What's new in VariCAD Viewer 2023-2.02
Mar 28, 2023
- OpenGL Settings:
- The new version can exploit the latest OpenGL standard (4.6), while you can still work with lower versions (4.3 or 4.0). Updated VariCAD works according to previous settings, unless you change it explicitly.
- Command “cfg” offers you a new section – OpenGL advanced settings. These settings are helpful in case the graphic does not work flawlessly. Moreover, we provide a tool which can easily restart VariCAD in case of problems. Now, VariCAD works well also for the latest versions of Mesa library under Linux.
- Dragging of 2D Objects in 2D Area or in Sketching:
- Contrary to previous versions, there is no longer a dialog asking you about copying or moving. If you want to copy selected objects, simply put them in their original location first. For dragging, you can use the intersection of temporary leading lines. The behavior is similar to copying or moving 3D objects.
- Dragging of 3D Objects while Changing Dimensions:
- If you want to change the dimensions of basic shapes (like a box, cylinder, cone…), you can stretch a corresponding dimension. Edited 3D objects are changed dynamically according to cursor movement. Similarly, you can drag the height of an extruded solid, if you create or edit an object by sketching. Now, you can snap on 3D locations during dragging (snap on end-points, mid-points, circle centers…). This feature can be optionally turned off in command “cfg”.
- Preview of Inactive Documents:
- This feature was introduced in the previous release. Now, the preview is displayed in all possible situations. If you want to leave VariCAD and if there are some unsaved changes, the preview is displayed for all of them, except the situation when the only changed document is the active one. Similarly, you can see previews if you want to perform “save all” and there are multiple unchanged “NONAME” documents.
- Another new feature is the preview of all files related to assembly structure. The dialog panel contains a preview section displaying currently open documents, as well as documents not open - then, a preview used in file-dialog is displayed. The list of files contains multiple new information.
- Working with Two Monitors:
- It is no longer necessary to define explicitly where VariCAD will be displayed. Simply drag and drop the entire VariCAD window to the left or right monitor. Next, VariCAD will start there. Note that the second VariCAD instance (a read-only) has different settings. You can still define the VariCAD location in the “cfg” command, as it was previously.
- Repairing Gaps in a Selected Profile:
- While defining contours to be extruded (or rotated, or lofted…), you can automatically detect and repair gaps between adjacent segments. Width of the gap can be selected. By default, gaps up to 0.025 mm are detected and repaired. The width can be set up to 0.25 mm. If a gap is detected, it is repaired by extending or trimming to the intersection with the neighboring segment, or in case of NURBS, by recalculating it.
- Detection and repairing of gaps is available from the pop-up menu while sketching contours, or from a command “rgp” – which is also active in 2D drawing. If untreated, gaps within micrometers or less may cause problems in working with 3D solids. Gaps usually originate by importing 2D objects.
- Printed Lines Thickness Settings:
- The dialog panels are rebuilt. Now, you can define thickness legibly in one dialog.
New in VariCAD Viewer 2022-1.04 (Jul 8, 2022)
- This version contains more possibilities in definition of printed line thickness, definition of file title and description, changes in warnings (sound or status bar blinking) and further enhanced color palettes.
New in VariCAD Viewer 2022-1.03 (Jan 31, 2022)
- New version VariCAD 2022-1.03 has been released. Although this is not a major release, it contains a few new features. This version contains more possibilities in definition of printed line thickness, definition of file title and description, changes in warnings (sound or status bar blinking) and further enhanced color palettes.
New in VariCAD Viewer 2022-1.01 (Nov 25, 2021)
- This version contains rebuilt weld and tolerance symbols, new features in management of exports of 3D views into 2D, changes in surface development (sheet metal unbending) and enhancement in 2D dimensioning. Next, there are new methods of working with predefined 2D or 3D views, possibility to define individual color of selected surfaces, changes in working environment (predefined colors are more complex) and changes in 3D modeling, mostly in filleting.
New in VariCAD Viewer 2021-2.01 (May 19, 2021)
- Completely rebuilt 2D graphics used in 2D drawing and sketching.
- Improvements in 2D features.
- Rebuilt management of exports of 3D views into 2D.
