Beyond the Paper

DWF Toolkit 7.7 Now Available

The DWF Toolkit includes C++ source code for reading and writing DWF files. More specifically, it provides APIs for:

• DWFx format support
• Reading and writing 3D DWF from any application
• Simplified 2D interfaces
• Reading and writing composite DWF files (3D and 2D combined)
• Cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, and Linux)

The latest version of the DWF Toolkit, 7.7, ready for download here http://www.autodesk.com/dwftoolkit, includes:

• Support for DWF/DWFx files published by AutoCAD 2012 and other 2012 Autodesk design programs
• DWF Toolkit building with VS2010
• DWF Toolkit building on Mac (XCode 4.1) and Linux (gcc 4.5)
• Updated sample code and documentation
• New parameter "nProviderFlags" to the existing functions “DWFContent::load”, “DWFSection::getContentDefinition” and “DWFSection:: getObjectDefinition”, which will give you an option to skip reading customized property attributes, improving file reading performance. (The default behavior is not skipping which is consistent with the toolkit previous version.)

The ability for others to add value to what DWF has to offer is another way DWF goes beyond the paper.

Autodesk Design Review 2013 Beta Launch

We recently launched our public Beta for Autodesk Design Review 2013 and highly recommend our customers join us in the Autodesk Design Review 2013 Beta program. We have been able to include some of the feature requests submitted including measuring 2D angles, dynamic stamps, restoring to the original scale, and more.

We are certain that you will be pleased by the enhancements we've added. Apply here for the Autodesk Design Review 2013 Beta.

Existing Feedback Community users can enter their usernames and passwords to apply. (If you have forgotten your password, you can click on the Forgot Password link under Login menu and an email will be sent to you with your password or send an email request to myfeedback@autodesk.com.) New users should click "Join Feedback Community Now" and submit requests. An email will be sent the address provided for you to verify and complete the sign-up process.

We look forward to hearing your feedback about this Beta!

Using the Autodesk Inventor optimization Service

Autodesk® Inventor® optimization enables you to test the performance of multiple product design options. This Autodesk Cloud service is an exclusive benefit for subscribers to the Premium or Ultimate editions of the Autodesk Product Design Suite. 

Continuing our Autodesk Cloud series, this video overview can help you take advantage of the processing power inherent in Cloud-based applications, create higher-quality products, and more sustainable designs that lower costs.

For more information about using Autodesk® Inventor® optimization, check out the Autodesk Cloud Services and Support page.

Be sure to send us your feedback about the Autodesk Cloud, using http://feedback.autodesk.com/cloudservices.

Using Autodesk Cloud rendering with DWG and Revit Files

Continuing with our Autodesk Cloud series, this video overview can help you begin using the Autodesk Cloud rendering service by uploading DWG files directly to the service or by using the Rendering Add-in from within Revit to process your Revit files.

For more information about using AutoCAD and Revit with Autodesk Cloud rendering, check out the online Help.

Be sure to send us your feedback about the Autodesk Cloud, using http://feedback.autodesk.com/cloudservices.

Getting Started with Autodesk Cloud Documents Video

Autodesk Cloud Services and Support has posted a very helpful video overview showing you how to get up and running using Autodesk Cloud Documents in no time.

The video's a perfect synopsis that quickly demonstrates the fundamentals.

Be sure to send us your feedback on either Design Review Mobile or the Autodesk Cloud, using http://feedback.autodesk.com/cloudservices.

Watch the Design Review Mobile App Video Demo

The Design Review mobile app is being reviewed well! If you haven't tried or seen it yet, be sure to check out this video which demonstrates how you can use the cloud to simplify your tasks, especially in the field.

The demo also provides useful details about the related cloud services.

Be sure to send us your feedback on either Design Review Mobile or the Autodesk Cloud, using http://feedback.autodesk.com/cloudservices.

Autodesk Design Review Mobile - Ready, Set, Launch!

Design Review Mobile is now available on the iTunes app store! Be one of the first to download your copy today and begin viewing your Autodesk files from anywhere at any time. This free app lets you view and markup 2D and 3D design files directly on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.

