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What’s New in AutoCAD 2022? Get Digital Collaboration Across Platforms with Trace – AutoCAD Blog

What’s New in AutoCAD 2022? Get Digital Collaboration Across Platforms with Trace – AutoCAD Blog
Wei Zhang
Written by Wei Zhang

Effective digital collaboration is crucial for achieving successful project outcomes. The introduction of Trace in AutoCAD 2025 revolutionizes how teams can work together on design projects. This innovative feature allows for seamless collaboration and enhances design review cycles, making it easier for teams to provide feedback and adapt designs in real time.

Enhanced Collaboration with Trace

Trace serves as a modern equivalent of traditional tracing paper, offering a digital environment where team members can annotate designs without modifying the original files. This collaborative tool enables users to create distinct tracings within the AutoCAD web or mobile applications. By marking up designs directly in the DWG files, collaborators can contribute to the project regardless of their location. When returning to AutoCAD on a desktop, users can access the Traces palette to view these annotations within the context of their working drawings, simplifying the incorporation of feedback. The process eliminates the need for manual revisions using red pens or sticky notes.

Simplifying the Review Process

Trace converts the drawing review cycle into a more efficient task. With the ability to visualize suggestions directly overlaying the original design, team members can quickly grasp changes and improvements. The new features come with a set of commands that streamline the workflow:

  • **TRACE**: Initiates and manages the trace feature from the command line.
  • **TRACEBACK**: Displays the main drawing fully saturated while reducing the visibility of the trace elements, enabling clearer focus on the original design.
  • **TRACEFRONT**: Brings the active trace into full view while dimming the host drawing, allowing users to concentrate on modifications.
  • **TRACEPALETTECLOSE**: Closes the Trace palette when it’s no longer needed.
  • **TRACEPALETTEOPEN**: Opens the environment for managing traces within the current drawing, facilitating easy access to feedback.

Discovering Trace Functionality

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waTuU7nE1O8" title="AutoCAD Trace Overview

Starting with Trace

To utilize the features of Trace, log into your Autodesk Account and download the most recent release of AutoCAD. For those who have not yet subscribed, a complimentary 30-day trial of AutoCAD 2025 and AutoCAD LT 2025 is available. Additionally, users can explore the AutoCAD web application, which provides full functionalities for free through the Web App Program, enabling easy access to design tools from any location.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How can Trace improve team collaboration?
    Trace allows team members to provide real-time feedback on designs without altering the original drawings, creating a clear and collaborative review process.
  2. Can I access Trace on multiple devices?
    Yes, Trace can be utilized across different platforms, including the AutoCAD web and mobile apps, allowing for flexible collaboration regardless of team members’ locations.
  3. What do I need to get started with AutoCAD 2025 and Trace?
    Simply log into your Autodesk Account to download AutoCAD 2025. If you’re new, consider starting with the free 30-day trial or using the AutoCAD web app for immediate access.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.