Autodesk, Inc. is an American
multinational software
Software is a set of computer programs and associated documentation and data. This is in contrast to hardware, from which the system is built and which actually performs the work.
At the lowest programming level, executable code consists ...
corporation that makes software products and services for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, education, and entertainment industries. Autodesk is headquartered in
San Francisco, California
San Francisco (; Spanish for " Saint Francis"), officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the commercial, financial, and cultural center of Northern California. The city proper is the fourth most populous in California and 17th ...
,
and has offices worldwide. Its U.S. offices are located in the states of California, Oregon, Colorado, Texas, Michigan, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Its Canada offices are located in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta.
The company was founded in 1982 by
John Walker, who was a coauthor of the first versions of
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers. ...
. AutoCAD, which is the company's flagship
computer-aided design
Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computers (or ) to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. This software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of design, improve c ...
(CAD) software and
Revit
Autodesk Revit is a building information modelling software tool for architects, landscape architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers, designers and contractors. The original software was developed by ...
software are primarily used by architects, engineers, and structural designers to design, draft, and model buildings and other structures. Autodesk software has been used in many fields, and on projects from the
One World Trade Center
One World Trade Center (also known as One World Trade, One WTC, and formerly Freedom Tower) is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, New York City. Designed by David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Mer ...
to
Tesla electric cars.
Autodesk became best known for
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers. ...
, but now develops a broad range of software for design, engineering, and entertainment—and a line of software for consumers. The manufacturing industry uses Autodesk's
digital prototyping
Digital Prototyping gives conceptual design, engineering, manufacturing, and sales and marketing departments the ability to virtually explore a complete product before it's built. Industrial designers, manufacturers, and engineers use Digital Prot ...
software—including
Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk Inventor is a computer-aided design application for 3D mechanical design, simulation, visualization, and documentation developed by Autodesk.
Features
Inventor allows 2D and 3D data integration in a single environment, creating a virt ...
,
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), computer-aided engineering (CAE) and printed circuit board (PCB) design software application, developed by Autodesk. It is available for Windows and mac ...
, and the Autodesk Product Design Suite—to visualize, simulate, and analyze real-world performance using a digital model in the design process. The company's
Revit
Autodesk Revit is a building information modelling software tool for architects, landscape architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers, designers and contractors. The original software was developed by ...
line of software for
building information modeling
Building information modeling (BIM) is a process supported by various tools, technologies and contracts involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places. Building informatio ...
is designed to let users explore the planning, construction, and management of a building virtually before it is built.
Autodesk's
Media and Entertainment division creates software for visual effects, color grading, and editing as well as animation, game development, and design visualization.
3ds Max
Autodesk 3ds Max, formerly 3D Studio and 3D Studio Max, is a professional 3D computer graphics program for making 3D animations, models, games and images. It is developed and produced by Autodesk Media and Entertainment. It has modeling capabil ...
and
Maya
Maya may refer to:
Civilizations
* Maya peoples, of southern Mexico and northern Central America
** Maya civilization, the historical civilization of the Maya peoples
** Maya language, the languages of the Maya peoples
* Maya (Ethiopia), a populat ...
are both 3D animation software used in film visual effects and game development.
History
The company was founded by John Walker and a team of programmers in 1982.
Walker founded the company after acquiring Interact, a
computer-aided design
Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computers (or ) to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. This software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of design, improve c ...
program that operated on microcomputers running the
8-bit
In computer architecture, 8-bit Integer (computer science), integers or other Data (computing), data units are those that are 8 bits wide (1 octet (computing), octet). Also, 8-bit central processing unit (CPU) and arithmetic logic unit (ALU) arc ...
CP/M
CP/M, originally standing for Control Program/Monitor and later Control Program for Microcomputers, is a mass-market operating system created in 1974 for Intel 8080/ 85-based microcomputers by Gary Kildall of Digital Research, Inc. Initial ...
operating system
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides common services for computer programs.
Time-sharing operating systems schedule tasks for efficient use of the system and may also in ...
and two of the new
16-bit
16-bit microcomputers are microcomputers that use 16-bit microprocessors.
A 16-bit register can store 216 different values. The range of integer values that can be stored in 16 bits depends on the integer representation used. With the two mos ...
systems, the
Victor 9000
The name Victor or Viktor may refer to:
* Victor (name), including a list of people with the given name, mononym, or surname
Arts and entertainment
Film
* ''Victor'' (1951 film), a French drama film
* ''Victor'' (1993 film), a French shor ...
and the
IBM Personal Computer
The IBM Personal Computer (model 5150, commonly known as the IBM PC) is the first microcomputer released in the IBM PC model line and the basis for the IBM PC compatible de facto standard. Released on August 12, 1981, it was created by a team ...
(PC). This tool provided made it affordable for smaller design, engineering, and architecture companies to create detailed technical drawings. The program had been developed by
Michael Riddle in 1979. Riddle had struggled to sell the program, and agreed to sell it to Walker in exchange for royalties. The program was further developed and renamed
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers. ...
.
Autodesk became a
public company
A public company is a company whose ownership is organized via shares of stock which are intended to be freely traded on a stock exchange or in over-the-counter markets. A public (publicly traded) company can be listed on a stock exchange (l ...
in 1985. John Walker did not enjoy the process of writing the prospectus, relating the process to "lying on the beach or juggling chainsaws".
Release 2.1 of AutoCAD, released in 1986, included
AutoLISP
AutoLISP is a Dialect (computing), dialect of the programming language Lisp (programming language), Lisp built specifically for use with the full version of AutoCAD and its derivatives, which include ''AutoCAD Map 3D'', ''AutoCAD Architecture'' and ...
, a built-in
Lisp programming language
Lisp (historically LISP) is a family of programming languages with a long history and a distinctive, fully parenthesized prefix notation.
Originally specified in 1960, Lisp is the second-oldest high-level programming language still in common us ...
interpreter initially based on XLISP. This opened the door for
third party developer
A video game developer is a broad term for a software developer specializing in video game development – the process and related disciplines of creating video games. A game developer can range from one person who undertakes all tasks to a large ...
s to extend AutoCAD's functionality, to address a wide range of
vertical market
A vertical market is a market in which vendors offer goods and services ''specific'' to an industry, trade, profession, or other group of customers with specialized needs. A horizontal market is a market in which a product or service meets a nee ...
s, strengthening AutoCAD's market penetration.
Subsequent to AutoCAD Release 13, the company stopped supporting the
Unix
Unix (; trademarked as UNIX) is a family of multitasking, multiuser computer operating systems that derive from the original AT&T Unix, whose development started in 1969 at the Bell Labs research center by Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, and ot ...
environment and the Apple Macintosh platform. After AutoCAD Release 14 (R13 was last DOS & Unix release), first shipped in 1997, Autodesk discontinued development under
DOS
DOS is shorthand for the MS-DOS and IBM PC DOS family of operating systems.
DOS may also refer to:
Computing
* Data over signalling (DoS), multiplexing data onto a signalling channel
* Denial-of-service attack (DoS), an attack on a communicatio ...
, and focused exclusively on
Microsoft Windows
Windows is a group of several proprietary graphical operating system families developed and marketed by Microsoft. Each family caters to a certain sector of the computing industry. For example, Windows NT for consumers, Windows Server for serv ...
