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Cadalyst Library: Free Downloads
Whitepapers, how-to guides, e-books, and more are available for free download from Cadalyst and our sponsors. Check out the following free resources that can help you make the most of the hardware and software that powers your CAD workflow.
Hardware
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Software
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Hardware
| New! Cadalyst Pro Tips #8: Six 'Whys' of Choosing a Workstation | How to Choose a CAD Workstation on a Budget | |
 Are you considering a new computer for CAD? Do you know how to start configuring that essential machine - and why? When you plan your next purchase, start with these basics. From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now — no registration required! |
 You’re not looking to splurge on all the bells and whistles; you just need a reliable machine that will get the job done. But what type of configuration will meet your needs? And which components and capabilities are must-haves? The sample configurations and expert advice in this guide will help you decide. Sponsored by Dell and Intel. Download now. |
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What Makes a Mobile Workstation?
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 Apart from the form factor, what differentiates mobile workstations from their stationary cousins — and from each other? This overview explains the categories of mobile workstations, the subsystems vendors are using, and why one type of component might be better for your needs than another. From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now. |
| New! Cadalyst Guide: Choose the Best Type of Monitor for CAD | ||
 To help you choose the right monitor for your needs, experts from four monitor manufacturers — BenQ, Lenovo, NEC Display Solutions, and ViewSonic - share their perspectives in this seven-page white paper. The guide addresses the most important considerations for CAD users, including QHD vs. UHD/4K resolution; flat and curved form factors; viewing angle; and more! From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now. |
Plotters, Printers, 3D Printers
| Editors' Pick! Optimize Your Investment in a 3D Printer | ||
 If your company is considering buying a 3D printer, you may be overwhelmed with all your options. This white paper guides you through the basics of understanding features you need in a 3D printer, which materials will work best in your situation, how to implement 3D printing technology, and more. Sponsored by Stratasys. Download now. |
| New! Cadalyst Pro Tips #7: Choose the Right CAD Input Device | Special Report: Mobile CAD Gets Real | |
 Selecting an input device that works for you is essential, because you'll use it all day, every day. Do you need low cost or high comfort? Corded or wireless? Trackball or vertical grip? To determine which mouse belongs in your house, start with this one-page overview that sorts the many options into needs-based categories. From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now — no registration required! |
 Three professionals — a 3D mechanical CAD user, a project engineer, and a CAD manager — share their experiences putting the Microsoft Surface Pro tablet to use in lieu of a laptop. Sponsored by Microsoft. Download now! |
| Cadalyst Special Report: The State of CAD Mobility, Part 1 — Technology Is Growing Up | Cadalyst Special Report: The State of CAD Mobility, Part 2 — Mobile CAD in the Real World | |
 This special report from the editors of Cadalyst discusses current mobile CAD use, factors limiting mobile CAD adoption, and changes afoot in the market that we expect will accelerate growth. Sponsored by Microsoft. Download now! |
 This special report from the editors of Cadalyst looks at applications of mobile CAD in the manufacturing industry and reveal what the future might hold for mobile CAD technologies and the users who will benefit from them. Sponsored by Microsoft. Download now! |
| Engineers Get a Grip on Work with CAD-Specific Input Devices | ||
 You’ve likely mastered the ins and outs of your software and the workstation that runs it, meaning you’re already getting the most performance possible out of your particular setup. To raise your game, you would have to upgrade one of your tools. However, beefing up your computer or switching to a different CAD software package requires a serious investment of money, training time, or both. But your software and workstation aren’t the only places where upgrades can have a substantial impact on your productivity. Sponsored by 3Dconnexion. Download now. |
Software
| New! 100+ Fabulous Freebies for CAD Users — 2017 Edition | Editors' Pick! A CAD Dinosaur's Journey into Modern Times | |
 The editors of Cadalyst, with help from our contributing editors and readers who are in the CAD trenches day in and day out, have compiled this guide to more than 100 software tools and resources that don't cost a cent. Fabulous Freebies for CAD Users has something for everyone. Download our guide and you'll soon be asking yourself, "How did I live without this?" From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now. |
