In previous article, we covered how you can upload files to Autodesk 360 using AutoCAD. Now let’s cover a little how this integration actually works.

Let’s say you save a file directly to Autodesk 360. So does it mean that you open a file directly from your cloud storage? What if you have slow internet connection and working with large files? Will it affect performance? What if you suddenly disconnected from internet?

You always work locally

The truth is you never save to cloud storage. You save and open files locally. Autodesk 360 sync is the one working simultaneously updating your local copy with your cloud storage.

When you login and activate Autodesk sync, it creates a folder in your computer. It will replicate your online folder and files to this folder.

In Windows 7, the path should look similar to this:

C:\Users\YOUR_WINDOWS_ACCOUNT\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Autodesk Sync\Cloud\YOUR_AUTODESK_ID

OR you can use short link:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Autodesk\Autodesk Sync\Cloud\YOUR_AUTODESK_ID

What Autodesk 360 Sync does is synchronizing folder and files within this folder and your cloud files. Open the folder and compare it with your cloud documents.

So you can work with slow or even no internet connection at all. But of course, to update and sync your files, you must connected to internet.

Copy file there to upload documents

You can upload multiple DWG from within AutoCAD using Upload Multiple button. But actually we can upload almost any file types to cloud storage.

But if you want to upload other types of documents (not DWG), you will need to open Autodesk 360 using browser and upload from there.

But now we know that’s not true. There is other way: Just copy your files in your local cloud folder. Every file you added there will be upload automatically.

What if you overwrite a file with newer version? It will upload the file and keep previous file as a version. Interested? We will cover about this later.

So this folder works very similarly with Dropbox. If you haven’t used Dropbox and want to give it a try, you can sign up for free here.

Disclosure: It’s a referral link. There is no cost you need to pay (unless you upgrade your free account), but I will get additional space if you signup.

Dropbox gives 2 GB of space for free, but Autodesk gives you 3GB for free! And if you are on subscription, you get 25GB! Isn’t that interesting? But of course, you will need to have AutoCAD installed on your machine. I don’t think we can install only Autodesk 360 sync without having any Autodesk product on our machine.

I think 360 is great!

Seriously, this is a very cool feature for AutoCAD. I thought creating section and details from 3D is the coolest feature, but after exploring this, I think this is better. What makes it better is it can manage revisions. Dropbox simply sync your files, but when you need older version of your document, Dropbox can’t provide it.

Update: Apparently Dropbox does support file versions. Thank you to Gustavo Fontana and Paul Munford who mentioned this.

Don’t you think this is cool?

I already wrote about Autodesk 360 integration in AutoCAD 2013. But I haven’t extensively use it. Recently I read from Donnie’s blog about attaching reference drawing from Autodesk 360. I was like: really? We can do that? So I explore about it more. Apparently it works much better than I though. It works like many PDM integration, but of course, limited.

If you work with a small team or want to share drawings to consultant, this is a perfect alternative for Vault! The best thing about Autodesk 360, you don’t have to install and maintain Vault servers. And you don’t have to think how to publish collaboration workspace and let your consultant to access it. It’s a great feature to backup drawings and collaborate with your partners.

Signing in

To use Autodesk 360, you must have an Autodesk ID. You can create a free one, but if you are a subscription customer, then you better use it. Free account gets 3GB storage space, and subscription account get 25GB!

To login from AutoCAD, you can click sign in button at the right side of AutoCAD title bar.

AutoCAD will open a pop up. Type your account and password to login. If you don’t have an account yet, click need an Autodesk ID? below the account name field.

Saving file to cloud

Now that you signed in, let’s see the options for cloud storage. Open AutoCAD options, go to online tab. Check if the enable cloud storage option is enabled. You must enable this feature to enable saving to cloud storage.

Another option you should be aware of is option to save automatically when you save. This is very useful if you want to have backups on cloud. When something happened to your system, you can open/download your file from your storage. And not limited to latest version, it saves all version you created. So if the file is corrupt, you can download previous version too. Pretty cool, isn’t it?

