General Information

1.1 What is AutoCAD 2007?
Design, visualize, and document your ideas clearly and efficiently with AutoCAD®
software. From conceptual design through drafting and detailing, AutoCAD 2007 enables
you to explore ideas like never before. Create, edit, and develop design alternatives using
realistic solids and surfaces in an updated design environment. Communicate your ideas
with powerful sketch, shadow, and rendering tools, including intuitive walk-through
animations. Then turn your concepts into a set of documents with the new section and
flatten functionality. It’s all here, whether you’re creating, exploring, managing, or
communicating, AutoCAD keeps you on time, on budget, and on track.
1.2 Who uses AutoCAD software?
AutoCAD is used to create conceptual designs, technical drawings, and documentation in
many industries. Designers, architects, engineers, land planners, contractors, facility
managers, and educational institutions and students are examples of customers who
currently use AutoCAD.
The AutoCAD foundation technology supports other Autodesk® industry-targeted
applications, as well as hundreds of third-party applications. It fits into any design
solution that requires a general, customizable drafting and design tool.
1.3 What are the main benefits of AutoCAD 2007?
The new conceptual design and visualization tools introduced in AutoCAD 2007 will
enable you to realize your ideas in order to sell your vision to a client, make presentations
to a non-technical audience, or even communicate your design intent to the shop floor.
Creating solids and surfaces has never been easier; you can quickly brainstorm any idea
or concept whether you’re in architecture, mechanical design, engineering, process,
aerospace, even science and education.
With the new AutoCAD 2007 visualization tools, you can quickly print your AutoCAD
designs with a hand-drawn effect for your presentation. If a photo-realistic image is
required, you can use the AutoCAD 2007 new library of materials and lighting system to
give your model a more realistic look. You can even create simple walk-through
animations to send to your client.
AutoCAD 2007 also has a new set of section cut tools so you can quickly convert your
solid designs into 2D drawings for all of your documentation work.
For more details on the benefits AutoCAD 2007 refer to the AutoCAD Features web page
for more information: www.autodesk.com/autocad-features.
2. Availability and Pricing
2.1 When will AutoCAD 2007 be available?
AutoCAD 2007 will be available worldwide in English, German, and Japanese in March of
2006.
2.2 When can I expect localized versions of AutoCAD 2007 to ship?
Autodesk plans to ship localized versions for French, Italian, Simplified Chinese,
Traditional Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese.
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Autodesk will announce the expected ship dates as the localized versions become
available.
2.3 Can I try AutoCAD 2007 before I buy it?
Yes, you can try it by requesting the AutoCAD 2007 trial version. This full-functioning
version of AutoCAD 2007 is available as a free*, 30-day trial version or as a download
from the Autodesk website. You can order the trial CD from your Autodesk Authorized
Autodesk Reseller or visit us online at www.autodesk.com/autocad-trial.
2.4 What are the purchasing options and pricing for AutoCAD 2007?
AutoCAD 2007 is available to you through your local reseller, the Autodesk Store at
www.autodesk.com/store , or through Autodesk® Subscription where available. If you
need help finding a reseller, please refer to www.autodesk.com/reseller.
Consult your local reseller or the Autodesk Store for pricing information.
2.5 What are the benefits of an Autodesk Subscription?
With Autodesk Subscription you get the latest releases of your Autodesk® software,
incremental product enhancements, personalized web support direct from Autodesk
technical experts, and self-paced training to help extend your skills. And with access to a
range of exclusive community resources and members-only privileges, you can use the
power of your design tools to the fullest and make the most of your technology investment.
For the latest information on Autodesk Subscription, including availability and purchase
requirements, visit www.autodesk.com/subscription or contact your local authorized
representative. AutoCAD subscriptions are sold by Autodesk Authorized Autodesk
Resellers on behalf of Autodesk.
3. Compatibility
3.1 Do AutoCAD 2004/2005/2006 third-party applications work with AutoCAD 2007?
Maybe. Some third-party add-on applications based on Visual LISP® and VBA
programming languages should be compatible with AutoCAD 2007. Third-party
applications based on ActiveX® and ObjectARX® developer tools will require upgrades to
be compatible with AutoCAD 2007. There are numerous compatible applications available
for AutoCAD 2007. Check with your application developer/supplier regarding availability of
applications built for AutoCAD 2007.
