Between the Lines

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays to you and yours. It is that time of the year most of us Autodeskers take time off to celebrate the holidays, spend time with family, and disconnect from work for our annual week of rest from December 21 to January 4th (yes, thankfully its more than an actual week). I want to sincerely thank those employees that must remain on call or work over the holidays to support customers and employees or our facilities. I will be... Read more →

3ds Max 2021.3 Fall Update – Retopology & Mesh Cleaning

My highlights in the new update are the retopology and mesh cleaning tools, and there is much more in this nice update for subscription customers. 3ds Max 2021.3 Fall Update Video Overview https://youtu.be/HEXQOgeaBnE “Autodesk 3ds Max 2021.3 is focused on modernization, performance, and fit & finish. We have added new capabilities to the viewport, improved modeling efficiency for artists with enhancements to popular modifiers and new 3ds Max Retopology Tools that reduce complex and high-resolution assets, and enhance generative designs... Read more →

Autodesk Subscription Now Includes 5 Versions Back

As of this week, Autodesk subscription and maintenance customers now have five releases back up from the prior policy of 3 prior versions. “We’ve heard your feedback that you need more than three previous versions for long-term projects. So, starting November 2, 2020, Autodesk is expanding version access for all customers (on subscription and maintenance plans) for the latest release and up to 5 versions back. This makes it easier for teams to collaborate on the same version throughout a... Read more →

Getting Tipsy with Fusion 360 at Autodesk University 2020

Want to learn how to use Fusion 360 better and more efficiently all while having some fun? This will be a informative and fun class with my friend down under teaching some great tips with Fusion 360. Scott is a master with Fusion 360. The Engineers Guide to Drinks is near and dear to my heart, and I love what Scott has done to utilize the historical guide in his class and interpreted in Fusion 360. CP468677 Getting Tipsy with... Read more →

Launching the Community Dojo – People Knowledge Tools

Rachel Hartley an Autodesk Customer Community Program Manager, recently announced the new community called the Community Dojo. “Defined as a “place for immersive learning,” the Japanese word “Dōjō” was perfectly adopted for a new immersive learning site launched August 24, 2020, for and by the Autodesk Group Network program. https://www.communitydojo.net/ As the name implies, the purpose of the Community Dōjō is to create inspiring learning opportunities for everyone—employees and customers alike—by connecting them with peers and group leaders; providing easy... Read more →

AU 2020 5k Walk Run or Cycle

Want to get moving before Autodesk University 2020? Join us from Nov. 9-16th for the AU5k! The Autodesk University 5k has gone virtual! Join us in the lead-up to AU 2020 and complete your 5k from November 9-16th, 2020. You can walk, run, cycle, swim-- however you like to stay active. Join the Strava club and come train with us! You can use a free Strava account and just join the group. http://strava.com/clubs/AU2020 I hope to see people share some... Read more →

AEC Hackathon Online v2 Join Me!

I hope you will again join the AEC Hackathon organized by an independent group of AEC technology and built environment superheroes.These events are normally held in person, but with the current COVID-19 they pivoted this summer with the first online version being a hit in light of all the quirks and challenges online live sessions and collaboration can bring they pulled it off. I really enjoyed being mentor and speaking with some of the teams. The speaker sessions were very... Read more →

Autodesk University 2020 Registration is Open and FREE

Register for Autodesk University 2020 today, its free, great classes and sessions, no travel costs, and you wont get chapped lips in the dry Las Vegas air. Register now to reserve your spot to attend this year’s global, digital event . https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/conference/overview Stay tuned to this Between the Lines Blog for much more AU related information and announcements as well as looks back on all the amazing memories from past AUs. Perhaps a virtual drink happy hour together online following... Read more →

Teaching Kids with Tinkercad including Free Tinkercad Lesson Plans

Attention teachers, join a free webinar on Thursday October 1st at 4:00 PM PT to learn how to get set up and get started using Tinkercad for distance learning. “We are excited to announce a series of free webinars called Teaching with Tinkercad that will run over the next few months. This series was designed to help you successfully integrate Tinkercad into your class and utilize the great resources we have available to help make learning STEM even more fun.”... Read more →

Ask Revit Experts Anything this Thursday

Coming this Thursday is an Ask Me Anything session where you bring the questions and Sasha Crotty, Harlan Brumm, and Aaron Vorwerk deliver the answers. An AMA with the product people that make Revit. Join Autodesk product experts Sasha Crotty, Harlan Brumm, and Aaron Vorwerk as they take questions from you and the community about what goes on Inside the Factory. What happens to error reports? When will Revit have slanted walls? Ask Me Anything “AMA” Thursday: 12pm EST: https://youtu.be/hoinpQq1Gbo... Read more →

Free Autodesk Software for Students and Educators

It is that time of the year when many are returning to school whether online or in–person, and several of those students and faculty will need or want Autodesk software. Good news, Autodesk provides our software to students and educators a free one-year educational access to Autodesk products and services, renewable as long as you remain eligible. There are other benefits such as some curriculum, certifications, cloud storage, and some cloud credits. Autodesk is committed to equipping you with tools... Read more →

Autodesk Vision Series 2020

If you are in the film, tv, 3D animation, or the design visualization world using products like Maya and 3ds Max, then you should check out the free sessions and consider attending this online event in September. ”3 days of virtual presentations and panels on the future of the industry straight from the minds of Autodesk thought leaders and customers. Join us for 3 days of FREE virtual presentations and panels on the future of the industry straight from the... Read more →

