Expert: Bob - 9/25/2007

Question
Hello, I've been using ACAD and ADT for about 6 years now.  Currently I am having an issue resolving AEC objects.  I use ADT 2008 (Architecture) and the customer I contract for uses ADT 2006.  They are unable to correctly view and edit the drawings I send to them.  Windows and doors are the main issue.  I would think that Autodesk would have a fix for this, is there anything I can do?

Answer
If they were "design center objects" -- blocks -- you would be right.
Intelligent objects from the future have properties a past release cant read.  Try to find the Ipod slot in a 5 yr old car.
--- it was born too soon, lol.

BOB

Hi --
Hey, if you have used the software for 6 years, you ought to remember the file format change for AutoCAD 2004, and all the hubbub then, when it was announced there would be a change about every 3 years.  There was another one with 2007.

Pardon me if I am incredulous a bit. but I do realize that many users dont use the New Features Workshop that comes up automatically when you first open the software, they just shut it off. And people dont follow the Discussion Groups, read the Autodesk White Papers and website, etc -- that all interests me, but I know I am not the majority.
The file formats change so that code can be included for improved capabilities. With AutoCAD Architecture, the problem is  that the new code is not included in an old release, so it cant read the intelligent objects well.
The general rule__ Never work a file format ahead of the person who is paying you. The generally accepted answer is that you should not have deleted previous ADT, and should be doing their work in 2006, if they wont upgrade.

You dont make clear whether the client wants completely manipulable drawings, or is merely editing, like markups.

If you think about it, you cant have a fix for old software. you can only dumb down what you make on the new. Also: although AutoCAD is a mature product, it is being updated a lot. ADT is just out of diapers, in terms of really useable versions, so thing like new windows not being read in old software make sense.

It is all different if they are just marking it up, because you could send them 3D DWF files and have them read them with Autodesk Design Review (formerly DWF composer).
You can read about this on Adesk website, and many online CAD websites and forums.

So -- if you dont have 2006 -- and they need to receive drawings they can work on: --if the work is less than 30 days, borrow the software from them and use it without registering it.
-- if this is ongoing, one of you needs to change software, if  both are truly working on the drawings.
---if they mainly just mark up, use DWFs and you will have to make the actual changes. Of course, you could save the drawings as AutoCAD if the client just wants lines.

This is all quite thoroughly written about in many places, but please let me know if I am off base, or you have a problem I did not understand.

BOB