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The Advent of Generative Design: Autodesk’s Fusion 360 and AI Integration

In the world of design and engineering, innovation is the name of the game. Autodesk, a leading player in this realm, has consistently stayed ahead of the curve, offering cutting-edge solutions that revolutionize the way professionals work. One such groundbreaking innovation is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Autodesk’s Fusion 360, paving the way for the advent of generative design.

What is Generative Design?

Generative design is a design exploration process. It involves using AI algorithms and cloud computing to generate a broad set of designs based on specific input parameters. These parameters could include material types, manufacturing methods, performance criteria, and cost constraints, among others.

Once these parameters are set, the generative design technology in Fusion 360 creates a multitude of design options that meet those defined criteria. This approach expands the realm of design possibilities far beyond the limitations of traditional design practices.

How Does Generative Design Work in Fusion 360?

The AI in Fusion 360’s generative design technology works in three main stages:

  1. Setup: In this stage, designers define the problem by setting the design goals and constraints, such as loads, constraints, manufacturing settings, and materials.
  2. Generation of Designs: Once the setup is complete, the AI takes over. It explores all the possible permutations of a solution, quickly generating design alternatives.
  3. Analysis and Selection: The AI evaluates all the generated designs, testing them against the defined constraints and performance goals. It presents the solutions in a visual format, allowing designers to compare and select the best design based on their specific requirements.

The Impact of Generative Design on Autodesk Users

Integrating generative design into Fusion 360 brings a slew of benefits for Autodesk users:

  • Expanded Design Possibilities: Generative design opens up a vast landscape of design possibilities, enabling designers to explore solutions they may not have considered otherwise.
  • Increased Efficiency: The AI-powered process significantly reduces the time spent on design exploration, concept development, and prototyping.
  • Improved Performance: By exploring a wide range of design options and rigorously testing them against defined parameters, generative design ensures high-performing, cost-effective solutions.
  • Enhanced Creativity: By automating the tedious aspects of design exploration, generative design frees up designers to focus on creative problem-solving and innovation.

Embracing the Future of Design with Fusion 360

The integration of AI into Autodesk’s Fusion 360 signals a new era in design and engineering. Generative design, powered by AI, is not just about creating more designs faster; it’s about redefining the design process itself. It empowers designers to solve complex problems, innovate, and create better-performing designs more efficiently than ever before.

Autodesk’s Fusion 360 has truly embraced the future of design with the advent of generative design, marking a significant milestone in the integration of AI in the CAD realm. As more professionals adopt this technology, the future of design looks increasingly exciting, innovative, and limitless.

Free Video Course – AutoCAD for Beginners

Just came across this free Video course hosted by the Free Code Camp and want to share it with our reader here.

Learn basic architectural 2D drafting techniques using Autodesk Autocad in this complete university course. You will learn Autocad by creating architectural drawings for a small single-room cabin. ✏️ Gediminas Kirdeikis developed this course. He originally created the couse for Lund University and is now sharing it with freeCodeCamp. Check out his YouTube channel:    / @designgobrr  

The Power of “QUICK SELECT” (QSELECT)

Quick Select or Qselect is one powerful yet often underutilized autocad shortcut tip that can highly improve your productivity.

Often, we find ourselves needing to modify multiple instances of similar objects within a drawing. Manually selecting these items can be painfully slow and prone to errors. Enter ‘Quick Select’ or QSELECT, an incredibly efficient tool that swiftly becomes indispensable once integrated into your workflow.

Here’s How It Works:

  • Accessing Quick Select:
  • You can access Quick Select in two ways:
    • Via command line: Simply type QSELECT and press enter.
    • Through right-click context menu: Right-click anywhere in your drawing space, navigate through the menu and click on ‘Quick Select’.
  • Setting Criteria:
    After invoking QSelect, a dialog box appears allowing you to set various selection criteria:
    • Object Type: Choose from a wide array such as lines, circles, polylines etc.
    • Properties: Further refine by properties like color, layer, linetype etc.
    • Select whether you want all objects meeting the criteria or those that do not meet it (“Include” vs “Exclude”).
  • Applying Conditions:
    This is where QSelect shines—apply conditions such as equals (=), does not equal (!=), greater than (>), or less than (<) among others depending on property selected ensuring precise targeting specific elements need attention
  • Once settings are configured hit “OK”; immediately all entities matching specified filter will be selected ready manipulated however fit purpose speeding up tedious part project focusing creative aspects autonomy provided CAD software useungfullion capabilities

Practical Application Example:

This example below highlights how this simple command can significantly streamline workflow and improve efficiency in drafting projects.

Scenario: Cleaning Up an Architectural Drawing

Imagine you’re working on refining an architectural drawing for a large commercial project. The plan is populated with numerous text objects detailing dimensions, annotations, and notes. However, through various stages of editing and contributions from different team members, these text objects have ended up in several colors—making the drawing look inconsistent and potentially confusing for clients or contractors to follow.

