Autodesk DWF Writer and Composer

CADalyst, May, 2004

The Autodesk DWF Writer 2 is now available as a free download from the company Web site (www.autodesk.com/ dwfwriter). DWF Writer 2 is a certified Microsoft Windows system printer driver that lets you publish files in DWF format by choosing it as a printer driver and simply printing. This brings the ability to create DWF files to any Windows application, including other CAD applications such as Bentley MicroStation and SolidWorks. Autodesk has tested it with Revit to ensure full fidelity of Revit data for those who use that architectural application.

DWF Writer 2 requires a system running Microsoft Windows 2000/XP or Windows Server 2003. It produces DWF files quickly and with a minimum of bother.

Autodesk has greater plans for DWF-centric applications. As we went to press, it released the Autodesk DWF Composer, its challenger to Adobe Acrobat.

Autodesk DWF Composer goes far beyond the simple creation of DWF files. DWF Composer was designed specifically for those unfamiliar with CAD applications. It provides tools to review, mark up, and revise sheet sets and communicate those changes.

DWF Composer provides the ability to navigate sheet sets and view and print DWF and DWG drawings. Built-in measuring tools determine lengths, polylines, and areas. You can add text, shapes, and stamps to annotate drawing and perform markups and redlining--all of which you can bring into AutoCAD 2005 applications. DWF Composer's markups, in combination with AutoCAD 2005's comment navigation capability, ensures that all redlines and markups are listed and trackable throughout the design review process.

Because DWF files are compact, you can transmit them quickly to offsite design team members or clients, even for those limited to slower modem connections to the Internet.