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  • Autodesk Desktop App: Replaced

    The Autodesk Desktop App (ADA) gets installed on users’ computers when Autodesk applications are installed. Its purpose is to read which Autodesk software is installed on the user’s machine and provide information about which updates and add-ins are available. It uses the user’s Autodesk login credentials to determine what applications and services to which the user is entitled.

    March 16, 2023, a new Application, Autodesk Access (AA), was made available which will replace ADA. Read this Autodesk document for more information. It accomplished essentially the same goals as ADA.

    Why this change?

    • AA will provide a simpler and more streamlines update experience for the users.
    • AA is more secure than ADA.
    • AA will be expanded in the future with more features.

    What does this mean for you?

    • When installing the Autodesk 2024 applications, ADA will be removed, and AA will be installed in its place.
    • Unlike ADA, AA cannot be uninstalled. Only when the last Autodesk product on the machine is removed, will AA be removed.
    • If you need to disable users’ abilities to install updates via Autodesk Access, click here for the registry key you must set.

    To learn more about Autodesk applications, feel free to contact us and one of our representatives will reach out to you shortly.

    AutoCAD 2020

    Autodesk has release the latest iteration of their flagship drafting software, namely AutoCAD 2020.  Click here to see Autodesk’s page detailing what’s new.  Go to the Autodesk Account page to download the software of get it from the Desktop App.

    Here are the features of note in this release:

    • There is no DWG format change.  Files back to 2018 are compatible with this release.
    • New installation technology allows for an install time about half that of previous releases, when a Solid State Drive is in use.
    • A new block palette exists containing all of the blocks within the current drawing.  The INSERT command no longer displays the usual block insert dialog box, it now runs the BLOCKSPALETTE tool, displaying the new blocks palette.  The new CLASSICINSERT command displays the old block insert dialog.

    • The purge command now indicates the reason why some objects cannot be purged.  This has been a request for many releases.

    • Use the Quick measure tool to more efficiently measure objects.

    • Access to drawings saved to online services such as Box and Dropbox has been streamlined.

    Civil 3D 2019 Update 2

    A new update for Civil 3D 2019 has just been released.  You can find it in the usual places; the Desktop App or your Autodesk Account.  Here is the ReadMe; note that AutoCAD 2019.1.2 must be installed prior to this new Civil 3D update.

    See this video outlining some of the new functionality.

    As always, updates contain fixes to known defects and some new functionality.  Here are the notable new features:

    • Transparent commands are now included in their own ribbon.
    • Transparent commands can now be accessed via the right click menu.
    • There is some new transparent command functionality with Alignment Station and Offset.  This in the name of efficiency and it’s an excellent addition.
    • Linear crossings in profile views.  This is, in this blogger’s opinion, is arguably revolutionary!  For many years users have requested the ability to display in profile where something crosses your alignment.  Another alignment, feature line, etc.  now we can.
    • UNC paths for projects.
    • Sample lines data shortcuts are “Vaultable”.
    • Property set data is supported in LadnXML.
    • Rail platform edge improvements.

     

    Civil 3D Update 2018.1

    Civil 3D Update 2018.1

    Autodesk has released the latest update for its Civil 3D 2018 application.  You will find information about the update here.  Click this link to view a recorded webinar.  The update can be installed with the Desktop App or by downloading it from Autodesk Account.

    A brief look at the changes:

    • New corridor rehab workflows and subassemblies.
    • Crossings and projections improvements.
    • The new Infrastructure Parts Editor introduced with Infraworks 2018 is now supported in Civil 3D.
    • Reference templates improvements.
    • Defect fixes.