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AutoCAD 2011 for the Mac included new in-canvas viewport controls in addition to a completely Mac interface. Borrowing from the MacĪutodesk put an end to rumors last fall when it published the first Macintosh version of AutoCAD in over 20 years (see /articles/aabamx.htm). While major improvements may have to wait until next year, AutoCAD 2012 offers a slew of new features. In the past, this might have signified a release with few surprises, similar to how AutoCAD 2009 had few surprises beyond the now-familiar ribbon interface. If the current trend continues, AutoCAD 2012 will be the final edition to support the 2010 file format.
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With the release of AutoCAD 2010, the file format was last altered. Autodesk updates its DWG drawing file format every three years, allowing it to handle the next wave of updates to its legendary flagship product.
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AutoCAD has had a three-year development cycle for more than a decade.
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