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(continued...) More significantly multi-processors are supported with a dual-processor set-up offering up to 30% speed increase, particularly noticeable for graphics operations.
Apparent performance gains result from the ability to switch between drawing layout tabs without forcing a regen.
A number of enhancements introduced in AutoCAD LT but missing from the flagship product have now been integrated, better justifying the premium price and aiding cross product users.
These include the useful ability to drag and drop a hatch pattern already existing in a drawing into a new hatch area and the purge all command that avoids the need for multiple purge operations to remove different types of unused elements.
Layer handling is improved with the flexibility to name and manipulate groups of layers and even export layer settings for use in other drawings.
Fundamental tools such as trim and extend are improved by being available from the same command by toggling between them using the shift key.
Objects within blocks can also be used as cutting edges.
The plotting process is aided by listing the available paper sizes in the Plot dialog box.
Plots can also be stamped with information such as drawing, layout, device or Login name, plot scale, paper size, date or time.
Plots can also be tracked by writing the stamp information to a log file.
In recognition of the shift from pen plotters to inkjet devices, plotted objects can be assigned any RGB colour.
The usefulness of exported windows metafiles is finally realised with the ability to set the background colour of WMF exports to suit the environments in which they will be inserted.
The file selector dialogs are revamped to be styled like Microsoft Outlook with a Places List of shortcuts down the left although it was not clear how this list could be customised to personal preferences.
The help system has been updated to the latest Windows browser style supplemented by Active Assistance.
By default this pops up context sensitive help during commands although its behaviour can be modified using the system tray settings menu to appear for new and enhanced commands or only on demand.
eTransmit is a useful tool to pack the current or selected drawings and all associated files, such as bitmaps and xrefs, into a ZIP or self-extracting executables file although this relies on the recipient having a seat of AutoCAD as it does not include a file viewer.
A TXT report is automatically included in the file listing the attached files and significantly instructions for their use such as the locations that resources such as attached SHX fonts should be placed to be found by the recipients AutoCAD installation.
A wizard is also available to publish data directly to a web site using predefined DWF and JPEG templates.