1.1.  What is AutoCAD 2009 software?

With AutoCAD software Autodesk has just one goal in mind: increasing your productivity. AutoCAD 2009 boosts efficiency with customizable and extensible user interface enhancements that increase overall drafting productivity by decreasing the number of steps to reach a command. Newly designed, innovative features simplify working with layers and help make new users productive as quickly as possible. Easy-to-use navigation tools make finding your way around 3D models a snap. Move to new heights of productivity with AutoCAD software.

1.2. What are the main benefits of AutoCAD 2009 software?

With AutoCAD 2009 software, Autodesk has one goal: increasing your productivity. A customizable and extensible user interface has been optimized to boost efficiency by making routine CAD tasks faster and commands easier to find. New timesaving features automate repetitive tasks. With AutoCAD 2009 you can move to new heights of productivity.

The new ribbon-style interface increases overall drafting productivity as the number of steps to reach a command is decreased. This interface presents command options in a concise visual format, enabling you to quickly select commands based on the work you are doing. Moving between applications is now quick and intuitive. The ribbon is both customizable and expandable, so it can be optimized for each user and to meet each company’s standards.

The ViewCube feature is an interactive tool used to rotate and orient any solid or surface model in AutoCAD. Selecting a face, edge, or corner of the cube quickly changes the view of a 3D model to that predefined orientation. By clicking and holding the ViewCube, you can freely rotate the model in any direction. Since the cube remains in a fixed location on the screen, it provides at-a-glance orientation.

The new SteeringWheels tool provides quick access to the Orbit, Pan, Center, and Zoom commands. The SteeringWheels feature is highly customizable, so you can add commands to help create and record a walk-through of your model.

User assistance enhancements include the following:

·          Second-level tooltips provide additional contextual information on the item that is selected.

·          Dynamic Help: Press the F1 key while hovering over a tooltip for a direct link to the help file’s information on that command.

·          InfoCenter: Now typing a keyword in the InfoCenter search box searches the Autodesk Knowledge Base and Autodesk Forum for information.

·          The help file now includes Show Me animations to provide visual assistance for the specific command.

The new Action Recorder helps you save time and increases productivity by enabling you to automate repetitive tasks without the skill or assistance of a professional CAD manager. You can quickly record a task, add text messages and requests for input, and then immediately select, share, and play back recorded files.

The new Layer dialog box makes creating and editing layer properties faster and less subject to error. Changes are instantly reflected in the drawing as they are entered in the dialog box. The manipulation of the dialog box has been simplified: Columns in the box can be individually resized so that a column’s contents or title is not truncated. Individual columns, such as the layer name, can be “frozen” in place, enabling you to scroll through the rest of the columns using the fixed column as a reference.

For more details on the benefits of AutoCAD 2009 refer to the AutoCAD Features & Benefits PDF below.