20+ Years of Design, Technology & More
20+ Years of Design, Technology & More
I updated my AutoCAD Release History and Autodesk Product Codenames page, covering versions from AutoCAD 1.0 in 1982 to 2027. The new entries include AutoCAD 2027 with the codename Xenon. Notably, the Civil 3D 2027 codename remains unconfirmed, while AutoCAD 2027 continues using the AC1032 DWG format.
Shaan will be in Las Vegas from September 13 to 20 for Autodesk University 2026, highlighting events and attractions beyond the conference. Key activities include his session on AI's impact on CAD management, immersive experiences at The Sphere, concerts by The Eagles and iHeartRadio Music Festival, as well as immersive art and outdoor activities.
The post discusses common mistakes that beginners make when using Civil 3D, emphasizing that many experienced users continue to repeat these errors due to outdated habits from treating the software as a drawing tool rather than a modeling tool. It suggests that beginners have an advantage, as they haven't developed these incorrect practices yet. Establishing effective checkpoints can help users recognize and correct their mistakes, ultimately fostering better modeling habits.
Two milestones, one stubborn habit: I still write because figuring things out—and saving time—still wins the day, even as software fades and treats fall.
The content discusses the Autodesk Civil 3D 2027.1 update, highlighting the improved AI-driven Assistant in Tech Preview mode. The Assistant helps users identify complex reference issues in Civil 3D drawings, but still requires explicit prompting and verification. Importantly, it moves towards proactive monitoring of drawing health, enhancing workflow efficiency for CAD managers.
Jon Peddie Research puts the 2D CAD market at about 5.4 billion dollars in 2025 and calls it structurally strong. I am not in the 2D camp or the 3D camp. Both have real jobs, and the interesting problem is the handoff between them.
Autodesk released the Civil 3D 2027.1 Update on August 4, 2026, featuring a 2.44 GB download with enhancements in drainage design, Data Shortcut management, and the API. Key improvements include a new DREF tab for better reference management and expanded drainage tools. The update aims to simplify troubleshooting and improve user control in project management.
The session "The Stack Inversion is Real" addresses the evolving role of CAD managers, highlighting how AI transforms workflows. It emphasizes that traditional CAD knowledge is less critical, while decision-making responsibilities grow. The speaker invites participants to discuss crash data and reference loops, fostering a collaborative environment to improve CAD management.
On Sunday morning, I debugged acad.exe lingering in Task Manager post-shutdown, linked to an NVIDIA driver. Disabling hardware acceleration in AutoCAD/Civil 3D resolved the issue. A clean installation of the driver also fixed the problem, which I confirmed through a newly found knowledge base article on the matter.
The Autodesk University 2026 Thrive Guide by Shaan Hurley offers essential tips for attendees preparing for the event in Las Vegas from September 15-17. The guide includes venue highlights, packing suggestions, and advice on networking and session attendance. It emphasizes the importance of hydration, comfortable footwear, and enjoying the local cuisine and attractions.