Favorite AutoCAD Version

[CADMASTER1128]

What is everybody's favorite year/ edition of AutoCAD.

My personal favorite is Auto Architecture 2008. The reason I like this one so much is because it has all the features I like but runs faster and smoother than 2009 and 2010. However I like the UI of 2010. By the end of 2009, I am guessing that 2010 Architecture will become my new favorite!

[michaeloureiro]

2007, haven´t tried 2008 yet and don´t want to try 2009 or 10

[CADMASTER1128]

2007, haven´t tried 2008 yet and don´t want to try 2009 or 10

Why not 09 or 10?

[dumfatnhappy]

version 9 or 12

DOS rules!

[CADMASTER1128]

What do you like so much about 9 or 12?

[michaeloureiro]

Why not 09 or 10?

scared of the ribbon!

[CADMASTER1128]

scared of the ribbon!

See and I like the ribbon.

[ReMark]

2007.

That's when AD really started to flesh out 3D.

[CADMASTER1128]

interesting...

[Coosbaylumber]

version 9 or 12

DOS rules!


Most of my work is done using lines and text. I really have no reason to upgrade to a newer version. Only omission right now is the ability to import TIF type pictures (seldom a need each year), older text fonts (the standard TXT format is only one to interchange back and forth) and late model plotters (for drivers today are quite OS oriented).

Far as I see, all the old type written commands work good in newer versions.


Wm.

[ReMark]

Release 9 was probably the best of the DOS versions.

[Tankman]

I have both '05 and '07. Use 2005 mostly anymore, it's loaded on my laptop.
Lately, past year or two, I find myself working from my laptop, anywhere I
want to be.

All my work is simple 2D, plumbing plan views and elevation views.

[Coosbaylumber]

Release 9 was probably the best of the DOS versions.



I used Release 9 back when. I think it had zero ability to recognise XREFs and Paper space through. Was told when upgrading from verion 8 it had, but wasn't there after it got loaded on.

Wm.

[Ritch7]

Iv'e been using MEP 2010 recently for about 2 months now I like it, It all just depends on what extra tools and applications you need to use often to do the job that your'e working on.

[dumfatnhappy]

Iv'e been using MEP 2010 recently for about 2 months now I like it, It all just depends on what extra tools and applications you need to use often to do the job that your'e working on.


in an attempt not to hijack this thread I've created a new one in MEP. Would you mind responing to it (diff. between 2009 & 2010)

thanks

[mdbdesign]

Between v10 and v2002 and DWGgateway.

[CADMASTER1128]

Reading all these post, I find it amazing how many different favorite versions of AutoCAD there are!

[f700es]

2008 is my favorite. Classic UI but with the Dashboard.

[stevsmith]

Vanilla 2008 I feel was the best for 3d.
Autodesk started to go a bit nuts with the ribbon in 09. Trying to figure out what everyone uses typically. THEN WHAT DO THEY DO!!!! Change it all over again in 2010.

Make up your feckin minds!!

[Lee Mac]

2004 was my favourite for ages and ages, 'cause you knew where you stood with it.

But I've got to say, 2010 is growing on me :)

[rkmcswain]

R14.01 was fast, stable, ran in Windows, about at bulletproof as they came...
Of course trying to use it today is a chore, after you are used to some of the features introduced over the last 12 years that are missing from R14...

The largest gap in available features was probably R11>R12.

[deres]

Although I use 2008 for modelling and rendering, I still use 2004 for 2d drafting (which is 90% of my office's work).
However, I have good memories from R14 (solid as a rock!), and I don't want to see again R12...

[MaxwellEdison]

My favorite version is whichever version finally lets me create 3D dynamic blocks with more than one visibility state. Barring that, I do prefer 08 to 09. Haven't been able to use 2010 until we can use it with HSBcad.

[CADMASTER1128]

I looked onto the 2010 Architecture today. Architecture 2008 still will be my favorite version.

[rkmcswain]

BTW: I posted a poll on this back in November 2008. Here are the results (http://cadpanacea.com/node/2).

[f700es]

R14.01 was fast, stable, ran in Windows, about at bulletproof as they came...
Of course trying to use it today is a chore, after you are used to some of the features introduced over the last 12 years that are missing from R14...

The largest gap in available features was probably R11>R12.

I feel that 2008 is the modern 2004. Very stable, at least for me it is. Great 2D tools, bug fixes from 2004, 04, 06 & 07, new tools and very fast in XP.

[f700es]

Huh, the good versions...
r14
2004
and 2008

[CADMASTER1128]

BTW: I posted a poll on this back in November 2008. Here are the results (http://cadpanacea.com/node/2).