 Sometimes change is hard, but when you're talking about upgrading CAD software and changing to a state-of-the-art professional workstation, it is worth it. Cadalyst's original blog series follows Patrick Hughes, machine designer and owner of Engineered Design Solutions, as he takes the plunge and moves from using AutoCAD Release 14 on an outdated PC to AutoCAD 2015 on a new professional workstation. Follow along in our e- book as this CAD dinosaur finds his way in the 21st century. Sponsored by Intel. Download now. |
| Cadalyst Labs Report: DWG-Compatible Software | ||
 Have you been exploring your options in 2D CAD software applications, only to be overwhelmed by the number of products available? This Cadalyst Labs Report by longtime CAD journalist Randall Newton delves into some of the most popular, well-established titles in the market. Learn about the history and importance of the DWG format, software that's available by perpetual purchase as well as by subscription, and more. From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now. |
Document Management, Product Lifecycle
Management, and Collaboration
| What is PLM and How Can It Help My Company? | ||
 Product lifecycle management can benefit companies of all sizes and needs. PLM solutions can boost productivity for manufacturers, and Autodesk PLM 360 brings those benefits within reach of small and medium size businesses. Sponsored by IMAGINiT. Download now. |
| New! Executive's Guide to Managing ECOs | New! The Future of Making Things Starts Now | |
 Engineering change requests and change orders are critical components of effective product development - yet many SMBs still manage these processes using sticky notes, email, spreadsheets, or home-grown solutions. This whitepaper discusses why every successful SMB must actively control this process and introduces a solution that is effective, affordable, and right-sized. Learn how automating the change process can improve your business without stressing your staff or budget. Sponsored by IMAGINiT Technologies. Download now. |
 Product development is entering a new era, driven by new means of manufacturing methods, customer demands, and connected products. This whitepaper discusses how manufacturers today can stay competitive by transitioning from the traditional, waterfall-based product development lifecycle to one that focuses on customization, collaboration, flexible manufacturing methods, and connected services. Sponsored by Autodesk. Download now. |
| Cadalyst Pro Tips #6: Favorite Hatch Helpers | Small Firms Win Big with Revit LT | |
 Wondering how to give the various materials in your drawings just the right look? Try a custom hatch pattern! The classic Cadalyst CAD Tips included here are longtime favorites of AutoCAD users. Simply download one of the prepared patterns, or craft your own with the LISP routines. From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now — no registration required! |
 This whitepaper highlights two small architectural firms that moved from AutoCAD to Autodesk Revit LT for building information modeling (BIM), including why they made the move and what the transition was like. Sponsored by Autodesk. Download now. |
| The AEC Professional's Guide to Outsourcing BIM Management | Help Building Owners Get the BIM Data They Really Need | ||
 A good BIM manager is vital to an AEC firm's success. But what constitutes good BIM management? What does it mean to outsource BIM management, and when does it make sense to to do so? If outsourcing is right for you, how do you maximize its benefits and avoid the pitfalls? This whitepaper will answer those questions and provide the needed perspective to help companies make decisions that optimize their BIM initiatives. Sponsored by IMAGINiT. Download now. |
 Teach your clients which model information can help them best manage their facilities - and in turn earn your clients' trust - and build your business. At the project hand-off phase, you need a clear idea of who is getting the data, what information that person needs, and how the data will be managed and kept up to date. Learn how to teach clients to get the most out of BIM data and in turn build your own business. Sponsored by IMAGINiT. Download now. |
| Cadalyst Pro Tips #3: 18 Questions to Ask Before You Rent CAD Software | Cadalyst Pro Tips #4: Surveying the CAD Licensing Landscape | |
 Trying to decide between perpetual licensing and software subscription? Use our list to be sure you cover all your bases. From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now — no registration required! |
 The CAD software market has been slower than some to embrace rental or subscription plans, but more vendors are moving in that direction. This sampling of CAD developers provides a peek at the range of licensing options available today, and at the wide variety of perspectives on the subject. From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now — no registration required! |
| Straight Talk About Autodesk Subscription | CAD Software: The Benefits of Ownership | ||
 Autodesk is phasing out perpetual software licenses. Going forward, Autodesk customers who wish to purchase or upgrade software must select a subscription (rental) licensing plan. Bypass the myths and misunderstandings surrounding this change and go straight to the truth in this free, four-page downloadable guide from the editors of Cadalyst. Sponsored by Autodesk. Download now. |
