File formats and versions
The native file format of AutoCAD is .dwg. This and, to a lesser extent, its interchange
file format DXF, have become de facto, if proprietary, standards for
CAD data interoperability. AutoCAD has included support for .dwg, a
format developed and promoted by Autodesk, for publishing CAD data. In
2006, Autodesk estimated the number of active .dwg files at in excess of
one billion. In the past, Autodesk has estimated the total number of
existing .dwg files as more than three billion.
Compatibility with other software
Civil 3D permits export as AutoCAD objects and as LandXML. Third-party
file converters exist for specific formats such as Bentley MX GENIO
Extension, PISTE Extension (France), ISYBAU (Germany) , OKSTRA and
Microdrainage (UK).
Languages
AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are available for English, German, French,
Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese
Traditional, Russian, Czech, Polish, Hungarian, Brazilian Portuguese,
Danish, Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Vietnamese.[7] The
extent of localization varies from full translation of the product to
documentation only. The AutoCAD command set is localized as a part of
the software localization.
Extensions
AutoCAD supports a number of APIs for customization and automation. These include AutoLISP, Visual
LISP,
VBA, .NET and ObjectARX. ObjectARX is a C++ class library, which was
also the base for: (a) products extending AutoCAD functionality to
specific fields; (b) creating products such as AutoCAD Architecture,
AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Civil 3D; or (c) third-party AutoCAD-based
application.
Vertical integration
Autodesk has also developed a few vertical programs for
discipline-specific enhancements. For example, AutoCAD Architecture
(formerly Architectural Desktop) permits architectural designers to draw
3D objects, such as walls, doors and windows,
with more intelligent data associated with them rather than simple
objects, such as lines and circles. The data can be programmed to
represent specific architectural products
sold in the construction industry, or extracted into a data file for
pricing, materials estimation, and other values related to the objects
represented. Additional tools generate standard 2D drawings, such as
elevations and sections, from a 3D architectural model. Similarly, Civil
Design, Civil Design 3D, and Civil Design Professional support
data-specific objects, facilitating easy standard civil engineering calculations
and representations. Civil 3D was originally developed as an Autocad
add-on by a company in New Hampshire called Softdesk (originally DCA).
Softdesk was acquired by Autodesk, and Civil 3D was further evolved.
Variants
AutoCAD LT
AutoCAD LT is the lower cost
version of AutoCAD, with reduced capabilities, first released in
November 1993. Autodesk developed AutoCAD LT to have an entry-level CAD
package to compete in the lower price level. AutoCAD LT, priced at $495,
became the first AutoCAD product priced below $1000. It is sold
directly by Autodesk and can also be purchased at computer stores
(unlike the full version of AutoCAD, which must be purchased from official Autodesk dealers).
As of the 2011 release the AutoCAD LT MSRP has risen to $1200. While
there are hundreds of small differences between the full AutoCAD package
and AutoCAD LT, currently there are a few recognized major
differences[8] in the software's features:
3D Capabilities: AutoCAD LT lacks the ability to create, visualize and render 3D models as well as 3D printing.
Network Licensing: AutoCAD LT cannot be used on multiple machines over a network.
Customization: AutoCAD LT does not support customization with LISP, ARX, and VBA.
Management and automation capabilities with Sheet Set Manager and Action Recorder.
CAD standards management tools.
AutoCAD WS
In 2010, Autodesk released its first AutoCAD mobile application AutoCAD
WS. The mobile application allows registered users to "view, edit, and
share" their work wherever they go. The application can be downloaded
for free from the App Store for iOS users or from the Google Play and
Amazon Appstore for
Android users. A registered
license
is required to use the mobile application. Both the Android and iOS
versions allow users to save files on-line and off-line when no Internet
connection is available. Autodesk announced plans to store the majority
of its software to "the cloud", starting with the AutoCAD WS mobile
application.
Autodesk officially released its iOS mobile application in September
2010. This was the start of its mobile application marketing campaign.
The release has since grown from just the iPhone to the iPod Touch,
iPad, Android phones, and Android tablets. The AutoCAD WS application
has several of the desktop AutoCAD features, but is limited in other
areas. The application provides the ability to draw lines, circles, and
other various shapes. Text and comment boxes are supported features.
Colors, Layers, and measurement are also included features found in the
mobile application. The latest version, version 1.3, was released on
August 17, 2011 and added the following features: unit typing, layer
visibility, area measurement, and file management. Both landscape and
portrait modes are supported while using the application.
Autodesk announced that it would release its Android mobile application
on April 20, 2011. The application is similar to the iOS application
with the same basic features and abilities. The Android AutoCAD WS
mobile application has some unique features not found in the iOS
version. It allows users to insert text or captions by voice commands
instead of forcing them to manually input the text into the drawings.
This feature is not currently supported on the iOS mobile device.
AutoCAD is licensed at a significant discount over commercial retail
pricing to qualifying students and teachers, with a 36-month license
available. The student version of AutoCAD is functionally identical to
the full commercial version, with one exception: DWG files created or
edited by a student version have an internal bit-flag set (the
"educational flag"). When such a DWG file is printed by any version of
AutoCAD (commercial or student), the output includes a plot stamp / banner on all four sides. This plot stamp
can be taken out using the "fxout" command[citation needed]. Objects
created in the Student Version cannot be used for commercial use.
Student Version objects "infect" a commercial version DWG file if it is
imported.
The Autodesk Education Community provides registered students and faculty with free access to different Autodesk applications.
System Requirements
