A present. From Autodesk.

[archijam]

I don't know if anyone out there goes as insane as I do over architects sending new, newer, newest (2000,2004,2008) autocad versions ... and never saying which it is ...

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=6703438&siteID=123112

Autodesk released a free (!) converter. Still in disbelief myself.

But now I can open the 2008 file in my trusty 2002 (love that release, never going forward) ...

Will go back further too .. bound to play nicer with many progs, including LW ..

j.

[Tzan]

I've been using TrueConvert from them.
It covers R14-2007. Great to see they kept R14 in the new version.

I still use R14 :) It does everything I need.

[THREEL]

I have a coverter called DWGgateway. It comes from SolidWorks. I'm pretty sure this one will read R14 to present release. I have AutoCAD 2000i.

BTW--Does anyone know how to turn off Active Assistance in AutoCAD, permenantly? I've looked all over and cannot figure it out. It gets extremely annoying to have the AA dialogue box pop-up every time you enter a command.

[archijam]

It's in the options menu somewhere ..

Anyone think that Autodesk leaving out 3dsout (but keeping it on the site as a separate installation) is a blatant attempt to make MAX look better ;) ?

j.

[pixym]

Thanks for the head up.

[tommymamn]

Thanks archijam! I've used it twice today already. I use autocad 2000i, but I have 2004 installed as well just to save down to 2000. This is a great gift!

Tom

[Pavlov]

Eheheheheh.... smart ones there.
As is stated on another forum, imho Autodesk is trying to give a cleaner, more friendly image. They're smart, because they do things which can confuse the "mass" but never compromise their monopolistic position. Two examples:
- This translator is nice, years ago autodesk gave for free VoloView express which did the same. Export option looks nice, but ask yourself why it doesnt offer DXF export, if they really care about communication....
So, this can look like a change in their unfriendly policy about formats but it is not.
- DWG licensing (i made a post time ago here) - now it looks like they offer, finally, DWG to other under payment. Pretty nice if it was not for the incredibly funny fact that they can *refuse* to license DWG to competitors.

I'll change my mind about Autodesk's policy the day they will be safely far from monopoly positions. To me, these moves looks quite a goofy attempt to make some believe they're doing better.

Paolo

[archijam]

No questions here pavlov, I agree this is no true change of face, only an awkward workaround. DXF is indeed a glaring omission, but I am glad that they enable the option to bind xrefs .. that's a real time saver... ;)

j.