AutoCAD Architecture (ADT) Backward Capability

Vertical AutoCAD programs like Architecture and MEP are not backwards compatible like vanilla AutoCAD is. It is a very big misconception throughout the industry and we (us techies at MasterGraphics) are trying to educate folks on this before they ruin some of their production drawings. I have run into this many times in the past and have been trying to spread the word.

AutoCAD Architecture (or ADT) is not backwards compatible with older versions of ADT. When you perform a save as, only the AutoCAD objects get saved back, not the AEC (architectural) objects. Yes, you can open up the file in the version you saved back to, but you (or the person you sent the file to) will get a bunch of ARX errors and will have nothing but trouble. You can perform an Export to Autocad, but it breaks all of the AEC objects down to regular FLAT AutoCAD objects.

Many also think that Object Enablers will allow them to work with older or newer objects, which is incorrect. Object Enablers only work for programs of the same version of different verticals such as MEP, Civil or plain AutoCAD.

I run into this problem every year when the new versions come out as well...

If you install a trial of AutoCAD Architecture 2008 and opened and saved a 2007 ADT drawing, users of ADT 2007 will not be able to open the drawing without getting ARX errors. In order not to get the ARX errors in ADT 2007, the drawing will need to be broken by doing an Export to AutoCAD. By doing this, it basically makes the file "useless" to AutoCAD Arch since you no longer have AEC objects. Luckly when you export to AutoCAD, by default it will give an ACAD prefix to the file it's saving; so it creates a new file. Unless of course the person overwrites the existing file, then you better hope you have a backup! You can check the setting for the prefix (and even change it and other settings) by going to Format->Options->AEC Editor tab.

Yes, you can save back to an older version and view it, but you won't be able to work with it.

AutoCAD Architecture 2009...When?

Lately I've been getting quite a few people asking about AutoCAD and AutoCAD Architecture 2009 and when it's going to be available/released or if I know what's going to be changed, updated, added, etc. to the 2009 release.

Well, about the only thing I know (and even then it's a guess) and can share (legally) is that it will be released about the same time as the previous few years....around the end of March or early April when all the other Autodesk products are released. What's going to be included is only known by Autodesk and those involved in beta testing at this point.

Beta testing is underway for AutoCAD and the AutoCAD verticals (Architecture and MEP) for the 2009 product release. All beta testers are under a non-disclosure agreement and cannot share any information about what is included in the beta software with the public until Autodesk gives the ok. Beta testers can share information with each other through a web site called MyFeedback. Anyone can apply but there is no guarantee that you will be chosen to Beta test. Beta testing requires feedback to Autodesk on the new features as well as bugs in the program. As being with a reseller we do get Beta software, but again we are not at liberty to discuss that info with the general public.

As soon as Autodesk gives the ok (which is usually when they let the public know when the software will be available) I will post as much as I can about AutoCAD Architecture 2009!