You can also choose to save only documents you select. This is probably preferable if you already have a backup system and only want to share documents to other company. Or if you want to make sure you can access your documents anywhere (we will get to this).

Automatic saving

If you enable automatic saving to cloud, then every time you save your drawing, AutoCAD will upload a backup to the cloud storage. This not only works for new drawings, but also existing drawing. If you open an existing drawing then save it, it will also goes to the cloud.

Manual saving

The interesting thing is, there is option to save to Autodesk 360 when you want to save a new file.

You can click Autodesk 360 to open your cloud storage. In that storage you can create folders just like working locally. Then You can save it there and work like usual. With this method, you save directly to cloud and don’t have a backup file locally. Well not really, we will cover about this later.

Opening files

If you save files locally let AutoCAD to upload them automatically, then just work like usual. There is nothing else you should do.

But if you choose to save every new file to cloud and don’t have local file, you can open it from 360 storage.

More coverage to come

You may want to try working with Autodesk 360 for a while. We will cover more about it later. How you can edit and view documents online, manage your files online, collaborate, uploading and downloading using browser, and how Autodesk 360 really works.

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Previously we published what are the all time popular articles on CAD notes. It means most seen articles by you. This time the editor (it means me) picked 10 best articles published on CAD notes. I decided not to include the 100 tip article. It was something special, but it’s time for other articles to get the spotlight. Aren’t they?

Good articles are not always get the highest views. Sometimes getting highest views simple means it covers popular topic. For example the new array command in version 2012 gets high hits because people get irritated and want to use it the old way. Well, you get the idea.

So I picked 10 articles that I consider as all time best of CAD notes. Because they’re cool, things that we never thought we can do, and things that are useful.

The best articles are

1. What’s new in AutoCAD

This article is really new. This was provided for AutoCAD veterans who recently upgrade to new version and want to skim through all new features. Not specific to a version, but for the last several versions. I will update it regularly, add new key features and removes feature that are no longer ‘new’.

Read what’s new in AutoCAD in several last versions here.

2. 10 reasons to use AutoCAD layout

Layout has become a very important productivity tool. It allows you to do many things that you can’t when you use model space alone. Here are the top 10 reasons to use layout. If you haven’t used it yet, you should read it!

Read why you should use layout here.

3. Modify AutoCAD status line for real time reporting

A great guest post by Paul Munford of CAD Setter Out. I never thought we can do it in AutoCAD! He shared how you can change what information is shown in status line. Do you want it to show what workspace, user, and profile that currently active? Peace of cake!

Read this great tip how to modify your status line here.

4. 10 ways to select object in AutoCAD

AutoCAD object selection works differently with other Windows application. There are many ways to select objects. You will need these tricks when you are working in a crowded drawing.

Read all the 10 ways you can select objects here.

5. 10 days to work better with AutoCAD

This was an ambitious article series. I expected we can discus and explore things we can do to improve our productivity significantly. However, it wasn’t received as many discussions as I expected. But I still think it’s worth noting. Probably we can have another session next time!

Get all the tasks to improve your productivity here.

6. AutoCAD customize user interface (CUI) tutorial

Customizing AutoCAD means you need to know how to work with CUI. Here we have 5 articles from the basic until you can create your own CUI. However, they doesn’t cover details about macros. AutoCAD is very customizable. While most people are happy using AutoLISP, you probably prefer using ribbon or toolbar!

Read all the basic CUI tutorial here.

7. 11 killer tools tool palette macros for working with AutoCAD viewports

Paul Munford doesn’t write often. Even on his blog. But when he does, it surely worth reading. This time he shared how you can use tool palettes for working with viewport. The macros he used are awesome! I never thought we can use macro like that. Interested?

Read the killer macros here.

8. 5 steps to prepare AutoCAD plot

This is a simple guide for beginners. Plotting can be a big problem for beginners. This is a guide how you can prepare your drawing for plotting, in 5 easy steps!

Follow the plot preparation steps here.