.
AutoCAD has grown to become the most widely used CAD program for 2D non-specialized applications. The native file formats written by AutoCAD,
DXF
AutoCAD DXF (Drawing Interchange Format, or Drawing Exchange Format) is a CAD data file format developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs.
DXF was introduced in December 1982 as part of AutoCA ...
and
DWG, are also widely used for CAD data
interoperability
Interoperability is a characteristic of a product or system to work with other products or systems. While the term was initially defined for information technology or systems engineering services to allow for information exchange, a broader defi ...
.
In 1989, Autodesk's sales grew to over $100,000,000 after just four operational years.
Walker remained a programmer at Autodesk until 1994, when he left due to disagreements with changes at the company.
With the purchase of Softdesk in 1997, Autodesk started to develop specialty versions of
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers. ...
, targeted to broad industry segments, including architecture,
civil engineering
Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewage ...
, and
manufacturing
Manufacturing is the creation or production of goods with the help of equipment, labor, machines, tools, and chemical or biological processing or formulation. It is the essence of secondary sector of the economy. The term may refer to a r ...
. Since the late 1990s, the company has added several significant non-AutoCAD-based products, including
Revit
Autodesk Revit is a building information modelling software tool for architects, landscape architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers, designers and contractors. The original software was developed by ...
, a parametric building modeling application (acquired in 2002, from Massachusetts-based Revit Technologies for $133 million), and
Inventor
An invention is a unique or novel device, method, composition, idea or process. An invention may be an improvement upon a machine, product, or process for increasing efficiency or lowering cost. It may also be an entirely new concept. If an ...
, an internally developed parametric mechanical design CAD application.
In 2007, Timothy Vernor sued Autodesk (''
Vernor v. Autodesk, Inc.
''Vernor v. Autodesk, Inc.'' was a case in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington regarding the applicability of the first-sale doctrine to software sold under the terms of so-called " shrinkwrap licensing." The ...
''), alleging that he was entitled to resell "used" copies of AutoCAD software on
eBay
eBay Inc. ( ) is an American multinational e-commerce company based in San Jose, California, that facilitates consumer-to-consumer and business-to-consumer sales through its website. eBay was founded by Pierre Omidyar in 1995 and became a ...
. He had obtained the software from an Autodesk licensee at an office liquidation sale. A federal district judge in Washington denied Autodesk's initial motion to dismiss in early 2008. In February and March 2009, both sides filed motions for summary judgment addressing the issue whether the
First Sale Doctrine
The first-sale doctrine (also sometimes referred to as the "right of first sale" or the "first sale rule") is an American legal concept that limits the rights of an intellectual property owner to control resale of products embodying its intellec ...
applies to previously licensed software. The Court ruled in Vernor's favor, holding that when the transfer of software to the purchaser materially resembled a sale (non-recurring price, right to perpetual possession of copy) it was, in fact, a "sale with restrictions on use"
[''United States v. Wise'']
550 F.2d 1180
(9th Cir. 1977). giving rise to a right to resell the copy under the first-sale doctrine. As such, Autodesk could not pursue an action for copyright infringement against Vernor, who sought to resell used versions of its software on eBay. Autodesk appealed the decision to the
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (in case citations, 9th Cir.) is the U.S. federal court of appeals that has appellate jurisdiction over the U.S. district courts in the following federal judicial districts:
* District ...
, which reversed the lower court ruling, denying Vernor the right to resale Autodesk software due to Autodesk's nontransferable licensing restrictions. In October 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court let stand the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling.
Autodesk introduced a new logo at the
TED conference
TED Conferences, LLC (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is an American-Canadian non-profit media organization that posts international talks online for free distribution under the slogan "ideas worth spreading". TED was founded by Richard Sau ...
in
Long Beach
Long Beach is a city in Los Angeles County, California. It is the 42nd-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 466,742 as of 2020. A charter city, Long Beach is the seventh-most populous city in California.
Incorporate ...
, California, on February 26, 2013.
Autodesk announced the largest lay off in its history on November 27, 2017, with the lay off of 1,150 jobs. This was in addition to the almost 1,000 job cuts announced in January 2016. The number of Autodesk employees decreased from approximately 9,200 to 7,200 in less than 2 years.
Autodesk updated to its current logo in September 2021.
In 2022, Autodesk moved their headquarters to San Francisco from
San Rafael, California
San Rafael ( ; Spanish language, Spanish for "Raphael (archangel), St. Raphael", ) is a city and the county seat of Marin County, California, Marin County, California, United States. The city is located in the North Bay (San Francisco Bay Area), ...
— which served as their headquarters since 1994.
Corporate acquisitions
* In 1992 Autodesk acquired Micro Engineering Solutions (MES) Inc., a developer and marketer of manufacturing CAD / CAM software.
* In 1993 Autodesk acquired Ithaca Software, a 3D computer graphics company founded by Autodesk's former CEO Carl Bass and Garry Wiegand.
* In December 1996, Autodesk announced its plan to acquire Softdesk, a developer of architecture, engineering and construction software.
* In 1998 Autodesk acquired assets of Genius CAD-Software to strengthen the functionality of its core mechanical products.
* In August 1998, Autodesk agreed to acquire Discreet Logic Inc. for about $520 million in stock.
* In 1999, Autodesk acquired VISION* Solutions, a vendor of enterprise automated mapping/facilities management/geographic information systems (AM/FM/GIS) from MCI Systemhouse Corp.
* In January 2001, Autodesk acquired Gentry Systems, a supplier of specialized software tools and services in the electric utility industry. The asset was used to strengthen Autodesk's position in the utility industry.
* In September 2001, Autodesk acquired Buzzsaw.
* In February 2002, Autodesk acquired Revit Technology Corporation, a developer of parametric building technology for building design, construction, and management.
* In August 2002, Autodesk acquired CAiCE Software Corporation, a developer of surveying and engineering applications for transportation agencies and consultants; the product was released in 2003 as "Civil 3D".
* In December 2002, Autodesk acquired the assets of truEInnovations, Inc. to create the application
Autodesk Vault
''Autodesk Vault'' is a data management tool integrated with Autodesk Inventor Series, Autodesk Inventor Professional, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD Electrical, Autodesk Revit and Civil 3D products. It helps design teams track work in progress and m ...
.
* In 2003 Autodesk acquired Linius Technologies, Inc. and purchased certain assets of a third software company—VIA Development Corporation.
* In 2004 Autodesk acquired MechSoft, Inc., the developer of the MechSoft product.
* In 2005 Autodesk acquired the assets of COMPASS systems GmbH, to strengthen Autodesk's position in the European product data management market.
* In 2006 Autodesk acquired
Alias
Alias may refer to:
* Pseudonym
* Pen name
* Nickname
Arts and entertainment Film and television
* ''Alias'' (2013 film), a 2013 Canadian documentary film
* ''Alias'' (TV series), an American action thriller series 2001–2006
* ''Alias the ...
, with its automotive styling and digital content creation applications such as
FBX
FBX (''Filmbox'') is a proprietary file format () developed by Kaydara and owned by Autodesk since 2006. It is used to provide interoperability between digital content creation applications. FBX is also part of Autodesk Gameware, a series of vid ...
file format
A file format is a standard way that information is encoded for storage in a computer file. It specifies how bits are used to encode information in a digital storage medium. File formats may be either proprietary or free.
