How To: Turn Google Chrome into a Funktastic Autodesk DWG Dojo - for FREE ...
Paul Munford 
If you haven’t heard about AutoCAD WS, then it’s time to listen up!
AutoCAD WS (Web Service) is an online application from Autodesk that lets you view, comment, mark up and even create and edit Autodesk DWG geometry – straight from your web browser. What’s really exiting is the ability for more than one user to log into an AutoCAD WS account. Effectively it is possible to collaborate on a drawing in real time. That’s right friends, sparing with your drafting compadres in your very own DWG Dojo!
To use Turn Google Chrome into AutoCAD you will need:
- An Internet connection
- An AutoCAD WS Account
- A Google Account
- Google Chrome Installed on your computer/iPad/iPhone
If you already have an Autodesk login through the Autodesk discussion groups, Autodesk Labs or you have an Autodesk Subscription account, you can use the same login details and password – there is no need to create a new AutoCAD WS account.
Once you are all set up it’s time to go get that nifty AutoCAD WS app. You can download and install the AutoCAD WS Application from the Google App store.
Once you have AutoCAD WS Installed…
AutoCAD WS will show up in your ‘Apps’ area of Google Chrome. Right click now and choose ‘Create Shortcut’ to create a desktop short cut that will automatically open Google Chrome with the AutoCAD WS app running.
You can also add Shortcuts to the start menu and Quick Launch bar.
The AutoCAD WS shortcut on your desktop.
Thanks to Gil at ‘CAD Clues Blog’ for that Tip!
Time to sign in…
The first time you start the AutoCAD WS app up, you will be prompted to sign in to your Autodesk account. If you choose to have Google Chrome remember you login details, you won’t have to do this in future. Starting up AutoCAD WS from your desktop shortcut will take you straight into your AutoCAD WS account – just as if AutoCAD WS was installed on your computer.
Installation complete!
You can now open, browse, edit, create and share Autodesk DWG’s on your laptop, desktop, iPad or iPhone – For FREE!
Not sure how AutoCAD WS will work for you? Check out some of these links:
How do you use AutoCAD WS? How could you see yourself using AutoCAD WS in the future? Why not leave a comment ...
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~ Paul Munford is the writer behind the fantastic AutoCAD and Inventor blog CAD Setter Out. When he isn't writing great articles about woodworking his is reading CAD blogs and those manuals that nobody else reads. If you would like to contact Paul, please email him. ~
Reader Comments (2)
This is great news. Did you see that Autodesk just had their one millionth download?
When do you think that the Android version of AutoCAD WS will be available?
Rick
http://www.cadtrainingonline.com
Rick:
We're chomping at the bit for an Android OS version of AutoCAD WS! Our guess is that it is in the works since Android is becoming such a widespread OS. Naturally Autodesk has to be all hush hush about what is in development. Otherwise some yutz is going to hear a "rumor" and file a "lawsuit". And that would be "uncool".
But we can definitely tell you that when the app does appear in the marketplace it's going to be news here on KFD! Thanks for commenting.
- KFD -