9. Controlling linetype scale is as easy as 123

Very similar with plotting, if you prepare your drawing properly, it’s very easy to control your linetype scale. It’s as easy as 123!

Read the 3 steps to control linetype scale here.

10. Setting AutoCAD sun light is easy

I must say that I’m not a master in rendering. That’s why I’m proud of this article. With my limited knowledge, I can make a pretty good rendering. And you know what, to make this awesome rendering is very easy!

Read the short tutorial to setup sunlight here.

Which one do you think is the best article?

Those are best articles on CAD notes until today. At least I think they are. You might have different opinion. Would you share which article is the best on CAD notes? Share in the comment section below.

CAD notes and other websites have been publishing what are new features in AutoCAD every time the new version come. It’s easy to find articles that cover what’s new in AutoCAD 2013, 2012 and other version. The problem is not everyone upgrades their software every year. Some of us are still using several versions behind. Let’s say you’ve just upgraded your AutoCAD from 2005. We don’t want to read each what’s new for every version, right? Sometimes we just want to know key features we missed after several version. Or probably anticipating why AutoCAD doesn’t work like it used to be. Or, wondering: what’s this funny icon when I hover my mouse here?

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So I compiled those new features in several posts. I thought I already make a roundup, but apparently I haven’t. So here are the new features that I want to highlight. Feel free to add more features that you think important in comment section.

The Interface

Yes, Autodesk changes how AutoCAD looks regularly. But there are several significant changes to the interface. Highlighted features:

1. Ribbon interface. I believe this is the star in this category. There were strong rejection and many veteran users use classic interface. However, after using it for a while I think it’s a nice feature. Especially the contextual ribbon tab. There are things you can only do when you use ribbon.
2. Dynamic input. Dynamic input is a good feature for heads up display. You can see and control your input near your pointer. I like it very much when using AutoCAD verticals. However, I see this is quite annoying when we draw very fast. AutoCAD ninjas might not like it.
3. Palettes. Some dialog boxes are now replaced with palettes. This allows us to have modeless interface, continue working with our drawing without closing it. Try layer manager, and you see now you can add layers and change their properties on the fly.
4. Command line. There are no significant changes here. But the new behavior allows you to undock it and have more desktop real estate.

See the changes in AutoCAD interface here.

Drawing and drafting tools

Most of us using vanilla AutoCAD for drafting purpose. Yes, there are many new features to finish your drawing easier and faster. From managing your objects, drawing and modifying objects. Highlighted features:

1. Create 2D drawing, section and details from 3D model. This is a very interesting feature, and I never expect will see it in AutoCAD. Now you can create 2D views in AutoCAD easily.
2. Parametric constraint. Parametric design is already there for decades. It allows us to control object sizes by changing values in parameter table and maintain relationship between geometries. While it looks promising, this feature is incomplete. Because in AutoCAD, it’s only restricted to 2D drawings. I personally don’t see many benefits of this feature, except using it for blocks.
3. Layer properties per-viewport With this feature, we can control layer properties for each viewport. It means in one viewport you can plot a line 0.05 mm and on other viewport you can have it 0.2 mm. You can freeze some layers in large scale drawings, but thaw them in detail drawings.
4. Multifunctional Grip These days it’s all about mouse clicks. People expect they can select objects and see what you can do by right clicking your mouse. So in AutoCAD you don’t only see contextual menu, but also on multifunctional grips. Simply select object, hover your pointer above a grip.
5. QSELECT This feature make it easy for us to select objects with the same properties. Let’s say you want to select all circles with red color. Or all lines on specific layer.

Here are the changes in drawing and drafting tools.

Working with Annotations

Annotations also has many new features. But again, here we will only highlight the key features. Highlighted features:

1. Annotation scaling Annotation scaling allows us to consider only printed size, size on paper. It will set appropriate model size, depends on the drawing’s scale. The interesting thing is we can choose those annotations to appear in certain scale. So what you see on 1:10 viewport can be different on 1:100 viewport.
2. Hatch enhancements. It’s now possible to create gradient color with hatch. There is also live preview when creating hatches. There are also several enhancements for hatch, but the other thing that worth to be noticed is now possible to modify hatch using multifunctional grip.
3. Multileaders Quick leader has been used for decades, it’s simple and quick to create. But if you want to have more control, you should check multileader.
4. Data extraction. This was originally attribute extraction. It extracted block attributes data. Later, this feature can extract almost any data from your geometry. The popular use of this feature is for creating schedule, reporting geometry data, and point coordinates.

