Does it have a command line? It must be AutoCAD!

A couple of days ago, Autodesk has released a new AutoCAD WS for Mac and updated its mobile versions for iOS and Android. Today, they have released also an updated version of AutoCAD WS for web browsers, i.e. on the former platform of this free "online" AutoCAD.

Similarly to the previous versions - you don't have to buy or install anything - just run AutoCAD WS using your web browser on www.autocadws.com. Then you can weork with DWG drawings, uploaded either manually or synchronized automatically through the "online" ribbon in AutoCAD 2012.

The latest version of AutoCAD WS introduces the command line. This makes it - at least psychologically - a true AutoCAD. We are considering adding the flag "supported in WS" to our AutoCAD commands database, but given the pace of development of the WS-version, the database maintenance would be a Sisyphean task. AutoCAD WS can be also still controlled without the command line, through the toolbar icons. The list of supported editing and drawing commands in AutoCAD WS was enhanced by hatching, inserting of raster images (similarly to drawing and xrefs you have to upload the first), setting the background color, extending the number of selectable objects to 200, and dimension editing.

AutoCAD WS becomes more and more the top choice for viewing, markup, co-editing, measuring and publishing of 2D DWG drawings on any computer.

Three new AutoCADs for Mac - and AutoCAD WS 1.3

Like three magic nuts in fairy-tales, Autodesk brings three magic apples to its AutoCAD family of products.

In a massively promoted "DESIGN816" event Autodesk has today announced three new AutoCAD versions for Mac - from a full desktop version to a free lightweight WS version.

Besides the new version of an existing AutoCAD/Mac - AutoCAD 2012 for Mac - there are two brand new Mac applications - AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac and a native desktop version of AutoCAD WS for Mac.

AutoCAD 2012 for Mac (developed for Mac OS X Lion) offers most of the new features of its Windows brother, and also removes some restrictions on the previous Mac version. It uses 100% compatible DWG files, supports the new dynamic 2D and 3D array, multifunction grips, layer groups, in-place xref editing, you can use batch publishing, plot styles, overkill cleanups. A mixed network licensing is also a new feature of version 2012 - you can use your existing AutoCAD 2012 Windows license also for the Mac. Some AutoCAD features, however, are still limited to the Windows version. Over 5.000 beta testers have tested this release. AutoCAD 2012 for Mac will be available on Mac AppStore on Aug 19th.

AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac was the #1 wish of the existing AutoCAD users on the Apple platform - this cheaper and easier to install version of AutoCAD is now available. Currently, it can only be purchased online via Apple AppStore in the U.S. and Canada, but it will be available worldwide.

AutoCAD WS for Mac is a free version of a native CAD software for Mac OS X. AutoCAD WS was previously available as a version for mobile iOS devices, for web browsers and for Android. It was already downloaded by more than 2.7 million users. This new desktop version for MacOS allows viewing, printing, publishing (PDF + DWF), editing and online collaboration on 2D DWG drawings. You can co-edit CAD drawings on different types of devices, anywhere you need it. Will be available from August 18th.

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In a partially related announcement, Autodesk has released an updated version of AutoCAD WS Mobile and AutoCAD WS Web:

New for AutoCAD WS Mobile 1.3

• Units Typing – Numeric Entry: Draw and edit by entering exact units and measurements
  
• File Management: Rename, duplicate, and delete files from your mobile device
  
• Area measurement: Calculates the area and perimeter of the area you select.
  
• Layer management: Toggle layers on/off or toggle layer visibility
  
• AutoCAD WS is also compatible with iOS 3.1 and higher so that you can run the AutoCAD WS mobile app from an original iPhone 2G.
  

New in AutoCAD WS Web

• Command line (!)
  
• Hatch editor
  
• Multi selection (200 items)
  

AutoCAD fan? Something new is coming 8.16.

Autodesk will present an interesting announcement on Aug 16th 17:00 GMT. If you are an AutoCAD fan, don't miss it. You can watch the "DESIGN816" event live via LiveStream: