Integrated BIM tools, including Revit, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D
Professional CAD/CAM tools built on Inventor and AutoCAD
Any referenced datasets can be downloaded from "Module downloads" in the module overview.
Transcript
00:00
[MUSIC PLAYING]
00:12
Hello and welcome to this accelerator presentation
00:14
where I will discuss the graphical improvements
00:17
in AutoCAD for enhanced quality and a better visual experience.
00:22
So let's get started.
00:25
This is the Safe Harbor Statement
00:27
and it's just a reminder that the Autodesk software changes
00:30
regularly to continually improve the software
00:33
and make it a better experience for you.
00:36
If I happen to make any forward looking
00:38
statements in this presentation, please
00:41
do not make any buying decisions based on it.
00:45
So let me introduce myself.
00:47
My name is Renu Muthoo and I'm a learning content developer
00:51
with ASCENT.
00:52
I have over 23 years of experience
00:54
in various Autodesk products, such as AutoCAD
00:57
and other AutoCAD verticals.
00:59
And I'm also experienced in Autodesk visualization software
01:02
products that include Autodesk
01:07
I create the courseware and training materials
01:09
for Autodesk products and I also provide
01:12
support for these products.
01:14
In addition, I have also co-authored few books
01:17
on both AutoCAD and 3ds Max.
01:21
The purpose of this accelerator is
01:23
to teach you about the graphical improvements that
01:26
have been added to AutoCAD over the years.
01:30
You will learn about the various
01:34
enhancements, you will learn about the improvements
01:37
for supporting high-resolution 4K monitors,
01:41
I will talk about the all new 3D graphics system that
01:44
is being developed for AutoCAD and for which
01:47
a technical preview is provided, I
01:50
will also talk about the enhancements for a better touch
01:53
experience in AutoCAD using a touch-enabled screen.
01:58
The following presentation details
01:60
features which were introduced to AutoCAD across versions 2016
02:04
to 2022.
02:06
For clarity, each slide details in which version
02:09
the feature or the enhancement was introduced
02:12
and that can be seen near the bottom right
02:14
corner of each slide.
02:17
So let's begin with the graphics display enhancements.
02:21
In AutoCAD 2016 software, the appearance
02:25
of line weights and curves was significantly improved.
02:29
When in 2D wireframe, which will style continuous lines
02:33
and curves display perfectly at any zoom level.
02:36
This means that you are no longer
02:38
required to manually use the region command when
02:42
zooming and panning.
02:43
The region auto system variable automatically
02:47
performs the regions as and when required.
02:50
You can also take advantage of the improved graphics
02:54
for capable devices, which is graphics hardware DirectX
03:01
geometry for capable devices option in the graphics
03:04
performance dialog box.
03:06
The overall performance for previewing changes
03:10
to optic properties was improved as well.
03:13
When a large number of objects are selected,
03:16
the preview of any property changes, such as color,
03:19
are displayed much faster than in previous versions.
03:23
This enables you to see the change
03:24
before committing to it, and with much less lag time.
03:28
Another improvement was when selecting several objects
03:32
to move or copy a preview of the objects
03:35
is created much faster than the earlier releases,
03:38
reducing lag time.
03:40
This enables you to move the cursor freely
03:42
with the objects attached to it without waiting
03:45
for the model to region each time the cursor moves.
03:50
In AutoCAD 2019, the graphics performance
03:54
was considerably improved as well.
03:57
Additionally, you could toggle off the smooth line display
03:60
option while still taking advantage of the improved
04:03
graphics for compatible devices by using the high quality
04:08
geometry option.
04:10
Both these options are now controlled separately.
04:13
As mentioned previously while moving and copying
04:16
a large number of objects, their preview
04:19
is created much faster than earlier releases.
04:23
Additionally, the time required to open and save files
04:27
has significantly improved as well.
04:30
There is an Autodesk example that
04:32
was conducted on one of the Autodesk test drawings
04:36
that included a number of attached images.
04:39
Here, the time required for commands
04:41
that change the color, layer, or line type
04:44
properties in the drawing was reduced from around 4 seconds
04:48
to around 0.6 seconds.