Here are the new features in AutoCAD annotations.

Working with block and references

Block and references are very important features. Block is very useful for repetitive tasks and let you maintain consistent drawings. References allow you to work simultaneously with multi users at once.

Highlighted features:

1. Dynamic block Dynamic block is the most revolutionary feature in block. It allows you to have one block definition but have different sizes and looks. It simplify your block library and reduce the needs to create different blocks.
2. Parametric block Parametric feature can be applied with blocks. Unfortunately dynamic block parameters are separated with dimensional parameters. While dynamic blocks mimic how you create different objects by modifying it, parametric blocks are controlled by dimension.
3. Block editing In the past, the only way to modify block is by exploding and recreate it. Now you can use block editor or edit block in-place. Editing block in place allows you to see other objects when editing.
4. References file types Autodesk adds more file supports after these years. This also allows us to reference different file types. Not only DWG, you can reference PDF, DWF and DGN.
5. Overlay and attachment When we work with nested reference, it is possible that we only want to see a reference to show only in one specific file. Not shown in parent file. This what overlay is for. Read the details about overlay vs attachment here.
6. XREF editing in-place Similar with block, now you can also edit reference file in-place.

Here are the enhancements in blocks and references.

Other enhancements

Those above are features categories that regularly added to AutoCAD. There are also many things that I can’t include there. It doesn’t mean these are not important, but I just don’t think these fit there.

3D modeling

3D modeling improved significantly in version 2007. It is much easier to create 3D model now. And it also has built in mental ray rendering engine. It means AutoCAD can render pretty good. If you have AutoCAD verticals, then you can render your model with only AutoCAD and still get good result. AutoCAD modeling itself now is pretty impressive. I don’t use AutoCAD for 3D modeling that much, so I apologize I don’t cover much about it.

File format

It is natural to expect Autodesk add more file support to AutoCAD. Exchanging data is a crucial part in our work. I want to highlight specifically that AutoCAD now supports most popular MCAD format since version 2012. Bundled with Autodesk Fusion, makes you can manipulate 3D models with direct modeling capability. And remember, you can import those models and create 2D drawings in AutoCAD! Something I never imagine it will ever do.

Sheetset Manager

I’m a bit confused where I should put this. So I decided to place it here. It is a very good feature to manage your drawings in a project. Using SSM will allow you to create automatic title block, sheet list, batch publishing, and more! Heidi Hewett published e-book to learn SSM that you can get for free here. You may also want to check CAD notes e-book about SSM here.

Cloud integration

In this decade people are going crazy about cloud computing. You can sync files and settings with different computers by simply logging in. Autodesk sees this trend and also implement similar integration. Yes, you can automatically upload files after saving it. And yes you can sync settings between computers by login to your account. Read about sync settings and Autodesk 360 integration here.

What’s your favorite key feature?

We may have started using AutoCAD from different version. My first was R14. There are many features that I think nice enhancements. But if you already use it since 2000 something, you may not be impressed. So what feature that you like? If it’s not listed here, feel free to add it in comments!

At the end of this month, cad-notes.com will turn 3. It’s been a great 3 years journey for me. Meet a lot of great people and get a lot of great feedbacks.

From those great people and those great feedbacks, come many popular articles in CAD notes. These are the most popular since the first article published at 29 May 2009 until today.

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1. 100 AutoCAD tips you should know

If you regularly visit CAD notes, you should see this article is always shown at ‘popular today’ section on this website sidebar. These 100 tips are compiled from several CAD bloggers, in the list you will find links to other CAD blogs too. If you haven’t seen it yet, see the 100 tips compilation here.

