Autodesk Revit 2026 brings a host of exciting new features and enhancements designed to improve performance, streamline workflows, and empower design teams across architecture, engineering, and construction. With a focus on better collaboration, increased modeling accuracy, and smarter documentation tools, Revit 2026 reflects Autodesk’s continued commitment to delivering user-requested updates. From faster view generation to more flexible design options and expanded interoperability, this release offers something valuable for both seasoned professionals and new users alike.
Here are some of the standout new features in Revit 2026:
Experience a significant navigation performance improvement in 3D and 2D views, helping you review your designs faster.
Use this tech preview to get early access to Revit’s new graphics platform, delivering faster navigation and optimized hardware utilization, with a current focus on the graphics card. Accelerated Graphics is enabled on a per-view basis, without creating any changes to the model or the view. When the view or model is closed, the accelerated graphics mode is disabled for that view.
The core layer requirement in compound structures is no longer mandatory, making it easier to delete core layers or move layers outside the core boundary.
You can delete core layers or move layers outside of core layers to improve the default joins and support visibility control of finish walls and floors.
Best practice: To ensure the wall joins properly, move all the layers to the ‘Interior’ side if the wall is used as an interior finish, and make the ‘Interior Finish Face’ face the actual interior side. Apply the same rule for the walls used as exterior finishes.
Toposolid tools have been enhanced including updates to sub-divisions and accuracy improvements.
When creating a subdivision on a toposolid, a new sub-division is generated that follows the geometry of the host toposolid. You can provide an offset to the subdivision. A positive offset places the subdivision above the host, while a negative offset places it below the host. A negative offset excavates the host, and the excavation volume is reported in the properties of the subdivision. To create a subdivision that uses a different material than the host toposolid, change the toposolid type.
Subdivisions are a subcategory of toposolids. Use object styles and visibility/graphic overrides to control how subdivisions are displayed in views of your model.
Important: When upgrading models that use toposolids and sub-divisions, some legacy parameters are no longer valid.
Layers used in compound structures such as a toposolid have a geometric limitation that must be greater than 0.8mm. If the original sub-division has a height less than 0.8mm, a type will be created with the minimum thickness. Graphically it will retain the height, position, and material of the original sub-division, and the bottom of the new sub-division will extend beneath the surface of the host toposolid.
Two settings in the Revit.ini file control the number of points used on toposolids in your models.
Set the values for these in the Revit.ini file. The valid range is from 10,000 – 50,000. The larger number of points used to create toposolid elements will result in more accurate representation but may impact the performance when editing toposolids and/or when navigating the model. The default for both settings is 20,000 points.
If you change the value of a setting in the Revit.ini file, the setting will be applied to toposolids created after the change was made. Toposolids created prior to the change will not be affected.
The methods used to calculate the cut and fill volumes of a graded region have been revised for greater accuracy. Additional volumes beyond the boundary of the new toposolid are no longer included in the calculations. The volume is now calculated exclusively within the boundary of the new toposolid and projected upward.
When reloading topography linked in previous releases of Revit, the improved precision of linking may result in topography that more closely aligns with the geometry of the link. In some cases, you can successfully link topography that was not previously possible. See images below for example.
Source file to be linked
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Before accuracy improvement |
After accuracy improvement |
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Enable Cut Void Stability in your models to increase the likelihood of successful cuts on some toposolids. The Cut Void Stability setting applies a small shift to the cut geometry at random along the x or y axis until a cut succeeds. The shift may slightly impact the accuracy of the void geometry. When Cut Void Stability is applied, any changes will be reported in a warning and in the journal file.
Sheet Collection is now available as a category for both Parameters and Schedules.
You can see the new parameters added to the Sheet Collection category on every Sheet Collection node. The parameter values are synchronized to every Sheet included in that collection.
Parameter values show as read-only on every Sheet in the collection since they are driven by the Sheet Collection. If you modify the parameter value on the Sheet Collection, this updates the value for all Sheets (and Title Block Labels if included there).
If you move the Sheets into another Sheet Collection, the parameter value is automatically updated based on what is defined in that Sheet Collection.
The view references have been enhanced including instance based reference labels and the ability to include shared parameter labels.
