AutoCAD social media channels posted this image a while back. It looks like 35 years of AutoCAD history is an important milestone for Autodesk. There was some hype about AutoCAD birthday this year. It’s quite disappointing that AutoCAD 2018 didn’t give a good impact like it’s predecessors. New AutoCAD released used to be fun and make us curious.
I don’t know if you all feel the same or maybe I’m just getting old.
Autodesk released the image of AutoCAD icons from R1 to AutoCAD 2018 below.
They are obviously not complete; some versions are missing. Autodesk used to change the icon and splash screen in each version. I immediately notice it doesn’t have the R14 icon. It’s the oldest version that I use, and I think many users loved it that time.
AutoCAD R13 and older were also available on the various operating system. R13 for Windows was pretty slow compared to the other platforms. Not really a favorite for AutoCAD users at that time. R14 was a big change, the first Windows only version and run pretty well.
If you are interested to see features in each release, you can see complete AutoCAD release history on Shaan Hurley’s blog here.
Which version is your favorite? Do you see the icon in the image?
I started with version 1.05, single floppy version. I ran it on an IBM “portable” 45 lbs and a 7″ monochrome screen. It worked – I could draw lines and text and that was it. No dimensioning. Plotting was a challenge – trying to plot to the HP Pen plotter via async cable.
I can’t imagine how to work with version 1 :)
I bet it’s hard to justify spending a lot of money when the productivity between manual drafting and computer drafting is similar.
I learned on R12, that was DOS, not Windows. I’ve used most everything in between that and 2017, including a few years using LT2006 and LT2009. I think my favorite is 2017, but that will change when we upgrade to 2018. I may be old(er), but I love learning new tricks.
Edwin, I’m old school, I’ve worked with AutoCAD 12 to AutoCAD 2007. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a job working with AutoCAD. All the new releases that have came out I feel I would not have a chance to get back into the field. Do you have any suggestion on classes to take to get up to speed with the new and latest AutoCAD software.
Thanks.
Greg Blannon
Greg, the basics haven’t changed. They have just added lots of bells and whistles. One of the best features about the newer versions is that they are very user friendly, with lots of “help” built in.
Greg,
As Cary said, the basic are the same. You may find the new interface is distracting and uncomfortable at first, but you might like it after you get used to it.
Yes, there are plenty of new features. But you can just use the latest version of AutoCAD like you used to.
I don’t know how long you haven’t used AutoCAD. But if you want to take a class, you might want to try contacting an Autodesk Authorized Training Center near you. You can find them here: autodesk.com/atc