Your task is now to standardize all text objects to a single color without manually selecting each one (a tedious endeavor in such a detailed drawing). Here’s where QSELECT becomes a game changer.

Steps Using QSELECT:

  1. Invoke QSELECT:
  • Type QSELECT into AutoCAD’s command line and press Enter.
  1. Invoke QSELECT: Type QSELECT into AutoCAD’s command line and press Enter.
  2. Configure Your Criteria In the ‘Quick Select’ dialog box that appears,
    • Set ‘Object Type’ to Text if you aim only at standalone texts or MText for multiline texts.
    • Under Properties, choose ‘Color’.
    • For Condition select ‘=’, indicating equality.
    • And finally for Value choose what specific color(s) you want to address; say Red (or its color number equivalent like 1)
  3. Perform Action:
  • Once your criteria are set up hit OK. All text entities matching your search parameters will be automatically selected across the entire drawing.
  • Change Color:
    With all relevant text items selected thanks to Quick Select,
    Right-click => select properties from context menu
    Within properties palette under General>Color change current mismatched chosen standardized unified preference say ByLayer which good practice CAD drafting ensuring consistency ease future edits

With just those few quick steps—you’ve managed to unify disparate elements cohesively with minimal effort and time required.


How to Use Command Alias and Custom Command Aliases for better productivity

Mastering shortcuts in AutoCAD not only skyrockets your productivity but also significantly enhances your drafting experience by minimizing manual inputs and streamlining repetitive tasks. Here’s an invaluable tip regarding Command Aliases

Use Quick Access to Command Alias

Almost every frequent command in AutoCAD has a ‘Command Alias’ – a keyboard shortcut that triggers the command instantly, without navigating through tabs or typing out full commands.

How It Works

For instance, instead of going through menus to activate the line tool or typing out “LINE” every time, simply press L on your keyboard followed by Enter. This command alias immediately gets you drawing lines, speeding up your workflow considerably.

Here are several other essential Command Aliases you should start incorporating into your daily use:

  • C + [Enter]: Circle
  • PL + [Enter]: Polyline
  • REC + [Enter]: Rectangle
  • TR + [Enter]: Trim
  • CO or CP + [Enter]: Copy
  • M + [Enter]: Move
  • ROT + [Enter]: Rotate

Creating Custom Command Aliases:

To tailor AutoCAD even further to suit your specific needs, customize or create new command aliases via the ‘Edit Aliases’ (ALIASEDIT) option. This level of customization empowers you with rapid access tailored precisely for how and what you draw often.

Tip for Efficiency:

Combine these aliases with object snap (OSNAP) functionalities like endpoint (END), midpoint (MID), center (CEN), and intersection (INT). By doing so, not only do you gain speed in initiating commands but precision in execution as well—two pillars quintessential for quality drafting.

Remember, proficient use of these shortcuts begins with memorization followed by consistent application. As those become second nature—you’ll find yourself slicing through projects at an unprecedented pace akin to wielding newfound superpowers within the realms of digital creation!


Quick Access to Dimensioning: The “DIM” Command

One of the keystones in drafting is dimensioning, and AutoCAD has made it incredibly seamless with the DIM command sequence. This powerful feature enables you to create dimensions based on selected objects automatically, streamlining the entire dimensioning process.

How to Use the DIM Command Sequence

  1. Activate DIM: Simply type “DIM” into the command line and press Enter (or Spacebar). This action initiates AutoCAD’s comprehensive Dimensioning toolset at your cursor.
  2. Choose Your Dimension Type: After activating DIM, hover over an object in your drawing without clicking anything just yet! AutoCAD will intelligently suggest potential dimension types based on what element you’re hovering over – whether it’s linear for lengths or radial for circles/arches.
  3. Select Objects: Once you’ve hovered and seen a preview of the proposed dimension – click on your chosen object or point to affirm this selection.
  4. Place Your Dimensions: Next up, simply move your cursor around until you find the perfect spot for placing this new dimension; then click once more to place it down officially!
  5. Repeat as Needed: You can continue using different parts of geometries under DIM mode till all necessary dimensional annotations are completed.
  6. Exit When done: Press Esc key exit out from ‘dim’ mode carry further operations modifications project hassle freely

Unveiling AutoCAD 2024: A Glimpse into the Future of Design Innovation

The world of computer-aided design (CAD) is continually evolving, with each iteration pushing boundaries further, making what seemed complex yesterday effortlessly achievable today. Autodesk’s latest offering, AutoCAD 2024, stands as a testament to this relentless pursuit for innovation and efficiency in design.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the groundbreaking features that underscore AutoCAD 2024’s significance in revolutionizing how professionals across architecture, engineering, and construction industries bring their visions to life.