Some file formats ...
.
* On August 6, 2007, Autodesk announced the acquisition of Skymatter Inc, developer of
Mudbox
Mudbox is a proprietary computer-based 3D sculpting and painting tool. developed by Autodesk, Mudbox was created by Skymatter, founded by Tibor Madjar, David Cardwell and Andrew Camenisch, former artists of Weta Digital, where it was first us ...
.
* On August 9, 2007, Autodesk completed the acquisition of NavisWorks Limited.
* On August 20, 2007, Autodesk announced that it completed the acquisition of technology and product assets of Opticore AB in Gothenburg, Sweden. Opticore is specialized in real time visualization primarily for the carmakers industry.
* On August 28, 2007, Autodesk announced the acquisition of PlassoTech, developers of
CAE applications.
* In January 2008, Autodesk completed the acquisition of Robobat, a France-based developer of
structural engineering
Structural engineering is a sub-discipline of civil engineering in which structural engineers are trained to design the 'bones and muscles' that create the form and shape of man-made structures. Structural engineers also must understand and cal ...
analysis applications.
* In February 2008, Autodesk announced that it completed the acquisition of the assets of Carmel Software Corporation.
* On May 1, 2008, Autodesk announced it agreed to acquire
Moldflow Corporation, a leading provider of
injection molding
Injection moulding (U.S. spelling: injection molding) is a manufacturing process for producing parts by injecting molten material into a mould, or mold. Injection moulding can be performed with a host of materials mainly including metals (for ...
simulation software.
* On May 7, 2008, Autodesk announced that it completed the acquisition of
Kynogon
Kynogon was a computer software company that provided AI middleware to the video game and the simulation industries. The company was acquired by Autodesk in February 2008, and its flagship product was titled Autodesk Navigation. Autodesk ended the ...
SA, the privately held maker of
Kynapse
Kynapse is the artificial intelligence middleware product, developed by Kynogon, which was bought by Autodesk in 2008 and called ''Autodesk Kynapse''. In 2011, it has been re-engineered and rebranded ''Autodesk Navigation''.
Since the discontinua ...
artificial intelligence middleware. Paris-based Kynogon specialized in video game middleware and simulation.
* On May 7, 2008, Autodesk also announced the acquisition of REALVIZ S.A. REALVIZ's flagship products are "Stitcher" software for the creation of panoramas and 360 degree virtual tours, and "ImageModeler" software to produce 3D models from photographs.
* In June 2008, a press release announced the acquisition of Square One Research and its flagship product,
Ecotect.
* In October 2008, Autodesk announced the acquisition on Avid's
Softimage, Co. business, developers of 3D application
Softimage
Autodesk Softimage, or simply Softimage () was a 3D computer graphics application, for producing 3D computer graphics, 3D modeling, and computer animation. Now owned by Autodesk and formerly titled Softimage, XSI, the software has been predomi ...
(formerly Softimage, XSI).
* On December 15, 2008, Autodesk announced the acquisition of BIMWorld, plans to combine BIMWorld with Autodesk Seek.
* On December 17, 2008, Autodesk agreed to acquire ALGOR, Inc. for approximately $34 million.
* In December 2009, Autodesk announced the acquisition of VisualTAO (also known as PlanPlatform), an Israeli start-up that developed cloud-based web and mobile applications that enable users to view and edit AutoCAD files online. VisualTAO became part of PSEB, and the product was released during 2010 as "AutoCAD WS".
* In 2010, Autodesk announced the acquisition of Illuminate Labs, the maker of
Beast (a global illumination middleware) and Turtle (a global illumination plugin for Maya) used for video game development.
* In February 2011, Autodesk announced the acquisition of Blue Ridge Numerics, Inc., a leading provider of simulation software.
*In March 2011, Autodesk announced the acquisition of
Scaleform
Scaleform Corporation is a developer providing middleware for use in the video game industry. As a result of Autodesk's acquisition of the company in March 2011, Scaleform has become part of the Autodesk Gameware line of middleware.
Products
*S ...
, a UI middleware for video games.
* In July 2011, Autodesk announced the acquisition of Pixlr, online photo editing and sharing service.
* On August 1, 2011, Autodesk announced the acquisition of
Instructables
Instructables is a website specializing in user-created and uploaded do-it-yourself projects, currently owned by Autodesk. It was created by Eric Wilhelm and Saul Griffith and launched in August 2005. Instructables is dedicated to step-by-step ...
, a website and platform where users can share their ideas and collaborate with a variety of do-it-yourself projects.
* On August 25, 2011, Autodesk announced the acquisition of Numenus, which optimizes CAD and construction processes by using
NURBS
Non-uniform rational basis spline (NURBS) is a mathematical model using basis splines (B-splines) that is commonly used in computer graphics for representing curves and surfaces. It offers great flexibility and precision for handling both analyt ...
technology.
* In November 2011, Autodesk announced the acquisition of Grip Entertainment, which develops behavior control systems for computer-controlled characters in video games.
* In December 2011, Autodesk announced the acquisition of Horizontal Systems, a provider of cloud-based BIM (Building Information Modeling) collaboration solutions for the AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) industry.
* In 2012, Autodesk announced the acquisition of Qontext, Inc., an enterprise social collaboration platform to accelerate Autodesk's ongoing move to the cloud and expansion of social capabilities in the Autodesk 360 cloud-based service.
* On March 19, 2013, Autodesk completed the acquisition of Firehole Technologies, a developer of design and analysis software for
composite materials
A composite material (also called a composition material or shortened to composite, which is the common name) is a material which is produced from two or more constituent materials. These constituent materials have notably dissimilar chemical or ...
.
* On May 18, 2013,
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free-of-charge, online 3D modeling program that runs in a web browser. Since it became available in 2011 it has become a popular platform for creating models for 3D printing as well as an entry-level introduction to constructive s ...
announced it had been bought by Autodesk. Tinkercad is a browser-based 3D
solid modeling
Solid modeling (or solid modelling) is a consistent set of principles for mathematical and computer modeling of three-dimensional shapes '' (solids)''. Solid modeling is distinguished from related areas of geometric modeling and computer graphi ...
tool for
rapid prototyping
Rapid prototyping is a group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale model of a physical part or assembly using three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) data.
Construction of the part or assembly is usually done using 3D printin ...
known for its simple interface and entry-level ease of use.
* In October 2013, Autodesk signed an agreement to acquire structural fabrication and detailing software- Advance Steel from Graitec.
* In February 2014, Autodesk completed the acquisition of
Delcam
Delcam is a supplier of advanced CAD/CAM software for the manufacturing industry.
The company has grown steadily since being founded formally in 1977, after initial development work at Cambridge University, UK.
It is now a global developer of ...
, a UK based supplier of advanced CAD/CAM software for the manufacturing industry.
* In March 2014,
Creative Market
Creative Market is an online marketplace for community-generated design assets. The company sells graphics, WordPress themes, stock photography, and other digital goods for use by web creatives. Creative Market has over one million users and more ...
announced it had been bought by Autodesk. Creative Market is a platform for handcrafted, mousemade design content from independent creatives around the world.
