Autodesk Ships Low-Cost 3D Visualization Software for AutoCAD Release 14; Powerful, Real-Time Animation Software Now Available for Checking Designs and Creating Presentations.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 22, 1997--Allowing the growing number of AutoCAD Release 14 customers to quickly and easily animate and experience designs, Autodesk today announced the availability of Autodesk WalkThrough Release 1.1 in the U.S., Canada, and Asia/Pacific.

The stand-alone product lets users visually navigate and bring their AutoCAD models to life, at any point during the design process. As a result, architects, engineers, plant designers, facilities managers, mechanical engineers, and other designers can quickly and inexpensively review and check their designs at any stage of a project.

Using Autodesk's DWG Unplugged technology, Autodesk WalkThrough Release 1.1 software lets designers, managers and clients open AutoCAD Release 14 (and AutoCAD R13 and AutoCAD R12) and AEC Professional Suite 2 DWG files with 3D entities. Users can visually navigate through their designs by simply moving the PC mouse forward, backward, to the right or left to determine the direction through the model. If designing an office building, users can "fly" around the exterior and then take a tour of the building interior. Autodesk WalkThrough Release 1.1 software lets customers open doors, move furniture and apply varying finishes, materials, lighting and sounds for an improved effect.

"Autodesk WalkThrough 1.1 brings powerful, real-time visualization capabilities to the millions of AutoCAD users who want a quick and inexpensive solution for viewing and checking the accuracy of their designs," said Jesse Devitte, vice president and general manager of the Autodesk Architectural/Engineering/ Construction (AEC) Market Group.

Advanced Features and Flexibility Assure Quick, Easy Visualization -0-

-- Real-time navigation of AutoCAD models: Users gain immediate feedback on designs and can visually check spatial sequences, proportions, and potential interferences.

-- Round-trip compatibility with the integrated renderer in the AEC Professional Suite 2: Customers can quickly set lights and materials in WalkThrough, then use the integrated renderer in the AEC Professional Suite to generate photorealistic renderings.

-- Application of materials to objects or layers: Users can explore alternative designs with different finish applications.

-- Intuitive user interface with mouse-driven navigation: Managers or clients can easily visualize models in the early stages of design using a mouse.

-- Windows Video (AVI) creation from recorded walkthroughs: Users can share and view walkthroughs with any Windows user.

-- Print capability: Users can print a hard copy of a rendered scene at any time. -0-

Autodesk WalkThrough Release 1.1 requires Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows NT Workstation running on an Intel Pentium-based PC with 40MB of free hard-disk space, and a minimum of 32MB disk-swap space. Under Windows 95, Autodesk WalkThrough 1.1 requires 16MB RAM; under Windows NT, the software requires 32MB RAM. Large models may require more RAM. Eight-bit (256-color) or 16-bit (65,536-color) video mode is required, with the 16-bit video mode recommended. Other video modes will significantly impair performance.

Autodesk WalkThrough 1.1 is available in North America and in Asia/Pacific, and can be purchased for a suggested retail price of US$199 by calling 800/964-6432 in the United States and Canada, or from Authorized Autodesk Dealers, Distributors or Autodesk Systems Centers. Autodesk WalkThrough 1.0 customers can upgrade for an SRP of US$25. Customers in Asia/Pacific who are interested in purchasing this product should contact the Autodesk office in their region, or fax [phone].

General Information

Autodesk is the world's leading supplier of PC design software and multimedia tools. The company's 2D and 3D products and data management tools are used in many industries for architectural design, mechanical design, mapping, film and video production, video game development and Web content development. Its Kinetix division is the leader in PC-based 3D modeling and animation software, providing a full range of products for digital media and design professionals.

The fifth largest PC software company in the world, Autodesk has three million customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, contact any Authorized Autodesk Dealer, call Autodesk at 800/964-6432, or fax requests for information to 415/507-5100. For more information on Autodesk, call 415/507-5000, type GO ADESK on CompuServe, or log in with a World Wide Web browser at http://www.autodesk.com Autodesk shares are traded on the Nasdaq national market under the symbol ADSK. -0-

Note to Editors: Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, Softdesk and AutoCAD are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. in the United States and certain other countries. Kinetix and Autodesk Walkthrough and DWG Unplugged are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. Microsoft, Windows, Windows 95 and Windows NT are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

CONTACT: Autodesk, Inc.,

Jennifer Reidy, 415/507-6536

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