One of the most conspicuous differences between the full version of AutoCAD and our web application AutoCAD WS is the command line.
When we designed the interface for AutoCAD WS, we left out the physical representation of the command line. But even without seeing the command line, we held on to all the familiar shortcuts. Every function that exists in the AutoCAD WS web application can be activated by the same shortcut that you use in AutoCAD.
Nevertheless, once we launched we saw that there was still considerable demand for a command line in the web app with plenty of you saying that you just can’t work without one.
(We even had a few people complaining that there is no command line in the AutoCAD WS mobile app for iPhone, but that’s a discussion for another time!)
In thinking about what the command line might look like in the AutoCAD WS web app, we have come up with a few proposals and a poll where you get to let us know what you think.
If we were to add a command line to AutoCAD WS where should it go and what should it look like. Have a look at these four suggestions and vote in the poll below.
Traditional AutoCAD Command Line
Command Line Below The Toolbar
Command Line Widget
Floating Command Line
6 Responses to What Would A Command Line in AutoCAD WS Look Like? – Poll
Brian Benton January 4 2011
If AutoCAD WS were to get a command line, I think it should look like the traditional AutoCAD Command Line or be like the Line widget. I like either of those. The widget is nice because it could be collapsed or movable. The traditional CL is familiar to users and we know how it would behave.
Daniel January 5 2011
You’ve hit the nail on the head, Brian. The Command Line is comfortingly familiar, but the widget enables greater flexibility. Hmmm, it’s a tough one.
Aaron January 4 2011
I think the traditional would be best for the online version.
Mobile versions would be better served by something less intrusive in the precious little drawing space.
Perhaps a small font where the active line is (for example) white text on a black background and additional lines scroll over the drawing area but do not have a background and do not interfere with the drawing.
Daniel January 5 2011
At the moment, we are thinking about a command line for the web app only, but if enough people thought it would add value to, say, the mobile app for iPad…