This is just a part of the broader Autodesk Cloud launch that was just announced today. The official press release has details on all the new services!

Send us your feedback on either Design Review Mobile or the Autodesk Cloud, using http://feedback.autodesk.com/cloudservices. We look forward to hearing from you!

Design Review Mobile and the Autodesk Cloud, just a few more examples of helping you go beyond the paper.

Autodesk Design Review 2012 Hotfix Available

In the last post we mentioned that Autodesk Design Review customers were reporting issues on the discussion group regarding uninstalling and installing the latest three versions of the software because of Microsoft Visual C++. In that post we provided some workarounds until we had a hotfix ready.

We're happy to report that the Hotfix - Autodesk Design Review 2012 is ready for downloading from the product's Services & Support website.

This hotfix solves the critical uninstall and install issues in Autodesk Design Review 2012.

• Autodesk Design Review 2012 uninstall fails when Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package KB2538424 is installed.
• Autodesk Design Review 2012 uninstall/install fails when Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 x86 Redistributable – 10.0.40219 is installed.

The current Autodesk Design Review 2012 downloads already includes this hotfix.

Recent Design Review Uninstall/Install Issues Related to Microsoft Visual C++

Autodesk Design Review customers are having trouble uninstalling and installing the latest three versions of our software because of Microsoft Visual C++.

Uninstall Issues

Some Autodesk Design Review uninstall issues are related to a recent Microsoft Windows fix (KB2538424 “Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package MFC Security Update”). After applying that fix, customers report seeing these error messages when trying to remove Autodesk Design Review 2010, 2011, or 2012.

Additionally, customers are reporting that the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Service Pack 1 Redistributable is also triggering error messages when trying to uninstall Autodesk Design Review 2012.

Suggested Solutions

If you’re having difficulty uninstalling Autodesk Design Review 2010, 2011, or 2012 due to these Microsoft Visual C++ errors, the Design Review Software Development Team has developed an Autodesk Design Review Uninstall Tool that you can use. Download the Autodesk Design Review Uninstall Tool from this blog. When you run it, the tool will attempt to uninstall Autodesk Design Review 2010, 2011, and 2012 for you.

In cases where the Autodesk Design Review Uninstall Tool cannot uninstall the product, follow these manual steps.

When uninstalling Autodesk Design Review 2010, 2011, or 2012, and the error message shows “Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 SP1 redistributable is required…”:

1. Download the “Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86)” file directly from the Microsoft website and install it.
2. Uninstall Autodesk Design Review.

When uninstalling Autodesk Design Review 2012, and the error message shows “Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 distributable is required…”:

1. Uninstall “Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 x86 Redistributable – 10.0.40219”.
2. Download the “Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package (x86)” file directly from the Microsoft website and install it.
3. Uninstall Autodesk Design Review.
4. Optional: (Other programs may depend on this.) Download the “Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86)” file directly from the Microsoft website and install it.

Install Issues

In some cases, Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 distributable is also preventing customers from installing Autodesk Design Review 2012.

Suggested Solution

1. Uninstall “Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 x86 Redistributable – 10.0.40219”.
2. Download the “Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package (x86)” file directly from the Microsoft website and install it.
3. Install Autodesk Design Review 2012.
4. Optional: (Other programs may depend on this.) Download the “Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86)” file directly from the Microsoft website and install it.

For more detailed information about installing and uninstalling Autodesk Design Review, please visit the Autodesk Design Review discussion group.

DWF File Viewing Comes to the iPad

Judging from the amount of email we receive requesting the ability to view DWF files on your mobile devices, we think you'll be interested in learning about an iPad® app called McDwiff, by third-party developer Austin Silver Software.

Using the Autodesk Freewheel Web service, which requires an Internet connection, McDwiff enables you to open, view, convert, and print 2D and 3D DWF files on your iPad. (Of particular interest to some may be the app's Dropbox integration.)

For more information about the app, visit the McDwiff website. And if you try the app, be sure to leave a comment here to let us know how viewing DWF files on your iPad works for you.

McDwiff (and the Autodesk Freewheel Web service). Just another way Autodesk enables our customers to go beyond the paper!