04:51
QSAVE in the same drawing was reduced from 1.4 seconds
04:56
to around 0.5 seconds.
04:58
And a region was reduced from about 0.7 seconds
05:03
to 0.1 seconds.
05:05
While performance varies in each situation,
05:09
the display has become crisp overall.
05:12
There have been a number of
05:15
the viewing navigation and manipulation of 3D models
05:19
were considerably enhanced in the 2018 and 2019 versions
05:24
of the AutoCAD software.
05:26
The performance for viewing 3D models
05:28
in wireframe, realistic, and shaded visual styles
05:32
was significantly improved.
05:35
Navigating around a 3D model using the pan, zoom,
05:39
and 3D orbit commands is much faster and significantly
05:44
smoother with less degradation even while working
05:47
on large drawings.
05:50
Introduced in AutoCAD
05:54
of selecting an appropriate configuration mode
05:57
based on your graphics card.
05:60
By default, the advanced mode is selected
06:03
for direct X11 graphics cards.
06:06
But you can also have the options
06:08
of using the basic, intermediate,
06:11
and advanced modes.
06:13
Basic mode is recommended for entry-level graphics card
06:16
that have minimal processing capability and limited
06:19
or no memory.
06:21
The intermediate mode is recommended
06:23
for mid-level graphics cards that
06:26
have some processing capability but a limited amount of memory.
06:30
And the advanced mode is recommended
06:33
for high-end graphics cards that include
06:36
a significant amount of memory and processing capability.
06:40
In AutoCAD 2020, the intermediate mode
06:43
for the graphics performance setting
06:45
was updated to automatically reset
06:48
various display parameters to optimize your display.
06:53
The speed of panning and zooming in 2D
06:56
has been enhanced by taking advantage of objects
06:59
with similar properties.
07:01
The 2D objects also display appropriate level of detail
07:05
at different levels of magnification.
07:08
When panning and zooming in real time in 2D,
07:11
the AutoCAD software now automatically performs
07:14
regeneration operation on objects as and when required.
07:19
Normally, this operation is not noticeable,
07:22
except in very large drawings.
07:24
In 2021 version, a new region auto system variable was added.
07:31
So when working on large drawings,
07:33
you might want to now turn off this region auto system
07:36
variable to prevent automatic regeneration.
07:40
When working with 3D models, navigation
07:42
generates higher or lower fidelity graphical
07:45
representations of the 3D geometry in some circumstances.
07:50
The program's responsiveness when using 3D orbit,
07:54
pan, and zoom operations has improved significantly
07:58
by making use of multicore processors.
08:01
This improvement is most noticeable on complex 3D models
08:05
using visual styles that render curved surfaces.
08:09
Starting from AutoCAD
08:13
will now support the graphics hardware DirectX12 for both 2D
08:18
and 3D visual styles, which can considerably
08:21
improve the visual performance.
08:24
Now let's take a look at an in-product demo that
08:28
demonstrates the graphics display enhancements.
08:33
Using the selection window, select a large number
08:36
of objects in the drawing window.
08:39
Note the default blue color of the selected objects.
08:43
In the Home tab, Properties panel,
08:48
open the color dropdown list.
08:51
Hover your cursor on one of the colors.
08:55
For example, magenta.
08:57
And note that the selected objects are now instantly
09:01
displayed with the color that you hover the cursor on.
09:05
Hover your cursor or another color.
09:09
For example, yellow.
09:11
And note that the change is instant and without any lag.
09:17
Press Escape to exit the selection.
09:21
In the Home tab, Modify panel, select Move.
09:28
Using the crossing window, select all the objects
09:33
in the drawing window.
09:34
Select the leftmost point as the base point
09:39
and drag the cursor along with the objects.
09:43
With the enhancements to the graphics display performance,
09:47
the cursor is moved freely with the objects attached to it,
09:53
and it does not need to wait for the model to regenerate.
09:59
Moving on to the high-resolution monitor support in AutoCAD.
10:03
In AutoCAD 2018, the viewing experience
10:07
on high-resolution 4K monitors has been improved and enhanced
10:12
considerably.
10:14
Support for high-resolution monitors was further improved,
10:18
and over 200 dialog boxes and other user-interface elements
10:22
have been updated to ensure a quality viewing experience
10:27
on high-resolution 4K displays.