* In May 2014, Autodesk acquired Nei Nastran, one of three versions of Nastran, the FEA solver.
* In May 2014, Autodesk acquired Within Technologies, a company founded by Siavash Haroun Mahdavi.
* In June 2014,
Shotgun Software
ShotGrid is a project management software owned by Autodesk. ShotGrid is primarily used for visual effects and animation project management in television shows and movie production and video game development.
History Founding of company
ShotGr ...
announced that it had been acquired by Autodesk. Shotgun Software are the publishers of the popular "Shotgun" project tracking software for media and entertainment content creation.
*In July 2014, Autodesk acquired Topolabs Technology, a company founded by James Page which pioneered the use of 3D toolpaths for FDM/FFF additive manufacturing systems.
*In August 2015, Autodesk signs agreement to acquire SeeControl.
* In April 2016, Autodesk announced that it had acquired SolidAngle, creator of the Arnold rendering software.
* In June 2016, Autodesk acquired
CadSoft Computer GmbH
EAGLE is a scriptable electronic design automation (EDA) application with schematic capture, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, auto-router and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) features. EAGLE stands for Easily Applicable Graphical Layout ...
, creator of the
PCB design
A printed circuit board (PCB; also printed wiring board or PWB) is a medium used in electrical and electronic engineering to connect electronic components to one another in a controlled manner. It takes the form of a laminated sandwich struc ...
software
EAGLE
Eagle is the common name for many large birds of prey of the family Accipitridae. Eagles belong to several groups of genera, some of which are closely related. Most of the 68 species of eagle are from Eurasia and Africa. Outside this area, just ...
, from
Premier Farnell
Premier Farnell Ltd is a distributor of products for electronic system design, maintenance and repair throughout Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, with operations in 36 countries and trading in over 100. In October 2016, the firm was purc ...
.
*In July 2018, Autodesk announced that it had acquired Assemble Systems.
*In November 2018, Autodesk announced that it would acquire
PlanGrid
PlanGrid is a construction productivity software designed for onsite construction workers. PlanGrid digitises blueprints. It has features such as version control and collaboration tools such as field markups, progress photos and issues tracking.
P ...
, a San Francisco-based provider of construction productivity software.
*In December 2018, Autodesk announced that it would acquire BuildingConnected, a San Francisco-based construction bid-management platform.
*In April 2020, Autodesk announced that it had invested in
Aurigo Software to Bolster Construction Technology Offering for Owners. Aurigo provides a full lifecycle cloud software to plan, design, build and operate construction assets.
*On July 14, 2020, Bridgit Inc. announced that Autodesk had raised $9.4 million in venture capital to take an ownership stake in the Canadian company which makes Bridgit Bench, an online construction work force and resource planning software.
*On July 22, 2020, Autodesk announced that it would acquire Pype, a
Bengaluru
Bangalore (), officially Bengaluru (), is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Karnataka. It has a population of more than and a metropolitan population of around , making it the third most populous city and fifth most ...
-based provider of cloud-based solutions for automating construction project management workflows.
* In November 2020, Autodesk announced that it would acquire Spacemaker, a cloud-based platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and generative design to rapidly create, optimize, iterate, and evaluate design alternatives for buildings.
* In February 2021, Autodesk announced that it would acquire Innovyze, a provider of smart water infrastructure modeling and simulation technology, for $1billion.
* In December 2021, Autodesk announced that it would acquire ProEst, a cloud-based construction estimating product.
Products
Platforms
Platform Solutions and Emerging Business (PSEB) division develops and manages the product foundation for most Autodesk offerings across multiple markets, including Autodesk's flagship product
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers. ...
, AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD for Mac, and AutoCAD mobile app (formerly AutoCAD 360). Autodesk Suites, Subscription and Web Services, which include Autodesk Cloud, Autodesk Labs, and Global Engineering are also part of PSEB. In what was seen as an unusual step for a maker of high-end business software, Autodesk began offering AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac through the Apple Mac App Store. Also part of PSEB is the Autodesk Consumer Product Group, which was created in November 2010 to generate interest in 3-D design and “foster a new wave of designers who hunger for sophisticated software”. Users range from children, students and artists to makers and DIYers.
Training and certification
Autodesk offers certificates in two categories: Autodesk Certified User and Advanced Certified Professional.
* Autodesk Certified User- Verifies entry-level skills in key Autodesk products. Designed for students and instructors who wish to demonstrate basic proficiency. Curriculum, courseware, and exams offered for independent study or institutional integration.
* Advanced Certified Professional- Validates more advanced skills, including complex workflow and design challenges. Designed for students seeking a competitive advantage in a specific product area.
Architecture, engineering and construction
The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry group is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, in a LEED Platinum building designed and built using Autodesk software. Autodesk's architecture, engineering, and construction solutions include
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers. ...
, and
Revit
Autodesk Revit is a building information modelling software tool for architects, landscape architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers, designers and contractors. The original software was developed by ...
, which is their flagship product for relational
Building information modeling
Building information modeling (BIM) is a process supported by various tools, technologies and contracts involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places. Building informatio ...
. The AEC division also develops and manages software for the Construction industry, including Autodesk Construction Cloud,
Advance Steel Advance Steel is a CAD software application for 3D modeling and detailing of steel structures and automatic creation of fabrication drawings, bill of materials and NC files. It was initially developed by GRAITEC, but was acquired by Autodesk in 20 ...
, and the
Navisworks
Navisworks (known for a while as JetStream) is a 3D design review package for Microsoft Windows.
Used primarily in construction industries to complement 3D design packages (such as Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, and MicroStation), Navisworks allows ...
(formerly JetStream) product tools; the Infrastructure industry, including Civil 3D, and InfraWorks; and the MEP industry, including Fabrication CADmep. The Autodesk Services Marketplace offering helps its clients train their team in AEC Industry. Projects that have used software from the Autodesk AEC division include the NASA Ames building, the San Francisco Bay Bridge, the Shanghai Tower, and New York's One World Trade Center.
Genetic engineering
Autodesk Life Sciencesis an extensible toolkit for genetic engineering. It visualises DNA code (Molecule Viewer), and has a tool for writing DNA code (genetic constructor). The tool allows work on molecule-level, rather than nucleobase-level (A, C, G, T) constructs.
In 2018, all projects were suspended.
Manufacturing
![Autodesk headquarters](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bb/Autodesk_headquarters.jpg)
Autodesk's manufacturing industry group is headquartered in
Portland, Oregon
Portland (, ) is a port city in the Pacific Northwest and the largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon. Situated at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, Portland is the county seat of Multnomah County, the most populous co ...
. The company's manufacturing software is used in various manufacturing segments, including industrial machinery, electro-mechanical, tool and die, industrial equipment, automotive components, and consumer products. The principal products are
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), computer-aided engineering (CAE) and printed circuit board (PCB) design software application, developed by Autodesk. It is available for Windows and mac ...
, and its family (Fusion 360 with FeatureCAM,
PowerMill,
[Autodesk PowerMill, PowerShape and PowerInspect Join Fusion 360 Family, Better Uniting Manufacturing and Design](_blank)
Autodesk. August 25, 2020 PowerShape,
PowerInspect,
or Netfabb),
Autodesk Alias
Autodesk Alias (formerly known as Alias StudioTools) is a family of computer-aided industrial design (CAID) software predominantly used in automotive design and industrial design for generating class A surfaces using Bézier surface and non-uni ...