3.2 Do AutoCAD 2006 customized menus work in AutoCAD 2007?
Yes, AutoCAD 2007 will automatically migrate customized menus (CUI files). The first
time you launch AutoCAD 2007 the migration feature will asked you if you would like to
migrate your settings from your previous AutoCAD version to AutoCAD 2007. The
migration feature helps you make a smooth transition to the new release by automatically
migrating customized menus, toolbar icons, hatch patterns, linetypes, command short
cuts, and profiles. For additional migration tools, refer to
www.autodesk.com/migrationtools.
3.3 What do I need to do to move applications and other customization I have done
to AutoCAD 2007?
If your application and customization work is based on Visual LISP or VBA, it should just work as
is—try it. Linetype files, hatch patterns, command aliases, and spelling dictionaries will be
automatically activated with the migration feature when you launch AutoCAD for the first time.
You can find complete details on migrating applications to AutoCAD 2007 in the Application
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Migration Guide that is included in the AutoCAD 2007 ObjectARX SDK—including details on
migrating Visual LISP, VBA, and ActiveX based applications. You can find the ObjectARX SDK
and much more information on developing applications and customizing AutoCAD at
www.autodesk.com/developautocad.
3.4 How are AutoLISP programs affected by changes in AutoCAD 2007?
AutoLISP® program routines that have been written for AutoCAD 2004/2005/2006 should
work in AutoCAD 2007; no changes have been made that would affect them.
3.5 Has the AutoCAD 2007 DWG drawing file format changed from the AutoCAD
2004/2005/2006 products?
Yes, the AutoCAD 2007 DWG file format has been updated and is different from the
2004/2005/2006 DWG file format. This new format is also the same DWG file format that
is used in the latest releases of the Autodesk industry-specific products such as
Autodesk® Architectural Desktop, Autodesk Map® 3D, Autodesk® Civil 3D®, AutoCAD®
Electrical and AutoCAD® Mechanical software applications. Nonetheless, you can still
easily share files between design teams using any previous version of AutoCAD. As in
the past, this version of AutoCAD opens DWG files from all earlier DWG versions of the
software created by any Autodesk product.
3.6 Does AutoCAD 2007 read and save drawings created by earlier releases of
AutoCAD?
AutoCAD 2007 reads drawing files from all previous versions of AutoCAD software.
AutoCAD 2007 has a built-in SaveAs function so you can save drawings to and from
AutoCAD releases using the 14, 2000, and 2004 DWG format(s). In addition, you can use
the SaveAs AutoCAD Release 12 DXF™ command to support releases prior to AutoCAD
Release 14.
3.7 Can I open an AutoCAD 2007 drawing with and older release of AutoCAD?
With DWG TrueConvert™ software you can translate DWG files created with any release
of AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT® software to AutoCAD 14, 2000, 2004, and 2007 file formats.
DWG TrueConvert can be downloaded at www.autodesk.com/migrationtools, DWG
TrueConvert does not require AutoCAD to convert DWG files.
3.8 Can I run AutoCAD 2007 side-by-side with other AutoCAD platform–based
applications?
Yes, AutoCAD 2007 can be installed side-by-side with any other AutoCAD or Autodesk
vertical solution—including AutoCAD 2007–based products. These products include
AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD® Mechanical, Autodesk Architectural Desktop, Autodesk
Civil 3D, Autodesk Map 3D, Autodesk Inventor® Series, Autodesk Inventor® Professional,
Autodesk® AutoCAD® Revit® Series, Autodesk® Revit® Structure, Autodesk® Building
Systems, Autodesk® 3ds Max®, Autodesk VIZ® and AutoCAD LT software.
3.9 Is AutoCAD 2007 compatible with AutoCAD LT?
Yes, AutoCAD 2007 is fully DWG-compatible with AutoCAD LT 2007. It can read files from
all older versions of AutoCAD LT and can save to the AutoCAD LT 2004, 2000, and
Release 14 DWG file formats for compatibility with older products.
3.10 When will the AutoCAD 2007-based industry-specific applications be available?
Autodesk applications built on the AutoCAD foundation include Autodesk Architectural
Desktop, Autodesk Building Systems, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD Electrical,
Autodesk Map 3D, Autodesk Civil 3D, and Autodesk® Raster Design 2006 software.
