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MagiCAD 2021 includes all of the new features and improvements from previous MagiCAD releases. Please see also the feature highlights from the latest MagiCAD 2020 UR-1 and UR-2 releases.
MagiCAD 2021
1. Support for Autodesk AutoCAD 2021
All
MagiCAD 2021 is compatible with the new Autodesk AutoCAD 2021, as well as with the previous four AutoCAD versions 2017-2020, including the verticals AutoCAD MEP and AutoCAD Architecture.
2. Improved PDF Export and new PDF Batch Export function
All
Exporting drawings to PDF files often requires a certain amount of customization; sometimes multiple layouts are printed into a single PDF file and sometimes they need to be printed to separate files. Users can now set custom names and file paths for the created PDF files in PDF Export that better reflect their content. For example, the DWG file name can be used as a prefix for the layouts, or the layout name can be used as the default name. Customising the file names and file paths according to the actual file content makes it much easier to navigate the exported files.
In addition, users can also export multiple configurations from different files with a new PDF Batch Export function.
3. Adjust the elevation of drainage pipes
Piping
You can now easily adjust the elevation of drainage pipes. Simply select a pipe in the system and edit its height level. The elevation or length of connected pipes will automatically be adjusted to accommodate the change. Previously, changing pipe elevations in drainage systems required users to redraw parts of the system. You can view preview the changes before approving them, which makes it easy to try out different alternatives.
4. Perform sizing according to maximum flow
Ventilation, Piping
You can now perform sizing according to maximum flow for all systems except for sprinkler networks. Flow has been added to the available sizing criteria, in addition to pressure drop and velocity. The flow and velocity columns in MagiCAD are connected and if one value is changed, the other is adjusted accordingly.
There is increasing demand for sizing according to flow, as many manufacturers have begun to provide the maximum flow for their products. Flow is also the dominant factor in some ventilation standards, instead of pressure loss or velocity.
5. New Installation codes in Ventilation, Piping and Electrical
Ventilation, Piping, Electrical
Installation codes can now be set for all devices and segments in MagiCAD Ventilation, Piping, and Electrical. Installation codes allow designers to clearly define where and how devices and segments should be installed. This improves information sharing between designers and contractors and reduces uncertainty.
6. More flexible filtering of object selection properties
Ventilation, Piping, Electrical
You can now use AND/OR operators when filtering object selection properties, making it easier to find objects in drawings based on their properties and values. Previously, all filtering rules had to be true, limiting the way users were able to search for objects.
The object selection dialog also has new dropdown menus with property values from the project, making it easier to select the correct values. A filter has also been added for the properties themselves, helping you to quickly find the correct properties.
7. New valve adjustment option: Locking the kv-value
Calculations
Users can now lock the kv-value of selected valves. This means that when changes are made to the system, the kv-value of the valve is kept constant and the pressure loss over the valve changes along the adjustment line. Alternatively, if the pressure value of the valve is locked, pressure loss is kept constant, and the kv-value changes to reflect system changes. Locking kv-values provides users with better options for selecting the valve adjustment method according to need, for example, when adding an extension to an existing system.
8. Install back boxes for electrical products
Electrical
Users can now install back boxes together with electrical devices. Back boxes can be connected to conduits, added to bills of materials and exported to IFC. The back-box type can be easily changed in Change Properties. Including back boxes enables the modelled conduit system to be used, for example, in concrete element pre-fabrication, and for calculating more accurate bills of materials.
9. Enhanced switchboard and host management
Electrical
The Switchboard and Host Management dialogues now mark any duplicate IDs in the project as red. When selecting an object in the dialogue, for example to change its ID, you can easily zoom to the object in the corresponding drawing with a new Zoom button. The number of available columns has also been increased and you can select the columns to be displayed. Finally, object properties can be edited by right-clicking the desired column instead of using a separate button.
10. Model accurate vertical bends for conduits and cables
Electrical
You can now set user-defined radius values for vertical bends when drawing conduits and cables. Setting radius values enables more accurate 3D modelling. Additionally, the plus grips and create similar grips functions for conduits and cables have been made easier to use.
11. Merge walls in MagiCAD Room
Room
Walls that have been split to two or more sections can now be easily merged back together with a new Merge Walls function. Previously, if users wanted to remove or reposition a split, they had to redraw the wall.
12. Quick access to favourite devices in MagiCAD Schematics
Schematics
You can now give custom labels for frequently used devices and make them easily available during drawing. When the labels are set as active in drawing preferences, the labelled devices are handily available during drawing at the top of the Tool Palette and in the right-click context menu.
