “sketchy” or unfinished look while the
designer is working. The resulting effect is deliberate, so that
the model resembles a hand-drawn sketch.
Solution
The AutoCAD 2007 visual styles tools relate to all elements of the
3D display, including the creation of new face styles, edge line
effects, materials display, shadow display, lighting display,
perspective, and parallel/orthographic views. Designers can use
these new tools to easily create a visual style that fits their
needs.
Benefit
Designers can use a visual style that best represents the current
stage of the project to most clearly communicate the design. They
can do this effortlessly in the familiar AutoCAD environment
without having to learn or purchase additional software tools.
Animations
Problem
Earlier versions of AutoCAD include tools to create informative
static images, but clients are demanding more. They want video
effects that dynamically display the features of the proposed
design. They want to be able to virtually walk through or around
the design so that they are not constrained by a single framed
image. Earlier versions of AutoCAD do not include tools that
enable a designer to take a client on an interactive tour of the
design or to create a recorded animation of the design to send to
a client for review.
Solution
Using the AutoCAD 2007 Walk and Path animation tools, a designer
can identify points of interest in a model, and then create a path
or simply walk past the points of interest to create an animation
file for distribution. Designers can use different visual styles
for the animation to get just the right visual effect. The
designer can also use these tools dynamically to take the client
on an “over the shoulder” tour of the design.
Benefit
These new interactive walk and animation tools mean that designers
can effectively review their designs and expose any flaws early in
the design process, before problems occur in the final product.
Lights, Materials, and Rendering
Problem
Proper lighting can dramatically affect a rendered image,
completely changing the look and feel of a design. In previous
versions of AutoCAD software, it is difficult to accurately place
a light in a drawing and understand how it will affect the scene
before rendering it. Designers must go through several iterations
of placing and adjusting the lights and then rendering the
design—a time-consuming and tedious process.
Proper display of materials is crucial to making a
rendered image accurately reflect what the completed design will
look like. The texture of stone or wood, the different looks of
brushed aluminum or stainless steel can “make or break” a design
when it is presented to a client. In previous versions of AutoCAD
materials were difficult to create, apply and render making the
use of materials in AutoCAD difficult and time consuming.
Even after the lights and materials have been
properly applied, adjusting the parameters associated with a
successful rendering can be a complex process. Renderings are
effective tools for both investigating design alternatives and
showing a client or regulatory group (such as a planning
commission) the effect of the design on its surroundings. However,
the technology can be so complex that many smaller organizations
cannot use it effectively, and even large organizations need a
dedicated specialist who focuses only on using specialized
rendering tools.
Solution
The new interactive light tool in AutoCAD 2007 enables users to
quickly and accurately place distance, point, and spot lights in a
drawing. After the light has been placed, designers can use the
light target grips to shine the light precisely where they need
it. By placing the lights, designers can see the effect of lights
on shadows in real time, with no need to render the image first.
In AutoCAD 2007, applying materials to a model is
as easy as applying hatch patterns in 2D. Users drag materials
from a predefined library onto any solid face or surface defined
in their model. The material then scales automatically; there’s no
need to manually adjust scaling parameters based on the size of
the model. If the material library does not have the proper
materials, designers can use the new materials editor to edit the
material and create a customized library.
AutoCAD 2007 incorporates the latest in rendering
technology, the mental ray® rendering engine. This powerful
technology (incorporated into other Autodesk products such as
Autodesk® 3ds Max®) has been integrated into a new user interface
that makes accurate and realistic renderings as easy as possible.
Capabilities include a slider control that graphically displays
the trade-off between time and rendering quality.
Benefit
Rendering, materials, and lighting enhancements make highly
accurate rendered images available for any AutoCAD user. Use these
images to win contracts, meet planning requirements, or study the
effects of changes on the design. Because AutoCAD 2007 focuses on
ease of use and simplicity, learning time for these powerful tools
is short, and the final image is both accurate and beautiful.
Design professionals who use AutoCAD can now achieve these effects
without hiring a special consultant or having to purchase and
learn additional software tools.
Document
After the project has been won and the design
reviews completed, designers need to quickly and easily turn
AutoCAD design models into clear and accurate construction
documents. AutoCAD 2007 has tools that enable designers to work
directly from the design model to create sections and elevations
that can then be incorporated into the drawings. AutoCAD 2007 also
has the powerful drafting tools introduced in AutoCAD 2005 and
2006, such as Dynamic Blocks and the Table capabilities, that make
the creation of drawings productive and efficient.