Enhanced Automation and AI Features

AutoCAD 2024 introduces an advanced level of automation capabilities driven by AI technology. These new features are designed to streamline repetitive tasks allowing designers more time to focus on creative aspects. For instance,

Smart Dimensioning:

Automatically recognize objects’ dimensions within your layout providing accurate measurement annotations swiftly and efficiently – reducing manual input error margins significantly.

Seamless Collaboration Tools

Collaboration has been elevated with cloud-based sharing options that ensure team members can access files anytime, anywhere securely.

Share Drawing Insights:

Gain deeper understanding project progress through analytics insights who viewed edited drawings This valuable data boosts operational transparency facilitating prompt decision-making process avoiding potential setbacks.

Robust Security Protocols

Acknowledging increasing cyber threats landscape Autodesk fortified security measures integrated directly software including:

Encrypted File Support

Ensure your work remains protected highest standard encryption safeguard intellectual property stakeholder confidentiality strictly maintained throughout lifecycle project management phases crucial maintaining trust integrity digital age rampant breaches occurring far too frequently comfort

Customizable Tool Palettes

One key highlight personalization aspect Tailor workspace suit individual needs preferences setting yourself efficient workflow personalized tool palettes categorize frequently used tools commands at fingertips literally shaving significant chunks off project completion timelines testament flexibility ingenuity embedded core AutoCad ethos versatility adaptability matters most crafting masterpieces precision grace ease conversation about just functionality also speaks volumes respect user experience satisfaction forefront developers’ minds every step way


Plan revamp – from enclosed to open plan

In the older home, spaces are generally segregated into several small rooms rather than one big one, mainly for ease of heating and cooling. These days the trend in floor plans is the open concept, in which one large space (usually the common areas such as kitchen/dining/living) connects to smaller more private areas of a home i.e the bedrooms. Having an open floor plan can add natural light; make a space feel bigger, and more flexible for living and entertaining.

Example below indicates a conversion of an existing plan (with an enclosed & segregated layout) through demolition and reshuffling of spaces to achieve an open plan design. The redesigned spaces also present an opportunity to connect to the outside garden area which was missing in the existing layout.

Animated floor plan above showing transition of enclosed spaces to open plan design.

There are several important factors to consider when planning for open plan concept. In most cases, a structural engineer’s input is required to determine which walls are structural and offer alternative solutions to carry the load if you decide to remove the structural walls.  You also need to consider that the existing heating/cooling system may not be adequate to accommodate the new open layout, hence requires upgrade.

Can you use mobile devices effectively in architecture?

The answer is absolutely YES!! As practicing architect for close to 20 years, my iPad and iPhone have been a trusting companion whenever I am away from my desktop attending sites, meetings, inspections, measuring etc. Although I have gone through multiple generations of iDevices (even since Apple launched the first one!) throughout my career, the apps that I am using are the real factors that make the portable device so useful and viable in running my architectural practice. Below are those must have apps to run an architectural practice on mobile:

Dropbox – goes without saying it is utmost important to have a good file management and backup system in placed. Dropbox brings files together in one central place by creating a special folder on the user’s computer and devices. The contents of these folders are synchronized to Dropbox’s servers and to other computers and devices where the user has installed Dropbox, keeping the same files up-to-date on all devices.

Dropbox – Coupled with a good filing structure, this app can be a powerful tool to store, manage and backup files of multiple formats.

PDF Expert – Almost all architectural documentation nowadays are output in PDF format. I have tested a few PDF reader/editor apps but this is one of the best that fits the bill. One standout feature is the app allow user to open multiple tabs for cross viewing, markups and annotate PDF drawings. This feature is especially useful as architects are usually dealing with multiple drawings that require quick access and making annotations/markups in real time between them. PDF Expert also allows in app connection to cloud storage (such as Dropbox, Google Drive etc) & local network that ensures all annotated files are uploaded and backup accordingly.

PDF Expert – one of the best PDF reader/editing tool for architects on the go.

Concepts – As an architect, it is essential to have a tool with the flexibility of a traditional pen on paper but with the speed and versatility of a digital drawing tool for mobility and ease of outputs. Concepts app allows me to sketch and draw with accurate representation in scale and detail, it is much more versatile in presenting ideas and designs to clients and builders in a rapid fashion during meetings and site inspections. It has allow me to skip the conventional and time consuming way of “draw and scan” in documenting ideas.

Concepts on ipad – a mobile tool offering fast and convenient way in sketching with multitude array of medium and graphical representation.

Notability – Note taking and writing is a frequent task in daily routine of an architect. I use Notability on daily basis from capturing meeting minutes on sites to simple task such as writing down projects punch lists. The app also allows user to scribble diagrams and simple sketches on sides which can be easily exported as PDF document together with the written notes.