,
Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk Inventor is a computer-aided design application for 3D mechanical design, simulation, visualization, and documentation developed by Autodesk.
Features
Inventor allows 2D and 3D data integration in a single environment, creating a virt ...
,
Autodesk Vault
''Autodesk Vault'' is a data management tool integrated with Autodesk Inventor Series, Autodesk Inventor Professional, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD Electrical, Autodesk Revit and Civil 3D products. It helps design teams track work in progress and m ...
,
Autodesk CFD (formerly Autodesk Simulation CFD),
Moldflow
Moldflow is a producer of simulation software for high-end plastic injection molding computer-aided engineering. It is owned by Autodesk.
Autodesk stable release is Moldflow 2021.
Moldflow was founded in Melbourne
Melbourne ( ; Boonwurr ...
, VRED, and the Product Design & Manufacturing Collection, which includes
Inventor Nastran (formerly Nastran In-CAD), Inventor CAM (formerly Autodesk HSM and Inventor HSM), Inventor Nesting, Inventor Tolerance Analysis, and Factory Design Utilities.
Media and entertainment
Autodesk Media and Entertainment
Autodesk Media and Entertainment is a division of Autodesk which offers animation and visual effects products, and was formed by the combination of multiple acquisitions. In 2018, the company began operating
as a single operating segment and repo ...
products are designed for digital media creation, management, and delivery, from film and television visual effects, color grading, and editing to animation, game development, and design visualization. Autodesk's Media and Entertainment Division is based in Montreal, Quebec. It was established in 1999 after Autodesk, Inc. acquired Discreet Logic, Inc. and merged its operations with Kinetix. In January 2006, Autodesk acquired Alias, a developer of 3D graphics technology. In October 2008, Autodesk acquired the Softimage brand from Avid. The principal product offerings from the
Media and Entertainment Division are
Flame
A flame (from Latin ''flamma'') is the visible, gaseous part of a fire. It is caused by a highly exothermic chemical reaction taking place in a thin zone. When flames are hot enough to have ionized gaseous components of sufficient density they ...
, and the Media & Entertainment Collection, which include
Maya
Maya may refer to:
Civilizations
* Maya peoples, of southern Mexico and northern Central America
** Maya civilization, the historical civilization of the Maya peoples
** Maya language, the languages of the Maya peoples
* Maya (Ethiopia), a populat ...
,
3ds Max
Autodesk 3ds Max, formerly 3D Studio and 3D Studio Max, is a professional 3D computer graphics program for making 3D animations, models, games and images. It is developed and produced by Autodesk Media and Entertainment. It has modeling capabil ...
,
Arnold,
MotionBuilder
MotionBuilder is a 3D character animation software produced by Autodesk. It is used for virtual cinematography, motion capture, and traditional keyframe animation. It was originally named Filmbox when it was first created by Canadian company Ka ...
,
Mudbox
Mudbox is a proprietary computer-based 3D sculpting and painting tool. developed by Autodesk, Mudbox was created by Skymatter, founded by Tibor Madjar, David Cardwell and Andrew Camenisch, former artists of Weta Digital, where it was first us ...
, and ReCap Pro.
Much of ''
Avatar
Avatar (, ; ), is a concept within Hinduism that in Sanskrit literally means "descent". It signifies the material appearance or incarnation of a powerful deity, goddess or spirit on Earth. The relative verb to "alight, to make one's appearanc ...
s visual effects were created with Autodesk media and entertainment software. Autodesk software enabled ''Avatar'' director
James Cameron
James Francis Cameron (born August 16, 1954) is a Canadian filmmaker. A major figure in the post-New Hollywood era, he is considered one of the industry's most innovative filmmakers, regularly pushing the boundaries of cinematic capability w ...
to aim a camera at actors wearing motion-capture suits in a studio and see them as characters in the fictional world of Pandora in the film. Autodesk software also played a role in the visual effects of ''
Alice in Wonderland
''Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'' (commonly ''Alice in Wonderland'') is an 1865 English novel by Lewis Carroll. It details the story of a young girl named Alice who falls through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world of anthropomorphic creatur ...
'', ''
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'', ''
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1
''Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1'' is a 2010 fantasy film directed by David Yates from a screenplay by Steve Kloves. The film is the first of two cinematic parts based on the 2007 novel '' Harry Potter and the Deathly Hall ...
'', ''
Inception
''Inception'' is a 2010 science fiction action film written and directed by Christopher Nolan, who also produced the film with Emma Thomas, his wife. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a professional thief who steals information by infiltr ...
'', ''
Iron Man 2
''Iron Man 2'' is a 2010 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Iron Man. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Paramount Pictures, it is the sequel to ''Iron Man (2008 film), Iron Man'' (2008) and List of Marve ...
'',
''King Kong'',
''Gladiator'', ''
Titanic
RMS ''Titanic'' was a British passenger liner, operated by the White Star Line, which sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on 15 April 1912 after striking an iceberg during her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City, United ...
'', and other films.
Walt Disney Animation Studios
Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS), sometimes shortened to Disney Animation, is an American animation studio that creates animated features and short films for The Walt Disney Company. The studio's current production logo features a scene fro ...
also utilizes Autodesk Maya for character rigging and animation, being used in films such as
Frozen II
''Frozen 2'' (stylized as ''Frozen II'') is a 2019 American computer-animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The 58th animated film produced by the st ...
.
Renderers
Autodesk develops and purchased many specific-purpose renderers but many Autodesk products had been bundled with third-party renderers such as
NVIDIA Mental Ray or Iray.
* Autodesk Raytracer (ART; aka RapidRT) - a simple
path tracing
Path tracing is a computer graphics Monte Carlo method of rendering images of three-dimensional scenes such that the global illumination is faithful to reality. Fundamentally, the algorithm is integrating over all the illuminance arriving to ...
renderer based on Opticore technology.
** Autodesk Real Time Ray Tracing (Autodesk RTRT; formerly Opus RTRT) - a ray tracing rendering engine used in Autodesk Opticore Studio and Autodesk Real-Time Ray Tracing Cluster
* Autodesk VRED - an OpenGL/Raytracing real-time and offline renderer that supports direct NURBS ray tracing
** RenderGin (formerly Augenblick MMV) - a discontinued realtime NURBS ray tracing renderer the technology was merged into VRED.
* Autodesk Realtime Renderer (formerly VSR Realtime Renderer) - a discontinued ray tracing renderer for
Rhinoceros 3D
Rhinoceros (typically abbreviated Rhino or Rhino3D) is a commercial 3D computer graphics and computer-aided design (CAD) application software that was developed by Robert McNeel & Associates, an American, privately held, and employee-owned com ...
.
* Arnold Renderer - a CPU or GPU accelerated unidirectional path tracing renderer for animation and visual effects
* Turtle - a primary texture-baking renderer in Maya LT; its baking technology was also used in Beast, a discontinued lighting middleware with baking tools.
