F/X CAD 2023

Note: The following catalog of content covered in this webinar is time stamped to allow you to follow along or skip to sections of the video that are relevant to your questions. You can also search for content on this page using the FIND command in your browser (CTRL + F in Windows, Command + F in Mac OS.)

• Intro/TOC
• About F/X CAD 2023
• Pricing
• Who Should Use It?
• Key Differences
• Installation
• Why Upgrade?
• What's New with F/X CAD 2023?
• Key Changes Review
• Can It Open Civil Files? (Yes!)

0:00 – 8:14: Intro/TOC

F/X CAD versions supported by Land F/X (6:55)

8:15 – 11:01: About F/X CAD 2023

What is F/X CAD? (8:15)

• Only for Land F/X users
• Command-limited version of AutoCAD (OEM)
• Similar to AutoCAD LT
• Sold and supported by us
• Requires us to change the name, but it's a genuine AutoCAD engine
• PC only (run on Mac through Parallels or VMWare Fusion)

What F/X CAD 2023 can and can't do (9:36):

Can't:

• Run AutoLISP scripts or other add-ons
•  Run without a Land F/X License
•  Use AutoCAD's Rendering, Lighting, or 3D commands
•  Use Autodesk Traces and Markups
•  Be installed on more than two machines, or have a second installation used by another person.

Can:

• Open/Save any version of DWG, DXF, DGN
•  Geolocate plans
•  Insert raster images
•  Use Live Maps
•  Import/Export PDF
•  Auto-complete Command Line
•  View proxy objects (Civil 3D, Architectural, Mechanical)
•  Run any AutoCAD command you use regularly
•  Use Sheet Set Manager
•  Access 3D Connection for SketchUp, Rhino, and Revit
•  Customize interface and shortcuts
•  Get you direct support from us!
•  Install on two machines for the same person.

11:02 – 14:52: Pricing

Cost comparison (11:02)

14:53 – 16:25: Who Should Use It?

Who should switch to F/X CAD 2023? Almost everybody)

• Those who are dedicated Land F/X users and will be maintaining their Land F/X license long-term
• Sole practitioner or small firm looking to reduce costs, used to using AutoCAD LT or AutoCAD without add-ons
• Mid- or large-size firm looking to reduce costs by having some users on F/X CAD, and only those trained in Civil on Civil 3D
• Anybody who prefers to update every 2 to 3 years and wants to remain on a perpetual license
• Anybody wanting to stay up to date at a reduced cost, with the security of knowing F/X CAD will only be released when it's confirmed to be compatible with Land F/X
• Those who have experienced the difference between other CAD support and Land F/X support

16:26 – 21:22: Key Differences

Installation (18:36)

Installation process: only what you need (16:36)

Why Upgrade? (18:37)

Why upgrade from F/X CAD 2018–2022 to 2023? (18:37):

• Quicker adjustments to updates and changes.
• Easier to send and receive files from other firms.
• Cost easier on budget.
• New features each year.
• Interface will match our most recent training videos.
• You'll have the same version our tech support staff is using – helps answer questions and solve issues more quickly.
• Encourages your office to keep up with computer maintenance.

21:23 – 22:49: What's New with F/X CAD 2023?

• Extend Vertex: Stretch a polyline at its start or end. Previously, you could not add a new vertex to the start of a polyline – only a new second vertex – which made it difficult to extend.
• Cut with Base Point (CUTBASE): Like using COPYBASE to cut and paste but without the extra step of deleting.
• Enhanced Count Palette for specific areas and new objects: You can now limit to a Work Area.
• Floating drawing windows improvement: The Command line now floats with your drawing window when anchored.
• New drawing shows the DWT name: On the Start tab, hover on the New button to see which drawing template is set to launch.
• Options dialog box asks to save.
• Improved interface touches: More contrast on drawing tabs, plus a new check mark on the active drawing in the overflow menu.

22:50 – 46:17: Key Changes Review

New Drawing shows the DWT name: On the Start tab, hover on the New button to see which drawing template is set to launch. (22:50)

Options dialog box asks whether you want to save your changes when you close it. (24:44)

Increased contrast between drawing tabs (25:30)

Check mark on active drawing in the overflow menu (26:02)

Command line floats with drawing window when anchored (26:58)

Minimum width setting for the Layer List combo box on the Quick Access Toolbar (29:39)

Land F/X tools added to ribbon and Quick Access toolbar (including Chop) (31:04)

Hovering on a tool button for Tool Tip (further information on that tool) and pressing F1 to open a documentation page on the tool (32:06)

Cut with Base Point (32:35)

Extend Vertex: Stretch a polyline at its start or end. Previously, you could not add a new vertex to the start of a polyline – only a new second vertex – which made it difficult to extend. (35:26)

Enhanced Count Palette for specific areas and new objects: You can now limit to a Work Area. (37:35)

In-depth look at floating anchored Command line (40:57)

Discussion of how many F/X CAD seats to purchase (44:13)

46:18 – end: Can It Open Civil Files? Yes!

Using Civil 3D and avoiding drawing corruption, plus recommended settings for working with drawings that contain Civil objects (46:18)

Proxy objects explained (50:03)

See our documentation on drawing corruption and cleanup:

• Cleaning Drawings & Xrefs
• Preventing Drawing Corruption
• Drawing Corruption Explained