10:30
Most of the interface elements, for example,
10:32
start tab, command line, view cube, big box grips, layer
10:38
manager properties palette, et cetera, et cetera, now
10:42
scale appropriately as per the Windows display settings.
10:47
In AutoCAD at 2019, additional work
10:49
was performed in support of high-resolution monitors
10:53
and included clarity and crispness of the ribbon
10:56
and status bar icons.
10:58
With improvements to the display and performance AutoCAD at 2020
11:02
now launches correctly with different direct Xdrivers,
11:06
such as a DX9 and DX11, or no driver also.
11:10
It also launches correctly on high-resolution 4K monitors
11:15
and dual monitors as well.
11:18
Now, let's talk about the new 3D graphics system.
11:22
A new cross-platform
11:25
is being developed for AutoCAD, which
11:27
will leverage all the power of modern GPUs
11:30
and multicore CPUs to offer as much smooth navigation
11:35
experience for much larger drawings
11:37
than in prior releases.
11:40
A technical preview of this new 3D graphics system
11:43
is provided in AutoCAD 2022.
11:47
It is switched off by default and has
11:49
to be turned on, so that it can be used instead of the existing
11:55
For this purpose, a new 3D tech preview system variable
11:59
has been added to the software.
12:01
To activate the new
12:03
enter On for the 3D tech preview system variable
12:07
and then restart AutoCAD.
12:09
The modern graphics system takes over viewports
12:13
using the shaded visual style.
12:16
Note that your viewport control label displays
12:19
shaded GSF as your visual style, indicating
12:23
that the technical preview is active
12:25
and using the modern graphics system.
12:29
To run the modern graphics system,
12:31
your computer is required to be DirectX
12:38
and the minimum DirectX
12:44
You can verify if this requirements
12:47
are met by running the DXDIAG command from the Windows Start
12:52
menu.
12:53
In the DX diagnostic tool dialog box,
12:57
verify that the direct 3D DDI is 12 and has the feature level
13:06
The modern graphics system does not currently
13:09
support some features, such as raster images, 2 drive
13:13
text, wide line support, for example, line weights,
13:16
wide line polylines, ray X line, and some other line types
13:21
and patterns.
13:23
Now, let's talk about the Touch Gesture Enhancements.
13:27
In AutoCAD 2021, support for gestures
13:31
has been enhanced for a better touch experience.
13:34
With a touch-enabled screen or interface,
13:36
you can easily pan and zoom, select objects,
13:40
and use objects snaps.
13:42
So when no command is in progress,
13:44
drag with one or two fingers to pan.
13:47
When a command is in progress drag, with two fingers to pan.
13:52
Pinch or spread with two fingers to zoom.
13:55
Tap on an object to select it.
13:57
When a command is in progress and if you are required
14:00
to select objects, you can drag one finger to create a window
14:04
or crossing selection.
14:06
You can double tap with one finger
14:08
to end a command or clearer selection.
14:11
When a command is in progress, tap at a location
14:15
when prompted for a point.
14:17
For more precise control over objects snaps,
14:20
drag your finger over an object until you
14:23
see the object snap you need and then release your finger.
14:28
The touch experiences that will further enhanced
14:31
in AutoCAD 2022 are single finger drag
14:36
for selecting objects in selection state, grip editing,
14:39
and input point acquisition.
14:42
Single finger tap for selecting objects and point acquisition.
14:46
Single finger double tap to cancel current command
14:50
on canvas and invoke the default action on geometry.
14:55
Double finger tap to undo.
14:57
Press and hold to invoke right click menu in drawing window,
15:01
invoke grip editing menu on grip,
15:04
and invoke object context menu on geometry.
15:09
All menus are usable while attach including dynamic input
15:13
windows and menus.
15:15
Visual style selection can be done in the drawing window
15:18
menu, which is located in the upper-left corner
15:21
by simply touching it.
15:23
Many adjustments, improvements, and fixes
15:26
were done to support AutoCAD Touch.
15:30
Thank you for joining me today for this accelerator
15:32
presentation about the graphical improvements in AutoCAD.