- Changes in definition of printing of 2D area.
- Improvements in 3D modeling kernel.
- Since the last announcement of new features, improvements in STEP input.
- Thickness of displayed 2D lines:
- Apart from color and line style definition, you can also select the thickness of displayed 2D lines. Thickness can be predefined for any 2D layer. By default, layer “Outline” uses thick lines. Line thickness can be selected on various occasions. More specifically, in 2D view creation from 3D (for visible lines by default), for 2D sheet border, weld and tolerance symbols and part of displayed item numbers. Thick lines can be displayed also in file preview, but in this case, such option is convenient rather for 4k resolution, for 196 Dpi.
- More legible displaying of auxiliary objects.
- All markers (like end-points, intersection markers, circle centers…), direction arrows, temporary lines or circles, detected objects or marked temporary locations are displayed more clearly. Detected objects, corners or construction lines are highlighted in thick lines. These rules are used both in 2D drawing area and in sketching.
- Construction lines and temporary leading or transient lines.
- Creation or deleting of construction lines is also conveniently accessible from the pop-up menu, if you click an empty area. If detected, a construction line is highlighted in different color than detected ordinary 2D objects. Whenever you need to define a start point the construction lines are dragged from, you can right-click an end-point of arc or curve, or a line and select tangent direction or direction perpendicular to tangent. If you right-click a highlighted transient line (for instance created at currently detected end-point), you can select to keep the line till the end of the current task. Then, such transient lines are removed automatically. If you right-click a 2D line during location input, you can create a temporary leading line along the detected line. Similarly, as for permanent construction lines, you can also right-click an end-point or midpoint and create a temporary leading line along/perpendicular to tangent direction.
- Cursor coordinates, input of 2D location.
- Coordinates displayed near the cursor are now clear on white background, in 2D drawing area, sketching and in 3D. If an incorrect location is detected, coordinates background is changed to a red color. If you create a dimension connected to 3D view and the dimension is automatically updatable, coordinates background is green – then, you always see the status of the dimension. Input of 2D location offers a new possibility to snap to text insertion points, so you can easily insert new texts according to existing ones.
- View exports from 3D:
- Already defined view exports can be easily managed. Moving the cursor over lines of the list of 3D views in the table, corresponding 2D objects are highlighted. As a new feature, you can select removal of an export together with 2D objects. In the 2D drawing area, you can press and hold Ctrl and move over 2D objects. If a 3D view is detected, all objects of the 3D view are highlighted together. Right-click opens a pop-up. Then, you can select 3D view export management, select removal of view export with corresponding 2D objects, move all objects of the detected view and more... Right-clicking an empty area offers you another feature previously available only from a toolbar – highlighting of updatable dimensions, axes or hatches, as well as displaying of correctly or incorrectly updated dimensions. Corresponding objects are highlighted also temporarily, while moving cursor over items in a table.
- Drawing of multi-lines, shafts and ellipse.
- Multi-lines can be created as 1 or 2 offset lines from a centerline, optionally closed at both ends. As a second option, you can create a poly-line and then, a second line as an offset at a defined distance or dragged dynamically by a cursor. Drawing of shafts or ellipse offers more options than the previous version.
- Stretching of 2D objects:
- As a new feature, you can stretch also 2D splines, including ellipse. Moreover, you can convert 2D circle or arc into a spline, so it can be later stretched into ellipse.
- Printing of 2D objects:
- Thickness of printed lines can be defined as previously, by mapping of 2D color to printed thickness. Apart from this, you can also optionally map displayed thickness to printed thickness. A preview of the printed area displays thickness according to printed output, as well as colors according to output (in case of color printing). Method of display of a preview can be easily changed from the icon menu.