Previously when placing a view reference that referenced another view, the view label was type based. This label is now instance based making view reference more flexible and easier to coordinate with your documentation standards. Make changes to the label on a view after it is placed by changing the value for Reference Label on the Properties palette. The default value assigned to the view reference is set by the type parameter of the view, Default Reference Label.
Add a label to a view reference family to display a shared parameter value defined as a project parameter to views in a model file. Editing labels and adding shared parameters is now possible for the following categories:
The workflow for adding shared parameters is identical to the workflow used for other supported family categories. In the model file, the shared parameter is assigned to the Views category.
Manage circuit wiring requirements with controllable and customizable conductors and cable configurations.
Electrical conductors and cables are customizable. The new Electrical Conductor and Cable settings allow you to define conductors and then use those conductor definitions in cable sizes and cable types. These cable types are then assigned to circuits in your models.
To access electrical conductor and cable settings, click Manage tab
Settings panelMEP Settings drop-down
Electrical Conductor and Cable Settings.
Wire sizes are no longer supported, and when models are upgraded, the existing wire sizing data is updated to the new schema.
Create new finished architectural walls in a room using a wall segment or within a room’s boundaries.
or
Newly created walls will be adjacent to the targeted wall or column face, improving efficiency and productivity in creating multiple walls for core and finish.
Easily model cranked rebar in congested areas to prevent clashes.
Quickly and intuitively access and use analytical model automation, and customize the automation if needed.
Run Physical to Analytical for Buildings: This is a “one-click” Analytical Model Automation process.
Run Analytical to Physical for Buildings: Select only the physical elements and click Run.
Automation Customization: Customize the automation if needed.Modify connections and object properties of the custom connection template.
Use the Positioning & View panel under the Modify | Viewports to save, revise and manage view positions on a sheet.
To align views across sheets, use the View Anchor options:
View to Sheet Positioning is useful for cases where you have numerous similar plan orientation views, and you want them to align and stay coordinated between sheets. Or you have typical layouts, such as building wall sections, that you want to be placed at the same offset for multiple sheets.
The existing Swap View on Sheet functionality has been integrated into these workflows as follows:
You can swap views assigned to a Saved Position. A prompt to disable the position displays, and you can unassign or re-assign Saved Positions at any point.
A new supporting command, Reset Title Block Positions, has been added in the right-click menu of Sheets in the Project Browser, to move the placed title block instances on sheets back to the default origin. This command is available when multiple title block instances, or multiple sheets from the project browser are selected.
The Coordination model feature has been enhanced including graphical appearance, element visibility, and the ability to locate and view coordination models directly in the Revit canvas.
Graphical appearance
You can assign a color to each coordination model to quickly distinguish between different models,
You can also use distinctive colors for each category of coordination model elements for easier recognition.
Objects Visibility Control
You can manage the visibility of coordination models and their instances from the Visibility/Graphic Overrides for 3D View: {3D} dialog.
You can select only the relevant details to display by instantly hide elements or categories of elements using the contextual menu in the Modify | Coordination Model tab, or in the right-click menu.
Use the Modify | Coordination Model tab Revel Hidden Elements panel Toggle Reveal Hidden Elements Mode to reveal hidden coordination model elements and categories.
Show Option for Coordination Models Enabled
In the Manage Links dialog, click Show on the upper menu to locate and view coordination models directly in the Revit canvas. Alternatively, right-click the selected model in the list.
Sheet List Schedules have been enhanced:
You can now organize Panel Schedules in the Project Browser through sorting, filtering, or grouping.
The Panel Schedules show the Panel Name under the Identity Data category.
Newly created steel plates will have a meaningful material automatically assigned when created manually or by a steel connection.
The default material of newly created steel plates depends on the unit chosen for Length in Manage Project Units.
If the default material is not loaded into the model, the steel plates will have the first steel material that is loaded into the model (e.g., Metal Stud Layer).
Model Upgrade to Revit 2026
If the appropriate materials for metric or imperial models (Steel ASTM A36 / S 235) are loaded while upgrading the project file to Revit 2026, existing or new plates will behave as follows:
Use the new global option in Structural Settings to create steel element geometry starting from the exact start and end click point.
