{"id":2443,"date":"2016-04-01T07:00:21","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T14:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com/blogs\/autocad\/?p=2443"},"modified":"2020-04-07T14:57:05","modified_gmt":"2020-04-07T21:57:05","slug":"new-in-autocad-2017-2d-graphics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com/blogs\/autocad\/new-in-autocad-2017-2d-graphics\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s New in AutoCAD 2017? 2D Graphics Enhancements"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thanks for tuning in to my fifth post in the “What’s New in AutoCAD 2017?” series. 2D geometry\u2014its appearance, selection, and performance\u2014is a big deal to AutoCAD users, which is why we’re continually looking for ways to improve\u00a0your experience with it. I’m happy to say\u00a0that such 2D AutoCAD improvements are evident in AutoCAD 2017.<\/p>\n

You can start by checking out this\u00a0short\u00a02D graphics upgrade video<\/a>. For more details… read on!<\/p>\n

AutoCAD 2017 2D graphics enhancements: Performance<\/h2>\n

AutoCAD 2017 boosts 2D graphics performance by taking advantage of the graphics processing unit (GPU) present in many modern display adapters. This happens\u00a0two ways.<\/p>\n

First, linetypes that include only dashes and dots are generated by the GPU, rather than relying on the CPU to create the individual parts.<\/p>\n

Second, graphics are cached (retained) in GPU memory, which can significantly speed up\u00a0pans and zooms.<\/p>\n

You can access Graphic Performance from the Status bar icon.<\/p>\n

\"Graphics<\/a>

Graphics Performance status bar icon<\/p><\/div>\n

To get the improved performance, your setup must include a DirectX 11-capable graphics card, and you must turn on hardware acceleration. Take advantage of improved graphics for capable devices via a control in the Graphics Performance dialog box.<\/p>\n

\"Graphics<\/a>

Graphics Performance dialog box<\/p><\/div>\n

AutoCAD 2017 2D graphics enhancements:\u00a0Appearance and selection<\/h2>\n

In previous AutoCAD releases, objects being created, moved, or copied could appear jagged when viewed in preview.<\/p>\n

\"Objects<\/a>

Objects displayed during copy operation in a previous release<\/p><\/div>\n

AutoCAD 2017\u00a0supports\u00a0line smoothing during preview as objects are being edited. They display just as they will appear after the operation is complete.<\/p>\n

\"Objects<\/a>

Objects displayed during copy operation in AutoCAD 2017<\/p><\/div>\n

In previous AutoCAD releases, dotted linetypes could be difficult to see, even with lineweights applied. AutoCAD 2017 supports the lineweight display of dotted linetypes.<\/p>\n

\"Dot<\/a>

Dotted linetype with lineweights displayed in a previous release, and in AutoCAD 2017<\/p><\/div>\n

In addition, AutoCAD 2017 linetypes with dash-and-dot combinations display round dots. Previous AutoCAD releases used\u00a0very short dashes to represent dots. This update also provides\u00a0a more accurate display of selection highlighting.<\/p>\n

\"Linetype<\/a>

Linetype dots displayed in a previous release, and in AutoCAD 2017<\/p><\/div>\n

Another subtle but useful improvement to dash-and-dot linetypes: You can now select or snap to the gaps on those objects. Similarly, because the gaps are recognized by object snaps, you can\u00a0snap to the objects even when picking on a blank space. Enable this behavior with the new LTGAPSELECTION system variable.<\/p>\n

\"Selecting<\/a>

Selecting and snapping to gaps in dash-and-dot linetypes<\/p><\/div>\n

AutoCAD 2017 also improves the appearance of closely spaced parallel hatch lines, making the\u00a0line spacing display more consistently and accurately than in previous releases.<\/p>\n

\"Parallel<\/a>

Parallel hatch lines in a previous release, and in AutoCAD 2017<\/p><\/div>\n

What’s New in AutoCAD 2017? The Adventure Continues….<\/h2>\n

This is the fifth\u00a0in a series of deeper dives into the top new AutoCAD 2017 features.\u00a0For an overview of all new AutoCAD 2017 features, read\u00a0AutoCAD 2017: It\u2019s\u2026 Alive!<\/a><\/p>\n

Next up\u00a0in the\u00a0What\u2019s New\u00a0<\/span>in AutoCAD\u00a0<\/span>2017? series:\u00a0Centerlines and Center Marks<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Previous topics covered include….<\/p>\n