Interesting results seeing that 2009 is the top favorite version, considering that it has a ribbon.

[StykFacE]

2004 was a great, solid AutoCAD version. I liked it best for awhile, even getting into 2006 I still loved 2004. 2007 was good but my heart was and still is set on 2008. 2008 was a great, stable version as well, then they had to go and change things in '09 and up. Having said that I do like where AutoCAD is going though so I don't wanna knock it too much - except for the Ribbons. The Ribbon is a joke for speedy cadder's. :)

[rkmcswain]

Interesting results seeing that 2009 is the top favorite version, considering that it has a ribbon.

Which of course led me to this latest poll...regarding the ribbon...

http://cadpanacea.com/node/167

[CADMASTER1128]

Which of course led me to this latest poll...regarding the ribbon...

http://cadpanacea.com/node/167

I just saw the results of your poll. The results are a little surprising unless everyone using ACAD 09 are setting their workspaces to AutoCAD Classic. Which is what I did, I tried to change 2010 but I was unable to find the feature.

[kencaz]

I just saw the results of your poll. The results are a little surprising unless everyone using ACAD 09 are setting their workspaces to AutoCAD Classic. Which is what I did, I tried to change 2010 but I was unable to find the feature.

That's exactly what I did as well. I loved 08 but hated the new ribbon in 2010. You can switch back to autocad classic in 2010 using the "WORKSPACE" command. My 2010 looks just like my 08 version but with the nice new constraints tool bars. Sweet!!!

KC

[CADMASTER1128]

That's exactly what I did as well. I loved 08 but hated the new ribbon in 2010. You can switch back to autocad classic in 2010 using the "WORKSPACE" command. My 2010 looks just like my 08 version but with the nice new constraints tool bars. Sweet!!!

KC

WORKSPACE command? Hmmm, just what I am getting ready to open!

[arjun_samar]

my fav. would be pencil. just joking.....

acad 02.. this last november, its the version i first used..... and ugraded to 09 on jan 2009:D

so my fav. is acad 02 version.. i miss using it...

[CADMASTER1128]

my fav. would be pencil. just joking.....

acad 02.. this last november, its the version i first used..... and ugraded to 09 on jan 2009:D

so my fav. is acad 02 version.. i miss using it...

I hate using a pencil to draw, but that is just me. I hate how the teacher thinks we need to learn this "dying art"

[Cad64]

I hate using a pencil to draw, but that is just me. I hate how the teacher thinks we need to learn this "dying art"

:huh: Dying art? :? I can see you've got a lot to learn about design. :roll:
Every one of my projects starts out on paper with hand sketches. It's much easier and faster to rough out some design ideas on paper, then once I get the basic layout dialed in, I scan it and drop it into Autocad to trace over.

Every class I've taken and every training video I've ever watched has stressed the importance of being able to sketch out your ideas before jumping on the computer. And every designer I know, has a drafting table in their office. Don't write this off as unimportant. Do yourself a favor and learn how to draw. It will make you a better designer.

[CADMASTER1128]

:huh: Dying art? :? I can see you've got a lot to learn about design. :roll:
Every one of my projects starts out on paper with hand sketches. It's much easier and faster to rough out some design ideas on paper, then once I get the basic layout dialed in, I scan it and drop it into Autocad to trace over.

Every class I've taken and every training video I've ever watched has stressed the importance of being able to sketch out your ideas before jumping on the computer. And every designer I know, has a drafting table in their office. Don't write this off as unimportant. Do yourself a favor and learn how to draw. It will make you a better designer.

Don't get me wrong, I hand sketch all the time when I am starting new project. In fact The only thing I don't like is draw a full floor plan (Dimensions, details, elevations) using a pencil. I love to sketch and always keep a sketch pad here at my desk. Even when I travel. I get ideas from other buildings. I should have been more clear about "the dying art."

[stevsmith]

i miss the old drawing board.
it come in handy when training someone up as a draughtsman.
Everything has to be setout in the head before dimensioning for clarity purposes. some people get to carried away with just moving the dimension when some one asks. It should be done correctly in the 1st place.
The old drawingboard can help eliminate that

[CrustyFur]

Using R12 with a properly customised tablet was the best if Windows 95 hadn't come along.

After that R14 with a decent customised menu is my overall favourite. I've still got a dongle somewhere!

[ReMark]

When the power finally goes out we'll all be back to pencils/pens, triangles and straightedges. You'll be using your computer and monitor to hold down the vellum or mylar. LOL

[CADMASTER1128]

When the power finally goes out we'll all be back to pencils/pens, triangles and straightedges. You'll be using your computer and monitor to hold down the vellum or mylar. LOL

When you draw that way, you feel like you are actually drawing. You have to actually think about drawing and do a little math. CAD does everything thing for you.