This option is available if you check Manage Tab Structural Settings panel 
(Structural Settings) Structural Steel Settings tab Automatic Shortening Disable automatic shortening of steel elements during auto-join.
The option is available for :
The Length parameter was moved to the Dimensions category in the Properties palette and renamed to System Length to better reflect that this is the analytical length, the theoretical distance between the two points used to create the member. The length of the physical element will continue to be displayed with the Cut Length parameter which takes into account any geometry changes to the member length.
This change is valid for all structural members.
This workflow update enhances the reliability of parameters.
When you add a slanted column using the point-to-point workflow, the column’s geometry now extends to the end point of the system length.
If you turn off the point-to-point option, the slanted column will adjust to a secondary state. In this state, the column aligns with the bottom of the intersecting beam and attaches to the smallest intersection line. This differs from the default behavior that trims the face tangent to the beam.
Define an override value for sheet scale when different scale views are placed on the same sheet.
When a sheet contains multiple views of differing scales, set a value for the title block type parameter Scale Override (Multiple Values). The scale value override parameter can only contain text, numeric values are not supported.
You can now customize the layer priority independently from the layer function, from the element type level for all multi-layer elements, including walls, floors, roofs, ceilings, slabs, and toposolids.
The layer function and layer priority are no longer defined in a single setting.
Performance and accuracy of placement is greatly improved when linking IFC files.
Linking IFC files into your models is now significantly faster than in previous releases of Revit. Additionally, you have increased control when linking an IFC model. In the linking dialog, use the drop-down list to select a positioning option. IFC links can be positioned at the same datum and orientation as allowed during export. The default position places the link’s origin at the internal Revit origin.
Points and lines used to shape-edit elements, toposolids, roofs, or floors can be copied and pasted.
In previous releases, you could not copy and paste points and lines when shape editing. This functionality is now enabled. Use the controls on the ribbon to copy and paste points and lines while in edit mode, or use the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V.
Create system zones for analysis by selecting spaces or sketching a boundary.
HVAC Zones and System Zone workflows have been consolidated into System-Zones. You can create zones by selecting spaces or by sketching. New instance properties have been added to zones to facilitate analysis. Assign types to System-Zones to easily create similar zones. Space-based zones can be converted to sketch-based zones, allowing the zone to be detached from the architectural model. Schedule System-Zones in schedules, or use embedded schedules to show how spaces and analytical spaces are related to the zone. System-Zones support the use of color schemes for illustrating your designs.
Dynamo 3.4.1 introduces an extension for monitoring graph performance, version compatibility information in Package Manager, PythonNet3 for developers, and more.
Highlights include:
Python Engine Version.Show Imported CAD Files in the Manage Links Dialog
The Manage Links dialog shows the imported DWG, DXF, DGN, SKP, and AXM CAD formats for both projects and families.
You can identify the corresponding linked files by the Status and Reference Type properties in the respective columns. To choose Remove and Show the imported CAD files, use either the upper menu or right click.
Show Start and End of Bar
Add hooks, end treatments, or cranks to bar ends more intuitively.
Control Fabric Sheet Wires Position at Cover
Precisely position fabric sheets and custom fabric sheets at the concrete cover.
User Profile Update Reminder
A Profile dialog displays the first time you open Revit after it has been installed. It shows questions about the discipline and job role for which you use Revit.
If you choose to skip the update, the dialog reappears after 60 days. This reminder will be displayed no more than twice a year.
Skip the Creation of Backup Folder for Links
When linking worksharing enabled models, the creation of a backup folder is no longer required.
Previously when a worksharing enabled model was linked a _backup folder was created on the local computer. To speed the linking process and the opening of models with linked files, the creation of this folder is no longer required. This enhancement also supports workflows using Desktop Connector when you have limited permissions.
Next Generation Insight
The next generation of Autodesk Insight is now installed when Revit is installed.
Previously Autodesk Insight required the installation of an add-on. Autodesk Insight is now installed automatically. To access it, click Analyze tab 
Carbon Insight Panel 
(Analyze).
