SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Jun 13, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK), a world leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, announced that direct access to download and purchase companion apps is available in AutoCAD 2012.

AutoCAD software users can immediately browse, download and purchase more than 100 apps using the new Apps tab within AutoCAD. The companion apps help design professionals find and immediately download solutions to some of their most pressing design challenges.

"Providing direct, in-product access to AutoCAD companion apps connects innovative software developers with AutoCAD customers around the world," said Jim Quanci, director of the Autodesk Developer Network. "In turn, AutoCAD software users now have a trusted marketplace with a wealth of solutions to help solve today's most complex challenges."

Simply put, AutoCAD companion apps extend the power and flexibility of AutoCAD with the help of numerous plug-ins, from productivity tools to translators, together with other content, such as blocks and learning tools. AutoCAD users will have the ability to discover a range of apps in a single location. Coins Translate, for example, is a free app that enables designers to quickly and easily translate text in a drawing into a variety of languages, using the Google Translate web service.

Autodesk customer, Summit Consulting Services, values industry plug-ins to enhance design productivity: "SoftDraft's QuickNotes plug-in app is one of the most productive products we have purchased so far," said Jack Turner, owner. "It eliminates wasted effort on repetitive tasks, saving time and money."

The new Apps tab is featured as part of AutoCAD software's in-product support feature, Autodesk Exchange, and helps software developers quickly upload AutoCAD companion apps, enabling users to more quickly download, purchase and install apps directly into AutoCAD 2012. Developers, users and visitors can also rate and review apps and content. Many of the companion apps are the creations of Autodesk Developer Network (ADN) members, but all developers using AutoCAD 2012 are welcome to submit apps or content for AutoCAD 2012. All applications and content submitted are reviewed through a quality-control process, providing users a secure and trustworthy experience.

Availability

Companion apps are now available through the English version of AutoCAD 2012. Apps and content can be downloaded for free, as a trial or for a fee. Fee-based apps can be purchased in 40 countries using the popular PayPal payment service.

About Autodesk Developer Network

The Autodesk Developer Network (ADN) comprises more than 3,500 technology partners. With hundreds of niche industries requiring highly tailored products specific to their needs, Autodesk relies on ADN partners to provide customized solutions to help customers overcome specific production challenges and design in better, more sustainable ways for competitive advantage. Get more information about application products and the Autodesk Developer Network.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Customers across the manufacturing, architecture, building, construction, and media and entertainment industries -- including the last 16 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects -- use Autodesk software to design, visualize and simulate their ideas. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software for global markets. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com/pr-autodesk.

Autodesk and AutoCAD are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

© 2011 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

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SOURCE: Autodesk, Inc.

Autodesk, Inc.
Angela Simoes, 415-547-2388
angela.simoes@autodesk.com