Autodesk's redesigned website

We talked about the new Autodesk logo back in March, but did you know that Autodesk has a redesigned website?  The redesign makes it faster to find the information you need and it's a slick looking website.

Convert PDF to DWG Free!

There are times we need to import a PDF file into our drawings, sadly almost every time the reference PDF file slows down our drawing.  Well why not convert that PDF to DWG for free?  Just head over to http://www.convertpdftoautocad.com to upload your PDF file and within minutes you will receive an email with a download link to the converted drawing.

Service features

1. Hight quality conversions with lines, arcs, scale presets and text preserved, and no need for future touch-ups.
2. Files of up to 40MB can be uploaded and converted within minutes.
3. All uploaded users data, including emails, will be deleted in accordance with there privacy policy.
4. Everything is free! If you are wondering why it's free....it's ad supported.

Site: http://www.convertpdftoautocad.com

Autodesk New Logo

The new Autodesk logo was released on 02/26/2013.  The new logo makes me want to learn how to do origami. 

You can read more about the new logo change and the future vision of Autodesk on there "In The Fold" blog.

What do you think of he new logo change?

AutoCAD WS hits 11,000,000 Downloads

AutoCAD WS hits 11,000,000  download between iOS and Android.

Do you use AutoCAD WS?

If you have not downloaded it yet, give it a chance.

www.AutoCADWS.com

Quick Clue - Add Selected

This is a great tip I found just the other day, and I use it more then I use polyline.

Command: _addseleced

This command allows you to add the type of object selected with the same properties into the drawing without launching any other command or changing properties of the object.

To launch the command just select the type of object you want to add > right click > and select Add Selected.

10 More Must Have Engineering Apps

1. Autodesk 360 Mobile
This is a great application for keeping up with data located on the Autodesk servers.

iOS: Download
Android:Dowload

2. PDF Max Pro
This app is a must have for me. If you need to take notes or review a set of plans, this PDF viewer will get the job done.

Site: Here

iOS: download
Android: Coming Soon!

3. OnLive Desktop
If you ever wanted to run Windows 7 on an iOS or Android device, this handy app can do the trick.

Site: Here

iOS: download
Android: download

4. Turbo Viewer
Turbo Viewer is a nice drawing viewing application to have when you don't have internet access to your device. The ablillity to view both 3D and 2D drawings on the go is a big plus.

Site: here

iOS: download
Android: download

5. GoodNotes
This is not just another PDF viewer, this is the best one for CAD users. The abillity to review a pdf files on the go is helpful, but this app gives you the best way to hightlight comments after updating the drawing file.

Site: here

iOS: download
Android: Sorry. :(

6. Team Viewer
I have used this app for years and it just keeps getting better. Team Viewer is the best way to access a desktop computer.

Site: here
iOS/Android/Windows/Mac: download

7. Google Currents
This little app from google is a great way to keep up with CAD news.

Site: here

iOS: download
Android: download

CAD Clues on Google Currents: CAD Clues on Currents

8. Google Drive
If you are not using Google Drive, stop reading this and go get it....NOW!! Yes this is another cloud storage service, but the best way to update documents on the go for free.

Site: here

iOS: download
Android: download

Readers Sugesstions.

9. Unit Pro (from Jorge G.)
A nice and simple unit conversion app.

iOS: download
Android: Sorry! :(

10. ThermoFluids (from Vermilion Labs)
This app gets single phase thermodynamic properties for a range of fluids.

iOS: download
Android: Sorry! :(


Do you have any must have apps?

Cloud Computing Part One - Services

What is Cloud Computing?

 To get started, we have a quick video of the basics of cloud computing before we talk about the online services you can use for your data.

With the basic knowledge of cloud computing, it's time to pick a cloud computing service to hold all your information.  Picking a service is not as basic as asking your friend, "What do you use?".  You will need to take the time to look at many factors like:

• Available Memory (free)
• Upgrading Memory cost
• Desktop Client
• Mobile Applications
• Sharing Files
• Security
• How you are going to edit and use your files

Autodesk 360

Autodesk just jumped into the cloud computing game with the release of Autodesk360 this year.  This service is deeply integrated with Autodesk products.  When you install an Autodesk product like AutoCAD, the software will map a new drive to access your Autodesk360 files.  Also the service syncs all your custom setting, so you can access them on another computer.

SugarSync

SugarSync is by far our favorite cloud service.  The biggest tool is the ability to sync any file and folder to the cloud, not just files located in a single folder.

Dropbox

Dropbox is a fan favorite and kind of the start to cloud computing in the main stream market.  It's simple because the files you place in your Dropbox folder on your computer will be uploaded to the cloud.

Google Drive

Google is a little late in the game of cloud computing, but Google Drive has been one of the most desired.  Google Drive is just like Dropbox, but without having to sign up for another account (if you have a Google account).

Box.Net

Box.net is a great choice if you want to spend the money.  Box gives you the most free memory, but syncing with your desktop is a pain unless you dish out some $.

SkyDrive

Microsoft is also trying their hand at cloud computing.

Here is an overview of the details of each service (other than Autodesk360) to help pinpoint what service will work for you.