Autodesk Updates AutoCAD WS – now in 3D!!!

Autodesk updated it’s free mobile CAD application AutoCAD WS.  Here are the new features:

• 3D Support
• GPS Support
• Plot from Mobile

These three new features in AutoCAD WS are great.  The 3D support should probably have been there the entire time, but that’s ok because it is here now.  Users can now go between 2D and 3D views.  There is no 3D editing so those features are turned off during a 3D session.  You can view the 3D model with a series of preset views.  There are ten preset viewing angles as well as the ability to rotate your view as needed.  You can also view the model in Wireframe mode or Solid mode.  These views only have two visibility states, Grayscale and not Grayscale.

The GPS support lets you locate yourself in your file.  It uses the GPS abilities of your mobile device so accuracy is limited to what the mobile hardware can do.  Don’t use it to create survey points but it will get you close to where you need to be.  The GPS functionality does work with AutoCAD WS’s Google Maps functionality.  Tag your location the file and then load a Google Map image of where you are.  This is good to create a map, or to quickly identify where your project is located.

The ability to plot from your mobile device via AutoCAD WS is limited to HP Printers that have ePrinter abilities but it’s a start.  It can print to PDF or DWF which is really nice.

What I would like to see in the next update.

• It would be nice if all visibility (or at least more) were available. 
• The ability to use other cloud based printing services/apps. Google Cloud Printing or my PrinterShare app integration for example.  I don’t have access to an HP ePrinter (HP if you are reading this I would love to test some out for you and blog about them) but I do have access to a Google Cloud Printer and other wifi printers.  For now I have to print to PDF and print that file from my device. 
• The ability to create a new drawing.  Please add this.

What would you like to see in the next update of AutoCAD WS?

(shhh! Don’t tell anyone but I am hearing rumors of AutoCAD WS future abilities will soon include some cool things. Stay tuned.)