[Lee Mac]

When you draw that way, you feel like you are actually drawing. You have to actually think about drawing and do a little math. CAD does everything thing for you.

Yes, but at least the drawings will be checked to a greater extent - after all, nobody wants to have to redraw something over and over again - better off getting it right the first time :thumbsup:

EDIT: I shouldn't be encouraging this... there'd be no place for LISP... the LISP equivalent would be a cup of coffee..

[CADMASTER1128]

EDIT: I shouldn't be encouraging this... there'd be no place for LISP... the LISP equivalent would be a cup of coffee..

Where on earth would Lee Mac without LISP?

[Tankman]

Where on earth would Lee Mac without LISP?

Seems LISP is Lee Mac's Erector Set.
Lee is certainly the go to professor for LISP routines! :geek:

[CADMASTER1128]

Seems LISP is Lee Mac's Erector Set.
Lee is certainly the go to professor for LISP routines! :geek:

I like the comparison made here! lol

[Teeds]

R 14

I had a custom menu system that I had written that had everything that I needed and no more.

The GUI is FAR slower than keyboarding commands. All the common commands in my menu had keyboard shortcuts as well.

It was also automated to set up sheets, layers and such almost a decade before it became common inside the program.

When I finally upgraded actual working copy to 2005 and discovered that my menus would not work, I was seriously bummed.

I started writing them in 1991, when I jumped from VersaCAD to AutoCAD.

Hard to believe that it has been almost 20 years ... :cry:

Of course, my first formal education in drafting started in 1963 ... uuuggggghhhh

[K-Loo]

the CTRL cycle through objects was definitely more accurate than SHIFT+SPACEBAR (how can i set that one back in 2010??? anyone? plz?)
it was already possible to chamfer a PLINE, ARC with a LINE
there was no messy 3D environment
runs smoother than later versions
...
...
...

[chelsea1307]

Of course, my first formal education in drafting started in 1963 ... uuuggggghhhh

not to make you feel old or anything, but dang! My mom wasnt even born yet when you started drafting

[TruViet911]

been using autoCAD2004 and just got upgrade to 2010. I didn't like the User Interface and luckly it let you chooses between the workspaces. I switch back to autocad classic right away. hahaha

one thing i like in 2010. the heads up display or Dynamic Input

[Teeds]

not to make you feel old or anything, but dang! My mom wasnt even born yet when you started drafting

dang kids ... :)

My kids were 36 a few weeks ago. It is fun to watch them. I swear my daughter complains about her age more than I do mine.

It is all good ... I'm still vertical and breathing!!!!

[LEsq]

I started in the drafting adventure back on 1972.

And my first serious use of AutoCAD was with R9, but use, if I remember correctly two previous releases too.

[LEsq]

I started in the drafting adventure back on 1972.

And my first serious use of AutoCAD was with R9, but use, if I remember correctly two previous releases too.

Also to add something about my first days using AutoCAD, I remember that no one want it to give it a try for production, and always say it to me, no it is better to draw by hand and took me to convice the first office like three releases later and not well convince, because the office got a pencil plotter and all the corrections were done by hand - like half and half :)

And the same, when I did my thesis all in AutoCAD - the commite simple told me - no way that we are going to accept the drawings done my a machine.... do it by hand.

The good stuff that happens, was that the faculty changed those members, and the new ones were more open mind.... and my thesis was the first in the university that was done in AutoCAD.

[motoxrcr]

After I use the newest version for awhile, it becomes my favorite (except for V13). I am liking 2010 as it has some nice tools.

[Jwilson]

I would have said 2007 about a year ago, but I have warmed up to 2010 now.

Don't worry, Autodesk isn't the only one that has messed around with the interface; Microsoft has done it too with Office 2007 and 2010, they changed a lot of things with the ribbon, dropped off the menu button in favor of a green 'File' button that does a lot more than the button did. But it's like by the time you finally become acustomed to one UI, they decide to change it up and make it even more confusing!

But with Autocad, I am happy with 2010 for now. Let's hope they follow Microsoft and lose the application button in favor of a more funtional "File" button.

[StykFacE]

I still don't believe in the Ribbon. I don't use it and don't know if I will ever fully adopt it.

[stevsmith]

I'm more of a keyboard kinda guy, I FIND IT A PAIN TRYING TO FIND AND HOVER OVER THE ICON

[ReMark]

I still don't believe in the Ribbon. I don't use it and don't know if I will ever fully adopt it.