- Sketching in 3D:
- Display of a created solid can be switched from a pop-up menu. Usually, the solid is displayed as transparent in green color – if created contour is correct, or in red color, if the contour cannot be selected automatically. Sometimes, the transparent solid may cause less legible display for 2D drawing. Right-clicking an empty area opens a pop-up menu which offers to turn the display of a transparent solid on/off. If there are multiple objects in a 3D space, and the shaded display is active, you can select whether the edited solid remains only transparent (now, this is by default). During location input, you can select a 3D location. The selected location is projected perpendicularly into the sketching plane. Apart from selecting such input from the menu, you can press and hold Ctrl+Shift while moving the cursor, or press a key ‘Q’. This action switches input automatically to selection of 3D location projected onto a sketching plane. When a solid edge or an edge end-point is detected, location in the sketching plane is marked before it is finally selected. Using Ctrl+Shift while moving a cursor is similar to selection of a rectangle in 2D or sketching between commands (if you want to stretch objects), or in 3D (if you want to detect a sketching plane at a solid). As in these cases, triggering of location projected from 3D can be configured or turned off.
New in VariCAD Viewer 2020-1.0 (Nov 2, 2020)
- This version contains finished revision of mechanical parts libraries. Dialog panels are all more legible. In addition to extensions of library part data, user interface offers new advanced features. You can pre-select dimensions of library parts, right-click an existing solid inserted from libraries and change it, or perform multiple changes for set of selected library parts – selection can be done both in 3D space or in assembly tree scheme.
New in VariCAD Viewer 2019 3.00 (Jul 30, 2019)
- Substantial improvements in opening of recently used files
- Multiple insertion of new solids, or copying of multiple solids together with additional Boolean operations (cutting, adding to a solid or creation holes for screws)
- Multiple new options for STL files output (3D printing)
- Better selection of sketching planes
- Improvements in 3D kernel and STEP input
New in VariCAD Viewer 2018-2.02 (Jul 6, 2018)
- This version contains substantial changes in updates of 2D drawings after 3D changes. In 2D, creation of axes is rebuilt. For batch printing, there are new options related to printed formats. In sketching, you can easily remove original outlines if the sketching plane is selected at a solid. There is a convenient method to create or edit a geometry of 3D sections. In 3D view control, you have multiple options of selection of view perpendicularly to plane. In 3D modeling, you can easily define a cutting solid.
New in VariCAD Viewer 2018-1.01 Build 20171111 (Dec 29, 2017)
- VariCAD commands are available from 3D mouse keys. Next new features are isometric views in 3D mode and 2D objects created from data loaded from *.csv files or, generally, text files (files containing XY coordinates). User interface contains virtual numerical pad available for values input, and rebuilt dialog panels used for definition of basic solids (like box, cylinder…). The new version has improved parts of 3D kernel, including input/output of STEP files.
New in VariCAD Viewer 2015-3.03 Build 20151122 (Jan 13, 2016)
- New methods of creation or editing of solids defined by profile sketching
- Solids can be created by multiple sections lofting
- Solids can be created by connection of contours of two planar surfaces
- New possibilities of editing of basic volumes like boxes, cylinders
- More convenient methods of insertions of tools for holes, cuttings, threads or
- grooves
- New possibilities of transformations of solid locations, including view changes
- Possibilities to temporarily turn off automatic detections of objects
- By default, view changes are animated
- By default, initial angle of 3D view for new files is predefined
- Temporary construction lines used for 2D drawing or dragging
- Standard construction lines are displayed much faster
- Additional options for 2D dragging, available at right-click
- New features for 2D stretching, available at right-click
- 2D dimensions can be easily stretched after change of dimensioned objects
- Changes of circle or arc radii can be done for multiple objects at one step
- For automatic detection of hatch area boundaries, selected line styles can be
- blocked
- New feature allowing you permanently change solid axes for solids imported from
- STEP.
New in VariCAD Viewer 2015-2.01 Build 20150404 (Apr 27, 2015)
- Graphic based on OpenGL 4.0 or 4.3
- Rendering of 3D objects is 2.5 – 10x faster in comparison with previous versions
- Opening of files is up to 2x faster in comparison with previous versions
- VariCAD turns on anti-aliasing automatically, image quality is enhanced
- Solids can be displayed as shaded, wire-framed or transparent
- Better options for perspective projection
- New options used in enhanced rendering
- A few improvements in 3D kernel, DWG and STEP input modules
New in VariCAD Viewer 2015-1.08 Build 20150206 (Mar 24, 2015)
- This version is available in all supported languages. Since version 2015-1.05, VariCAD automatically checks for updates. If you work in VariCAD and if your version is not up-to-date, related information appears at right side of menu bar.