Tag/Schedule Part Type and Distribution System
Part Type and Distribution System parameters can now be tagged and scheduled in your models.
To enhance your abilities to document your models, you can now tag and schedule Part Type and Distribution System parameters. These parameters can also be used to filter and sort in schedules, making them more readable and organized.
MEP Categories Display Improvements
Additional MEP categories now display consistently with other MEP categories in MEP discipline views.
The following categories now display consistently with other MEP categories in views using the MEP discipline.
Apparent Power Calculations Enabled for Analytical Loads
Set calculations to use apparent power for analytical loads.
Analytical loads assume 1.0 power factors regardless of specified values.
Circuit, Spare, and Space Design Continuity
Spares and spaces on a panel schedule now belong to the Circuit category.
Circuits, spares, and spaces are all included in the Circuit category. Naming schemes and parameters are applied to all three in the same way. Spares and spaces are included in circuit schedules so the properties of these items can be seen alongside the circuits. Spares can be edited to add connections. When circuits are converted to spares or spares are converted to circuits, inputs are preserved, and load names and circuit states are updated. Spares can be disconnected and reassigned to other panels.
Improved Electrical Circuit Path
Circuit paths are connected to the correct locations on nested equipment.
When a circuit path is created, the path and the home run will be connected to the location of a connected nested family. Circuit boundary lines, generated home run wires, and circuit pathways all point to the location of the nested electrical panel.
Steel Specific Parameters for Shape-Driven Families
The Exact Weight and Paint Area parameters are now available for structural steel elements.
Enhanced Family Substitution for Twinmotion for Revit
Asset substitution from Revit to Twinmotion has been enhanced:
To edit the location where you want to store them, open the Revit model, then go to File Options File Locations Places Twinmotion Substitution entry, and change the library path as desired.
Relocate Options and Properties for Wall-Related Functionalities
The following controls have been moved from the Options Bar to the ribbon:
| Attach Wall Top | Select Wall Attach Top/Base |
Modify | Walls tab Modify Wall panel Attach |
| Attach Wall Base | Select Wall Attach Top/Base |
Modify | Walls tab Modify Wall panel Attach |
| Detach Wall from Selected Elements | Select Wall Detach Top/Base |
Modify | Walls tab Modify Wall panel Detach Top/Base |
| Detach Wall from All | Select Wall Detach Top/Base |
Modify | Walls tab Modify Wall panel Detach All |
| Configure Wall Joins | Modify Wall Joins Select Wall Joins in Canvas |
Modify | Wall joins tab Configuration panel Buttons: Previous, Next, Square Off, Butt, Miter |
| Allow/Disallow Wall Joins | Modify Wall Joins Select Wall Joins in Canvas |
Modify | Wall joins tab Display panel
Buttons: Allow Join, Disallow Join |
| Wall Join Display Setting | Modify Wall Joins Select Wall Joins in Canvas |
Modify | Wall joins tab Display panel Display |
| Modify Sweep Returns | Select Sweep Modify Returns |
Modify | Wall Sweeps tab Return Options panel
Buttons: Straight Cut, Return, Angle |
| Modify Reveal Returns | Select Sweep Modify Returns |
Modify | Reveals tab Return Options panel
Buttons: Straight Cut, Return, Angle |
| Modify Sweep/Reveal Returns Embedded in Wall Type | Select wall with embedded sweep/reveal in wall type Modify Returns |
Modify | Walls Return Options panel
Buttons: Straight Cut, Return, Angle |
Relocate Controls from Options Bar to Ribbon for Tags and Modify Tools
The following controls have been moved from the Options Bar to the ribbon:
| Tag on Placement | When placing a window, door, wire or duct, the Orientation, Leader line, and Leader Length controls are placed on the contextual tab of the ribbon. | Modify | <Element> tab Tag panel. |
| Tag by Category | The Orientation, Angle, Leader Line, Leader Type, and Leader Length controls display on the contextual tab of the ribbon. | : Modify | Tag panel Tags and Placement panels. |
| Move | The Multiple button is placed on the contextual tab of the ribbon. | Modify | Move tab Move panel |
| Copy | The Copy button is placed on the contextual tab of the ribbon. | Modify | Copy Copy panel |
| Mirror | The MIrror button is placed on the contextual tab of the ribbon. | Modify | Mirror tab Mirror panel |
| Rotate | The Place button is placed on the contextual tab of the ribbon. The Angle text box is only activated after the first ray of rotation is placed. | Modify | Rotate tab Rotate panel |
| Array | The Linear, Radial, Group and Associate, Place buttons are placed on the contextual tab of the ribbon. The Place center of the rotation is set as default. | Modify | Array tab Array panel |
| Label | The Type button in the Labeling panel allows you to know and change the parameter’s type for labeling. | Modify | Array tab Labeling panel |
Relocate Options and Properties for Dimension Functionalities
Several options were moved from the Options Bar to the ribbon or Properties Palette.
