Autocad 2012 preview_guide

AutoCAD®
2012 Preview Guide
Design and shape the world around you with the powerful, flexible features found in AutoCAD®
software, one of the world’s leading 2D and 3D design applications. With robust 3D tools that can create
almost any shape imaginable, AutoCAD helps you intuitively explore design ideas. It offers innovations
that can increase design and documentation efficiency, and enables you to more securely, accurately, and
seamlessly share those designs with colleagues. Powerful programming tools and thousands of available
add-ons provide the ultimate in flexibility, helping you customize AutoCAD software for your specific
needs. With these capabilities and more, AutoCAD delivers the power and flexibility needed to take
documentation and design further.

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www.autodesk.com/autocad
Table of Contents
Introducing AutoCAD 2012 .........................................................................................................................4
User Interaction and Modernization .............................................................................................................4
Performance Improvements......................................................................................................................4
Autodesk Content Explorer.......................................................................................................................4
User Interface............................................................................................................................................9
AutoComplete Command Entry .............................................................................................................10
Multifunctional Grips..............................................................................................................................10
Nudge Functionality................................................................................................................................11
Quick Properties......................................................................................................................................11
Object Selection......................................................................................................................................11
External Reference Enhancements..........................................................................................................13
Autodesk Exchange–AutoCAD ..............................................................................................................13
Explore........................................................................................................................................................14
In-Canvas Viewport Control...................................................................................................................14
UCS Enhancements ................................................................................................................................15
3D Associative Array..............................................................................................................................17
Creation Preview.....................................................................................................................................18
Chain and Loop Selection.......................................................................................................................19
Offset Edge .............................................................................................................................................20
Presspull Functionality............................................................................................................................20
Trimmed Surface Properties ...................................................................................................................21
3D Autosnap Marker...............................................................................................................................21
Solid History...........................................................................................................................................22
3Dconnexion Support .............................................................................................................................22
Autodesk Fusion .....................................................................................................................................22
Point Cloud Support................................................................................................................................24
Document....................................................................................................................................................25
3D Model Import ....................................................................................................................................25
Model Documentation ............................................................................................................................25
Annotation...............................................................................................................................................31
Osnap Enhancements..............................................................................................................................33
Fillet, Chamfer, Blend, and Join .............................................................................................................34

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Spline Enhancements..............................................................................................................................35
2D Array Functionality...........................................................................................................................36
Copy Tool ...............................................................................................................................................39
Layer Enhancements...............................................................................................................................39
Copy Nested Objects...............................................................................................................................40
Delete Duplicate Objects ........................................................................................................................40
Communicate..............................................................................................................................................41
Raster File Support .................................................................................................................................41
DGN Support ..........................................................................................................................................42
DWG Convert.........................................................................................................................................42
Sheet Set Manager and Vault Integration ...............................................................................................44
Materials Library ....................................................................................................................................45
AutoCAD WS.........................................................................................................................................47
Customize ...................................................................................................................................................52
Installation...............................................................................................................................................52
Migration and Customization .................................................................................................................53
Plot Files Search Path .............................................................................................................................55

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Introducing AutoCAD 2012
New and expanded workflows for model documentation, reality capture, and 3D conceptual design help
increase productivity with AutoCAD 2012. Explore your design ideas with powerful surface modeling
tools. Quickly create documents from a variety of modeling formats, helping to reduce manual
documentation workarounds. Capture and import as-built information to jumpstart your design process.
Plus, you’ll find a wide range of timesaving enhancements to the features you use most. AutoCAD 2012
delivers the powerful tools you need to participate in smooth 3D design workflows, helping drive your
projects to completion more quickly than ever before.
User Interaction and Modernization
AutoCAD 2012 enhances the way you interact with the software from concept through completion. With
noticeable improvements to performance, expanded online resources, and fast, intuitive access to
commands and editing tools, you will spend less time focusing on the software and more time advancing
your designs.
Performance Improvements
AutoCAD 2012 offers improved performance in many areas. Enjoy faster startups, particularly when
running on Windows Vista®
or Windows®
7. Inside AutoCAD 2012, you’ll discover nearly instantaneous
response as you switch between ribbon tabs. AutoCAD 2012 also offers improved performance when
opening large 3D models with lofts and meshes and when orbiting large 3D models. Additional
performance improvements can be found with selection highlighting, licensing checkout, and when
running LISP routines.
Autodesk Content Explorer
Quickly find design content based on file objects or text attributes. The Autodesk®
Content ExplorerTM
functionality creates an index of your data based on where you instruct it to look, helping you quickly
access files. You can explore, or browse into, DWGTM
files in order to access and insert blocks, layers,
linetypes, styles, and more. Unlike the Design Center tool, Content Explorer is built on a Google®
-like
index, so you can quickly search for design objects across folders containing thousands of files; the
results appear instantaneously. In addition, Content Explorer provides a single interface for browsing and
searching other content sources, such as Autodesk® Seek web service.
Easily access Content Explorer with the Explore tool on the Plug-ins ribbon tab.
In the Content Explorer window, use the Search field to find design content on your local computer, one
or more network locations, and the Autodesk Seek site. A pull-down menu allows you to choose from the
available locations.

