If you’re a design professional, you already know how powerful Autodesk Forma is for helping you quickly prototype, analyze, and refine your designs. But did you know that the latest updates to Autodesk Forma have made it even more efficient and easier to use?
With over 30 new enhancements, Autodesk Forma now offers better modeling tools, improved collaboration features, and more powerful analysis capabilities. Let’s dive into what’s new and how these updates can boost your workflow.
What is Autodesk Forma?
Autodesk Forma is a design tool that helps professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction quickly create and test conceptual designs. It’s known for its ease of use, fast feedback, and seamless collaboration features.
Whether you’re just sketching ideas or working on detailed models, Autodesk Forma helps streamline your process, allowing you to be more productive and make smarter design decisions. Now, let’s take a look at how Autodesk Forma’s latest updates can take your design process to the next level.
Faster, Smoother, and Smarter Modeling
Autodesk Forma’s updates are all about making your modeling experience faster, more intuitive, and easier to use. Here are some of the key updates that will help you work more efficiently.
3D section box: A new way to visualize your design
One of the most exciting updates is the addition of the 3D Section Box. This feature lets you view your model in sections, so you can focus on specific areas while leaving the rest out of view. It’s perfect for making adjustments or showing off specific parts of your design to clients. Plus, you can save multiple section boxes, so you can easily switch between different views without losing your place.
Curved roads and rails: More realistic and accurate
If you’ve ever worked on road or rail track designs, you know how challenging it can be to make them look realistic. With the latest update, Autodesk Forma now lets you create curved roads and rails. This means you can model smoother, more realistic layouts without worrying about sharp angles.
This update is especially useful for transportation and infrastructure projects, as you can now modify the radiuses of corners more easily. The best part? All of your existing road models have been updated automatically, so you can jump right in and start editing them right away.
Pro tip: Use the up and down arrow keys to adjust the curves faster and more smoothly.
Enhanced 3D sketch: Speed and control
Autodesk Forma has also improved its 3D Sketch feature. The tool is now faster, more responsive, and easier to use, making it simpler to create and refine your designs.
Faster editing of imported models
Previously, importing models in certain formats, like IFC files, could slow down the editing process. Now, 3D Sketch opens much faster, and you can interact with individual elements of the model directly. Whether you’re moving, deleting, or adjusting parts of your design, this improvement will save you time and keep your workflow moving smoothly.
Smoother drawing experience
For designers working on uneven or sloped sites, drawing can be a challenge. Autodesk Forma has made it easier to draw in these conditions by improving the way lines are displayed on uneven terrain. Now, you can create designs with more clarity, even when working on challenging landscapes.
Better collaboration with new features
Autodesk Forma isn’t just about modeling—it’s also about helping teams collaborate more effectively. The latest updates make it easier for teams to share feedback, track progress, and stay in sync.
Expanded forma board features
Forma Board is the heart of collaboration in Autodesk Forma. Now, it integrates directly with Autodesk Docs, making it easier to manage project documents like drawings, plans, and specifications. Everyone on the team can access the most up-to-date versions of files, reducing the risk of working with outdated information.
Additionally, Forma Board now features a presentation mode. This mode makes it easy to present your designs in a clear, interactive way, which is perfect for meetings or review sessions. Whether you’re presenting to clients or collaborating with your team, this update helps you communicate more effectively.
Powerful analysis tools for smarter decisions
Autodesk Forma has also improved its analysis capabilities, giving you better insights into your designs. Whether you’re evaluating the environmental impact of your materials or understanding how natural light interacts with your design, these new tools will help you make more informed decisions.
Understanding embodied carbon and material impact
With sustainability being a key focus in design today, Autodesk Forma now offers tools to analyze embodied carbon and material impact. These tools help you understand the environmental footprint of the materials you’re using in your project. By factoring this into your design process, you can make smarter, more sustainable choices that benefit both your project and the planet.
Analyzing sunlight exposure
Another great feature is the sunlight exposure analysis. This tool allows you to see how sunlight will interact with your design. If you’re working on a building that needs to be energy-efficient or has a focus on natural lighting, this feature helps you optimize your design for better energy performance and occupant comfort.
New tools to streamline your workflow
In addition to all the modeling and analysis updates, Autodesk Forma introduces several new tools that will help you save time and streamline your workflow.
Open Street Map (OSM) tree imports
If your design involves landscaping or green spaces, you’ll appreciate the new Open Street Map (OSM) tree imports. This tool allows you to easily import data on real-world trees and vegetation, making it faster and more accurate to plan and design green areas in your project.
Enhanced navigation controls
Navigating large, complex models can be tricky, but Autodesk Forma has made it easier. The new navigation controls are more responsive and intuitive, allowing you to explore your designs with ease. Whether you need to zoom in for a detailed look or zoom out for a broader perspective, these enhanced controls make it easier to move around your model.
Conclusion
Autodesk Forma’s latest update brings over 30 exciting new features that will help you work faster, collaborate more effectively, and make smarter design decisions. From the 3D Section Box and improved road and rail modeling to enhanced collaboration tools and powerful analysis capabilities, Autodesk Forma continues to evolve and improve.