Autodesk will announce the expected ship dates as these applications become available.
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4. Platform and System Requirements
4.1 What are the system requirements for AutoCAD 2007?
The system requirements for AutoCAD 2007 for users that are focusing on 2D drawing
creation are as follows:
􀂃 Intel® Pentium® IV recommended
􀂃 Microsoft® Windows® XP Home & Professional SP1 or SP2, Windows XP for Tablet PC
SP2, or Windows® 2000 SP3 or SP4
􀂃 512 MB RAM
􀂃 750 MB free disk space for installation
􀂃 1024x768 VGA with True Color
􀂃 Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1 or higher
The system requirements for AutoCAD 2007 for users that are taking advantage of the
new conceptual design capabilities are as follows:
􀂃 Intel® 3.0 GHz or greater
􀂃 Windows® XP SP2
􀂃 2 GB RAM or greater
􀂃 2 GB available not including installation
􀂃 1280 x 1024 32-bit color video display adapter (True Color)
􀂃 128 MB or greater, OpenGL-capable workstation class graphics card. Refer to the
Supported Video Cards list for details on different brands that have been tested and
certified.
4.2 Is AutoCAD 2007 certified for Microsoft Windows XP?
Yes, AutoCAD has received “Designed for Windows XP—Optimized for Enterprise” logo
certification. This is the highest level of logo certification that Microsoft offers. The logo
certification indicates that software will run smoothly and reliably in the Windows operating
system environment. Several fundamental changes have been made to AutoCAD to help
ensure its robust performance when running on the latest version of the Windows
operating system. These changes include the ability to run AutoCAD as a limited rights
user, making it easy for multiple AutoCAD-based products to be run on the same
computer, and changes to the file structures and use of the registry that support roaming
user profiles.
4.3 Does AutoCAD 2007 support Tablet PCs running Windows XP?
Yes, AutoCAD 2007 software supports Microsoft Windows XP for Tablet PC operating
system functionality, including the ability to specify landscape or portrait orientation as well
as right- or left-handedness, enabling you to take full advantage of the portability that the
Tablet PC offers.
4.4 Does AutoCAD 2007 support the Microsoft Vista operating system?
Autodesk has been working with Microsoft to monitor the progress of Windows Vista and
its application compatibility with AutoCAD. As we approach the release of Windows Vista,
Autodesk will be conducting further testing to determine AutoCAD 2007 compatibility with
Windows Vista.
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4.5 Does AutoCAD 2007 support multiple CPU systems?
Yes, AutoCAD 2007 supports multiple CPU systems. The performance of AutoCAD
graphics and rendering systems will benefit from multiple CPU systems.
4.6 Does AutoCAD 2007 support 64-bit operating systems?
Not at this time. AutoCAD 2007 does not support 64-bit Windows. However, it does
support running on an Intel EM64T processor using Window XP. AutoCAD 2007 runs as
a 32-bit application on 64-bit processor in what Intel refers to as Legacy mode.
5. Licensing
5.1 Does AutoCAD 2007 use product activation for stand-alone licenses?
Yes, with AutoCAD 2007 the authorization process includes product activation.
5.2 What is product activation?
Product activation is a software-based license management technology incorporated into
many Autodesk products. It is a secure and trouble-free process that authenticates
licensed users running Autodesk software. The process verifies that the serial number is
legitimate and has not been activated on more computers than are eligible. It does not
affect the ability of licensed users to operate their software the way they have always
done. It is similar to the authorization mechanism in Autodesk products in the past but
provides additional capabilities for security and special product versions (such as student
and trial versions).
5.3 Why is Autodesk requiring Autodesk customers to activate their software?
Product activation is a simple way to reduce and deter unauthorized use and casual
copying of Autodesk products, with little to no impact on our loyal customers.
5.4 Which Autodesk products use this activation technology?
Almost all Autodesk products use or will use this technology, with the exception of
Autodesk® DWF™ Viewer, Autodesk® DWF™Composer, AutoSketch®, and Autodesk
Media and Entertainment Products.