| Create Aligned Dimension: Prefer, Pick, Baseline Offset, Options | Ribbon: Modify Measure Aligned |
Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Create Linear Dimension: Baseline Offset | Ribbon: Modify Measure Linear |
Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Create Angular/Radial/Diameter/Arc Length Dimension: Prefer | Ribbon: Modify Measure Angular/Radial/Diameter/Arc |
Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Create Spot Elevation: Leader, Shoulder, Relative Base, Display Elevations | Ribbon: Modify Measure Spot Elevation |
Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Create Spot Coordinate: Leader, Shoulder | Ribbon: Modify Measure Spot Coordinate |
Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Create Spot Slope: Slope Representation, Offset from Reference | Ribbon: Modify Measure Spot Slope |
Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Modify Linear/Angular/Radial/Diameter/Arc Length Dimension: Prefer | Select dimension | Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Modify Linear Dimension: Leader, Baseline Offset | Select dimension | Properties Palette |
| Modify Angular/Radial/Diameter/Arc Length Dimension: Leader | Select dimension | Properties Palette |
| Modify Spot Elevation: Prefer | Select Spot Elevation | Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Modify Spot Elevation: Leader, Shoulder, Relative Base, Display Elevations | Select Spot Elevation | Properties Palette |
| Modify Spot Coordinates: Prefer | Select Spot Coordinates | Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Modify Spot Coordinates: Leader, Shoulder | Select Spot Coordinates | Properties Palette |
| Modify Spot Slope: Prefer | Select Spot Slope | Ribbon
Modify | Place Dimensions tab |
| Modify Spot Slope: Slope Representation, Offset from Reference | Select Spot Slope | Properties Palette |
| Show Related Dimensions | Family editor Select a dimension that is related to other dimensions |
Ribbon
Modify | Dimensions tab |
Updated Design Codes in Robot Structural Analysis
The following design codes have been updated:
Eurocode:
India:
Australia:
2. Seismic analysis
Canada:
India:
Eurocode:
Australia:
3. Load Combinations
Eurocode:
Welcome to the Future of Design with Autodesk AutoCAD 2026!
AutoCAD 2026 has arrived, introducing a suite of powerful features and enhancements that boost efficiency and simplify the design process. Whether you’re an architect, engineer, or designer, this latest release empowers you with advanced tools that make creating, editing, and collaborating more seamless than ever. In this article, we’ll explore the most exciting updates and how they can help you work smarter and faster.
From intricate architectural plans to detailed mechanical designs, AutoCAD 2026 equips you with everything you need to bring your boldest visions to life. Enjoy significant performance improvements, innovative AI-powered insights, and time-saving automations with every DWG file. Seamlessly integrate with Autodesk Docs to streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and stay connected to your designs—anytime, anywhere.
Support files are now connected, which means that all drawings and collaborators in an Autodesk Docs project can share one set of support files.
During the set up of support files for an Autodesk Docs project, AutoCAD creates a folder named .autodesk.support. AutoCAD searches .autodesk.support (and its subfolders) as a starting point within the Autodesk Docs project to find required support files. This can be further extended by adding other support file locations across multiple projects. Personalized locations and settings can also be added as needed.
When opening a drawing stored in an Autodesk Docs project that has not been configured for project-aware support files, you have the option to set up the project.
To set up project-aware support files, display the Options dialog box and click Files Tab > Setup.