Notability – a must have for architects seeking paperless and mobile writing pad.

My Measures – this measuring app provides a no frill approach to capturing measurements, notes, angles and images on project sites. It works on both tablets and smart phones with easy to access annotation tools to add dimensions and angles to photos taken on site. The results can be printed, share or save to your projects in PDF format.

My Measures – coupled with a laser measuring tool, this app provides a swift medium to record notes and measurements on project sites.

I love to hear about your experience – Let us know in the comment section below – Have you tried any of the above mentioned apps? Any other apps you can recommend to me and our readers to try?

Combine or subtract 2D shapes to create custom shapes

Sometimes you need to create a 2D profile that is a combination of the basic geometrical shapes that AutoCAD creates. While you might be able to use the PLINE command to create what you want, in some cases, 2 other methods may be easier.

Subtract shapes with the SUBTRACT command

For example, let’s say that you want to create this profile.

autocad-tips-region-custom-shapes-1

Depending on the information you have about the radius of the circle and length of its inset, it might be easier for you to start with these objects:

autocad-tips-region-custom-shapes-2



Here is one way to get the result you want: Continue reading Combine or subtract 2D shapes to create custom shapes

Working with linetype scales

Simple linetypes allow you to apply a repeating series of dashes, dots, and spaces to your objects. Complex linetypes can also include text or shapes.

Recently, a reader said that his linetype was defined as dash-dot but displayed as a continuous linetype. If you have this situation, zoom in and see if you can see the dots and dashes.



If you find that the linetype patterns in your drawing are too long or short, the line might look continuous. How often the pattern is repeated is affected by three factors:

  1. The linetype definition itself
  2. The global linetype scale
  3. The object linetype scale

1. Use a different linetype definition

autocad-tips-linetype-scales-1One choice is to change the linetype. A number of linetypes come in short, medium, and long variations, such as Dashedx2, Dashed, and Dashed2, as you see here.

Note: If you use ISO linetypes, the pattern definitions are much longer than the other linetype definitions, so you may need to make adjustments to the linetype scale.

2. Change the global linetype scale

Another choice is to change the global linetype scale, which affects all noncontinuous linetypes in your drawing. AutoCAD  multiplies the linetype definition by the global linetype scale to calculate the length of each repetition of the linetype:

  • Linetype scales larger than 1 result in longer sections — and fewer repetitions of the linetype definition
  • Linetype scales less than 1 result in shorter sections — and more repetitions of the linetype definition

Here you see 3 versions of a drawing with linetypes at linetype scales of 0.5, 1, and 2. As you can see, a scale of 2 is too large and a scale of 0.5 is too small. A scale of 1 is just right.

autocad-tips-linetype-scales-2a

When you draw, you just want to be able to distinguish the linetype both when you can see the entire drawing on the screen and when you zoom in close. The main reason to scale linetypes is for plotting. A linetype scale that works for a drawing of a house while you’re drawing may look continuous when you plot it at a scale factor of 1 = 192.

When plotting, first try the plotting scale factor for the linetype scale. If that doesn’t give you the results you want, try 1/4 or 1/2 of the scale factor — in the 1 = 192 example, you could try a linetype scale of 96 or 48.

To change the linetype scale, click the Linetype drop-down list in the Properties panel of the Home tab and choose Other to open the Linetype Manager. Click Show Details if the lower portion of the dialog box isn’t displayed.

In the Global Scale Factor text box, type the scale factor that you want. Click OK. The drawing regenerates, changing the scale of every noncontinuous linetype in the drawing.

autocad-tips-linetype-scales-3

Tip: The global linetype scale is stored in the LTSCALE system variable. You can change the linetype scale by typing ltscale on the command line and typing a scale.

3. Change the object linetype scale

Sometimes you may want the linetype spacing to be different for just 1 or 2 objects. Maybe an object is too small to show the linetype clearly.

To change the linetype scale, open the Linetype Manager. Click Show Details if necessary and in the Current Object Scale text box, type the scale factor you want. Click OK. Now all objects that you draw use the current object linetype scale. When you’re done drawing objects at that linetype scale, remember to change the linetype scale back to 1.

Tip: The current object linetype scale is held in the CELTSCALE system variable. You can also change the current object linetype scale by typing celtscale on the command line and typing a scale.

If you have also set the global linetype scale to a value other than 1, AutoCAD multiplies the 2  linetype scales. So if you have a global linetype scale of 12 and a current object linetype scale of 0.5, objects you draw will have a linetype scale of 6.

To change an existing object’s linetype scale, select the object and open the Properties palette. Click Linetype Scale and then type the new linetype scale. This linetype scale affects only the selected object. It does not affect the global linetype scale.

Have linetype scales frustrated you? Do you have any tips you can share? Leave a comment! And please use the Share buttons to share this with your colleagues.