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You can locate specific block references or text strings, including block attribute data. Quickly determine
how many references there are in a file or find a particular reference across multiple files. Easily drag
content from the Content Explorer window into your current drawing. You can also right-click or double-
click content in the Content Explorer window to automatically open the source file and zoom into relevant
objects such as text.
You can expand and collapse each panel in the search results to easily view all the results. Control the
type of content and the format in which it is displayed using the Filter Settings and View Options tools in
the lower right corner of the Content Explorer.

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For example, you can filter content so your results show only the specific object types you are interested
in. Switch between thumbnail and detail views, specify the icon size, group the results in various ways,
and choose whether or not to display text labels and column headers.
The Content Explorer searches for content in specified locations that are included in an index. Their
activity is continually monitored by the Content Service, which is installed with AutoCAD, and the index
is automatically updated to reflect changes. By default, the search index includes the AutoCAD Sample
and Downloaded Content folders as well as the Autodesk Seek site. You can easily add your own local
and network content to the index.
Local Content
Add your own local folders to the Content Explorer index using the Add Watched Folder option at the
bottom of the Content Explorer window or by dragging folders from Windows Explorer to Content
Explorer. The folders are not moved or copied; they’re simply added to the search index.

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Network Content
In addition to searching content on your local computer, Content Explorer can also search one or more
network computers. However, it requires the Content Service to run on the network computers and build
an index on that machine. This provides a single index that all clients can access and search. Therefore, in
order to support searching on network drives, software needs to be installed separately on the network
computer. This software, called Autodesk Content Service, is available from your AutoCAD 2012
installer under Tools and Utilities. Make sure this program is checked; then install it on one or more
network computers.
Once the Content Service is installed on the network computer, you can add one or more network folders
to be watched. Adding watched folders enables the content service to build an index for the files in those
folders. The key difference between watched folders on the local machine and watched folders on the

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network computer is that on a network computer watched folders need to be shared folders in order for
AutoCAD users to be able to access and search them. To add network shares as watched folders, launch
the Content Explorer Console, which is located in the Windows Start menu under All Programs >
Autodesk > Content Service>Content Service Console. When you choose Add Watched Folder, you’ll
notice that only shared folders are available to select.
After Autodesk Content Service has been installed on one or more network computers, and watched
folders have been configured, you can add these network locations as content sources within Content
Explorer in AutoCAD. In the lower right corner of the Content Explorer window, choose Configure
Settings to display a dialog box with various content sources that you can search and access. Then, in the
lower left corner of the Configure Settings dialog box, choose Add Network Content. Simply specify the
computer name or IP address of the network computer (for example, serv1230001, 10.23.58.88).
The network content is easily searchable from the Content Explorer and, thanks to indexing, produces
quick results.

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Autodesk Seek Content
In Content Explorer, you can use the Autodesk®
Seek web service to browse and search for online
content. Find files by manufacturer or via product specs, and insert files directly into your drawing
without navigating to an external website.
User Interface
The updated user interface makes it easier than ever to identify and access frequently used tools. The
Home tab includes changes in the Draw and Modify panels.
The Insert tab now has Block and Block Definition panels. The tools related to inserting and editing block
references are grouped together and the tools to create or edit block definitions are grouped together.
Wblock is included in the Create Block flyout. The View tab includes a new Forward tool and a
Rectangular viewport option has been added to the Viewports panel.

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AutoComplete Command Entry
AutoCAD 2012 now offers auto-complete options to help you access commands more efficiently. As you
type in the Command prompt (or use dynamic input), AutoCAD automatically completes the entry with
an AutoCAD command or command alias. If you pause, it displays a list of all the commands whose
prefix matches what you’ve typed, enabling you to scroll and select from the list.
A right-click menu provides easy access to the new AutoComplete controls, including the ability to
display system variables and specify the delay response for displaying the AutoComplete list.
In the Command window, the command history is distinguished from the active command line with a
grey background color. You can modify the various colors associated with the command window using
the Drawing Window Colors dialog box, which is accessible from the Display tab of the Options dialog
box.
Multifunctional Grips
The power of multifunctional grips has been extended to more AutoCAD objects, including lines, arcs,
elliptical arcs, dimensions, and mleaders, as well as 3D faces, edges, and vertices. Access relevant options
for the selected object by hovering the cursor over a grip.

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Using multifunctional grips with dynamic input turned on allows you to edit the object via relevant
dimensional values. For example, when you choose the Lengthen option for a selected line, dynamic input
dimensions for the total length and the incremental length are displayed. You can use the Tab key to
switch between the two values. Similarly, elliptical arcs have been updated to support dynamic input for
the major and minor axes. When you hover the cursor over a quadrant grip with dynamic input enabled,
the distances from the center to the quadrants are displayed along the major and minor axes. If you click
on the grip, you can edit the values.
Nudge Functionality
New Nudge functionality is useful when you need to move selected objects a few pixels in an orthogonal
direction. Simply press Ctrl and the appropriate arrow key.
Quick Properties
Use the Quick Properties tool (QP command alias) to view and modify properties of a selected object.
The Quick Properties window is automatically displayed when you double-click on most objects. It’s
automatically dismissed when the selection set is cleared and doesn’t come back until you launch the
command again. The default list of quick properties has been updated to include more frequently used
properties.
Object Selection
Object Groups
Group functionality has been streamlined in AutoCAD 2012 making it easier to use. You can access the
new Group tools from the Group panel on the Home ribbon tab.

