Archive notice: This article was originally published on May 14, 2009. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Software proficiency was standard for engineers, architects and planners and expected of graduates. Autodesk therefore offered students AutoCAD 2010, the new version of its CAD solution, free of charge for the first time. The 2D and 3D planning and documentation platform had no functional restrictions compared with commercial editions and operated for 13 months. Students could download it from http://www.students.autodesk.de.
“Anyone competing for their dream job must master established tools and methods,” said Autodesk Education Manager Herbert Bickelmann. “AutoCAD 2010 gives emerging professionals powerful planning and design tools with which they can exercise their creativity. Knowledge of a global standard application provides a foundation for a successful career.”
AutoCAD 2010 included free-form design tools, allowing students to create almost any shape and analyse ideas in 3D models. Improved PDF support aided communication within design teams, particularly for joint seminar projects. New parametric drawing tools accelerated design creation, while 3D-printing support simplified production of physical models and prototypes. The features were intended to remain accessible even to students with little CAD experience.