When creating a new drawing, AutoCAD uses the drawing template location specified in the project settings in which you last worked. AutoCAD uses the drawing template location from the user-profile if you last worked on a drawing that is not set up to use project-aware support files. There’s also enhanced support file searching across all specified support file search paths in a project.
Opening drawings from the same Autodesk Docs project locates and includes the support files without any additional setup.
The new What’s Changed insight provides an overview of edits made between Saved activities, allowing you to efficiently continue your work.
When you click a Saved activity tile in the Activity Insights palette, you’ll now see the What’s Changed insight in the Activity Properties panel.
This insight provides a high-level summary of changes made during each edit session. This can help you know what happened since you last worked in the drawing and continue where you left off.
The What’s Changed insight is tied to the drawing, not to individual users, so all AutoCAD collaborators working on the drawing can create and view the same insights.
Generally, each What’s Changed insight includes:
Each insight includes a thumbs up or down feedback option, allowing you to rate its helpfulness. Additionally, you can provide more specific feedback through the Help us improve link in the What’s Changed header.
We hope this new addition to Activity Insights enhances your collaboration and streamlines your workflow.
We’ve simplified our search and filter bars for ease of use. Now, you can filter activities by time, users, and specific activities with one button.
You can also access filters easily by right-clicking any activity. This action allows you to filter by the user who did the activity, or filter by the same type of activity.
In AutoCAD Architecture and MEP 2026 toolsets, the Activity Insights captures activities related to renovation mode and provides detailed information for selected activities.
The “Renovation plan created” event is logged in the Activity Insights palette under the following scenarios:
Note:
Improvements were made to Markup Import and Markup Assist, namely when importing markups from Autodesk Docs to AutoCAD, making it easier for drafters to incorporate revisions.
Markup Assist can now detect text, strikethroughs, and boundary markups (which can be inserted as revclouds) on PDFs that are imported and synced from Autodesk Docs.
To use Markup Assist with your published Autodesk Docs markups:
In the previous release, once a PDF was uploaded to Autodesk Docs, any existing markups on the PDF (for example, markups created in Adobe or with another markup software) could not be detected by Markup Assist, and instead were only visible as part of the background image that was overlaid in the Trace workspace. In this release, Markup Assist can now detect these types of markups.
Issues created and published on a PDF markup in Autodesk Docs can now be viewed in AutoCAD.
Other updates
In addition to identical blocks, this feature now finds text variations to further streamline repetitive tasks in AutoCAD.
BSEARCH, formerly known as BCONVERT, finds all instances of the same geometry in a drawing for efficient block conversion.
With this release, Search and Convert also finds text variations to convert into block attributes. This new capability is helpful for classifying repetitive but variable types of text, such as hotel room numbers or room names.
Once you decide to convert matching instances to a block, you’ll see the preview thumbnail. Now, you can easily see the selected object and text variation.
Along with converting matching instances to a block, you can then specify attribute tags for text variations by clicking Define attribute tags.
You can now start Search and Convert by easily accessing it from the ribbon.
Once you run BSEARCH, the new Search review mode highlights all matching instances.
From the Search review toolbar, you can:
BSEARCH – Replaces BCONVERT. Displays the Convert dialog box, which provides options to convert selected entities and identical instances into blocks.
-BSEARCH – Replaces -BCONVERT. At the Command prompt, converts the selected entities and identical instances into blocks.
TEXTTOATTRIBUTE – In the BSEARCH command, if text objects are selected, controls whether text variations will be searched for conversion into block attributes.
BSEARCHINCLUDEEXISTINGBLOCKS – Replaces BCONVERTINCLUDEEXISTINGBLOCKS. Controls whether existing block instances are selected by BSEARCH command by default. Users can still make adjustments to the selection during the review process.
BCONVERT – No longer needed. This functionality is included in the BSEARCH command.
-BCONVERT – No longer needed. This functionality is included in the -BSEARCH command.
BCONVERTINCLUDEEXISTINGBLOCKS – No longer needed. This functionality is included in the BSEARCHINCLUDEEXISTINGBLOCKS system variable.
In this release, Detect has improved detection capability, as well as the option to change and edit the primary instance.
