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Features
What's new in AutoCAD 2018
AutoCAD® 2018 software includes enhancements and new features such as external reference path repair and recognition of SHX font files.
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Enhanced
PDF import
Import geometry, including SHX font files, fills, raster images and TrueType text into a drawing from a PDF. (video: 2.45 min.)
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Enhanced
External file references
Save time and minimise frustration with tools to fix broken paths for externally referenced files. (video: 4.43 min.)
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Enhanced
Object selection
Selected objects stay in the selection set, even if you pan or zoom off screen. (video: 1.20 min.)
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Enhanced
Text to Mtext
Convert combinations of text and Mtext objects to a single Mtext object. (video: 1.54 min.)
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Enhanced
User interface
Work intuitively with common dialogue boxes and toolbars. (video: 2.32 min.)
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Enhanced
Share design views
Publishes design views of your drawing to a secure location for viewing and sharing in a web browser. (video: 1.38 min.)
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New
High-resolution monitor support
Enjoy the best possible viewing experience ever, even on 4K and higher resolution displays. (video: 2.39 min.)
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AutoCAD mobile app
View, create, edit and share CAD drawings on your mobile device with the AutoCAD mobile app. (video: 2.02 min.)
More features
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Ribbon tabs and panels
Access your favourite tools easily when you need them with the AutoCAD ribbon.
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Tool palettes
Easily access your most frequently used content and tools with customisable tool palettes.
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Command line
Launch commands and respond to prompts quickly using simple keystrokes, right at the command line.
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Object and layer transparency
Control the transparency for selected objects or for all objects on a layer.
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Dynamic blocks
Add flexibility and intelligence to your block references, including changing the shape, size, or configuration.
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Associative arrays
Create and modify objects in circular or rectangular patterns, or along a path.
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Object selection and isolation
Find and select all objects that match the properties of an object. Hide or unhide the selected objects.
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Text settings
Create single or multi-line text (mtext) as a single text object. Format the text, columns and boundaries.
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Smart dimensioning
Create dimensions automatically. Pass the cursor over selected objects to get a preview before you create it.
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Leaders
Create leaders with a variety of content, including text or blocks. Easily format leader lines and define styles.
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Smart centrelines and centre marks
Create and edit centrelines and centre marks that automatically move when you move the associated objects.
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Tables
Create tables with data and symbols in rows and columns, apply formulas and link to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
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Revision clouds
Draw revision clouds around new changes in a drawing to quickly identify your updates.
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Layouts
Specify the size of your drawing sheet, add a title block and display multiple views of your model.
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Layout viewports
Create layout viewports to display different elements of your design at varying scales.
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Fields
Use fields in text objects to display text that can be updated automatically as the field value changes.
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Data linking
Enable simultaneous updates by creating a live link between a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and a table in your drawing.
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Data extraction
Extract information from objects, blocks and attributes, including drawing information.
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Parametric constraints
Apply geometric and dimensional constraints to maintain relationships between drawing geometry.
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Solid, surface and mesh modelling
Create realistic 3D models of your design using a combination of solid, surface and mesh modelling tools.
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3D navigation (orbit, ViewCube, wheel)
Use 3D viewing and navigation tools to orbit, swivel, walk and fly around a 3D model to showcase your design.
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Visual styles
Apply visual styles to control the display of edges, lighting and shading of your 3D model.
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Section planes
Create section planes to display cross-sectional views through solids, surfaces, meshes, or regions.
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Photorealistic rendering
Apply lighting and materials to give your 3D models a realistic appearance and to help communicate your designs.
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3D scanning and point clouds
Attach point cloud files acquired by 3D laser scanners or other technologies to create 3D representations.
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Base, projected and section views
Generate 2D drawings including base, projected, section and detail views from 3D models.
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Print Studio
Print Studio provides the tools needed to prepare models for supported 3D printers and materials.
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PDF and DGN import/export/underlay
Share and re-use data from PDF and DGN files by importing, exporting, or attaching them as underlays.
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DWG and image references
Attach drawings and images to your current drawing as externally referenced files.
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Reference Navisworks models
Attach and view Navisworks models as underlays to your AutoCAD drawings.
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Import 3D models
Import maps, parts and assemblies from applications including CATIA, SOLIDWORKS and others.
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Geographic location and on-line maps
Insert geographic location information into a drawing and display a map in the drawing from an on-line map service.
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TrustedDWG technology
TrustedDWG™ technology lets you know of a possible incompatibility when a file was not last saved by an Autodesk software.
Learn more (US Site)
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CUI customisation
Customise the user interface to improve accessibility and reduce the number of steps for frequent tasks.
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Secure load
Specify security restrictions for running executables in AutoCAD to help protect against malicious executable code.
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Action recorder
Record commands and input values that can be played back as an action macro.
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Multi-user (network) licence sharing
Pool licences on a server to reduce costs when not all licences are in use at the same time.
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Sysvar monitor
Monitor current system variables against a preferred list of values. Notification balloons alert you of deviations.
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Tools for managing CAD standards
Define and monitor CAD standards to maintain consistent styles for layers, linetypes, text and dimensions.
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Application Programming Interface (API)
Control drawings and databases with ActiveX, VBS, AutoLisp, Visual LISP, ObjectARX, JavaScript and .NET.
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Autodesk App Store
Customise your software with Autodesk-approved extensions from the Autodesk App Store.
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Autodesk desktop app
Get alerts and install software updates without disrupting your workflow. View tutorials about new features.
Get it now
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