2. How to convert DWG from one unit to another

This article is also shown regularly as ‘popular today’ article. Apparently it’s a common user’s problem. We have the freedom to draw in any units, because AutoCAD only recognize drawing unit, not real world measurement.

Have the same problem? See the unit conversion tip here!

3. Introduction to annotation scale

Annotation scaling is a great feature, introduced in AutoCAD 2008. We can easily create readable annotations, without having to think in what size we should draw them. However, without understanding the concept properly, it can be confusing. Especially if you receive a drawing with annotation scaling from others.

Read the annotation scaling introduction here.

4. Introduction to MicroStation

This is the first article in MicroStation tutorial series. I posted old MicroStation tutorial I published before (originally in Indonesian). I didn’t expect the tutorial becomes popular.

I was hoping I can write more if I can get a license. I managed to access MicroStation once in a while, but I simply can’t keep up. So I apologize if at this moment I can’t publish new MicroStation articles anymore. I hope I can do it again soon, but I can’t promise you.

However those tutorials should give you a good start to learn MicroStation. And they are free! Read introduction to MicroStation here.

5. Controlling linetype scale is as easy as 1,2,3!

To make linetypes appear in our AutoCAD drawing can be very irritating. It is a simple task, but sometimes we can’t just get it done until dozens of trials and errors with linetype scale!

So curious how to do it easily? It is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Read how to control linetype scale here.

6. Creating title block  from AutoCAD sheet

This is a Revit tip. When you decide to migrate from AutoCAD to Revit, then the first thing you want is having your standards transferred to your new CAD software. Family libraries, templates, you name it!

In this article, we cover how you can import your AutoCAD sheet to create a new Revit sheet.

7. Creating your own linetype

We always need to customize AutoCAD to fit our needs. One feature that we want to customize is linetype. It would be cool if we can create our own linetype, isn’t it? You can, and it’s very easy with express tool!

So here is how you can create your own AutoCAD linetype!

8. How to label coordinate in AutoCAD

Doing automatic task in AutoCAD can be done in many ways. For veterans, probably AutoLISP is the first answer. But if you use AutoCAD LT or don’t know anything about writing LISP, there are other ways!

In this article, we covered how you can label coordinate automatically using AutoCAD block!

9. AutoCAD isometric text and dimension

So you create isometric drawings in AutoCAD? You probably already know how to do it. But the dimension and text don’t appear properly unless you set them for isometric drawings.

This one is the tip how you can make isometric text and dimension for your drawing.

10. AutoCAD 2012: New array command

I think the biggest failure in AutoCAD 2012 is the array command. Of course the new associative array is great. But using the array command itself is very annoying. Users have strong reaction about it, and Autodesk had to give ARRAYCLASSIC command back in service pack 1.

I believe that’s why this article becomes popular: people wants to know more about it.

if you haven’t use 2012, then you probably also want to know why array in AutoCAD 2012  becomes so popular.

11. Preparing your AutoCAD template

I can’t say anything about this. I know it’s an important topic. And every company must have standard templates. But this topic already discussed since a long time. So I don’t know why it becomes popular.

Do you know why this article becomes popular? Preparing AutoCAD template.

12. Working with workspace and design files

Another early article in MicroStation tutorial series. I don’t know articles after the first two are not become viral. Probably people lost interest in those articles :)

Here is how you work with MicroStation workspace and design files (DGN).

13. Where can I see AutoCAD command alias list?

Command alias is the ultimate weapon for many AutoCAD users. In my early days of using AutoCAD, I wish someone told me where I can find the complete list of those aliases. Not only see the aliases, you can modify them to work better with you!

Read how you can see and edit aliases here.

14. AutoCAD 2012: Creating drawing views from 3D model

People hate the 2012 array, but people like this one. In 2012, creating 2D drawings from 3D models is easier than ever.

See details of this new feature in 2012 here.

15. Dynamic block tutorial: Creating door

Like annotation scaling, dynamic block is also a great feature in AutoCAD. It can simplify your block library and automatically do different tasks. Door is probably the most created block, so this one becomes popular.