Section and Flatten
Problem
Once the conceptual design phase of a project has been completed,
the designer needs to reuse the data from that design to drive the
creation of construction documents. If the conceptual design is
done using hand drawings, physical models, or a third-party
software package, most of the model information must be thrown
away and the drawings started from scratch.
Solution
Use the new Section and Flatten tools In AutoCAD 2007 to quickly
and easily extract drawing information from the conceptual model.
The Section tool allows the movement of a dynamic, adjustable
plane through the solid or surface model. Use this cutting plane
to create an elevation or plan view that is ready to be
dimensioned and annotated as part of the drawing creation process.
Use the Flatten tool to represent the 3D model as a 2D
illustration.
Benefit
Save time and money by avoiding the need to re-create model
information for construction documents. In addition, this feature
helps to avoid errors caused by the manual re-creation step.
Dynamic Blocks
Problem
Drawings that use a great number of AutoCAD blocks can be
difficult to manage and manipulate. Often, users must sift through
thousands of blocks to find those that meet their needs. In
addition, designers want to be able to use existing libraries
easily, as well as enhance them to make them simpler to manage.
Solution
With AutoCAD software, blocks are dynamic. With the block
authoring tools, designers can add dynamic behavior to existing
block libraries—simplifying use of block libraries and reducing
time spent manipulating blocks in a drawing.
The Dynamic Block authoring environment provides an
easy, graphical way to create Dynamic Blocks from existing block
libraries. It does not require any programming experience. The new
Block Authoring palette enables designers to add parameters and
actions by dragging them directly onto the block. To help realize
the power of Dynamic Blocks, AutoCAD includes sample Dynamic
Blocks with tutorials that show how to create and use them.
Benefit
The Dynamic Block feature makes blocks more flexible. Combining
multiple blocks into a single block makes block libraries much
easier to work with—saving time and increasing productivity.
Tables
Problem
Tabular data such as lists, schedules, and legends, is fundamental
to many drawings. Currently, this table data is created using
basic AutoCAD objects such as lines and text. Manually creating or
updating table data requires focused attention to detail as well
as many time-consuming steps. In addition, the risk of error
increases as the project progresses.
Solution
The Table command in AutoCAD 2007 streamlines the process of
creating tables and controlling their properties so designers can
focus on content. Predefined table styles control elements such as
border properties (grid visibility, lineweight, and color), cell
properties (text style, height, color alignment, and background
fill), location of headings, and more. Use existing table styles
to create new tables that inherit all the defined style
properties. Change any property of any table element or apply a
new table style in seconds.
Benefit
AutoCAD 2007 makes it easy to change any table property and to
create table data with a variety of formatting options. Designers
can easily import a table or schedule, or quickly create a new
table using predefined table styles and a single command.
Share
As the document set is being created, or during the
bidding and construction process, the extended design team must be
able to share information. The entire design group can exchange
DWG files, but depending on the audience and the business
requirements other file and data types may be required. AutoCAD
provides tools that make data exchange simple. These include tools
to export current DWG files to older versions of the DWG
specification, tools for exporting and importing DWF™ files with
redline and markup information, and a complete suite of flexible
printing and plotting capabilities.
AutoCAD 2007 expands these powerful tools to
include support for the PDF file format as well as improvements in
the ability to work with DWF files.
DWF as an Underlay
Problem
DWF technology enables designers to control their design
information and protect it from accidental or intentional
modification. For several releases, AutoCAD users have been able
to export DWF files. For the last two releases, AutoCAD users have
been able to import and export DWF files that contain redline and
markup information. Although these are important capabilities,
designers often want to send a DWF file to a partner or
subcontactor to be used as the basis to create their own drawings.
Solution
AutoCAD 2007 introduces the ability to reference a DWF file as an
underlay. The information can then be used as the basis for
creating new drawing information, but the information in the DWF
underlay cannot be altered.
Benefit
The use of a DWF file as an underlay enables designers to maintain
the visual and data fidelity of their drawings when working with
other members of their design team.
Publishing to the Adobe PDF File Format
Problem
Many companies have standardized on PDF format as their corporate
document viewing tool. Many government agencies also mandate
submittals in PDF.
Solution
AutoCAD 2007 now has the ability to write drawings in the Adobe®
PDF file format.
Benefit
Organizations no longer have to purchase a third-party application
to convert DWG files to the PDF file format, thus saving money and
eliminating time spent learning a new application. Call
Spec Systems now at 531-2511 or e-mail
greg@specsystems.com
for more information.
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