 As delivery modes have changed, so has the concept of software ownership, and users today can buy software, rent it via subscription, or pay a fee to access it online. Subscription applications aren’t the best option for every business. Learn the benefits of software ownership vs. rental and how to determine if ownership is right for you. Sponsored by IMSI/Design. Download now. |
Cadalyst Pro Tips
| New! Cadalyst Pro Tips #9: Training Checklists for CAD Managers | New! Cadalyst Pro Tips #8: Six 'Whys' of Choosing a Workstation | |
 Training is an essential task on every CAD manager's to-do list. But with all those little details to remember, preparing a clear, informative training session can be overwhelming. These handy checklists present helpful advice from CAD management expert Robert Green in a concise format that will help you deliver a training session that will make your users — and your boss — happy. From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now — no registration required! |
 Are you considering a new computer for CAD? Do you know how to start configuring that essential machine - and why? When you plan your next purchase, start with these basics. From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now — no registration required! |
| New! Cadalyst Pro Tips #7: Choose the Right CAD Input Device | New! Cadalyst Pro Tips #6: Favorite Hatch Helpers | |
 Selecting an input device that works for you is essential, because you'll use it all day, every day. Do you need low cost or high comfort? Corded or wireless? Trackball or vertical grip? To determine which mouse belongs in your house, start with this one-page overview that sorts the many options into needs-based categories. From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now — no registration required! |
 Wondering how to give the various materials in your drawings just the right look? Try a custom hatch pattern! The classic Cadalyst CAD Tips included here are longtime favorites of AutoCAD users. Simply download one of the prepared patterns, or craft your own with the LISP routines. From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now — no registration required! |
| Cadalyst Pro Tips #5: Essential Communication Techniques for CAD Managers | Cadalyst Pro Tips #4: Surveying the CAD Licensing Landscape | |
 As a CAD manager, communicating effectively with upper management is essential. For example, to get your users the tools they need, you must convince the person holding the purse strings that those purchases are worthy investments. To make these conversations less challenging, try these field-tested techniques from CAD management expert Robert Green. Download now — no registration required! |
The CAD software market has been slower than some to embrace rental or subscription plans, but more vendors are moving in that direction. This sampling of CAD developers provides a peek at the range of licensing options available today, and at the wide variety of perspectives on the subject. From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now — no registration required! |
| Cadalyst Pro Tips #3: 18 Questions to Ask Before You Rent CAD Software | ||
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Trying to decide between perpetual licensing and software subscription? Many factors may influence your choice. Download this one-page tip sheet to learn what to ask when making your next CAD software licensing decision. From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now — no registration required! |
CAD Management
| New! Cadalyst Pro Tips #9: Training Checklists for CAD Managers | Cadalyst Labs Report: DWG-Compatible Software | |
 Training is an essential task on every CAD manager's to-do list. But with all those little details to remember, preparing a clear, informative training session can be overwhelming. These handy checklists present helpful advice from CAD management expert Robert Green in a concise format that will help you deliver a training session that will make your users — and your boss — happy. From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now — no registration required! |
 Have you been exploring your options in 2D CAD software applications, only to be overwhelmed by the number of products available? This Cadalyst Labs Report by longtime CAD journalist Randall Newton delves into some of the most popular, well-established titles in the market. Learn about the history and importance of the DWG format, software that's available by perpetual purchase as well as by subscription, and more. From the editors of Cadalyst. Download now. |
| Cadalyst Pro Tips #5: Essential Communication Techniques for CAD Managers | ||
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As a CAD manager, communicating effectively with upper management is essential. For example, to get your users the tools they need, you must convince the person holding the purse strings that those purchases are worthy investments. To make these conversations less challenging, try these field-tested techniques from CAD management expert Robert Green. Download now — no registration required! |