New in VariCAD Viewer 2015-1.03 Build 20141014 (Oct 31, 2014)
- This version contains new features in 3D assembly module, in working with BOM and solid attributes, contains new 3D features and improved interface of dialog panels with tables. Also, the new version supports working at two monitors. 3D kernel and 3D STEP input are slightly improved, too
New in VariCAD Viewer 2014-2.05 Build 20140321 (Jun 13, 2014)
- This version contains new features in 3D location, in 2D location, new sweeping of 2D profiles along 3D path, significantly improved creation of pipes and wires, changes in geometrical constraints, support of output of multiple image formats and minor improvements in input of 3D STEP and 2D DWG formats.
New in VariCAD Viewer 2014-1.02 Build 20131027 (Nov 12, 2013)
- More information:
- Support of multi-level assemblies
- You can define a sub-assembly created from multiple objects. It is similar as a definition of single part. The sub-assembly can be further inserted into assemblies, where it behaves as a single object. A sub-assembly itself can contain also inserted parts or other sub-assemblies, so you can create a complex structure of mechanical design.
- Support of relative paths in assembly – sub-assembly – part links:
- Optionally, it is possible to use relative paths. This allows you to maintain situation, where various computers have access to server, and the access is mapped differently. Or, if some computers work under Windows and some computers work under Linux. All users can now access common data at server without problems. Another advantage may be in exchanging of files between different users - if these files are only copied as directory structures.
- Changes in BOM, allowing you to select various possibilities of data processing, if 3D contains multi-level assembly:
- If 3D contains sub-assemblies, a BOM can be created by various methods. You can select whether to create a BOM from highest level only (as it was previously), or if to process complete structure of all levels of inserted parts and sub-assemblies. If a BOM is created at one single level, you can select creation from highest level only or from all parts from all levels. Then, you can obtain complete list of all parts necessary for completion of the highest assembly.
- Changes in definition and maintenance of solid attributes, if 3D contains multi-level assembly:
- Changes in geometrical constraints in 3D, especially more legible listing of removed degrees of freedom (fixed movements or rotations along or around axes).
- Now, behavior of geometrical constraints is simpler. All constraints remove degrees of freedom (fix movement along or rotation around axes). This information is legible listed in tables, or in constraint panel. Before removing some constraint related to fixed axis, you are acknowledged. Also, you can see a complete list of possible collisions between new and existing constraints, if you create a colliding constraint. This prevents possibility of unexpected behavior later.
- Further improvements in STEP input
- Minor changes in DWG/DXF input
- Minor changes in 3D kernel
New in VariCAD Viewer 2013-2.05 (Apr 30, 2013)
- This version contains support of multi-level assemblies, new features in geometrical constraints and further improvements in input of STEP files. Also, there are other minor changes in 3D kernel and in DWG/DXF input.
New in VariCAD Viewer 2013-2.04 (Apr 24, 2013)
- Support of multi-level assemblies
- You can define a sub-assembly created from multiple objects. It is similar as a definition of single part. The sub-assembly can be further inserted into assemblies, where it behaves as a single object. A sub-assembly itself can contain also inserted parts or other sub-assemblies, so you can create a complex structure of mechanical design.
- Support of relative paths in assembly – sub-assembly – part links
- Optionally, it is possible to use relative paths. This allows you to maintain situation, where various computers have access to server, and the access is mapped differently. Or, if some computers work under Windows and some computers work under Linux. All users can now access common data at server without problems. Another advantage may be in exchanging of files between different users - if these files are only copied as directory structures.
- Changes in BOM, allowing you to select various possibilities of data processing, if 3D contains multi-level assembly
- If 3D contains sub-assemblies, a BOM can be created by various methods. You can select whether to create a BOM from highest level only (as it was previously), or if to process complete structure of all levels of inserted parts and sub-assemblies. If a BOM is created at one single level, you can select creation from highest level only or from all parts from all levels. Then, you can obtain complete list of all parts necessary for completion of the highest assembly.
