Today Autodesk released AutoCAD WS, a new free web application that uses cloud computing technology to enable AutoCAD software users to view, edit and share their AutoCAD designs and DWG files through web browsers and mobile devices. In addition, the AutoCAD WS mobile application for iOS, which provides access to AutoCAD WS for users on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, is now available as a free download from the Apple iTunes app store. The AutoCAD WS web application was previously available as “Project Butterfly,” a technology preview on Autodesk Labs that was used by more than 75,000 users to view, edit and share AutoCAD designs through their web browsers. With the commercial launch of AutoCAD WS, users can upload and manage designs in their online workspace directly from their AutoCAD desktop software through a new free plug-in now available for download, or as part of the subscription Advantage Pack for AutoCAD 2011. The plug-in is compatible with both the 2010 and 2011 versions of AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT and other AutoCAD products. This capability will also be integrated into the soon to be released AutoCAD for Mac software. 
"It's an extension of the desktop experience for whatever mobile device you choose, whether that's the iPad or the iPhone," said Guri Stark, Autodesk's vice president for AutoCAD and Platform Products. "The plug-in allows one-click upload to the cloud environment from your desktop so whether it's taking advantage of the portability of a mobile phone or using a product like the iPad on construction sites you can get the AutoCAD experience you need from the cloud." Stark said that Autodesk plans to continue to keep Autodesk WS and its plug-in a free download for the foreseeable future. 
Some of the features of AutoCAD WS include:
- Web and mobile DWG viewer provides access to AutoCAD drawings from anywhere using a web browser or mobile devices.
- Online DWG editor supports more than 100 familiar AutoCAD drawing and editing tools that are intuitive for CAD and non-CAD professionals alike.
- Built-in sharing provides the ability to generate a unique URL and invite stakeholders to view DWG files online, as well as set permission controls for how others can view, edit or download drawings and folders.
- Convenient online storage organizes DWG and DXF files, image files and other related documentation in project folders, with support for multiple file types, including DOC, JPEG, PNG and PDF.
- Real-time collaboration can enable people to work on the same DWG file simultaneously and to see changes reflected in the file as they are made.
- Design timeline captures and tracks all changes made to drawings for version control and auditing.
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