Happy 17th Birthday to Between the Lines Blog

17! Seventeen years ago I started this blog as a fun side project after a couple Autodesk employees Bill Johnson and Eric Wright approached me about this new thing called Blogs, and I have been throwing words and photos up here ever since. Next year the blog will be 18 years old, and I will have to consider if I am kicking it out of the house since it will be an adult if it were human. Thank you to... Read more →

Design & Construction for Mass Timber Event

Panel Discussion & Conversation on Thursday, August 13th, at 3:00 p.m. EST Recent trends in timber construction allow the world to imagine buildings as carbon sinks. Driven by this potential and other construction benefits, the AEC industry is evolving what it means to build with wood. Outsights will join together industry panelists to discuss how timber construction is re-shaping the design process towards an early convergence of trades and how this convergence can accelerate innovation across industries. Leading to the... Read more →

Autodesk University 2020 is No Cost!

You know the saying, “Go Big, or Go Home” well this years Autodesk University in light of the current health and safety issues with the COVID-19 pandemic went online for this year and it was just announced it will be no cost to attend online for everything. All you need to do is just register when registration opens mid September. While I will miss the in-person networking, fun, meeting new people, the morning run, the annual social media meetup, and... Read more →

AutoCAD Web App Program - Free For a Limited Time

Due to the ongoing need and importance for remote work, and in recognition of the ongoing challenges our customers continue to face, we are launching a new program called the Web App Program. Autodesk is offering the new Web App Program beginning July 1, 2020. This program enables anyone to access all the tools and commands of the AutoCAD web app from any computer for free, including free for commercial use, for an extended period. How do I access the... Read more →

Autodesk COVID 19 Resources and Projects

Many of of our jobs and industries are changing due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, with many looking for resources and information on how to change quickly, and safely. Autodesk has created a resource center to support you with details on special programs, remote working assistance, learning, industry resources and Autodesk Foundation information. Autodesk COVID-19 Resource Center If you are in the AEC industry, I would strongly encourage you to look at the Return to Workplace information and resources. https://www.autodesk.com/campaigns/aec-return-to-workplace... Read more →

Be Part of Autodesk University 2020

Autodesk University 2020 and connected events will be reimagined as digital experiences this year. We have started the call for proposals from May 20, 2020 and it is open until June 22, 2020. For this year, I am considering some proposals myself including ones focused on innovation as well as how a hackathon or innovation sprint can surface innovative solutions to challenges for your company or industry. Be a leader and submit an idea In addition to proposing a class... Read more →

Autodesk Extended Access Program

On March 24, Autodesk launched the Extended Access Program to enable customers to use certain cloud collaboration products free, for commercial use. Due to the strong uptake we’ve seen for the program, and in recognition of the ongoing challenges customers continue to face, we are extending the duration of the program by an additional 30 days. BIM 360 Docs, BIM 360 Design, Fusion 360, Fusion Team, AutoCAD Web, AutoCAD Mobile, and Shotgun will continue to be available to customers for... Read more →

Autodesk University Goes Online for 2020

Today, an important decision was announced about Autodesk University 2020. In the interest of safety the event was going digital. I know it is a difficult decision to make, but I'm certain it was the right thing to do and they will make the very best of it. Perhaps we can hold the annual AU5k and AU Social Meetup in a creative and fun way. This is only for this year so there is still a chance for AU 2021... Read more →

Solutions for Remote Collaboration in Design and Manufacturing

There is a great resource for those that need some assistance in learning how to remotely collaborate effectively, remote solutions, get Autodesk licenses, and more in a video playlist. Working remotely and especially collaborating with others from home requires some adjustments but it doesn’t have to be a challenge. Many solutions for such setup are either already available to current Autodesk customers through Autodesk Account or can be accessed via the Extended Access Program. The list of collaboration products available... Read more →

Dieter’s Guide to the AutoCAD Customer Galaxy

Today I was fortunate to participate with about 70+ other employees in celebrating and wishing the best of retirement to a long time AutoCAD team member and passionate customer advocate for 32 years Dieter Schlaepfer. Dieter has been involved in many things at Autodesk over 32 years but primarily learning and training then in the 22 years I have known his in the technical publications roles. He was always trying to find out from customers how we can communicate feature... Read more →

Requesting a Home Use License for Remote Work

As part of our ongoing effort to assist our customers who are now working remotely, we sent an email communication on Tuesday, March 31 to customers who rely on network servers for software access to remind them of our Home Use license policy. A Home Use License allows you to use your software from home as long as your subscription or maintenance plan is active, and until they return to the workplace. For subscriptions with single-user access (named user) Install... Read more →

Enter the AEC Excellence Awards 2020

Do you have an outstanding architecture, engineering, or construction project that deserves recognition? Showcase it to the world in the AEC Excellence Awards 2020. Enter now: autode.sk/34DBTOC Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your outstanding design and construction projects. The call for entries opens on April 15, 2020. Deadline for submission is June 10, 2020. https://youtu.be/LSC8yxbvJVQ Read more →

Setup BIM 360 Projects Programmatically – Open Source Release

There is a new Open Source Tool from our Autodesk Global Consulting Delivery to address a common request from our customers requiring a way to automate setting up BIM 360 environment users and projects. The BIM 360 project setup tool sample was first created by Oliver Scharpf from our Global Consulting Delivery team to solve this need. The tool was released by Autodesk to Open Source for everyone to use. Use this command line tool to setup BIM 360 projects,... Read more →