15:36
And I hope you enjoyed the presentation
15:38
and found the information useful.
Video transcript
00:00
[MUSIC PLAYING]
00:12
Hello and welcome to this accelerator presentation
00:14
where I will discuss the graphical improvements
00:17
in AutoCAD for enhanced quality and a better visual experience.
00:22
So let's get started.
00:25
This is the Safe Harbor Statement
00:27
and it's just a reminder that the Autodesk software changes
00:30
regularly to continually improve the software
00:33
and make it a better experience for you.
00:36
If I happen to make any forward looking
00:38
statements in this presentation, please
00:41
do not make any buying decisions based on it.
00:45
So let me introduce myself.
00:47
My name is Renu Muthoo and I'm a learning content developer
00:51
with ASCENT.
00:52
I have over 23 years of experience
00:54
in various Autodesk products, such as AutoCAD
00:57
and other AutoCAD verticals.
00:59
And I'm also experienced in Autodesk visualization software
01:02
products that include Autodesk
01:07
I create the courseware and training materials
01:09
for Autodesk products and I also provide
01:12
support for these products.
01:14
In addition, I have also co-authored few books
01:17
on both AutoCAD and 3ds Max.
01:21
The purpose of this accelerator is
01:23
to teach you about the graphical improvements that
01:26
have been added to AutoCAD over the years.
01:30
You will learn about the various
01:34
enhancements, you will learn about the improvements
01:37
for supporting high-resolution 4K monitors,
01:41
I will talk about the all new 3D graphics system that
01:44
is being developed for AutoCAD and for which
01:47
a technical preview is provided, I
01:50
will also talk about the enhancements for a better touch
01:53
experience in AutoCAD using a touch-enabled screen.
01:58
The following presentation details
01:60
features which were introduced to AutoCAD across versions 2016
02:04
to 2022.
02:06
For clarity, each slide details in which version
02:09
the feature or the enhancement was introduced
02:12
and that can be seen near the bottom right
02:14
corner of each slide.
02:17
So let's begin with the graphics display enhancements.
02:21
In AutoCAD 2016 software, the appearance
02:25
of line weights and curves was significantly improved.
02:29
When in 2D wireframe, which will style continuous lines
02:33
and curves display perfectly at any zoom level.
02:36
This means that you are no longer
02:38
required to manually use the region command when
02:42
zooming and panning.
02:43
The region auto system variable automatically
02:47
performs the regions as and when required.
02:50
You can also take advantage of the improved graphics
02:54
for capable devices, which is graphics hardware DirectX
03:01
geometry for capable devices option in the graphics
03:04
performance dialog box.
03:06
The overall performance for previewing changes
03:10
to optic properties was improved as well.
03:13
When a large number of objects are selected,
03:16
the preview of any property changes, such as color,
03:19
are displayed much faster than in previous versions.
03:23
This enables you to see the change
03:24
before committing to it, and with much less lag time.
03:28
Another improvement was when selecting several objects
03:32
to move or copy a preview of the objects
03:35
is created much faster than the earlier releases,
03:38
reducing lag time.
03:40
This enables you to move the cursor freely
03:42
with the objects attached to it without waiting
03:45
for the model to region each time the cursor moves.
03:50
In AutoCAD 2019, the graphics performance
03:54
was considerably improved as well.
03:57
Additionally, you could toggle off the smooth line display
03:60
option while still taking advantage of the improved
04:03
graphics for compatible devices by using the high quality
04:08
geometry option.
04:10
Both these options are now controlled separately.
04:13
As mentioned previously while moving and copying
04:16
a large number of objects, their preview
04:19
is created much faster than earlier releases.
04:23
Additionally, the time required to open and save files
04:27
has significantly improved as well.
04:30
There is an Autodesk example that
04:32
was conducted on one of the Autodesk test drawings
04:36
that included a number of attached images.
04:39
Here, the time required for commands
04:41
that change the color, layer, or line type
04:44
properties in the drawing was reduced from around 4 seconds
04:48
to around 0.6 seconds.
04:51
QSAVE in the same drawing was reduced from 1.4 seconds
04:56
to around 0.5 seconds.
