As of April 2024, Autodesk has shifted FormIt into maintenance mode. This means FormIt is no longer being actively developed and any future releases will only address critical security issues.
This article explains what is changing, why it is happening, and offers options and alternatives to using FormIt.
Moving forward, Autodesk will be concentrating investments on Forma. Forma is the new outcome-based experience for the early planning phase, and FormIt technology will play an important role in Forma’s success.
In fact, FormIt capabilities are available in Forma already! Forma’s 3D Sketch sub-mode is built on the FormIt modeling engine, enabling more freeform modeling while supporting building functions and area metrics:
Autodesk is actively working on an even deeper integration of FormIt technology in Forma, the latest example being a new ability to edit Constraints in 3D directly from the main Forma design mode:
Ultimately, Autodesk sees FormIt technology underpinning more Forma capabilities in the future, providing familiar yet powerful 3D editing across many contexts in Forma seamlessly.
For now, here’s what this announcement means for existing FormIt customers:
What’s changing?
Effective April 2024, FormIt Pro will no longer be available for purchase or renewal.
FormIt for Windows will be maintained until 2027 as Autodesk builds the next phases of Forma.
If you have a standalone FormIt Pro license, your access to FormIt Pro will terminate at the end of your contract or at the end of April 2024 for auto-renewing subscriptions.
FormIt Pro will be available for use through the Autodesk Flex program for a limited period to assist with this transition.
You can also access Forma for free with your AEC Collection license.
Why is this happening?
Autodesk is announcing the latest advancements in fulfilling our vision for the planning phase in AEC. Building on the success of the Autodesk Forma launch in May 2023, and now embarking on an exciting new chapter.
To further enhance the benefits for Autodesk users and maximize the value of our investments, Autodesk have integrated key conceptual design capabilities from FormIt into Forma. This improvement empowers users to harness these features alongside robust AI-powered environmental analysis tools and swift access to a wide range of contextual data for your project site, no matter where your project is located.
With these enhancements, customers will experience a more streamlined planning and early-stage design workflow, enabling them to bring their creative visions to life with greater ease and precision.
Enscape 4.0 is here! It marks a significant leap forward in real-time rendering and visualization, emphasizing a unified user experience across different platforms, notably including macOS alongside Windows for the first time.
This version is described as laying the groundwork for future developments with a reworked codebase that enhances performance and stability. The new Enscape version also introduces tighter integration within the Chaos ecosystem, allowing for more cohesive development across operating systems.
What is the latest version and features of Enscape 4.0?
New people & animated vegetation assets
One of the standout features of Enscape 4.0 is its extensive array of new assets, including people and animated vegetation, which enrich the realism and vibrancy of visualizations.
NVIDIA Denoiser for capture exports
The introduction of the NVIDIA Denoiser for capture exports significantly improves image quality, especially in settings with minimal direct light. For Windows users, there are beta features like ray-traced artificial lights, which produce more accurate lighting effects, and improvements in reflections and global illumination for hardware that supports ray tracing.
Timeline Animations
For those working in collaborative environments, Enscape 4.0 introduces new tools designed to streamline workflows and enhance communication between designers, architects, and clients. Features such as Timeline animations and enhanced commenting tools facilitate real-time feedback and more efficient project development cycles.
NVIDIA Denoiser for capture exports
Further underlining its commitment to real-time rendering, Enscape 4.0 brings notable improvements in rendering speed and visual fidelity, offering more realistic materials and advanced lighting effects. This update ensures faster render times and stunningly immersive visualizations that capture the essence of the designers’ intent.
Denoiser off/on
Denoiser off/on
New VR headset support
Moreover, Enscape 4.0 expands its VR capabilities with official support for new VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and HTC Vive Pro 2, promising faster loading speeds and crisper details in virtual reality experiences. The update also includes a UI reskin, support for Rhino version 8.3 or later, and optimizations for Revit Worksharing, improving the user experience for Revit users working on shared models.
Lastly, Enscape 4.0 enhances interoperability within the Chaos ecosystem through the introduction of V-Ray Scene Exporter. This feature allows for seamless data transfer to V-Ray and other design applications, strengthening the workflow connection between Enscape and other tools used by design professionals.
Enscape 4.0 represents a comprehensive update aimed at improving the efficiency, quality, and accessibility of real-time rendering for architects and designers. Its focus on multi-platform support, enhanced assets, improved rendering capabilities, and streamlined collaboration tools sets a new standard for visualization software in the architectural and design industries.
Interested in learning more? Contact enscape@microsolresources.com to get connected with our architectural visualization and Enscape specialists.
In a recent announcement, Autodesk has unveiled changes to its software purchasing model that will take effect from June 10, 2024. This shift means a direct transactional relationship between customers and Autodesk for software acquisitions, marking a departure from the traditional method of purchasing through authorized resellers like Microsol Resources.
Key Changes
Direct Purchase from Autodesk
Starting June 10, 2024, customers will be required to buy Autodesk software directly from Autodesk, excluding specific products and government agencies, which will continue to be available through resellers like Microsol Resources.
Maintained Partnership
Despite this change, Microsol Resources will continue to serve as a crucial partner for customers. Support, training, and quote requests will still be facilitated by Microsol Resources. However, the actual transaction will occur directly through Autodesk.
Quoting & Configuration
Microsol Resources will configure quotes for customers based on Autodesk’s pricing. Customers will receive quotes from Autodesk via email, and the order will be placed directly with Autodesk after approval.
Payment Process
The payment transaction will no longer be handled by Microsol Resources. Customers will pay directly from within their Autodesk accounts, providing a seamless purchasing experience.
Preparing for the Change
Setting Up Autodesk as a Vendor: To streamline the invoicing process, customers are advised to set up Autodesk as a vendor in their procurement systems. Microsol Resources can assist in this process. Visit our article on How to Set up Autodesk as a Vendor in Your Procurement System to find the information you need.
Payment Methods: Autodesk accepts various payment methods, including:
Credit and debit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, and Diners Club
ACH/direct debit: Money transfer from your bank account
PayPal: Credit or debit transactions, or use PayPal Credit
What Customers Need to Consider
Consistent Pricing
Customers can expect a consistent price for Autodesk software, set by Autodesk. Microsol Resources will receive payment from Autodesk for facilitating the transaction and assisting our clients.
Support Continuity
Microsol Resources commits to continuing support for customers at no additional cost, maintaining the level of service we have provided throughout our partnership.
Where do I go for support?
Microsol Resources is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for customers during this shift in the Autodesk software purchasing model.
We encourage you to contact your Microsol Resources Autodesk Account Executive or send us an email to get detailed information about the new buying process.
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