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The Group tool replaces the traditional Object Grouping dialog box with a simple prompt to select
objects. You have the option of providing a group name and description. The Ungroup tool ungroups the
objects. You can use the Edit Group tool to add and remove objects or to rename the group. These tools
are also available from the right-click menu when a group is selected.
A Group Selection toggle allows you to control whether objects are selected individually or as a group.
Expanding the Group panel provides access to additional Group tools. The Group Bound Box controls
how groups are displayed. When it’s enabled, AutoCAD displays a single grip and a bounding box
around the group. The Named Groups tool displays the classic Object Grouping dialog box.
The Purge tool has been updated to support the purging of groups that contain no objects.
Implied Selection
Pick variables offer more flexibility and control when selecting objects. When you pick the first point of
an implied window, you now have the ability to use a Wpolygon, Cpolygon, and Fence in addition to the
traditional window selection method. And you no longer have to choose between picking two points or
picking and dragging to determine the selection window. The PICKDRAG system variable includes a
new option (PICKDRAG=2) that combines both of these methods. The PICKAUTO system variable
includes a new option (PICKAUTO=2) that allows you to start a window or crossing selection even when
picking on an object. This minimizes the need for you to find a ―clean‖ spot for picking.

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Snap Mode
When Snap Mode is on, the cursor no longer snaps to grid points when selecting objects, but does so only
when specifying points.
External Reference Enhancements
AutoCAD 2012 improves the ability to highlight and select externally referenced files. If you pass the
cursor over the edge of an attached image, DWFTM
, or PDF file, a selection preview frame is displayed,
even when frames are turned off.
Similarly, passing the cursor over geometry inside an attached DWF, PDF, DGN, or DWG file displays a
selection preview frame. You can select the frame for any of the attached reference files to display a
frame boundary, with the ability to grip-edit a clipped boundary frame.
Interaction with the External References manager is enhanced to automatically display the frame when
you select a reference file from the list.
To support the frame selection behavior, a new FRAMESELECTION system variable is included in
AutoCAD 2012.
Autodesk Exchange–AutoCAD
With connected access to getting started videos, downloadable plug-ins, and help content, the Autodesk®
Exchange feature brings the content you need directly to your AutoCAD workspace. Autodesk Exchange–
AutoCAD is first displayed when you start AutoCAD 2012. A toggle in the lower left corner of the window
allows you to disable it on startup but you can access it at any time from the Infocenter in the upper right
corner of the AutoCAD window. The Exchange button displays Autodesk Exchange with the Home tab
active, and the Help button displays it with the Help tab active.

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Explore
In-Canvas Viewport Control
New viewport controls enable you to change viewport settings, views, and visual styles directly on the
viewport canvas.
The 3D Modeling tab of the Options dialog box includes controls for displaying the in-canvas viewport
controls.
You can specify the color of the viewport control in the Drawing Window Colors dialog box, which is
accessible from the Display tab of the Options dialog.

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UCS Enhancements
AutoCAD 2012 provides many enhancements that make the UCS faster and easier to use.
The UCS icon has been updated to allow direct manipulation. You can select the UCS icon and then use
the multifunctional grips to change the UCS. Easily move the origin, and automatically align the UCS
with objects, including curved surfaces and solids.
You can rotate the UCS around the X, Y, or Z axis using grips, and without having to access the UCS
command.
When the UCS icon is selected, relevant options are displayed in the Properties palette.

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A new control on the Settings tab of the UCS dialog box enables you to specify whether the UCS icon is
selectable. You can access the UCS dialog box from the Coordinates panel of the View ribbon tab when
the 3D Modeling workspace is active.
Easily access additional UCS controls from a shortcut menu by right-clicking over the UCS Icon. You
can modify the shortcut menu to meet your needs using the Customize User Interface dialog box.
When you access the UCS through the UCS command, AutoCAD 2012 displays a dynamic preview of
the UCS icon, making it easier to understand and provide needed feedback for UCS options.

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3D Associative Array
The associative array functionality that is so valuable for 2D documentation is equally useful for 3D
modeling. Each of the three types of associative arrays—rectangular, polar, and path—include the ability
to array selected objects in 3D space. Use the Level option to specify the number items in the Z direction
during or after array creation.
Whether you create one- or multiple levels of array objects, you can specify an increment value for row
elevation. When the row elevation increment is set to zero, as it is by default, all rows are created at the
same elevation. When set to any other value, positive or negative, the elevation of each row is
incremented by that amount.
When creating a path array, you can specify whether the arrayed objects should maintain a vertical
orientation (Z direction) or adjust to remain parallel to the path.