5.5 How do I activate my software?
Through the activation and registration interface, you can activate your product 24 hours
a day, seven days a week over the Internet or via email. Either option takes only a few
steps to complete and requires your product serial number and registration information.
5.6 What if I have more than one computer? Will product activation let me
use the software on multiple machines?
Autodesk recognizes you may sometimes need to operate the software when you are
away from your usual work location, such as while working from home. To accommodate
this need, product activation lets you install and activate the software on a second
computer you own or control. Please note that the software may be used by only one
person and that only one of the two copies may be used at a time. Consult your AutoCAD
Software License Agreement for complete details regarding installation and use of the
software on a second computer.
5.7 Where can I find more information about software activation?
More information on product activation can be found at www.autodesk.com/activation.
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6. Consulting, Training, and Support
6.1 What consulting services are available for AutoCAD 2007?
Autodesk Consulting provides customer consulting offerings for project assessments,
process audits, opportunity assessments, networking setup, application porting, and other
custom services to help you streamline business processes and get the best possible
return on your investment in Autodesk technology. AutoCAD users planning to migrate to
AutoCAD 2007 can take advantage of these services. For more information on Autodesk
Consulting, contact your Autodesk Account Executive or your local Authorized Autodesk
Reseller; or visit www.autodesk.com/consulting.
6.2 Where do I find training courses for AutoCAD 2007?
Training courses are available from both Autodesk Consulting as well as through the
Autodesk Authorized Training Center (ATC®) network.
Training courses through Autodesk Consulting include Autodesk Virtual Classroom
Training (online, instructor-led) or custom training to match your organization’s specific
needs, and Autodesk Classroom Training. To obtain more information about Autodesk’s
training services, visit www.autodesk.com/autocad-training.
You can also enroll in instructor-led training at Autodesk Authorized Training Centers
around the world. These training centers use Autodesk Official Training Courseware
(AOTC) created by Autodesk to deliver comprehensive courses for new and intermediate
AutoCAD 2007 users. Autodesk Authorized Training Centers also deliver custom courses
on AutoCAD 2007 and other Autodesk products. To learn more, visit
www.autodesk.com/autocad-atc.
6.3 How can I find technical support information for AutoCAD 2007?
Visit www.autodesk.com/autocad-support to find a knowledge base of commonly asked
support questions. Also, you can ask questions and read information about the use of
Autodesk products in the peer-to-peer discussion groups at www.autodesk.com/
discussion. Autodesk hosts topical discussion groups about specific products, including
AutoCAD 2007, and about general topics, such as drafting techniques and customization.
Alternatively, Autodesk software manuals and documentation are a great source of
answers to your support questions.
6.4 How do I obtain direct, technical support?
Direct technical support is available from both Autodesk and Autodesk Authorized
Resellers.
Furthermore, Autodesk Subscription is a complete software, support, and training package
that simplifies your technology upgrades and boosts your design productivity. Purchase of
Autodesk Subscription includes web support from Autodesk technical experts for all your
installation, configuration, and troubleshooting questions.
To learn more about Autodesk Subscription, contact your Autodesk Authorized Reseller or
visit www.autodesk.com/subscription.
The Autodesk Enterprise Support program is a worldwide program that provides expert
technical support by telephone for all major Autodesk products from a single source.
Contact your Autodesk Account Executive or Autodesk Authorized Autodesk Reseller for
more details.
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Autodesk Preferred Solution Providers (PSPs), Autodesk Systems Centers (ASCs) and
Autodesk Authorized Autodesk Resellers also provide telephone support services for
AutoCAD software and all other Autodesk products. In the United States and Canada, call
800-964-6432 to locate an ASC, PSP or reseller near you, or visit http://www.autodesk.com/
reseller. Find a complete list of support options for AutoCAD on the Autodesk website at
http://www.autodesk.com/autocad-support.
6.5 How do I find out if a service pack is available for AutoCAD 2007?
In the event that Autodesk releases a service pack for AutoCAD 2007, it is easy to access
and install it using the Communication Center in AutoCAD 2007. Look at the top of the
Communication Center window to see if an update is available. AutoCAD 2007
automatically recognizes if you have the most up-to-date release and prompts you if there
is an update available. When you click on the link, AutoCAD 2007 automatically
downloads and installs the update.