New AutoCAD Navigation Tool Available on Autodesk Labs

By DE Editors

Autodesk (San Rafael, CA) is previewing a new navigation tool for AutoCAD software on Autodesk Labs which is a free technology preview available for download at http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/acad_navigation_bonus/.

The new Navigation Tool allows users to quickly switch between active drawings, and alternate between multiple layouts and viewports through browser-style options. Because many AutoCAD users manage multiple open drawing views and files at one time, the Navigation Tool is designed to provide users with simple commands to navigate back and forth between open files.

The Navigation Tool is designed to operate with AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD 2009, as well as the vertical solutions based on these platforms.

Users will be pleased with the display history that automatically tracks any active drawing switches, layout changes and view changes that the user has made during the AutoCAD session and stores them in a history list. Navigation options going “Forward” and “Back” through different keyboard and menu routes include the following:

• Toolbar: Back/forward arrows appear as icons the upper left corner of the AutoCAD window
• Mouse: If your mouse has buttons that allow forward and backward navigation in your web browser, they can be used for this purpose in AutoCAD as well.
• Keyboard shortcut: ]ALT]+]LEFTARROW] to go back and ]ALT]+]RIGHTARROW] to more forward
• Commands: NAVBACK and NAVFORWARD

To help the product development teams Autodesk encourages users to visit Autodesk Labs and experiment with the new tool. To comment on the Navigation tool e-mail: [email protected]

The Navigation Tool is subject to terms and conditions applicable to Autodesk Labs. The utility is currently available in English only, but will operate effectively with all language versions of the AutoCAD 2008 and 2009 software and its related vertical solutions.

For more information, visit Autodesk.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.