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Creation Preview
A new preview provides a visual cue indicating when a surface or solid is in an intermediate state during
creation. For example, as you select profiles to create a lofted solid or surface, an updated preview of the
resulting object is displayed with each selection.
In addition to solid and surface lofts, the preview is included with the following commands:
SURFBLEND, SURFPATCH, SURFFILLET, FILLETEDGE, CHAMFEREDGE, and LOFT. The
preview displays with a transparency to easily distinguish it from completed objects. You can control the
transparency level with the new PREVIEWCREATIONTRANSPARENCY variable.

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Chain and Loop Selection
AutoCAD 2012 includes new Chain or Loop options to simplify the process of selecting a set of
contiguous edges or curves.
The new Chain selection option detects if there is a set of contiguous edges within a solid or mesh object,
or within or between surfaces. The chain may either be open or closed and is available in the
SURFPATCH, SURFBLEND, MESHCAP, and FILLETEDGE commands.
The Chain option within the FILLETEDGE command identifies and fillets edges that have continuity. For
example, the part below on the left does not have rounded corners so the fillet operation is limited to the
selected edge. The part on the right, however, has rounded corners enabling the Chain option to select and
fillet all the continuous edges.

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In addition to the Chain option, the FILLETEDGE and the CHAMFEREDGE command include a Loop
option. A loop is similar to a closed chain. After selecting an edge, you can choose which of the potential
loops to use.
Offset Edge
The new Offset Edge tool, available on the Solid Editing panel, enables you to create an offset curve from
a planar face or from a surface where all the edges lie on the same plane. After you select a face, the edge
of the face is dynamically offset to the inside or outside based on cursor location producing a polyline or
spline. During the offset operation, you can access the Corner option to specify sharp or rounded corners
for the offset curve. After offsetting an edge, you can use the Presspull tool to easily add or remove the
bounded area from a solid.
Presspull Functionality
Presspull functionality provides an easy way to create and edit solids. You simply click in a bounded area
of a solid and AutoCAD dynamically creates an extruded solid. If the bounded area is the face of a solid,
the extrusion is added or removed from the solid. In AutoCAD 2012, powerful Presspull functionality has
been updated to repeat until you exit the command enabling you to quickly press and pull multiple times
in a single operation.

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Trimmed Surface Properties
The Properties palette for trimmed surfaces is updated to provide more control and flexibility. A new
Trims pane displays trim properties for the selected surface. It includes an Edge property, which cycles
through the edges and highlights them in the drawing. The new Associative Trim property indicates if the
current edge is associative. You can remove the associativity for any given edge.
3D Autosnap Marker
The Autosnap Marker control in the Drawing Window Colors dialog box is renamed to 2D Autosnap
Marker and a new 3D Autosnap control was added. With different colors, you can more easily distinguish
between 2D and 3D osnaps in the drawing editor.

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Solid History
Solid history is turned off by default in AutoCAD 2012. With solid history turned off, you can directly
edit faces, edges, and vertices of solids. To retain solid history, you can set the SOLIDHIST system
variable to 1.
3Dconnexion Support
Support for 3Dconnexion devices is improved in AutoCAD 2012. The precision and controllability of 3D
mouse movements were further optimized to provide a more superior 2D and 3D navigation experience.
In Walk and Fly modes, the navigation speed accelerates as the camera position moves away from the
model. With Object mode, a consistent zoom speed is maintained regardless of the model size or position
of the camera within the drawing.
Autodesk Fusion
Autodesk®
Inventor®
Fusion adds to the 3D conceptual design capabilities of AutoCAD and sets a new
standard for professional 3D modeling ease of use. It enables you to flexibly edit and validate models
from almost any source, helping you further experience the benefits of accessible 3D in the native DWG
format. Inventor Fusion showcases intuitive direct manipulation capabilities, provides direct modeling for
rapid design changes, and unites direct and parametric workflows within a single digital model.
When installing AutoCAD 2012, you have the option to install Autodesk Inventor Fusion 2012.

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If you choose to install Fusion, you will find an Edit in Fusion tool on the Plug-ins ribbon tab in
AutoCAD 2012.
You can use this tool to select any of the following 3D objects in your AutoCAD drawing to
automatically open it for editing in Autodesk Inventor Fusion:
 3D Solid
 Extruded Surface
 Lofted Surface
 Planar Surface
 Swept Surface
 Revolved Surface
 NURBS Surface
You will also find the Edit in Fusion option on the right-click menu whenever one of those objects is
selected.

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With Autodesk Inventor Fusion, you will enjoy the freedom of direct modeling with the ability to exercise
control over change. Quickly create, delete, or modify features to accommodate your changing designs.
Make unique design changes and explore ―what if‖ scenarios.
Point Cloud Support
Point cloud support is enhanced in AutoCAD 2012. It includes an improved indexing algorithm for
generating PCG files in addition to optimized viewing at changing zoom levels. The following images
illustrate the increased detail for a point cloud file indexed in AutoCAD 2012 (left) compared with
AutoCAD 2011 (right).