BDETECT, previously known as DETECT, uses machine learning to identify and group similar objects in a drawing for easy block conversion.
Detect and Convert is a Tech Preview, which means that the detection capability and functionality have improved since last release and will continue to improve.
Detect and Convert is best at recognizing architectural objects, such as:
Currently, Detect and Convert supports these units:
You can now easily start Detect and Convert from the ribbon.
Once you run BDETECT, the Detect palette will show all detected sets in a new thumbnail view.
Once you click on a set, the new Detect review mode highlights all found instances.
From the review toolbar, you can:
With this release, Detect and Convert now allows you to edit or change the primary instance. Now, you can choose a different primary instance by selecting Change primary from the review toolbar.
Or, you can add or remove objects from the selected primary instance to edit it and refine your search. The Edit primary functionality is available from both the review toolbar and the palette.
While in review mode, the following commands are temporarily blocked:
BDETECT – Replaces DETECT. Displays the Detect palette where you can start object detection and manage the objects that are eligible for conversion.
DETECT – No longer needed. This functionality is included in the BDETECT command.
In this release, we integrated the CENTERLAYER system variable into the workflows of creating new centerlines and center marks.
The value of the CENTERLAYER system variable can be changed:
GDI Plot Enhancement: We improved compatibility with Windows system printers, handling custom configuration settings more effectively. This enhancement is enabled by default. Plot using your preferred Windows system printer as usual. The printer’s custom settings will be used during printing and saved to a .PC3 file.
GPU Text: The selection effect of GPU text has been enhanced to improve display quality. A new option in the Graphics Performance dialog box provides better control over the display of TrueType fonts while using GPU acceleration. GPU text processing has been optimized for Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and right-to-left languages like Arabic and Hebrew.
Changes to the FASTSHADEDMODE System Variable: We added two new visual styles with FASTSHADEDMODE support, Hidden and Conceptual. FASTSHADEDMODE improves navigation performance in large 3D models when using a visual style with (Fast) in the name.
Performance Improvements: Raster images now load asynchronously in the background during the opening of a drawing file.
Customer Satisfaction Survey: When you close AutoCAD, a customer satisfaction survey displays. The feedback collected from the survey is used to improve AutoCAD products.
In the evolving world of architectural and urban design, contextual data has emerged as a vital component in creating more informed, efficient, and sustainable projects. Forma, from Autodesk, leverages this data to provide architects and planners with conceptual design tools and predictive analytics, which allow relevant parties to make more informed decisions.
This article explores the pivotal role of contextual data in design and how Forma is transforming traditional design practices.
Contextual data encompasses the environmental, social, and economic factors that influence a design project. This includes elements such as climate conditions, topography, surrounding infrastructure, and demographic trends.
The importance of contextual data lies in its ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of a project’s surroundings. It enables designers to anticipate challenges, optimize resource usage, and enhance user experiences. Additionally, contextual data supports sustainable design practices by promoting solutions that align with environmental and community needs.
In the next section, we’ll cover specific advantages to integrating contextual data into your designs.
Incorporating contextual data into the design process offers a multitude of advantages that enhance project outcomes. Some of the benefits of contextual data integration include:
Contextual data enhances design accuracy by providing precise information about the project’s environment. This includes site-specific details such as sunlight exposure, wind patterns, and noise levels. By integrating this data, designers can create solutions that are better suited to their surroundings, reducing the need for costly adjustments during construction.
Incorporating contextual data allows architects and planners to create designs that are more responsive to environmental conditions. By analyzing climate patterns, topography, and ecosystem dynamics, designers can develop sustainable solutions that minimize environmental impact. This approach supports passive design strategies, such as natural ventilation.
Through the utilization of real-time information and predictive analytics, architects can evaluate multiple design scenarios and optimize outcomes. This reduces uncertainties associated with traditional design methods. Data-driven decision-making also enhances collaboration among stakeholders by providing transparent and evidence-based insights, leading to more effective communication within the project team.
Common sources for contextual data include Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite imagery, and open data platforms provided by governmental agencies. Specific software packages such as Autodesk’s Forma also contain some contextual data sets. Additionally, tools like climate data repositories and urban analytics platforms offer valuable insights into weather patterns, traffic flows, and land usage. The strategic use of contextual data not only improves design accuracy but also enables solutions that respond to the ever-changing environmental and social dynamics of our world.
