[UPDATE] Everything you need to know about the benefits in the first update to AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT 2017 specifically for subscription and maintenance plan customers, now available everywhere.
If you’re on an AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT 2017 subscription license or maintenance plan, you’ll get all your updates as they become available, right in the Autodesk Desktop App. Just accept the update, and you’ll be up and running with the new features immediately. For the complete rundown of everything you can expect, check out our full AutoCAD 2017.1 Update/Enhancement Preview Guide. Here’s the quick version:
New-feature highlighting
Stop hunting! This update gives you clear visual indicators of where to find helpful new features in the app. In fact, any time you receive an AutoCAD update (and we hope that’ll be regularly), you’ll be able to see exactly which features have been added.
PDF Import supports SHX font import
You spoke, we listened. When you update, if you’re importing a PDF with an SHX font, you’ll have access to a tool that will convert the imported SHX geometry into AutoCAD text. No more hassling with vectorized letters.
Note: Currently supported in English only; other languages to follow.
Text to Mtext enhancements
Once you’ve converted your SHX text from an imported PDF file, use the Convert to Mtext Express Tool to combine many individual text objects into one multi-line text object.
Off-screen selection
Select, pan, and zoom without frustration. Off-screen object selection is finally here. Now when you select objects, they stay in the selection set even if you pan or zoom them off the screen!
Improved linetype gap selection
Now you can select complex and DGN linetypes, or snap to them, by picking on the gaps between the geometry. In addition, this feature works with all objects, such as polylines with width and splines.
High-resolution (4K) monitor support
For complex drafting on high-resolution screens, we want you to have the best possible experience. With this update, you’ll see the correct scaling for commonly used user interface elements such as the command line and Layer Manager, a ViewCube that looks like it’s supposed to, and beautiful icons.
3D navigation performance boost
Our fall update includes significant improvements in zoom, pan, and 3D orbit operations in commonly used visual styles. Yup, that means reduced lag time when navigating around your 3D models.
Autodesk Desktop App
Don’t forget: You need an AutoCAD subscription to use all these new features immediately. If you’re already on a subscription, all you have to do is open the Autodesk Desktop App while logged into your Autodesk account, click Update, and … voilà.
We’re pretty excited about this new universe of AutoCAD updates, and we hope you are too.
For more information on all the benefits to switching from a perpetual license to a subscription for AutoCAD and other Autodesk products, check out this quick explainer.
Which new feature are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments!
Note: This announcement has been edited for clarity since its initial publication.