- Changes in definition and maintenance of solid attributes, if 3D contains multi-level assembly
- Changes in geometrical constraints in 3D, especially more legible listing of removed degrees of freedom (fixed movements or rotations along or around axes)
- Now, behavior of geometrical constraints is simpler. All constraints remove degrees of freedom (fix movement along or rotation around axes). This information is legible listed in tables, or in constraint panel. Before removing some constraint related to fixed axis, you are acknowledged. Also, you can see a complete list of possible collisions between new and existing constraints, if you create a colliding constraint. This prevents possibility of unexpected behavior later.
- Further improvements in STEP input
- Minor changes in DWG/DXF input
- Minor changes in 3D kernel
New in VariCAD Viewer 2012 1.03 (Nov 30, 2011)
- Improvements in graphic interface:
- Large icons (20x20) are available together with standard size (16x16). Running ‘cfg’ command, you can select new icon size. The dialog text size is automatically adjusted. For monitors with higher resolution (1600x1024 and higher), the larger icons are significantly more comfortable.
- Possibility to change dialogue text fonts, independently on icons changes.
- New and improved 2D functions:
- New 2D dimensioning.
- All types of existing 2D dimensions can be comfortably edited.
- All types of 2D dimensions adjust automatically, if they are stretched or transformed.
- Changed settings of dimensions and single arrows.
- New editing of dimension style.
- New method of creation and editing finish symbols, according to ISO 1302.
- Changed and significantly improved 2D printing dialogue. New printing offers multiple selections of printing methods, including various exact selections of printed area.
- Changed and significantly improved batch printing.
- DWG/DXF interface:
- Dimensions are exported to DWG files as fully editable objects.
- Optionally, it is possible to export dimensions as blocks.
- User interface:
- Right-click an object offers you more options than previously, especially in 3D module.
- Right-click an empty area in 2D or in 3D offers you more options than previously.
- 3D, STEP:
- Minor improvements in 3D modeling kernel.
- Minor improvements in 3D STEP input.
New in VariCAD Viewer 2011 1.06 (May 26, 2011)
- The DWG/DXF interface contains:
- Full support of DWG formats from AutoCAD 2011 down to AutoCAD R12
- Significantly wider range of supported types of objects
- Optional methods of opening model spaces together with various paper spaces
- Clear and simple detection of possible erroneous files or problems
- Among improved or rebuilt features are:
- 2D hatching, including selection or automatic detection of boundaries of hatched area and editing of existing hatches.
- Creation of contours, for instance preparation of profiles for 3D extrusion, rotation etc.
- 2D area calculations, used for obtaining the section area, outline length, moment of inertia or bending section modulus.
- Working with predefined 2D blocks.
- Working with predefined libraries of 2D symbols.
- Full support of 2D NURBS (splines, used as interpolation curves), including trimming, dividing, segment removals etc...
- 2D offsets, including support of poly-lines containing linear, circular or/and NURBS segments.
- New editing possibilities, including change of line lengths, stretching, change of circle diameters, change of fillet radii.
- User interface improvements:
- Cursor coordinates optionally (by default) displayed nearby the cursor. In 2D drawing, displayed values are x y, or dx dy, together with angle and distance from previous location. In 3D module, the displayed value contains the distance if a solid is dynamically moved along its axis, or angle, if a solid is dynamically rotated around its selected axis.
- More options for 2D location inputs, especially entering values from keyboard
- During the input of 2D location, is a possibility to press TAB and very conveniently enter the fixed length, radius, angle or coordinate.
- During any input of 2D or 3D location, 2D or 3D object selection etc.., there is a possibility to use toolbars and/or right-click to invoke pop-up menus.
- Greater number of editing features is available via right-click objects.
- A lot of available features (according to a given situation) from right-click an empty location in 2D area or 3D space, especially copy & paste, undo of editing, switch of new/old views exported from 3D, editing of 2D blocks...
- STEP interface:
- New options for file loading.
- Better problem analysis.
- We recommend to consider th
New in VariCAD Viewer 2010.2.07 (May 24, 2010)
- It brings updated documentation, an improvement in geometric constraints, and a few fixes.
New in VariCAD Viewer 2010.2.06 (Mar 26, 2010)
- It fixes one problem in recalling a tool for 2D angle measuring.