* Maya Software - a scanline/raytracing hybrid renderer in Maya
* 3ds Max Scanline - a scanline/ray tracing/radiosity hybrid renderer in 3ds Max
** Lightscape - a discontinued radiosity renderer; its technologies were merged within Autodesk VIZ (later 3ds Max Design).
* Maya Vector - a vector renderer based on Electric Rain's RAViX technology.
* One Graphics System - a GPU photorealistic/non-photorealistic renderer, aka Nitrous/Quicksilver in 3ds Max and Viewport 2.0/Hardware 2.0 in Maya
** Maya Hardware - a legacy GPU rasterize renderer in Maya 2017 or earlier.
Cloud rendering services
* Autodesk Rendering (formerly A360 Rendering) - a simple cloud renderer
* Lagoa MultiOptics - a discontinued cloud renderer for visualization
* 3ds Max Cloud Rendering - a technology preview cloud rendering system for Arnold on 3ds Max.
* Azure Batch Rendering - a cloud rendering system for Maya, 3ds Max and Arnold, which is provided by Autodesk and Microsoft.
Visualization tools
* Autodesk ImageStudio (formerly Alias ImageStudio) - a discontinued visualization tool based on
mental ray, marketed for
Autodesk Alias
Autodesk Alias (formerly known as Alias StudioTools) is a family of computer-aided industrial design (CAID) software predominantly used in automotive design and industrial design for generating class A surfaces using Bézier surface and non-uni ...
* Autodesk Showcase - a discontinued design visualization tool
* Autodesk Opticore Studio (formerly Opus Studio) - a discontinued design visualization tool
* Autodesk VRED (formerly PI-VR VRED)
* 3ds Max Interactive - a real-time visualization tool based on
Autodesk Stingray
Bitsquid is a discontinued 3D game engine with support for Linux, Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Android and iOS. It uses the Lua programming language, Lua scripting language.
The company was founded in Stockholm, Sweden, by tw ...
, shipped within
3ds Max
Autodesk 3ds Max, formerly 3D Studio and 3D Studio Max, is a professional 3D computer graphics program for making 3D animations, models, games and images. It is developed and produced by Autodesk Media and Entertainment. It has modeling capabil ...
.
* Revit Live - a discontinued real-time visualization service for
Autodesk Revit
Autodesk Revit is a building information modelling software tool for architects, landscape architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers, designers and contractors. The original software was developed by ...
Discontinued products
Some of Autodesk's "retired" products are listed here:
* Lightscape 3.2 Was the world's only
radiosity rendering package at the time (1991) developed from work done by Donald Greenberg at the
Cornell University
Cornell University is a private statutory land-grant research university based in Ithaca, New York. It is a member of the Ivy League. Founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White, Cornell was founded with the intention to teach an ...
Department of Computer Graphics. The problem with this part of Autodesk's history is that it was a time of discovery in computer graphics, and Cornell was one of the birthplaces for the technology. In this sense Lightscape was more than just another product, it was an essential part of the development of rendering technology generally, and part of its evolution. Additionally, the software came from a university research department and represented the start of a development cycle that users the world over were watching closely. Regardless, Autodesk purchased rights to the software and promptly discontinued its sale. A primitive version of the radiosity renderer was incorporated into the companies 3d Studio Max product, while existing Lightscape customers and the product were simply dropped.
* Volo View was a web-enabled review and markup tool from Autodesk for engineering data, including support for Autodesk's
DWG,
DXF
AutoCAD DXF (Drawing Interchange Format, or Drawing Exchange Format) is a CAD data file format developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs.
DXF was introduced in December 1982 as part of AutoCA ...
, and DWF formats. Volo View enabled design teams to communicate ideas and review designs without access to AutoCAD software. Autodesk discontinued sales of Volo View on May 1, 2005. The latest version of the software, Volo View 3, worked with the following file formats: AutoCAD 2004, DWG and DXF; Design Web Format (DWF 6); Autodesk Inventor 7 IPT, IAM, and IDW and raster files. The functionality of this product is largely replaced by Autodesk DWF Composer (versions 1 and 2) later replaced by the free
Autodesk Design Review
Design Web Format (DWF) is a file format developed by Autodesk for the efficient distribution and communication of rich design data to anyone who needs to view, review, or print design files. Because DWF files are highly compressed, they are sma ...
. Autodesk has also released a free product called DWG TrueView. This product enables users to view and plot AutoCAD
DWG and
DXF
AutoCAD DXF (Drawing Interchange Format, or Drawing Exchange Format) is a CAD data file format developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs.
DXF was introduced in December 1982 as part of AutoCA ...
files, and to publish these same files to the DWF file format.
*
Autodesk Animator Pro
Autodesk Animator is a 2D computer animation and painting program published in 1989 for MS-DOS. It was considered groundbreaking when initially released. (
DOS
DOS is shorthand for the MS-DOS and IBM PC DOS family of operating systems.
DOS may also refer to:
Computing
* Data over signalling (DoS), multiplexing data onto a signalling channel
* Denial-of-service attack (DoS), an attack on a communicatio ...
) and
Autodesk Animator Studio (
Windows
Windows is a group of several proprietary graphical operating system families developed and marketed by Microsoft. Each family caters to a certain sector of the computing industry. For example, Windows NT for consumers, Windows Server for serv ...
) were products designed for
cel-based animation produced between the early-to-mid-1990s. At the time Autodesk was also advertising an Autodesk Media product similar in description to
Macromedia Director
Adobe Director (formerly Macromedia Director, MacroMind Director, and MacroMind VideoWorks) was a multimedia application authoring platform created by Macromedia and managed by Adobe Systems until its discontinuation.
Director was the primary edi ...
but this product was never released to the public.
* Cyberspace by Autodesk was an early real-time 3D environment capable of producing basic
phong shaded walkthroughs of DXF format models in "realtime". No textures were supported, and the system was able to support a maximum DXF model size of around 35 KB. A popular demo model of the Parthenon in Greece was shown around the United States in a tour of the portable demo system – complete with virtual reality goggles.
* CAD Camera
*
AutoSketch
AutoSketch is a 2D vector drawing program by Autodesk. It is less powerful than Autodesk's AutoCAD and does not support 3D models.
AutoSketch uses SKD and SKF, in later versions, as its native format, but can support DWG and DXF. Version 2.1 for ...
*
AutoShade
* AutoCAD Survey (Autodesk Survey)
* Civil Design
* AutoCAD Civil 3D Land Desktop Companion (AutoCAD Land Desktop)
* Autodesk Mechanical Desktop
* AutoCAD Freestyle, released on April 26, 2010, and discontinued January 31, 2011.
* Autodesk Fluid FX
* Autodesk Time FX
*Inventor Fusion was discontinued August 23, 2014 due to redundancies with Fusion 360.
*Sketchbook designer has been discontinued as of November 1, 2012
*Softimage was discontinued after the release of Softimage 2015 on April 14, 2014.
** Face Robot
** Lagoa Multiphysics
*Autodesk Stitcher Unlimited
*Autodesk ImageModeler
*Autodesk Movimento (formerly Realviz Movimento)
*
Autodesk Combustion
Combustion was a computer program for motion graphics, compositing, and visual effects developed by Discreet Logic, a division on Autodesk. It shares a timeline based interface and also a node based interface with Autodesk Media and Entertainmen ...