Read about creating door in dynamic block here.

16. Creating Revit family: door

Another door tutorial becomes famous. But this time it’s a Revit family tutorial. It’s interesting to see that creating door becomes popular topics. Probably if I wrote MicroStation tutorial about door, it will be popular too!

Read how you can create door family in Revit here.

17. How to draw an arc with specific length

We can’t create arc with specific length directly in AutoCAD. There is a workaround, and this is how you can do it.

Read how you can draw arc with specific length here.

18. Setting up AutoCAD sun light is easy

I don’t use AutoCAD for 3D modeling that much. However, if you have AutoCAD, then you must use it optimally. This post was published to answer a friend’s question: can AutoCAD give good rendering result? Yes, sure! AutoCAD does render!

Lighting is the basic of rendering. See how you can work with sunlight easily here.

19. Isometric drawing in AutoCAD

Apparently there are many people create isometric drawings with AutoCAD.

Do you also need to create it? See how you can create isometric drawings here.

20. 10 reasons to use AutoCAD layout

I love using layout. I always encourage people to use it. At least try it and all of it’s benefits before you decide it doesn’t work for you.

I know it’s not for everybody.But I have 10 reasons why you should use AutoCAD layout. How many do you have not to use it?

Which one is your favorite?

There are no judges to pick those winners. The articles in this list are the most seen by CAD notes readers, according to this site statistic (I use Google Analytics to record that).

I always amaze how an article can be viral. Sometimes what I think will soon be forgotten become more popular than I think.

What about you? After these 3 years cad-notes.com has been around, what is your favorite article?

CAD notes has been reviewing AutoCAD 2013 in the last couple of weeks. Let’s wrap them all together and highlight some key features.I don’t include 3D features because I don’t use AutoCAD for 3D, and I rarely teach this area.

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The interface

Again, Autodesk made some changes to AutoCAD interface. There are some small changes like welcome screen, they moved some tools to other tab, etc. Honestly I’m not a big fan about these minor changes. They don’t bring any benefits, but I must recapture and update my training materials and books to match the new interface. I wonder why Autodesk guys who work on documentation don’t complaint about it.

However, I admit there are some changes that I think can be useful and fun.

The most significant enhancement in interface is the command line. I like the new look and how it works when we undock it. I undock it since the first time I use it, and like it that way. While the other command line changes are not too useful, you may want to check the clickable options there.

Another enhancement that you may like is in-canvas property preview. Now you can see live update when you try to change objects’ properties.

See the details about AutoCAD 2013 interface enhancements here.

Create section and detail views

Autodesk added the ability to create 2D drawings from 3D models directly in AutoCAD 2012. I’ve seen people struggling to create this kind of drawing from 3D models. So this is a good addition to AutoCAD’s arsenal. However, it wasn’t complete yet. It was very limited. In 2013, Autodesk added more functionality to create section and detail views. I believe you guys who work in manufacturing industry will love this.

So now not only you can import most popular MCAD file format, you can also create 2D drawings, sections, and detail views!

Read more about creating section and detail views in AutoCAD 2013 here.

Working with objects

If you remember how array works in AutoCAD 2012, then you should check how array works in 2013. I think it works much better than before, and I give it another shot. And remember, to make associative array, we must use the new interface.

Another change that we quickly notice is preview when you use OFFSET tool. I saw many users have strong reaction about this tool. No, it’s not about affecting hardware performance. It just that this feature can’t be disabled. I must say that I prefer to have it turned off. Because the preview and real objects has the same color! In a complex drawing, this can quite annoying.

I must say they did well on array, but offset preview is quite annoying.

There are some more minor changes, read the details about AutoCAD 2013 object modification here.

Working with files

As AutoCAD 2013 is the AutoCAD R19, then it uses new DWG file format. AutoCAD 2012 and older can’t open it, unless you save it first to older version. If you don’t upgrade to AutoCAD 2013, it’s time to update your TrueView!