In the previous section, we discussed some resources for finding contextual data. GIS and Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools support contextual data integration, allowing designers to incorporate environmental aspects into their designs.
Some strategies for implementation that don’t require software include collaborating with other multidisciplinary teams. Engaging urban planners, environmental scientists, and data analysts ensures a holistic understanding of contextual factors. For example, environmental specialists can provide insights into ecological impacts, while urban planners contribute knowledge of zoning regulations and community needs.
Forma offers a suite of advanced tools designed to enhance contextual insights throughout the design process. Below, you can find more info on how Forma analyzes contextual data.
Forma ensures accurate contextual insights through data normalization and validation. Standardizing diverse datasets, such as climate and demographic data, into a consistent format eliminates discrepancies and enhances reliability. Additionally, validation tools cross-check sources for accuracy, ensuring that integrated data is both relevant and consistent.
Cross-referencing external datasets from previously mentioned sources like GIS databases and environmental systems through Forma allows for enhanced contextual data analysis. This approach provides a comprehensive view of site conditions and community dynamics. Cross-referencing data can then combine traffic and demographic data to help optimize site access and transportation planning, ensuring designs are functional and contextually relevant.
Forma utilizes machine learning to analyze complex patterns in historical and real-time data, offering predictive insights on environmental changes and urban growth. This enables proactive design decisions for resilience and adaptability. Machine learning also enhances scenario modeling, helping architects optimize layouts and sustainability strategies.
Contextual data is transforming industries by enabling more informed and adaptive decision-making. In urban planning, it helps architects design smarter cities by analyzing population density, traffic flow, and environmental conditions.
In healthcare, contextual data is used to optimize patient care by integrating data from wearable devices, environmental sensors, and electronic health records. Additionally, in retail, contextual data informs dynamic pricing strategies and targeted marketing campaigns by analyzing consumer behavior and purchasing patterns. These real-world applications demonstrate the versatility and impact of contextual data across diverse sectors.
Forma utilizes contextual data to enhance generative AI applications, allowing designers to create innovative solutions tailored to specific environments. In architecture, for example, Forma uses contextual data to generate building designs that optimize natural light and ventilation based on site-specific conditions. In manufacturing, AI systems utilize contextual data to detect anomalies in real time, alerting operators to potential issues before they escalate.
Let’s now look at how Autodesk Forma has been instrumental in advancing design projects through the integration of generative AI and contextual data. A notable example is its collaboration with Factory OS, a company specializing in modular construction. Together, they developed new design methods that connect Factory OS’s building unit catalog with AI-powered generative design.
This partnership enabled the rapid creation of customizable building designs, balancing factors such as cost, carbon footprint, and habitability. The outcome was a reusable Forma extension that streamlines the design-to-construction process, particularly for affordable and sustainable housing projects.
Integrating contextual data in design processes, particularly through platforms like Forma, is revolutionizing various industries. By grounding AI models in real-world information, designers and engineers can develop solutions that are accurate, responsive, and tailored to specific environmental and societal needs. As technology continues to evolve, the fusion of contextual data with generative AI promises to unlock new possibilities across a variety of disciplines. The future of design will increasingly rely on contextual insights to create adaptive, sustainable, and user-centric solutions.
Microsol Resources. (n.d.). What is Autodesk Forma? Why is it important to the AEC workflow? Retrieved February 6, 2025, from https://microsolresources.com/tech-resources/article/what-is-autodesk-forma-why-is-it-important-to-the-aec-workflow/
National Geographic. (n.d.). Geographic information system (GIS). Retrieved February 6, 2025, from https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/geographic-information-system-gis/
Microsol Resources. (n.d.). BIM software solutions. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from https://microsolresources.com/software-category/bim/
Autodesk. (2024). From concept to carbon: Early design insights with AI and Autodesk Forma. Retrieved February 6, 2025, from https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/class/From-Concept-to-Carbon-Early-Design-Insights-with-AI-and-Autodesk-Forma-2024
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