SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Aug 24, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Demonstrating productivity gains ranging from 16 to 90 percent, Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) unveiled the results of a new study that documents the time-saving features of its AutoCAD LT 2011 software. In the study, David S. Cohn, an independent consultant, compared AutoCAD LT 2011 to AutoCAD LT 2008 for creating standard drawings, revealing overall productivity gains of 44 percent for users moving from AutoCAD LT 2008 or earlier versions to AutoCAD LT 2011.

Based on user feedback, Autodesk updated the latest version of AutoCAD LT with key features designed to help save time and boost productivity. Object and layer transparency, external reference highlighting, enhanced hatch commands, and Microsoft Windows 7 support all contribute to making drafting with AutoCAD LT 2011 faster and easier. Cohn found that these time-saving enhancements can mean major cost savings.

"One could argue that by upgrading to the latest release, customers will actually save money because the features and functions of the new software would enable them to complete their work faster than would be possible had they used an earlier version of the software," said David Cohn. "Most users will be able to get more work done faster by upgrading to AutoCAD LT 2011."

Through communication in the field and via online channels like the AUGI (Autodesk User Group International) wish lists, Autodesk turned to its core user base to provide input for developing the latest version of AutoCAD LT with functions and features that help improve professional drafting productivity. Several of these performance-enhancing upgrades to AutoCAD LT 2011 were documented in the study, including:

• New block editor functions which synchronize how users add attributes and modify default values adds 66 percent productivity gain.
• Improvements to the graphical user interface deliver a 43 percent productivity increase.
• The ability to preview hatches and control transparency boosts productivity by36 percent.
• Productivity gains of 46 percent through use of the grip editing tool to modify the angle and origin of hatch patterns.
• PDF underlay capabilities yield productivity increases of 40 to 92 percent.

In a real-world context where time is money, these dramatic productivity gains can translate into a positive return on investment for users upgrading to AutoCAD LT 2011, and free up time for increased innovation.

"With the 2011 release of AutoCAD LT we continue to invest in new tools that are quick to learn, but that have a big impact on everyday work," said Guri Stark, Autodesk vice president, AutoCAD and Platform Products. "As this study shows, AutoCAD LT 2011 builds on its reputation for productivity with new commands that help designers explore their ideas and maximize productivity."

The full study is available for download at: http://autocad.autodesk.com

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 15 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.

Autodesk,AutoCAD, and AutoCAD LT are registered 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 offerings, services and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

© 2010 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE: Autodesk, Inc.

Autodesk, Inc.
Noah Cole, 415-200-6310
noah.cole@autodesk.com