Did I read that correctly? Are you becoming a dinosaur StyKmaN? LOL

[StykFacE]

Did I read that correctly? Are you becoming a dinosaur StyKmaN? LOL
You read correctly Mark. I'll just continue to do my CUI hack and continue with my personal customizations and being faster than anyone who uses the Ribbon.

[ReMark]

Faster than anyone who uses the Ribbon?

Faster than a speeding bullet?

More powerful than a locomotive?!

Look...up in the sky. It's a bird, it's a plane, no....it's SuperStyk!

Just having some fun with you StyKmaN. Each to his own. Peace out.

[StykFacE]

haha, to each his own is correct.

[Cad64]

Stykface is not the only one. I closed all the Toolbars a long time ago, so using the Ribbon seems like a step backwards to me. I'll use the Ribbon once Autodesk makes it a permanent part of the program that cannot be closed, but until then, I will continue doing everything from the command line and being the fastest drafter in the office. :)

[rkmcswain]

I still don't believe in the Ribbon. I don't use it and don't know if I will ever fully adopt it.


Stykface is not the only one. I closed all the Toolbars a long time ago, so using the Ribbon seems like a step backwards to me. I'll use the Ribbon once Autodesk makes it a permanent part of the program that cannot be closed, but until then, I will continue doing everything from the command line and being the fastest drafter in the office. :)

We use Civil 3D and started professional training on it about a year ago. At the time, we decided to train on it using the OOTB interface (i.e.: Ribbon on, menubar OFF).
As time as gone by, I can't speak for others but I find myself primarily using toolbars, along with much more use of the right-click menus, as almost everything in the Ribbon can be found there also.

The biggest positive about the Ribbon is the contextual tabs.
The biggest negative is it still feels like it takes more time to find commands, not to mention the actual switching of the tabs is dreadfully slow, even on a powerful machine. It took several releases to get the CUI interface really usable, so I anticipate the Ribbon will continue to get better.

For programs that I use less, like Word, Excel, etc., the Ribbon is a real killer because I can never find what I need.

[f700es]

The ribbon seems to take up just a bit more space than I am used to. In r2008 I only used two rows of toolbars at the top of the screen and I used the Dashboard. When we moved to versions with the ribbon it just seem to cut down on drawing space. That was at old job with a 24" lcd as my cad screen. New job has a 28" lcd and it (ribbon) does not seem to be as big a problem but I am still not a fan. I found it easier to move around in the new Office versions than I did in CAD. I guess I was just not as used to the old Office versions like I was to in CAD.

[StykFacE]

For programs that I use less, like Word, Excel, etc., the Ribbon is a real killer because I can never find what I need.
So true!!!

[ReMark]

"For programs that I use less, like Word, Excel, etc., the Ribbon is a real killer because I can never find what I need."

Agreed.

That's why I haven't upgraded from the 2003 version!

[StykFacE]

I'm hoping the market complains enough for these companies to offer something else to the users. I'm not saying for them to go back to Toolbars and Menus, but the Ribbon interface in these programs just aren't cutting it IMHO. Only in certain robust programs that have a lot of tools available. If a simple program wants to adopt a Ribbon interface, then I can understand completely because it doesn't have the level of complexity that Word, Excel, or even AutoCAD has.

[CAD89]

Well I use the following versions of ACAD: 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, Land Desktop 2009 and AcadMap 6, from all these versions I have installed in my computer the following: 2000, 2006, 2008 and Land Desktop 2009, the rest are installed at work. My personal favorite is ACAD 2006 because the Help file and the tutorials for Lisp are very well structured. At my workplace I use mostly ACAD 2000!

[Jack_O'neill]

I use 2010 and 2007 architectural for most of my work. of the two, i really like 2010 best. I dont' use the ribbon tho. clicked on autocad classic, then did as usual and built my own toolbars and pallets. 2010 is faster than 2007, and has some cool new features. I've used 9, 10, 11, the windows extension for 11 (which sucked big time), 12 dos and win, 13 (horrible experience, i still have nightmares), 14, 2000, mechanical desktop 5, 2002, 2006, 2007 and 2010.

Of all of those, Mechanical Desktop was by far the most fun. I couldn't wait to get to work when I was using that. If i could have just sat there and made drawings, that would have been as good as it got. Alas, company ownership changed, and with it, office politics became more than I could stand. Eventually it was leave or have a stroke. Got lucky and went to a company that made regular use of it's capabilities, so was in heaven again till 9-11 came along and brought that company (aircraft) to bankruptcy.

If I ever get enough ahead to afford it, I plan to add Inventor to the arsenal, just can't justify it right now. I hear it's almost as much fun tho.

Oh, yeah, I am attempting to teach myself Revit. It's fun to use but the learning curve is somewhat steep (at least for me).