Autodesk 123: Difference between revisions

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== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==


[http://www.123dapp.com/downloads Autodesk® 123D™] or '''123D''' is currently (oct. 2011) a freely available [[Computer-aided design and manufacturing]] (CAD) program for '''Beta''' testing. It runs under Win32 or Win64.
Autodesk 123 refers to a family of 3D tools available through various platforms
* 123D Catch: Turn a series of photos into 3D models
* 123D Creature: Create and 3D print fantastic creatures and character models.
* 123D Design: 3D modeling software (Mac/PC, iPad, and Web)
* 123D Make: Create tangible, DIY objects from 3D models. (iPad, iPhone, PC/MAc/ online)
* 123D Sculpt: Shape, form, sculpt and paint 3D models (iPad only)


The "message" of the "[http://www.123dapp.com/about about] page" (retrieved 12:39, 15 October 2011 (CEST)) shows that target users are the growing [[3D printing]] comuunity, e.g. ambitious home users or education: {{quotation|We believe that inventive ideas have the right to be made into real objects. We love it when an idea becomes tangible; when you hold the real thing you dreamed up and made in your hands, and realize how awesome you are because check it out, it works!}}
In 2011 Autodesk first launched the modeling tool, i.e. a end-user friendly [[Computer-aided design and manufacturing]] (CAD) software. It was called [http://www.123dapp.com/downloads Autodesk® 123D™] or '''123D'''. As of March 2013, the renamed "123D Design" program still seems to be free. Download is about 450MB and the software probably requires a good 3D accelerator. (It runs smoothly on my Precision CAD laptop).
 
This tool needs a decent PC, including '''direct3D graphics support''', i.e. at least a Pentium 4/2GHz (or equivalent), 1GB RAM and some kind of 3D acceleration. Very recent low-end laptops can do probably, but we strongly recommend using a mid-end machine with some kind of 3D acceleration.


== The Interface ==
== The Interface ==

Revision as of 12:39, 16 March 2013

Draft

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Introduction

Autodesk 123 refers to a family of 3D tools available through various platforms

  • 123D Catch: Turn a series of photos into 3D models
  • 123D Creature: Create and 3D print fantastic creatures and character models.
  • 123D Design: 3D modeling software (Mac/PC, iPad, and Web)
  • 123D Make: Create tangible, DIY objects from 3D models. (iPad, iPhone, PC/MAc/ online)
  • 123D Sculpt: Shape, form, sculpt and paint 3D models (iPad only)

In 2011 Autodesk first launched the modeling tool, i.e. a end-user friendly Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD) software. It was called Autodesk® 123D™ or 123D. As of March 2013, the renamed "123D Design" program still seems to be free. Download is about 450MB and the software probably requires a good 3D accelerator. (It runs smoothly on my Precision CAD laptop).

The Interface

Warning: Screenshots and information below refers to an older Beta version !

The interface first time

When you launch the program, you will see a (position frozen) Getting started screen. Depending on the version installed it may be different.

Autodesk 123 Start-up Screen

(10-page tutorial shown)

Autodesk 123 Start-up Screen

(After closing the 10-page tutorial)

Each of the five "Learn About 123D" items open a Flash video. These movies are pretty much ok, but no voice and therefore require the user to focus a bit and maybe to replay once or twice.

Interface structure

The Interface is kept simple and modern, i.e. various buttons have pop-up radial menus and other controls.

There are three main elements

  • The floating tool bar (on top the first time) includes all the major drawing tools
  • The navigation bar (bottom by default) includes all sorts of navigation and viewing tools. With the little pull-down menu (bottom right), it can be linked to the viewing" cube that sits top left by default.
  • On top left is on object browser allowing to inspect each object on the stage.
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