Another thing we should notice is now 2013 support Inventor files. It’s a little strange that Autodesk didn’t add this format in 2012, because it’s their own file format.

Read AutoCAD 2013 file format support here.

Autodesk 360 integration

It’s time for cloud! We’ve seen Autodesk introduced their cloud computing services in the last few years. Now they enhance this feature further. They introduce Autodesk 360 as their cloud platform. You can access your documents and Autodesk cloud services from this page.

Autodesk 360 is integrated with AutoCAD 2013. You can choose to upload your files to Autodesk 360 automatically. And you can sync your settings with multiple computers simply by logging in. I like the ability to sync settings. But it might not work properly if you have many add-ons and LISP. Because they are not supported in this sync.

Read about Autodesk 360 integration here.

Conclusion

After 2012 has significant improvements for manufacturing industry, I was hoping 2013 is about AEC industry. But apparently it’s still about manufacturing.

There are some fix to make previous ‘new features’ to work better (like array). And of course facelifts.

I believe Autodesk will go further with their cloud integration in the next releases. I begin to like it.

So is it worth it to upgrade? I will leave that decision to you. I want to hear though, why you choose to or not to upgrade. Share with us here!

Do you remember in AutoCAD 2012, Autodesk add functionality to create 2D drawings from 3D models in AutoCAD. In 2013, Autodesk decide to enhance this functionality further.

In AutoCAD 2013, now you can create not only base and projected view, but you can also create section and detail views.

If you have 3D model in model space, you can create base view by accessing the tool from layout tab. Yes, Autodesk moved these tools to layout tab. They were in annotation tab before.

Remember, you need to place the views in layout. You may activate base view tool in model space, but it will place views in layout anyway.

Base and projected view are already included in 2012. If you see in create view panel, you can also see section and detail view tools here.

There are several options to create section, from predefined to creating your own using object (polyline).

You can create circular or rectangular detail view easily too. I don’t know if this true, but I feel creating views in AutoCAD 2013 is much faster than in 2012.

View styles

Related to these views, AutoCAD now has new styles: section and detail view styles. You can select the style from dropdown menu, or click the buttons on the left to modify the styles.

Section view style

Section view style allows you to control the identifier, arrow, etc. How the section symbol and how the section appears.

If you are already familiar with dimension style, this should be easy for you to configure.

Detail view style

Pretty similar with section view style, this style allows you to control the appearance of detail identifier and the detail itself.

Annotation Monitor

Annotation monitor is a tool that monitor the annotation in views. Annotations like dimensions should be associated to geometries in your views. If any changes happen, they will automatically to adjust with the new size. However, if the association can’t be maintained, this monitor will give you a notification bubble. You can also see the warning on drawing where the association is broken.

Conclusion

This tool is very useful for many users, especially for you who work in manufacturing industry. However, I feel Autodesk is supposed to add this features in AutoCAD 2012. Probably they don’t have enough time to develop this before. Just like Inventor files translator, they have the technology, but implement it just now.

But at least now we have it now.

Previously, we covered the new cloud sync feature in AutoCAD 2013. It works well if you always make changes to your settings when you are signed in. Let’s say you make some changes in one computer that sync to Autodesk 360. But you also make some changes to AutoCAD settings on your offline computer. That means you have two different settings. Which settings AutoCAD will recognize? Will it pick latest setting from both computers? No, you must choose which settings you want to keep.

When you have different settings between 360 and your computer

When you have different settings on different computer, Autodesk 360 will show an error message on title bar. It won’t do anything further until you confirm what you want. Click customization Sync error under your sign in name.

To sync or not to sync

AutoCAD will offer you to stop syncing this computer or keep syncing with 360. If you choose to stop syncing, then AutoCAD will not do it anymore until you change it from online option.

If you choose to keep syncing, it will show another options. So which one you want to keep? The settings on your local computer or the one on the cloud?

Whatever you choose, choose wisely. I would suggest you to backup your setting before you do this.

After you do above steps, but you still see the error message, you can try to sign out then sign in again. It works on my side. But I think restarting your AutoCAD will also work.