04:58
And a region was reduced from about 0.7 seconds
05:03
to 0.1 seconds.
05:05
While performance varies in each situation,
05:09
the display has become crisp overall.
05:12
There have been a number of
05:15
the viewing navigation and manipulation of 3D models
05:19
were considerably enhanced in the 2018 and 2019 versions
05:24
of the AutoCAD software.
05:26
The performance for viewing 3D models
05:28
in wireframe, realistic, and shaded visual styles
05:32
was significantly improved.
05:35
Navigating around a 3D model using the pan, zoom,
05:39
and 3D orbit commands is much faster and significantly
05:44
smoother with less degradation even while working
05:47
on large drawings.
05:50
Introduced in AutoCAD
05:54
of selecting an appropriate configuration mode
05:57
based on your graphics card.
05:60
By default, the advanced mode is selected
06:03
for direct X11 graphics cards.
06:06
But you can also have the options
06:08
of using the basic, intermediate,
06:11
and advanced modes.
06:13
Basic mode is recommended for entry-level graphics card
06:16
that have minimal processing capability and limited
06:19
or no memory.
06:21
The intermediate mode is recommended
06:23
for mid-level graphics cards that
06:26
have some processing capability but a limited amount of memory.
06:30
And the advanced mode is recommended
06:33
for high-end graphics cards that include
06:36
a significant amount of memory and processing capability.
06:40
In AutoCAD 2020, the intermediate mode
06:43
for the graphics performance setting
06:45
was updated to automatically reset
06:48
various display parameters to optimize your display.
06:53
The speed of panning and zooming in 2D
06:56
has been enhanced by taking advantage of objects
06:59
with similar properties.
07:01
The 2D objects also display appropriate level of detail
07:05
at different levels of magnification.
07:08
When panning and zooming in real time in 2D,
07:11
the AutoCAD software now automatically performs
07:14
regeneration operation on objects as and when required.
07:19
Normally, this operation is not noticeable,
07:22
except in very large drawings.
07:24
In 2021 version, a new region auto system variable was added.
07:31
So when working on large drawings,
07:33
you might want to now turn off this region auto system
07:36
variable to prevent automatic regeneration.
07:40
When working with 3D models, navigation
07:42
generates higher or lower fidelity graphical
07:45
representations of the 3D geometry in some circumstances.
07:50
The program's responsiveness when using 3D orbit,
07:54
pan, and zoom operations has improved significantly
07:58
by making use of multicore processors.
08:01
This improvement is most noticeable on complex 3D models
08:05
using visual styles that render curved surfaces.
08:09
Starting from AutoCAD
08:13
will now support the graphics hardware DirectX12 for both 2D
08:18
and 3D visual styles, which can considerably
08:21
improve the visual performance.
08:24
Now let's take a look at an in-product demo that
08:28
demonstrates the graphics display enhancements.
08:33
Using the selection window, select a large number
08:36
of objects in the drawing window.
08:39
Note the default blue color of the selected objects.
08:43
In the Home tab, Properties panel,
08:48
open the color dropdown list.
08:51
Hover your cursor on one of the colors.
08:55
For example, magenta.
08:57
And note that the selected objects are now instantly
09:01
displayed with the color that you hover the cursor on.
09:05
Hover your cursor or another color.
09:09
For example, yellow.
09:11
And note that the change is instant and without any lag.
09:17
Press Escape to exit the selection.
09:21
In the Home tab, Modify panel, select Move.
09:28
Using the crossing window, select all the objects
09:33
in the drawing window.
09:34
Select the leftmost point as the base point
09:39
and drag the cursor along with the objects.
09:43
With the enhancements to the graphics display performance,
09:47
the cursor is moved freely with the objects attached to it,
09:53
and it does not need to wait for the model to regenerate.
09:59
Moving on to the high-resolution monitor support in AutoCAD.
10:03
In AutoCAD 2018, the viewing experience
10:07
on high-resolution 4K monitors has been improved and enhanced
10:12
considerably.
10:14
Support for high-resolution monitors was further improved,
10:18
and over 200 dialog boxes and other user-interface elements
10:22
have been updated to ensure a quality viewing experience
10:27
on high-resolution 4K displays.
