Autodesk AutoCAD 2020: What’s New & How is it Different From the Older Version? The Experts Speak

Autodesk AutoCAD is the most widely accepted CAD (computer-aided design) software that can be used for applications like creating blueprints for buildings, bridges, structures, and computer chips. It is a 2D- and 3D-drafting software with advanced features.

As more organizations move toward smarter, software-driven methodologies, they realize that AutoCAD features can lead to easier product development and integration. One can visually design, explore conceptual ideas, modify designs using 3D free-form design tools, produce intelligent model documentation, transform designs into 3D renderings or turn them into animated presentations. 

Every new version adds to these features and makes AutoCAD more effective. The release of AutoCAD 2020 is no different. 

• AutoCAD 2020 pays attention to improving already-existing tools. It has also introduced new features and enhancements for better designing and drafting.

“We’re continuing to deliver unprecedented value to subscribers via a streamlined offering, new features, and award-winning web and mobile apps. With Autodesk’s cloud capabilities and new AutoCAD partnerships, users can collaborate and make anything, anywhere.” - Marcus O’Brien, Director, AutoCAD Product Management 

Let’s find out what’s new in AutoCAD 2020 and AutoCAD 2020.1 Update. We’ll also explore how it is different from the older versions.

AutoCAD 2020 & AutoCAD 2020.1 Update: What’s New?

• AutoCAD 2020:

1. New look with the dark theme: The modern, clean, crisp, dark blue interface, contrast improvements, sharper icons, and automatic graphics configuration bring clarity and reduce strain on the eyes.
2. Improvements in speed, including faster, save and install times: Saving work is now one whole second faster, saving hours each year. Install time is also 50% faster for solid-state hard drives.
3. Quickly display measurements: The new Quick Measure tool measures 2D drawings by merely hovering your mouse. Dimensions, distances, and angles are displayed by moving the mouse over and between objects.
4. Blocks palette: It’s easy to insert blocks with visual galleries. You have the ability to filter for the exact block you want. Drag and drop blocks into the drawing from Current Drawing, Recent, and Other Drawing tabs. The palette boosts efficiency for finding and inserting multiple blocks and recently used blocks.
5. Conveniently clean drawings through redesigned Purge: The redesigned Purge feature ensures easier drawing cleanup. It lets you remove unnecessary objects at once with easy selection and a visual preview area.
6. The enriched DWG Compare feature lets you compare two drawing versions without leaving your current window. Also, you can import required changes into the current drawing in real-time.
7. Partnering with Microsoft and Box: Store files in Microsoft OneDrive or Box, have streamlined workflows, and take advantage of access anytime to any DWG file with AutoCAD. Access DWG files in AutoCAD with Autodesk’s cloud and other cloud storage providers. Microsoft Box integrations reduce collaboration time as you can view and edit drawings in real-time. One can also save updated files to OneDrive and Box without leaving the AutoCAD web app. The integrations are available for all AutoCAD subscribers using Microsoft, Box, and Dropbox.

• AutoCAD 2020.1 Update:

1. If you are on AutoCAD 2020, you will automatically get updates as they become available in the Autodesk Desktop App. You can accept the update and start utilizing new features. Make sure that in the Help menu, the “Highlight New Features” button is turned on. 
2. TEXT LAYER Command: You can set a specified layer for all texts. Create text in AutoCAD anytime. It will automatically assign itself to a predetermined layer irrespective of the layer you are currently on. You do not have to manually assign each block of text to a layer every time you create text. 
3. The Standards dialog now includes multileader styles, helpful in enforcing and supporting standards and checking for multileader styles. AutoCAD preserves block attributes in multileader styles on saving DWGs to DXF format. 
4. The Blocks palette now includes a faster thumbnails display and better usability with the View setting. Tooltips can be suppressed with the TOOLTIP system variable. Drag and drop blocks with Scale and Rotation settings. 
5. AutoCAD 3D translators now support popular non-Autodesk providers’ new software versions (Creo 6.0, Granite 12, NX 1847 Series, SolidEdge 2019, JT 10.4, Rhino 6.0 and Parasolid 31.1).

AutoCAD 2020 Vs. The Older Versions

Since AutoCAD 2016, 2017 and 2018, the following changes have been made in AutoCAD 2020:

• Industry-Specific Toolsets: Architecture, Electrical design, Mechanical design, Map 3D, Plant 3D, including P&ID functionality, MEP, and Raster design. 
• AutoCAD web app, mobile app, and integrated workflows.
• Cloud storage connectivity.

You may download the latest AutoCAD release today, or as a first step, you can get started with a 30-day free trial of AutoCAD 2020. AutoCAD Certification lets you access the certified professional logo and gets you added to the Autodesk Database. It also enables you to utilize multiple productivity-improving benefits of AutoCAD. 

Consider exploring AutoCAD 2020 or the older versions, AutoCAD 2019 and AutoCAD 2018, with NetCom Learning’s training courses. NetCom Learning is an Autodesk authorized training center for Autodesk Training & Certifications. The Essential IT Skills eLearning Library could also be highly beneficial for you as it provides 24/7 access to on-demand courses related to Autodesk.

Source: Autodesk.com