** Discreet Effect (formerly Illuminaire Composition)
** Discreet Paint (formerly Illuminaire Paint)
*Cleaner Streaming Studio
** Cleaner Live
** Cleaner
** Cinestream (formerly
EditDV
EditDV was a video editing software released by Radius, Inc. in late 1997 as an evolution of their earlier Radius Edit product. EditDV was one of the first products providing professional-quality editing of the then new DV format at a relativel ...
)
* 3D software for
game modification
Video game modding (short for "modification") is the process of alteration by players or fans of one or more aspects of a video game, such as how it looks or behaves, and is a sub-discipline of general modding. Mods may range from small changes an ...
** gmax
** Maya PLE
** XSI Mod Tool
* Autodesk Topobase Client - its feature was merged into AutoCAD Map 3D.
[Autodesk 2012 AEC Software Portfolio Expands Value of Building Information Modeling](_blank)
Business Wire, March 22, 2011
* Autodesk Topobase Web - its feature was merged into Autodesk Infrastructure Map Server.
* Autodesk Opticore Realizer (formerly Opus Realizer)
* Autodesk Opticore Studio (formerly Opus Studio)
* Autodesk AutoCAD ecscad - the product was replaced by AutoCAD Electrical.
* Autodesk Smoke Advanced
[Autodesk shakes up effects and finishing tools line-up](_blank)
CG Channel. May 8, 2014
* Autodesk Flint
* Autodesk Inferno
* AutoCAD Structural Detailing
* tsElements for SolidWorks
* FBX Converter
* FBX QuickTime Viewer
* Autodesk Scaleform Unity Integration
* Revit variants
** Autodesk Revit Architecture - its features were merged into Revit itself.
[Revit 2017 Advances BIM for Future of Designing Buildings](_blank)
Autodesk, April 18, 2016
** Autodesk Revit Structure - its features were merged into Revit itself.
** Autodesk Revit MEP - its features were merged into Revit itself.
* Autodesk Ecotect Analysis
* Buzzsaw
[Buzzsaw is no longer available for purchase](_blank)
Autodesk - the service was replaced by BIM 360 Docs.
* Mockup 360
[Mockup 360 is no longer available](_blank)
Autodesk - the tool was replaced by A360 Viewer.
* Autodesk Remote
* Inventor Engineer-to-Order
* Autodesk
Advance Concrete
* Autodesk Quantity Takeoff - some features of the product were merged into Autodesk Navisworks Simulate.
*
Autodesk 123D
Autodesk 123D was a suite of hobbyist CAD and 3D modelling tools created by Autodesk. It is similar in scope to Trimble SketchUp and is based on Autodesk Inventor. As well as the more basic drawing and modelling capabilities it also has asse ...
** Autodesk 3D Print Utility - its features were merged into the Meshmixer.
** Autodesk 123D CNC Utility
** Autodesk 123D Sculpt+ (formerly 123D Sculpt and Sculpt 123D)
** Autodesk 123D Make - its slice feature was now in "Slicer for Fusion 360" add-in.
** Autodesk 123D Catch (formerly Project Photofly)
** Autodesk 123D Circuits (a.k.a. Circuits.io) - its "Electronics Lab" feature was merged into
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free-of-charge, online 3D modeling program that runs in a web browser. Since it became available in 2011 it has become a popular platform for creating models for 3D printing as well as an entry-level introduction to constructive s ...
.
* Tinkerplay (formerly Modio)
* Autodesk plugins for
Rhino
A rhinoceros (; ; ), commonly abbreviated to rhino, is a member of any of the five extant species (or numerous extinct species) of odd-toed ungulates in the family Rhinocerotidae. (It can also refer to a member of any of the extinct species o ...
** Autodesk T-Splines Plug-in for Rhino
[The future of Autodesk plug-ins for Rhino](_blank)
Autodesk November 17, 2016
** Autodesk Shape Modeling Plug-in for Rhino
(formerly VSR Shape Modeling)
** Autodesk Realtime Renderer
(formerly VSR Realtime Renderer)
* Autodesk ForceEffect family
** Autodesk ForceEffect
** Autodesk ForceEffectMotion
** Autodesk ForceEffectFlow
* Autodesk Spark - the 3D Print API in Autodesk Forge was also discontinued.
* Print Studio
[Autodesk Discontinues Manufacture of Open Source Ember 3D Printer](_blank)
April 12, 2017. 3DR Holdings - the tool was replaced by Netfabb.
* Autodesk Footwear CAM Software (formerly
Delcam
Delcam is a supplier of advanced CAD/CAM software for the manufacturing industry.
The company has grown steadily since being founded formally in 1977, after initial development work at Cambridge University, UK.
It is now a global developer of ...
Crispin)
* Autodesk Delcam for Solidworks CAM Software
* Autodesk Delcam Dentmill CAM Software
* Autodesk Delcam Orthomill CAM Software
* Autodesk Artcam CAM Software
* Autodesk Partmaker CAM Software
* Autodesk Inventor Publisher - the product was replaced by the presentation feature of Autodesk Inventor Professional.
** Inventor Publisher Viewer
* AutoCAD Utility Design
*
Pixlr
Pixlr is a cloud-based set of image editing tools and utilities, including a number of photo editors and a photo sharing service. It was acquired by Autodesk in 2011. The suite is intended from the range of simple to advanced photo editing. It ...
for Desktop
*Autodesk Showcase
** Autodesk Real-Time Ray Tracing Cluster
*
Autodesk Simulation Mechanical
* Autodesk Homestyler
* Autodesk Within - its functionality was merged into Netfabb.
* Autodesk ReMake - the product was replaced by ReCap Photo in ReCap Pro.
*
Autodesk Gameware
Autodesk Gameware is a discontinued middleware software suite developed by Autodesk. The suite contained tools that enable designers to create game lighting, character animation, low level path finding, high-level AI and advanced user interfaces. O ...
** Autodesk
Scaleform
Scaleform Corporation is a developer providing middleware for use in the video game industry. As a result of Autodesk's acquisition of the company in March 2011, Scaleform has become part of the Autodesk Gameware line of middleware.
Products
*S ...
[Autodesk game middleware products are no longer available for purchase](_blank)
, Autodesk, 2017
** Autodesk
Beast
** Autodesk HumanIK
** Autodesk Navigation
(the successor of Autodesk
Kynapse
Kynapse is the artificial intelligence middleware product, developed by Kynogon, which was bought by Autodesk in 2008 and called ''Autodesk Kynapse''. In 2011, it has been re-engineered and rebranded ''Autodesk Navigation''.
Since the discontinua ...
)
** Autodesk Population
** Autodesk Cognition
* Lagoa
*
Autodesk Stingray
Bitsquid is a discontinued 3D game engine with support for Linux, Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Android and iOS. It uses the Lua programming language, Lua scripting language.
The company was founded in Stockholm, Sweden, by tw ...
(formerly Bitsquid) - the product is now part of 3ds Max as "3ds Max Interactive".
* Autodesk Infrastructure Map Server (formerly Autodesk MapGuide Enterprise Server)
* Autodesk Live Viewer
[Autodesk Live 2.0 Viewer](_blank)
Autodesk, January 8, 2018 - The presentation published by Autodesk Live (Revit Live) now comes with internal viewer
but its mobile publishing feature was dropped.
