20+ Years of Design, Technology & More
20+ Years of Design, Technology & More
Shaan's CER Viewer 1.0 helps users analyze crash reports from Autodesk products by reading XML and binary .pb files. It's a free, portable tool that requires no installation or internet connection. The viewer organizes crash data for easy comparison and includes features for batch analysis and anonymization, making troubleshooting efficient.
The content discusses the Autodesk Civil 3D 2027.1 update, highlighting the improved AI-driven Assistant in Tech Preview mode. The Assistant helps users identify complex reference issues in Civil 3D drawings, but still requires explicit prompting and verification. Importantly, it moves towards proactive monitoring of drawing health, enhancing workflow efficiency for CAD managers.
The article discusses the differences between the Overlay and Attach methods in AutoCAD and Civil 3D. While Overlay is preferred for managing references, Civil 3D introduces complexities with data shortcuts, creating potential mixed loops that can disrupt project workflows. Users must understand file dependencies to avoid creating loops before referencing drawings.
Most CAD managers underestimate the significance of Autodesk crash data found in Customer Error Reports (CERs). Regularly analyzing these files reveals underlying issues affecting user environments, often overlooked by support tickets. Cer data can identify patterns leading to crashes and help implement fixes, thereby reducing user frustration and improving productivity.
Updated 9/6/2026: The PowerShell scripts in this post have been rewritten and tested end to end. The original versions captured the decoder with 2>&1, which fails silently in any PowerShell script that sets $ErrorActionPreference = ‘Stop’: the decoder’s stderr output…
A simple tip from Robin Capper can significantly improve Civil 3D and AutoCAD performance: dock the command line to the bottom of the screen. This change reduces cursor lag and instability by minimizing processing competition on the CPU and streamlining window management, potentially leading to a smoother user experience.
One of the simplest and most effective things you can do to maintain a stable, high-performing CAD workstation is to reboot regularly and keep your machine current with IT and hardware updates. AutoCAD, Civil 3D and other CAD applications accumulate…
The post discusses the challenges of sending and receiving transmittals in Civil 3D and AutoCAD, highlighting common issues like missing external references and font conflicts. eTransmit simplifies this by packaging all dependencies accurately. It provides options for setup, packaging formats, and paths, ensuring recipients receive functional files. A checklist for effective usage is included.
If you have Autodesk Desktop Connector (ACC Docs – changing to Forma brand) installed – and in 2026 you almost certainly do – stop using the built-in AutoCAD and Civil 3D Reference Manager. Reference Explorer is sitting right there in…
The post discusses the role of lighthearted pranks in design offices to relieve stress. It shares various harmless AutoCAD pranks that can confuse users without causing damage. Suggestions include altering settings or commands, creating misleading appearances, and adding unexpected functionalities. The author encourages sharing new prank ideas while ensuring reversibility.