AutoCAD 2010, How to edit parametrically DWG 2010 files? Options

[Dmitry Ushakov]

AutoCAD 2010 will support 2D parametric modification with geometric and dimensional constraints (probably, you have already seen this video). Moreover, even AutoCAD LT users will be able to read and edit constraints from DWG 2010 files, but not create them (the source).

The question is what to do with constraints stored in DWG files if you work in a CAD program that supports DWG file import (or even uses DWG as a native format)? We have prototyped a simple constraint editor in AutoCAD 2007 (see the video on the Labs page) and now we are thinking of the possibility to develop a 2D Driving Dimensions plugin for AutoCAD clones.

Dear reader of this post, if you are interested in 2D parametric functionality similar to AutoCAD 2010, please put your comments here.

[Dahzee]

Dmitry,

I know Autocad now has parametric capabilities but I can't help but wonder why the world's most popular CAD program has only just decided to include this facility.

Could it be that they don't think it is an ability that people will use?

I personally have been using parametrics for 20 years now in the the folding carton industry and it makes my life much easier.

I think if the Intellicad consortium had this ability it would really enhance their product.

The other thing I think could be an interesting idea is a standalone solution that could export dxf files into any CAD program. I appreciate it would lose it's parametric ability when imported but you could always go and run the original again if the design changed.

This would allow smaller software companies to offer parametric facilities without having to go to the expense of incorporating it into their product. Also small companies such as freelance designers could afford to have parametrics without having to buy a new CAD program or losing valuable time learning a new system, when all they would have to do is learn how to create parametrics.

These are only my opinions and I realise every users requirement is different.

Regards

Dahzee

AutoCAD 2010 will support 2D parametric modification with geometric and dimensional constraints (probably, you have already seen this video). Moreover, even AutoCAD LT users will be able to read and edit constraints from DWG 2010 files, but not create them (the source).

The question is what to do with constraints stored in DWG files if you work in a CAD program that supports DWG file import (or even uses DWG as a native format)? We have prototyped a simple constraint editor in AutoCAD 2007 (see the video on the Labs page) and now we are thinking of the possibility to develop a 2D Driving Dimensions plugin for AutoCAD clones.

Dear reader of this post, if you are interested in 2D parametric functionality similar to AutoCAD 2010, please put your comments here.

[Dmitry Ushakov]

Dahzee,

In June 2009 we signed an agreement with Open Design Alliance (ODA) that develops DWGdirect platfor for creation of technical applications compatible with DWG file format (see our press release). We help them to support parametric drawing possibilities compatible with AutoCAD 2010. As you probably know, IntelliCAD is based on DWGdirect. So in the forthcoming version they can easily support parametric drawing based on our solution (as any of 2,000 software development companies, which are members of ODA).