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Document
3D Model Import
Import a wide variety of file formats, including CATIA®
, NX®
, Parasolid, Pro/Engineer®
, Rhinoceros®
,
and SolidWorks®
, as a starting point for documenting your designs in AutoCAD. You can access the
Import tool from the Import panel of the Insert ribbon tab. In the Import File dialog box, open the Files of
Type drop-down list to select the desired file format.
While the import operation is in progress, an Import icon is displayed on the status bar tray. A bubble
notification indicates when the import process is complete and a link in the bubble notification displays
the translated file name. You can pass the cursor over the link to view the full path and file name.
The ability to import these file formats supports surfaces, solids, and 2D and 3D wire geometry. The data
is translated to native AutoCAD geometry and inserted into the drawing as blocks. Parts and assemblies
in the original models are preserved and replicated as nested blocks. After importing, you can freely
modify the data using standard AutoCAD editing tools and document the 3D models using the new model
documentation tools.
Model Documentation
Save time by automatically generating intelligent documentation for AutoCAD, Inventor, and other
models. Drawing views, edge display, and location are instantly updated when an engineering change is
made.
Access the model documentation tools from the Drawing Views panel of the Annotate ribbon tab.

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Creating Drawing Views
The Base View tool creates a 2D view from the 3D solids and surfaces in modelspace. If there are no
surfaces or solids in modelspace, you can select an Inventor project and model (ipt, iam and ipn) files.
The Base View tool automatically displays a scaled preview of the model attached to the cursor. As you
place the base view on the drawing layout, you can specify options such as type, orientation, and scale.

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A contextual ribbon tab displays relevant controls, which vary depending on the source of the model,
AutoCAD modelspace or Inventor.
If an Inventor model is the source for the base view, an additional panel is displayed in the Drawing View
Creation ribbon tab, enabling you to further control the representation of the model.
If the Type option is set to Base and Projected, rather than Base Only, you can automatically create
projected views after placing the base view. Simply drag the cursor to the desired location and AutoCAD
automatically creates the appropriate view. You can continue adding projected views later using the
Projected View tool.
Each view creates a new Drawing View object, which includes a boundary similar to a viewport but does
not print. An icon in the status bar tray indicates when a drawing contains drawing views, and you can
view and modify properties for a selected drawing view using the Properties palette.

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After establishing a base view, you can create projected views. Projected views are simply projections of
existing views, and they support eight standard view projections: four orthographic and four isometric.
Projected views are drawn using the base view’s projection angle (first angle or third angle). During the
creation of projected views, a parent/child relationship is formed between the selected view and the
projected views. You can select any existing Drawing View object as the parent view as long as it is up to
date. The selected view becomes the parent view while the projected views become the child views. The
projection angle (first or third angle) and all other properties used by the parent view are inherited by the
child views. Once created, some properties of the child views may be modified.

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Editing Drawing Views
Using the Drawing View editing tools, you can easily modify drawing views after they’ve been created.
When you double-click on an existing view, the Drawing View Editor contextual ribbon tab is displayed.
Since child views inherit their properties from their parent, when you edit a parent view, the changes are
applied to the parent and all child views. If the selected view is a child view, you can change the scale and
style properties to differ from the parents. The changes you make are automatically applied to the selected
view and all child views that are dependent on the selected view. An option in the Edit panel of the
Drawing View Editor allows you to defer updates. Deferring updates lets you make multiple changes
within a single view computation for improved performance. If the selected view or any of its child views
are out of date, they are automatically updated as part of the editing process.
Selecting a drawing view displays a single multifunctional grip at its center. When you pass the cursor
over the grip, menu options enable you to stretch or rotate the view as well as break and repair alignment
of orthographic projected views.

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Updating Views
When changes are made to the source of a drawing view, various notifications appear. The notifications
include corner glyphs displayed on the out of date views, a warning badge added to the Drawing Views
icon within the status bar tray, and a bubble notification originating from the icon within the status bar
tray.
You can easily update all views on the layout by selecting a link on the bubble notification. If you want to
limit the updates to selected views, you can use the View Update tool, available on the ribbon and right-
click menu.
Applying Standards
Standards play a role in almost every aspect of documentation, including the representation of drawing
views. You can specify drafting standards for new drawing views using the Drafting Standard dialog box,
which is accessible from the dialog box launcher in the lower right corner of the Drawing Views ribbon
panel. You can specify first angle and third angle projection methods, which support the ISO and ANSI
standards. The thread style controls how Inventor thread features are represented in drawing views. You
can specify the view quality for shaded view styles. And the preview type enables you to improve
performance, particularly with larger models, by displaying a bounding box instead of shaded preview
image when creating drawing views.

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In addition to the controls in the Drafting Standard dialog box, the Drawing View functionality leverages
layers to organize and format geometry.
Exporting Layouts
The Export Layout tool has been updated to support new 2D View functionality in AutoCAD 2012. You
can access this tool from the Save As>Save Layout as Drawing option in the Application menu.
Annotation
Mtext Enhancements
The Mtext background mask has been updated to remember the last used fill color and border offset
factor rather than always defaulting to red and 1.5.
MLeader Enhancements
To have more control over your leaders, you can now change the gap around Mleader text in a text frame.
You can also extend the leader line to the text rather than ending at the text bounding box. Access the
MLeader improvements in the Multleader Style dialog box.
When the Frame Text property is enabled, the Landing gap value specifies the distance between the text
and the text frame.

