SolidSmack - SolidWorks 3D CAD Technology Design Blog

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Slap me sideways and constrain me to X/Y coordinates. SolidWorks Labs has released a new web app, called BluePrint Now, that allows you to create/edit/save DWG files online. That… is just wild people. Whatcha think the AutoDesk folks think about this. hmmm?

Honestly, when I first tried to use it, I felt like we have a loooong way till we get to 3D CAD online. It’s a step in the right direction though - different tech I imagine. So, before you uninstall AutoCAD and swarm toward the Lab, here are some things you’ll want to know.

• You’re limited to DWG files under 1MB
• The tools… are limited – no offset, trim, mirror, measure
• Possible conflict with object in template. (I had to delete border/title block)
• Some degradation on zooming in.
• You can’t edit text of imported drawings.
• No windows select for the tools

Now that I’ve torn into it, here are some cool things.

• You can upload/access your tiny dwgs online.
• You can export as a PDF
• The dialogue boxes are quick and simple
• The snaps work well

I would say it’s better right now to throw a quick sketch together and download to make more changes. It’s a neat experiment and I certainly respect the development gang that put the research and time into because aspects of this will be needs in future online CAD Apps.

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