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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.
Curious about the latest innovations in Autodesk 2026? Want to see how the newest features can enhance your workflow? At Microsol Resources, our annual What’s New with Autodesk webinar series brings you expert insights, live demonstrations, and practical tips to help you make the most of the latest software updates.
Join us to explore the newest tools and enhancements across Autodesk’s suite of products and discover how they can boost productivity, improve collaboration, and streamline your projects
How can you design faster, collaborate more effectively, and reduce repetitive tasks in your projects? AutoCAD 2026 delivers powerful AI-driven enhancements, improved collaboration tools, and significant performance upgrades to help you work smarter.
Discover how this latest release streamlines workflows, improves design accuracy, and enhances team collaboration through Autodesk AI, Smart Blocks, and Autodesk Docs integrations. Learn how to speed up your design process, reduce inefficiencies, and stay connected with your projects anytime, anywhere.
Accelerate Design Workflows with AI-Powered Enhancements
Experience up to 11x faster 2D/3D file performance and 4x faster startup.
Utilize Autodesk AI to automate design processes and gain valuable insights.
Optimize Drawing Organization with Smart Blocks & Activity Insights
Enhance efficiency with Smart Blocks: Search and Convert and Detect and Convert.
Stay informed with Activity Insights and the new “What’s Changed” feature to track design modifications in real time.
Streamline Collaboration with Autodesk Docs & Multi-User Markups
Manage Connected Support Files for consistent project standards.
Use Markup Import & Markup Assist to incorporate feedback directly from Autodesk Docs.
Enable multi-user markups and leverage the enhanced SHARE command for real-time collaboration.
Customize Workflows & Stay Connected from Anywhere
Tailor AutoCAD with specialized toolsets for architecture, mechanical, and electrical design.
Utilize ArcGIS Basemaps, AutoLISP automation, and API integrations for custom workflows.
Access AutoCAD on desktop, web, or mobile to seamlessly work from any location.
Don’t miss this opportunity to join Roger Liucci of Microsol Resources to explore the latest features and learn how AutoCAD 2026 can elevate your design capabilities!
Register now to stay ahead with the newest innovations in AutoCAD!
📅 Date: May 6, 2025
⏰ Time: 12-1 pm ET
📍 Location: Online
Autodesk Revit 2026 is here, packed with innovative workflows and powerful capabilities designed to meet the evolving needs of architects, engineers, and construction professionals.
Join Roger Liucci of Microsol Resources for an in-depth look at the latest Revit 2026 features and enhancements that will transform how you design, collaborate, visualize, and document your projects. Autodesk continues to deliver on customer requests, refining Revit’s core functionality to help teams create better design deliverables—faster and with less rework.
Whether you’re a seasoned expert or new to Revit, this webinar will provide invaluable insights into the latest tools for architecture, structure, MEP, and more. Stay ahead of industry advancements and unlock the full potential of Revit 2026.
Don’t miss this opportunity to stay at the forefront of innovation—register now and take your projects to the next level!
📅 Date: May 20, 2025
⏰ Time: 12-1 pm ET
📍 Location: Online
Microsol Resources will bring you the latest information on Autodesk products so be sure to always follow our TECH Resources, YouTube, and other social media channels to stay up to date.
So you’ve made the first step to an immediate increase in AutoCAD efficiency by creating your first block. Let’s say you’re an architect, and you’ve created a block represented by a door that you can now quickly add to all your entryways. This works perfectly — until that door you created for the 2nd floor bedroom doesn’t fit in the open space left for the front door. Instead of drawing another door to fit this space, this problem can be overcome through the use of dynamic blocks. In this guide, I will take you step-by-step through the process of creating dynamic blocks, which you will undoubtedly find useful.
Dynamic blocks introduce a new level of customization to your standard block. Blocks allow you to utilize repetitive geometry in your drawing, whereas a dynamic block allows you to manipulate specific features of the block. This makes real-time design changes quicker and easier. Dynamic blocks are ideal for scenarios where an object will appear in various sizes or configurations within your drawing.
Some practical examples of dynamic blocks:
The path to using dynamic blocks begins with creating standard AutoCAD blocks. The steps below will help you get started by using the example of a simple rectangle. Before following the guide below, make sure you’re creating your block in Layer 0.
We will now explore converting your block to a dynamic block. There are several parameters shown in the block editor (block authoring palette). For now, we will focus on movement and rotation parameters. Parameters and actions in combination will allow you to manipulate your block as a dynamic block.
For this scenario, you will be moving your shape along the x-axis. Begin by selecting the Linear Parameter from the block authoring palette. Because we are repositioning the shape on the x-axis, select the top-left, then the top-right corners of your shape. From here, you can close the block editor and save your changes to reveal the linear parameter line.
If you have you have your Properties Tab visible, you will see a variety of options that can be edited. Under the Value Set tab, you can manipulate how you want the movement parameter to affect your shape. If you have it set to “None,” you will be able to freely move the shape. Alternatively, the “Increment” option will allow you to move the shape in set amounts along the x-axis. Also in the properties tab is the Number of Grips. Grips are the vertices of the linear parameter. You will likely have two grips, which will allow you to move the shape in either direction on the x-axis.
Now that we have our linear parameter in place, it is time to add an action. In this case, the Move action will be selected. Select Move from the actions tab of the block authoring palette, then click on the linear parameter line. The final step for this action is to select all parts of the block that you want to move. Since we want the whole shape to move, highlight your shape, then press enter. At this point, you may want to test the block before adding any more parameters. Select Test Block from the top ribbon, and make sure your movement action is operable.
Let us now take our shape and add a rotation parameter. This will allow us to quickly rotate our block around a specified point. To begin, find Rotation in the parameters tab of the block authoring palette. The first step is to choose a basepoint. I find it best to use the same basepoint you used when creating the block (corner or center of shape). The basepoint you choose will dictate the axis at which your shape will rotate.
Once your basepoint is chosen, a circle will appear with your basepoint at its center. The point you choose will determine the location of the grip you will use to later rotate your block. We will then be asked what the default rotation for our block will be, which in this case we will set to 0 by pressing enter. AutoCAD will then ask how many grips are desired for rotation. To keep things simple, press enter to use the default setting of one grip.
Let’s now find ourselves back at the block authoring palette and navigate to the actions tab again. This time, we will select the Rotate action. Left click on the grip created from the Rotation Parameter to be further prompted to highlight the object(s) that you want to rotate. For our example, you will select your object and press enter. Close the block editor, save your changes, and test the block. Because there are now two dynamic parameters, you will see two grips. You will be pleased to see that you can now move your shape along the x-axis, as well as rotate it to your liking.
Following this guide to create simple dynamic blocks is your first step in tackling your day-to-day headaches in AutoCAD. Stretch, scale, flip, and alignment are additional parameters that I encourage you to experiment with once you become comfortable with the basics of dynamic block parameters. With the help of this guide and other resources on our site, the addition of parameter-action combinations to create dynamic blocks is sure to streamline your AutoCAD workflow exponentially.
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