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The new Extend leader to text control extends the leader line to the text rather than ending at the text
bounding box.

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Dimension Right-Click Menu
When you right-click with a dimension selected, you now have the option to Remove Style Overrides.
Osnap Enhancements
The behavior for Perpendicular and Tangent object snaps is enhanced in AutoCAD 2012 to provide more
flexibility. Now, when grip-editing the endpoints of lines or the endpoints and vertices of Polylines,
AutoCAD enables you to choose from multiple snap points based on the location of the cursor. In other
words, AutoCAD finds object snap points to make objects tangent or perpendicular, as well as the tangent
or perpendicular points relative to the selected grip. The Osnap glyph is displayed at each possible
location as you move the cursor of the object.
If Infer Constraints is enabled when using the perpendicular or tangent object snaps, the corresponding
geometric constraint is automatically applied to the objects.

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Fillet, Chamfer, Blend, and Join
The Fillet and Chamfer tools have been updated to display a preview when passing the cursor over the
second object in the fillet/chamfer selection. Now you can confirm and change the radius or distance
values before even completing the command.
When using the Polyline option, the preview fillet arcs or chamfer lines are displayed for the entire
polyline.
If the preview is not as desired, you can edit the fillet radius or chamfer distance/angle prior to completing
the operation.
The Fillet tool now supports filleting of spline objects.
The new Blend tool creates spline objects with options for tangent or smooth continuity between two
curves, speeding documentation time. It supports lines, arcs, 2D and 3D polylines, splines, helixes, and
elliptical arcs.
You can access the Blend tool from the Modify panel of the Home ribbon tab.

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The Join tool is streamlined to automatically combine selected objects using typical selection methods
such as crossing or picking objects in any order. You are no longer required to select the source object
first.
Spline Enhancements
Splines have been updated in AutoCAD 2012 to support periodic splines. When you specify the Close
option for a spline, a periodic spline with C2 continuity between the start and endpoints is generated and
the new Periodic property is listed in the Properties window. Periodic behavior is also supported when
rebuilding closed NURBS surfaces. When converting an analytical surface to a NURBS surface, a
periodic NURBS surface is created if the end conditions of the surface allow for it.
AutoCAD 2012 provides more flexible and intuitive behavior with greater control when grip-editing fit
points of splines. In addition, the knot parameterization property of the spline, which is displayed in the
Properties palette when the method is set to Fit, has changed from a read-only text field to a drop-down
list where you can specify chord, square root, or uniform knot parameterization. Changing the knot
parameterization value is often useful when switching from editing the control vertices of the spline to
editing the Fit points of the spline. It provides greater control over the shape of the spline as it passes
through the Fit points.
The Kink option has been added to the Splinedit tool when selecting a Fit Points spline.
The Extend tool is enhanced to support splines when selecting objects to extend. The spline is extended
while maintaining a curvature that is continuous with the original spline.

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The 3D Edit Bar is enhanced to support splines and is accessible from the right-click menu when a spline
is selected. It enables you to move the location of a point on the curve, change the magnitude of the
tangency at the point, and change the tangent direction relative to the point.
2D Array Functionality
Save valuable rework time by establishing and maintaining a set of relationships between arrayed objects,
like windows on a building or trusses on a bridge. Plus, you can now array objects along a specified path
(rather than having only rectangular or polar options), saving even more time when creating conceptual
designs or finished documentation.
You can access the new Array tools from the Modify panel of the Home ribbon tab.
Using the new array functionality you can establish and maintain a set of relationships between arrayed
objects. As you create the array, AutoCAD displays a preview with grips that you can use to visually edit
array properties. Even after creating the array, you can use the Properties palette or multifunctional grips
to modify it.

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Additional options are available in the Contextual ribbon tab and the right-click menu when an array
object is selected.
You can modify, erase, or transform individual items in an array using the Ctrl key to select the desired
objects. You can then use familiar AutoCAD editing tools to erase, move, rotate, or scale those selected
objects. Or, use the Replace Item tool to replace selected instances of the array items with other objects.
The transformed objects maintain their association with the array, enabling you to change the array
properties without having to reapply changes to the individual objects. If needed, you can quickly restore
all times to their default size and position using the Reset tool from the ribbon or right-click menu.

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If you want to change the appearance of all the arrayed objects, there’s no need to start over. You can edit
the source object in place. AutoCAD automatically displays the Edit Array contextual tab in addition to
the many AutoCAD drawing and editing tools. After making edits to the source geometry, or if you
decide against editing the geometry, you can choose to save or discard changes.
The powerful associative array functionality applies to the new Path array type as well as to the familiar
rectangular and polar arrays. You can use a path array to distribute items evenly along a specified path. If
you want a specific distance between items, rather than ensuring a specified number of items fits along
the path, you can use the Measure option. If, on the other hand, you require a specific number of items,
regardless of how much space is between them, you can use the divide option.
You can control the position of the arrayed items relative to the path using the Base Point option. Whether
the base point of the arrayed object is on the path or offset, the items are associated with the path. When
the path changes, the items automatically update.
In addition to all of this powerful array functionality, many of the properties of the array are parametric,
supporting parameters and expressions.
If you want to create a traditional array with no associativity between array items, set the Associative
option to No when creating the array. You can remove associative functionality from an existing array by
exploding it.