10:30
Most of the interface elements, for example,
10:32
start tab, command line, view cube, big box grips, layer
10:38
manager properties palette, et cetera, et cetera, now
10:42
scale appropriately as per the Windows display settings.
10:47
In AutoCAD at 2019, additional work
10:49
was performed in support of high-resolution monitors
10:53
and included clarity and crispness of the ribbon
10:56
and status bar icons.
10:58
With improvements to the display and performance AutoCAD at 2020
11:02
now launches correctly with different direct Xdrivers,
11:06
such as a DX9 and DX11, or no driver also.
11:10
It also launches correctly on high-resolution 4K monitors
11:15
and dual monitors as well.
11:18
Now, let's talk about the new 3D graphics system.
11:22
A new cross-platform
11:25
is being developed for AutoCAD, which
11:27
will leverage all the power of modern GPUs
11:30
and multicore CPUs to offer as much smooth navigation
11:35
experience for much larger drawings
11:37
than in prior releases.
11:40
A technical preview of this new 3D graphics system
11:43
is provided in AutoCAD 2022.
11:47
It is switched off by default and has
11:49
to be turned on, so that it can be used instead of the existing
11:55
For this purpose, a new 3D tech preview system variable
11:59
has been added to the software.
12:01
To activate the new
12:03
enter On for the 3D tech preview system variable
12:07
and then restart AutoCAD.
12:09
The modern graphics system takes over viewports
12:13
using the shaded visual style.
12:16
Note that your viewport control label displays
12:19
shaded GSF as your visual style, indicating
12:23
that the technical preview is active
12:25
and using the modern graphics system.
12:29
To run the modern graphics system,
12:31
your computer is required to be DirectX
12:38
and the minimum DirectX
12:44
You can verify if this requirements
12:47
are met by running the DXDIAG command from the Windows Start
12:52
menu.
12:53
In the DX diagnostic tool dialog box,
12:57
verify that the direct 3D DDI is 12 and has the feature level
13:06
The modern graphics system does not currently
13:09
support some features, such as raster images, 2 drive
13:13
text, wide line support, for example, line weights,
13:16
wide line polylines, ray X line, and some other line types
13:21
and patterns.
13:23
Now, let's talk about the Touch Gesture Enhancements.
13:27
In AutoCAD 2021, support for gestures
13:31
has been enhanced for a better touch experience.
13:34
With a touch-enabled screen or interface,
13:36
you can easily pan and zoom, select objects,
13:40
and use objects snaps.
13:42
So when no command is in progress,
13:44
drag with one or two fingers to pan.
13:47
When a command is in progress drag, with two fingers to pan.
13:52
Pinch or spread with two fingers to zoom.
13:55
Tap on an object to select it.
13:57
When a command is in progress and if you are required
14:00
to select objects, you can drag one finger to create a window
14:04
or crossing selection.
14:06
You can double tap with one finger
14:08
to end a command or clearer selection.
14:11
When a command is in progress, tap at a location
14:15
when prompted for a point.
14:17
For more precise control over objects snaps,
14:20
drag your finger over an object until you
14:23
see the object snap you need and then release your finger.
14:28
The touch experiences that will further enhanced
14:31
in AutoCAD 2022 are single finger drag
14:36
for selecting objects in selection state, grip editing,
14:39
and input point acquisition.
14:42
Single finger tap for selecting objects and point acquisition.
14:46
Single finger double tap to cancel current command
14:50
on canvas and invoke the default action on geometry.
14:55
Double finger tap to undo.
14:57
Press and hold to invoke right click menu in drawing window,
15:01
invoke grip editing menu on grip,
15:04
and invoke object context menu on geometry.
15:09
All menus are usable while attach including dynamic input
15:13
windows and menus.
15:15
Visual style selection can be done in the drawing window
15:18
menu, which is located in the upper-left corner
15:21
by simply touching it.
15:23
Many adjustments, improvements, and fixes
15:26
were done to support AutoCAD Touch.
15:30
Thank you for joining me today for this accelerator
15:32
presentation about the graphical improvements in AutoCAD.
15:36
And I hope you enjoyed the presentation
15:38
and found the information useful.
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