AutoCAD WS allows the viewing, markup, and sharing of DWG files among architects, designers and engineers, as well as non-CAD professionals. AutoCAD WS is available for free on the web, on mobile devices with AutoCAD WS mobile, and as a native desktop Mac App in the Mac App Store.
Currently the developers are hard at work on the next update of the free AutoCAD WS and AutoCAD WS mobile. The new update will include many new features like new 3D viewing, GPS Integration, and Print to Plot with HP ePrint.
I got hands on with an in development build at Autodesk University 2011 with AutoCAD WS team member Shani Segev. We tested out the upcoming GPS integration feature where you can assign a location in your DWG file and then moving around you see where you are in the drawing with the location marker following. To me this would be great for site developers or large projects where you have a GPS signal on your mobile device.
Here are some screenshots of the setting of a location marker and the display of a location marker in a DWG on AutoCAD WS mobile.
From the press release :
”Las Vegas, Nevada, Nov. 28, 2011 ¾ Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) announced several new features to be added to the next release of AutoCAD WS, a free* web and mobile application that enables users to view, edit and share AutoCAD projects across desktop, web and mobile devices. AutoCAD WS users will have access to 3D interactive features, including the ability to work with 3D drawings on mobile devices. In addition, AutoCAD WS will include GPS capabilities, allowing geographic location information to be shared and saved with design projects, as well as new Plot-to-Print capabilities for immediate remote printing to any HP ePrinter, including Designjets.
So in the next update you will see these 3 big new features: 3D object viewing, GPS integration, and HP ePrint as well as the ability to export and email a PDF print of the DWG. There will be other features, fixes, and enhancements based on user feedback and research.
AutoCAD WS has over 4 million downloads. If you are not an AutoCAD WS user now don’t wait for the impending update give it a try now. http://autocadws.com
Cheers,
Shaan
The GPS integration is much needed, need any beta testers for it? 🙂
I loved the feature as it could be used in so many ways as long as you had a decent GPS signal available. Mobile apps are difficult to get out for beta testing due to development sprint speed and side-loading requirements.
The updated version and features will be available in the not too distant future.
Regards,
Shaan
what sort of mobile devices? HP touchpad, maybe? 😉
For mobile platforms it is currently the major ones of Android and iOS.
I did just write 2 paragraphs here to explain this in detail, but the anti spam thing flashed up and deleted it all. So here is a basic version:
Has the zoom/magnifying glass snap point selection been enabled for 1st point selection when using the measure and polyline tools?
For a number of reasons (which I had detailed) this is imperative for the practical adoption of AutoCAD WS IMO. I won’t be using it in practice until this feature has been added, its way to annoying to use in its current guise. Albeit its very clever in other areas, this is a deal breaker for me and others at our company.
Cheers Scott
good
I usually write comments offline then past to any web page form as an automatic browser refresh or connection issue could wipe out my hard work.
I have forwarded your comments to the AutoCAD WS.
Cheers,
Shaan
Hi Scott,
the magnifying glass is actually available for all tools that require accuracy, we wanted users to be able to draw in 2 ways:
1. using single taps in case accuracy is not relevant and then the magnifying glass will not be displayed
2. Using longer tap for accuracy and then the magnifying glass will be displayed.
Hope this will make your experience better.
This is Awesome! I’ve been wanting gps integration since I first tried this app. It opens up so many more possibilities and uses when doing site visits and keeping track of areas. Can’t wait.
GPS integration could be extremely useful – are we talking days or weeks away from release??
Any support for Civil 3D objects in the update??
Neil,
I cannot comment on product release timing other than to say it is not too far off.
Regards,
Shaan
Ok thanks – I had a feeling that would be the response….!!!
I am not certain of this at this time but most likely proxy objects.
Thanks, as long as they can be viewed – I wouldn’t fancy doing any editing of Civil objects on the WS version…!!
Shaan, that’s quite a great product for mobiles and it will be welcomed by many great site/ field engineers. Any thought on integration with engineering analysis software like AutoCAD MEP?
AutoCAD MEP and AutoCAD WS work very well with each other allowing markup and review of drawings in the field or by customers.
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TITLE: AutoCAD WS 1.5 Now Available for iOS Android Free
BLOG NAME: Between the Lines
Take your design conversations with you using the new version of AutoCAD WS 1.5!
Check your mobile device for updates for the very latest AutoCAD WS 1.5 and if you don’t have it yet, why not its free and powerful for 2D and 32D DWG file viewing, editi…