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Copy Tool
The Copy tool includes a new Array option that enables you to create a linear, non-associative array. You
can enter the distance between a specified number of copies or enter the number of copies to fit between
two specified points.
Layer Enhancements
A new layer management option enables you to quickly freeze specified layers in all viewports except the
current one. You can access this functionality from the right-click menu in the Layer Properties Manager
as well as from the Freeze option of the VPLAYER command.

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Copy Nested Objects
The former NCOPY express tool is integrated into the core AutoCAD software application enabling you
to copy objects that are nested in xrefs, blocks, or DGN underlays without having to explode or bind
them. Easily access the Copy Nested Objects tool from the Modify panel on the Home ribbon tab.
Delete Duplicate Objects
Helping you clean up your drawings by removing duplicate or unneeded geometry, the Delete Duplicates
tool provides increased performance—especially on drawings with many objects. First introduced to

41
AutoCAD as the OVERKILL Express Tool, it has been significantly enhanced in AutoCAD 2012 and
integrated into the core set of AutoCAD tools.
You can access the Delete Duplicates tool from the Modify panel of the Home ribbon tab.
The Delete Duplicate Objects dialog box enables you to specify which object properties to ignore, such as
thickness or transparency. Additional controls allow you to optimize segments with polylines, combine
co-linear objects that partially overlap or are end-to-end, and maintain associative objects.
Communicate
Raster File Support
AutoCAD 2012 provides increased support and flexibility for using raster images in your drawing files. If
you open a drawing with images from Raster Design, such as satellite and elevation formats, they are
automatically displayed in AutoCAD 2012. Furthermore, the Attach and Image Attach tools in AutoCAD
2012 support the following image files in addition to the previously supported raster file formats:
Type Description File extension
DDS Microsoft DirectDraw Surface .dds

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DOQ USGS Digital Orthophoto Quads .doq
ECW Enhanced Compression Wavelet .ecw
HDR High Dynamic Range image .hdr
JPEG2000 Wavelet-based compression standard created by the Joint Photographics
Expert Group
.jp2, .j2k
MrSID Multiresolution Seamless Image Database .sid
NITF National Imagery Transmission Format
Note: NITF files containing elevation data require AutoCAD® Raster Design
software
.nitf
OpenEXR Industrial Light & Magic High Dynamic Range image .exr
PSD Adobe® Photoshop® document .psd
DGN Support
Support for complex linetypes in DGN files is improved in AutoCAD 2012. Now when you import or
export using the DGN V8 file format, complex linetypes are maintained.
DWG Convert
Helping make it easier to collaborate, the DWG conversion tool enables you to translate AutoCAD DWG
files to any of the following DWG versions: Release 14, 2000, 2004, 2007, and 2010. And since you can
convert files in batches, you can quickly bring older file libraries up to date.
Easily access the DWG Convert tool from the Applications menu in the upper left corner of the AutoCAD
window.

43
Choose Save As>DWG Convert to display the DWG Convert dialog box. In the DWG Convert dialog
box, you can specify the DWG files to be converted, save the list for future use, create new lists, and open
or append existing lists.
Conversion Setups enable you to specify the conversion properties, such as file format and path options.
You can specify how to store the converted drawings, in a zip file or self-extracting executable, for
example. Additional options enable you to perform actions such as purging the drawings or replacing
page setups during the conversion process.

44
You can save multiple conversion setups, enabling you to easily restore a specific set of conversion
properties. For example, you may have a particular client that requires you to save all the drawings to
AutoCAD 2000 file format, while another one insists that you purge all the drawings and submit them in
AutoCAD 2010 file format.
Sheet Set Manager and Vault Integration
Autodesk®
Vault software manages data creation, simulation, and documentation processes for design and
engineering workgroups. Enjoy more control over design data with revision management capabilities, and
quickly find and reuse design data for easier management of your design and engineering information.
In AutoCAD 2012, Autodesk Vault support is integrated with sheet set functionality. The Sheet Set
Manager now includes the ability to log in and out of Autodesk Vault. You can open and check out sheet
set files from Autodesk Vault. And, when using the Workgroup, Collaboration, and Professional versions
of Autodesk Vault, revisions and lifecycle management are also supported by Sheet Set functionality.
Updates to the Vault Client enable you to display sheet set data, extract and index sheet set properties, and
publish sheet sets with the Autodesk Vault Batch Plot Manager.