* Autodesk Flow Design
* AutoCAD variants
** AutoCAD P&ID
[AutoCAD P&ID is no longer available](_blank)
Autodesk - the product was replaced by AutoCAD Plant 3D.
**
AutoCAD Architecture
AutoCAD Architecture (abbreviated as ACA) is a version of Autodesk's flagship product, AutoCAD, with tools and functions specially suited to architectural work.
Architectural objects have a relationship to one another and interact with each other ...
(formerly Autodesk Architectural Desktop) - the product was merged into AutoCAD itself.
** AutoCAD Electrical - the product was merged into AutoCAD itself.
** AutoCAD Mechanical - the product was merged into AutoCAD itself.
** AutoCAD MEP (formerly Autodesk Building Systems) - the product was merged into AutoCAD itself.
** AutoCAD Map 3D - the product was merged into AutoCAD itself.
** AutoCAD Plant 3D - the product was merged into AutoCAD itself.
** AutoCAD Raster Design - the product was merged into AutoCAD itself.
* Structural Analysis for Revit - the product was replaced by Robot Structural Analysis Professional.
* A360 Desktop
* Autodesk InfraWorks 360 iPad app
* Autodesk MatchMover (formerly RealViz MatchMover)
* Autodesk Composite (formerly
Autodesk Toxik
Autodesk Toxik was an interactive node based, film compositing solution developed by Autodesk Media and Entertainment, a subsidiary of Autodesk, Inc.
History
Autodesk Toxic is a film compositing software first released in 2007.
Features
...
)
* BIM 360 Team (formerly A360 Team)
** P&ID Modeler for Revit - deprecated to expand the use of the product.
[Notice: Changes Impacting P&ID Modeler for Revit and Collaboration for Plant 3D](_blank)
, Autodesk, May 4, 2018
** Collaboration for Plant 3D (C4P) - deprecated to expand the use of the product.
* Autodesk Revit Extensions
* Autodesk TruFiber - the product was merged into TruComposites.
* Autodesk TruLaser - the product was merged into TruComposites.
* Autodesk TruPlan - the product was merged into TruComposites.
* Autodesk Life Sciences' products
[Autodesk Life Sciences](_blank)
Autodesk
** Genetic Constructor
** Molecule Viewer
* Configurator 360
* Alias SpeedForm - its functionality was merged into other Alias products.
Autodesk, June 20, 2019
* Alias Design
* Revit Live
* Revit Model Review - the product was replaced by Autodesk BIM Interoperability Tools.
[What’s new in Revit 2021](_blank)
Autodesk, April 8, 2020
* Site Designer add-in for Revit
* ReCap Pro for mobile
* Slicer for Fusion 360
* A360 Drive - the product was replaced by Autodesk Drive.
* Autodesk Constructware
* Inventor LT
[New subscriptions to Inventor LT are no longer available](_blank)
Autodesk
** Inventor LT Suite
* Dynamo Studio - the product was replaced by Dynamo Sandbox.
* Autodesk TruComposites
* Autodesk TruNest
* Autodesk Meshmixer - though it's still available as free, the development was discontinued;
its technologies were merged into Fusion 360 and Netfabb.
[Autodesk Meshmixer](_blank)
Autodesk. September, 2021
* Netfabb Online Service - the product was merged into Fusion 360.
* Autodesk 3ds Max Asset Library
Maintenance-mode products
* BIM 360 - the product was replaced by Autodesk Construction Cloud.
** BIM 360 Field (formerly Vela Systems) - the product had become to provide through BIM 360 Build.
** BIM 360 Build - the product was replaced by Autodesk Build.
** BIM 360 Coordinate (formerly BIM 360 Glue) - the product was replaced by BIM Collaborate which is a subset of Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro (formerly BIM 360 Design).
Autodesk. February 9, 2021.
Non-maintained products
*Motion FX
*Autodesk
Smoke
Smoke is a suspension of airborne particulates and gases emitted when a material undergoes combustion or pyrolysis, together with the quantity of air that is entrained or otherwise mixed into the mass. It is commonly an unwanted by-product ...
- only works on
macOS
macOS (; previously OS X and originally Mac OS X) is a Unix operating system developed and marketed by Apple Inc. since 2001. It is the primary operating system for Apple's Mac computers. Within the market of desktop and lapt ...
before
Catalina
Catalina may refer to:
Arts and media
* ''The Catalina'', a 2012 American reality television show
* ''Catalina'' (novel), a 1948 novel by W. Somerset Maugham
* Catalina (''My Name Is Earl''), character from the NBC sitcom ''My Name Is Earl''
...
.
Formerly owned and have since been divested
* Autodesk Seek - acquired by BIMobject AB.
* Autodesk Pixlr - acquired by 123RF.
*
Creative Market
Creative Market is an online marketplace for community-generated design assets. The company sells graphics, WordPress themes, stock photography, and other digital goods for use by web creatives. Creative Market has over one million users and more ...
- became independent again in funding by Palm Drive Capital and others.
*
Autodesk SketchBook
Sketchbook (formerly StudioPaint, Autodesk SketchBook), is a raster graphics software app intended for expressive drawing and concept sketching also for making animations (Jelly Boo, Teatralka). The software was first developed by Alias Systems ...
(formerly Alias Sketchbook Pro) - became independent
Sustainability
Autodesk CFD (formerly Autodesk Simulation CFD) includes modeling and thermal modeling tools for architectural and MEP applications. Common applications for environmental
sustainable design
Environmentally sustainable design (also called environmentally conscious design, eco-design, etc.) is the philosophy of designing physical objects, the built environment, and services to comply with the principles of ecological sustainability ...
include mechanical ventilation, external flow (wind loading), natural ventilation, and occupant comfort. Other energy applications include analysis for building energy, solar load, advanced energy and heating and cooling. Autodesk introduced C-FACT, an open-source, science-driven approach to setting
greenhouse gas
A greenhouse gas (GHG or GhG) is a gas that Absorption (electromagnetic radiation), absorbs and Emission (electromagnetic radiation), emits radiant energy within the thermal infrared range, causing the greenhouse effect. The primary greenhouse ...
reduction targets, which calls for greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions to be made in proportion to a company's gross domestic product (GDP). Unlike other carbon accounting methods, Autodesk's C-FACT measures carbon dioxide emissions that are proportional to a company's global GDP contribution. Autodesk will derive its own targets using this approach through 2020.
In 2006, Autodesk sponsored a
PBS
The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is an American public broadcasting, public broadcaster and Non-commercial activity, non-commercial, Terrestrial television, free-to-air television network based in Arlington, Virginia. PBS is a publicly fu ...
program named ''e² Design'',
which focused on green building design around the world, describing the leaders and technologies that drive sustainable design.
See also
*
Digital prototyping
Digital Prototyping gives conceptual design, engineering, manufacturing, and sales and marketing departments the ability to virtually explore a complete product before it's built. Industrial designers, manufacturers, and engineers use Digital Prot ...
References
External links
Official website*
{{Autodesk products
1982 establishments in California
Companies based in San Francisco
American companies established in 1982
Software companies established in 1982
GIS software companies
Software companies based in the San Francisco Bay Area
1980s initial public offerings
Software companies of the United States