The Autodesk Launches AutoCAD 2013 to Facilitate the Work of Architects
Autodesk has released both AutoCAD 2013 and AutoCAD LT 2013 simultaneously. Not surprisingly, they’re nearly identical in the way they look and work. You can share files between the two programs with complete confidence that you won’t lose data or corrupt files. The main differences are that AutoCAD LT doesn’t support all the 3D functions of AutoCAD 2013, nor does it support the customization tools of AutoLISP® or the .NET Framework. But AutoCAD LT still has plenty to offer in both the productivity and customization areas. Because they’re so similar, we can present material for both programs with only minor adjustments.
When a feature is discussed that is available only in AutoCAD 2013, you’ll see the AutoCAD Only icon. For the purposes of this publication, the “ACAD only” icon means the relevant (or adja-cent) content applies only to AutoCAD® software and not to AutoCAD LT® software. You’ll also see warning messages when tutorials vary between AutoCAD 2013 and AutoCAD LT. If only minor differences occur, you’ll see either a warning message or directions embedded in the tutorial indicating the differences between the two programs.
The Minimum System Requirements
You must have a Windows-based PC with at least a dual-core processor or equivalent CPU. Your computer should have at least one DVD drive and a hard disk with 2 GB or more of free space for the AutoCAD program files and about 120 MB of additional space for sample files and the workspace. In addition to these requirements, you should have enough free disk space to allow for a Windows virtual memory page file that is about 1.5 times the amount of installed RAM.
AutoCAD 2013 runs best on systems with at least 2 GB or more of RAM, although you can get by with 1 GB. Your computer should also have a high-resolution monitor and an up-to-date display card. An SVGA display with a resolution of 1024 n 768 or greater will work fine with AutoCAD, but if you want to take full advantage of the new 3D features, you should have a 128 MB or greater, OpenGL-capable, workstation-class graphics card. If you intend to use a digitizer tablet, you’ll need one free USB port available. We also assume you’re using a mouse and have the use of a printer or a plotter. A DVD reader is needed to install AutoCAD. Finally, you’ll need an Internet connection to take full advantage of the support offerings from Autodesk.
New Features of AutoCAD 2013
AutoCAD 2013 has a long list of new features, many of which are aimed at making your work easier and faster. Some features like AutoCAD® WS and Autodesk Exchange are web tools to help you share your work, keep up with the latest on AutoCAD, and discuss issues you may be having. Here are some of the new features we cover in this book:
- Improved online help
- A redesigned command line with selectable options and flyout display
- Improved array creation for faster operation
- A strikethrough text option
- Cloud storage of your projects with Autodesk 360
- Downloadable apps from Autodesk Exchange
- Improved Point Cloud Support, allowing more control and more data types to work with
- 3D Model Documentation improvements to automate creation of orthogonal views, cross- sections, and detail views, all with associated annotations and automatic view updates
- 3D Interaction enhancements, such as making the Press/Pull tool easier to use on more objects and the ability to extract surface curves.
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