45
If Autodesk Vault is installed on your system, Vault status icons are displayed in the Sheet Set Manager
for the sheet set, individual sheets, and files. The status is also displayed on the tooltip when you hover
the cursor over a sheet in the sheet list.
The right-click menu in the Sheet Set Manager is updated to include a Vault option. When you right-click
on the background of the Sheet List, Sheet Views, or Model Views, you can access the options to Log In
and Log Out of Vault.
Materials Library
The Autodesk Materials Library is now available online for you to download and install when needed.
When you choose to install it, the Autodesk Materials Library is created in the Common FilesAutodesk
SharedMaterials 2012 folder, and materials are organized into multiple subfolders.
The Materials Browser has been updated in AutoCAD 2012 for improved usability. The Create Material
menu includes descriptive labels to clearly indicate that it is for creating new materials. And, when you
use the Search tool, the results more clearly describe where materials were or were not found. Many
material swatches have also been updated.
To help you more easily find materials based on category, materials in the Autodesk Materials Library
have been organized into nested categories where appropriate.

46
The Materials Editor has also been updated with labels that make it easier to find controls for creating
materials, specifying options, and accessing the Materials Browser. The Information tab in the Materials
Editor now includes a field for the material name.
Behavior in the Texture Editor is updated to automatically expand the Transforms options, making it
easier to find key properties such as position and scale.

47
With the evolution of the Autodesk Materials Library, the MATSTATE and MATERIALSPATH
variables are no longer necessary and have been removed.
AutoCAD WS
AutoCAD 2012 extends AutoCAD to the web by integrating tools for direct access to the AutoCAD®
WS
web and mobile application. AutoCAD WS lets you view, edit, and share DWG drawings through a web
browser or mobile device. You can access the AutoCAD WS tools from the Online ribbon tab.
The Upload tool enables you to upload the current AutoCAD drawing to a secure location on the
AutoCAD WS server. It also acts as a toggle for automatic upload. When enabled, the changes you make
to the local version of the drawing are automatically uploaded to the Web server. You can use the Manage
Uploads tool to control which drawings are included in the automatic upload.

48
You can use the Upload Multiple Files tool to upload other types of files. For example, you can post
relevant plot styles, images, spreadsheets, and other files in addition to your AutoCAD drawings.
When you have a drawing open in AutoCAD, you can use the Open Online tool to access and edit the
drawing online. AutoCAD automatically uploads the last saved version of the drawing and opens it online
in the AutoCAD WS Drawing Editor.

49
You can quickly view your online drawings and folders using the Online Drawings tool.
The Timeline tool takes advantage of the web’s infinite storage capability to provide a fully detailed
design history of the current drawing, including changes by others.

50
With your drawings stored online, you can share them with colleagues and clients for accelerated
collaboration. The Share Drawing tool enables you to control whether collaborators are limited to viewing
the drawing, editing it online, or downloading it to their desktop. And it automatically notifies
collaborators with an email invitation.

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In addition to notifying collaborators via email, you can use the Get Link tool to copy a link to the shared
drawing, which you can then embed in web pages and documents.
The Messages tool enables you to view messages related to the files and folders that you’ve shared or that
others have shared with you.

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Customize
Installation
The installation process in AutoCAD 2012 has been simplified to provide a faster install experience.
Dynamic feedback helps you identify inaccurate product information upon entry.

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A product selection page includes descriptions of product components and their install status.
Migration and Customization
New and enhanced migration tools in AutoCAD 2012 make it easier to migrate your custom settings or
reset AutoCAD to the default install settings.
The Tool Palette files option in the Migrate Custom Settings dialog box provides improved migration for
tool palettes created in previous versions of AutoCAD. Migrating tool palette files now includes tool
palette groups. A new option in the Migrate Custom Settings dialog box enables you to migrate the My
Materials Library file introduced in AutoCAD 2011.

54
You can easily access the Migrate Custom Settings dialog box the first time you launch AutoCAD 2012
or from the Windows Start menu (Start>Programs>Autodesk>AutoCAD 2012>Migrate Custom
Settings>Migrate From a Previous Release).
If, after you have migrated your custom settings to AutoCAD 2012, you wish to return to the default
settings, you can use the new Reset tool available from the Windows Start menu
(Start>Programs>Autodesk>AutoCAD 2012>Reset Settings to Default). The Reset Settings tool provides
the option for you to back up your customized files to a zip file before it restores the default install state.
Using Reset Settings to Default is also helpful if you’ve made changes or customizations to AutoCAD
and want a quick way to get back to the default install state. All AutoCAD products must be closed when
running Migrate or Reset.

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Managing and exporting tool palette groups in AutoCAD 2012 is easier with the resizable Customize
dialog box. Right-click on any palette group to access the Export All option, which was previously only
available when right-clicking in an empty area of the Palette Groups list.
Plot Files Search Path
AutoCAD 2012 provides increased flexibility for managing plot files. You can now specify multiple
folders for printer configuration (.PC3) files, printer description (.PMP) files, and plot style (.CBT &
.STB) files. You can add support paths on the Files tab of the Options dialog box. If these files are not
found in the specified folders, AutoCAD automatically searches for them in the folder of the host file. A
copy of the shortcut to the Add-A-Plot Style Table Wizard or Add-a-Plotter Wizard is added to the new
path.

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Autodesk, AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, Content Explorer, DWF, DWG, and Inventor are registered trademarks
or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. [Third-
party trademarks required by contract.] All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their
respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and
pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in
this document.
© 2011 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

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