For the first quarter of 2022, CAD Exchanger usability was identified as the top priority. We constantly improve the functionality and thus managed to provide 3D data compatibility to hundreds of thousands of users. But to make this experience smooth, we have to keep its environment, i.e., user interface, API, and website, clear and up-to-date.
Here are the highlights of CAD Exchanger 3.11.0:
- New user interface — for visual and functional consistency
- Customer Corner — for one-stop access to user’s licenses
- 2D drawing export to DXF — for fuller 2D geometry support with CAD Exchanger SDK
New CAD Exchanger user interface
At the beginning of the year, we focused on working on the new interface of the CAD Exchanger. We’ve rearranged the toolbars and settings, optimized the notification algorithm, and improved the design.
The goal of rearranging the toolbars was to make them easier to access and navigate. As a result, there is a horizontal menubar, with tools and view configurators put in the center. Responsive tooltips, highlights, and drop-down menus provide a context of the available actions and currently selected options.
We also wanted to simplify the adjustment of the major processes: import, export, and meshing. CAD Exchanger provides numerous parameters for all three, which is likely to result in a cumbersome multilayered settings menu. Within the new interface, the settings are brief and self-evident to let users effortlessly sort out where they are and what they can do next.
The visual and functional consistency of the new interface is a reliable base for the new features that we are going to introduce soon. Other upcoming changes would include video tutorials and examples of the most data-rich models integrated directly into CAD Exchanger. Until then, we would love to hear your feedback on the introduced changes. Whether you think something needs improvement or you want to compliment the team on a good job, contact us via the feedback form.
Your Customer Corner
From now on, CAD Exchanger users can create their accounts at cadexchanger.com and get access to all their licenses. The first version of a Customer Corner provides you with the following functionality:
- Overview of all your licenses
- Installation packages download
- Sharing of your licenses with your team (e.g., developers) via projects
You don’t need to contact the support team anymore if, for any reason, you need a serial number, license key, or installation package. Now all the information is available 24/7 online.
Such features as license transfer, evaluation version requests, support plans, and support tickets will appear in the next versions of a Customer Corner.
To sign up, please visit my.cadexchanger.com.
2D drawing to DXF export in CAD Exchanger SDK
Intending to enable 2D drawing support, we have already added DWG reading to the scope of CAD Exchanger SDK. In version 3.11.0, we move forward by introducing the export of 2D data to DXF format. DXF, which stands for Drawing Interchange Format, is more compatible with third-party software and can be used to transfer 2D geometry to non-Autodesk CAD packages, CNC machines, or other 3D formats.
Please note that, for now, this feature is available in CAD Exchanger SDK only.
Miscellaneous
CAD Exchanger 3.11.0 also contains minor improvements to its reading, writing, and meshing tools.
The team had enhanced the import of certain geometry and property types from CATIA, IFC, and OBJ files and its export to FBX, Parasolid, and STEP formats. SOLIDWORKS reader now displays the colors identical to the ones in the original model.
CAD Exchanger delivered an improved meshing quality for complex geometry and the general stability of the mesher, as well as an enhanced performance of CAD Exchanger SDK in a variety of import and export scenarios.
So what do you do next?
If you are already a CAD Exchanger user, create an account in the Customer Corner and download CAD Exchanger 3.11.0. When signing up, please enter the email which was used for purchasing the license. Your project page will be automatically created with all the licenses linked to the indicated email address.
If you would like to carefully consider each new feature of the 3.11.0 version, check out the CHANGES.txt file. Every new CAD format and data available for import or export with CAD Exchanger since 2009 is specified there.
Whatever question or advice you have, you can always contact us here, be it product feedback, bug report, or quote request.
Having introduced usability upgrades, we paved the way for future functionality changes. In three months’ time, we are bringing in new formats and features. Share your suggestions while there's time, and stay tuned!