Incorporating the experiences of more than 10,000 users, Autodesk, Inc. has unveiled a preview of Autodesk Impression software that gives architects and other CAD users a helping hand with creating illustrative presentation graphics from DWG and DWF files.

Autodesk Impression improves teams' productivity, and ultimately client satisfaction, by virtually eliminating the manual labour previously required to develop compelling images from CAD drawings.

Autodesk Impression now makes it easier than ever to create great-looking presentation graphics, equipping users with the tools necessary to help their clients experience ideas in the early stages, explore alternatives and arrive at solutions with minimal time and expense.

“Our goal is to empower designers with tools that enable them to experience their creations before they are real. Autodesk Impression is another great tool that provides Australian CAD users and Architects to visually present their design ideas to their clients automatically generated from their CAD drawings," said Michael Beer, Sales Execution Manager for Autodesk’s Building Solutions Division.

“We are already seeing a great response and are receiving positive feedback from Australian users who were part of our pilot program”, added Michael.

After opening a DWG or DWF file in Impression, users can add everything from distinctive line types to textured colour fills, using pre-built or custom appearance styles. Libraries of styles can be saved and reused, allowing users to generate unique looks for their work while saving time. Because Impression understands CAD data, users can take advantage of the power of layers and blocks when creating their images.

"It is a good design tool that we have been using for our recent projects. Being able to wow the client without the big investment in time and money which goes into presentations is a great benefit," said Wesley Benn, Director of Benn Design based in North Sydney.

"The huge advantage Autodesk Impression offers is the ability to set a graphic style and have it remain consistent through different design iterations. When I set the style for a tree, a wall type, glazing and many other element types with Autodesk Impression the same style for the that particular element is set through the entire presentation," Wesley added.

A community site for Impression further enhances the Technology Preview experience by providing a user-based forum for the exchange of ideas and data via content exchanges, galleries and discussion groups. The site also provides learning tools such as tutorials and user-submitted tips.

The Autodesk Impression Technology Preview is available immediately for download.