Discover all the New Features
of the ARES Trinity of CAD Software
2D & 3D CAD in DWG
TOP NEW CAD FEATURES IN ARES COMMANDER
You’ve got plenty to do as it is, so don’t do the same work twice
— and switch easily from other DWG-based CAD software, such as AutoCAD®!
Reduce redundancies by simply copying properties and mapping layers from one drawing to another. Convert your DWG drawings to STEP or SVG format, or import 3D models and vector graphics right into your workflows. Prevent broken xref links before they happen — and if needed, update all missing external references in one step.
Property Painter to copy properties between drawings
In ARES Commander 2027, the PROPERTYPAINTER command has been significantly improved with the following enhancements, providing greater flexibility and control when users are working across multiple drawings.
Copy Properties Between Drawings
Previously, the PROPERTYPAINTER command allowed users to copy properties only within the same drawing. Now users can copy properties from an entity in one drawing and apply them to entities in another open drawing. This improvement streamlines workflows, especially when working on projects split across multiple files that require consistent styling and standards.
Support for Special Properties
ARES Commander 2027 also expands the range of properties that can be transferred using the PROPERTYPAINTER command. Now, in addition to standard properties such as color, layer, line type, and line weight, users can also match special properties similar to those supported in AutoCAD.
In ARES Commander only
MVSETUP to create and align viewports (as in AutoCAD)
MVSETUP is a command familiar to AutoCAD users, and now it facilitates the transition to ARES Commander as well.
This command streamlines the process of setting up a drawing for plotting. It helps users define drawing units, set scales, insert title blocks, and create viewports through a guided setup, resulting in consistent and professional layouts.
When used in model space, MVSETUP allows users to prepare the drawing by setting units and suggesting a scale, but it does not create viewports or title blocks. MVSETUP provides full functionality when used in paper space (layouts), enabling complete layout setup.
This includes sheet size selection, viewport creation, viewport scaling, and view alignment. By automating key steps, MVSETUP helps users save time, maintain standards, and reduce setup errors, making it a valuable tool for producing ready-to-plot drawings.
In ARES Commander only
XREF: Optimised path management and intelligent links
ARES Commander improves the reliability of your projects with automatic warnings for critical location changes and a new batch workflow that allows you to correct multiple missing reference paths in a single step, saving you time.
Fix relative path when using Save As
When saving a drawing with relative path Xrefs to a new location, ARES Commander now displays a warning if those references may not load. These alerts help prevent broken links, yielding a smoother workflow.
Quick update for missing external references
Managing missing external references is now simpler than ever. When Xrefs are moved or renamed, users no longer need to update each missing path manually. A new, streamlined workflow in the References palette allows you to replace the file path for all missing references in one step.
In ARES Commander only
Layer Translator to map layers from one drawing to another
The new Layer Translator tool (LAYTRANS) lets you map layers 一 and the entities belonging to these layers 一 from one drawing to another, translating their names and properties (such as color, line type, line weight, plot settings, etc.) so your drawing matches a desired layer standard.
This tool is particularly valuable for adapting drawings from external partners or older projects to current office or industry standards with just a few clicks. Instead of laboriously renaming each layer manually, mapping files can be saved once and applied to new drawings again and again. This not only saves a tremendous amount of time, but also eliminates potential sources of error in manual layer management.
In ARES Commander only
Lock angle in coordinate input for polar coordinates
ARES Commander now supports angle input override, allowing you to lock an angle when entering points using the polar coordinate system. This enhancement improves control and precision in commands that require multiple points, such as LINE, RECTANGLE, MOVE, and ROTATE.
By simply entering the “less-than” symbol followed by the desired value (e.g., <45), you can constrain the cursor to a specific direction regardless of mouse movement. This ensures consistent alignment with project standards, and significantly speeds up the drafting process by reducing manual adjustments.
In ARES Commander only
Formulas & Diesel expressions in fields
We have made several powerful enhancements to the FIELD command, making it even more dynamic and versatile for your annotation and drawing needs. These updates are intended to streamline your workflow and provide new ways to automate and customize drawing annotations.
A key update to the “Formula” option within the FIELD command is the ability to insert other FIELD values into mathematical expressions. This addresses a common limitation by allowing users to reference previously defined FIELD values in custom calculations.
Now, your formulas can dynamically update based on changes to other fields, offering more powerful and connected annotations in your drawings. This feature mirrors the functionality available in other leading CAD applications.
Other Enhancements for Fields
- Diesel Expressions integration
The new Diesel Expression editor enables users to write and evaluate expressions directly within the FIELD dialog box. With support for string operations, arithmetic calculations, system variable retrieval, and logical comparisons, users can now create highly adaptable and dynamic fields. Whether you need to manipulate text, perform complex calculations, or pull system variables, Diesel Expressions give you greater control and flexibility in your drawings.
- Point position display
You can now use the FIELD command to display the coordinates of points directly in your drawings. This enhancement provides a straightforward way to visualize the exact position of any point in your CAD environment, improving accuracy and simplifying tasks that require positional reference.
In ARES Commander only
Improved Interoperability
Convert DWG to STEP (STEP Import/Export)
Convert your DWG drawings to the STEP (.stp/.step) file format, one of the most widely used exchange formats for 3D CAD and PLM software.
- Easily share 3D models with other CAD, CAM, or CAE applications.
- Ensure compatibility with industry-standard systems and workflows.
- Facilitate collaboration with clients and partners using different platforms.
STEP Import was previously introduced in ARES Commander, so now you can both import and export to share 2D or 3D geometry with popular solutions such as SOLIDWORKS®, CATIA®, Inventor®, PTC Creo®, PTC Onshape®, and many more!
In ARES Commander only
Area Note: Quick area calculation and labeling
AREANOTE is an annotation tool designed to help users calculate areas quickly and represent them visually within their drawings.
After selecting a region — either by clicking inside it or by defining its boundary — the command automatically:
- Computes the area (in drawing units)
- Creates a colored fill for easy visual identification (with optional transparency)
- Adds a label showing the measured area and/or a custom description
With visual boundary highlighting and optional sequential numbering for multiple regions, users can quickly document rooms, zones, plots, or defined spaces with greater accuracy and clarity. AREANOTE also offers flexible customization options, including text height, color, transparency, and unit formatting, ensuring annotations match company standards and project requirements.
Previously exclusive to ARES Touch, the AREANOTE command is now available in ARES Commander and ARES Kudo as well, with only minor interface differences between the products. The feature provides a consistent, intuitive workflow across all three platforms: ARES Commander (Desktop), ARES Kudo (Web), and ARES Touch (Mobile).
In ARES Commander and ARES Kudo Professional, also available in ARES Touch (with Trinity)
Performance Highlights
in ARES Commander 2027
In every release of ARES Commander, our development team focuses not only on innovation, but also on delivering stability and reliability that users can count on.
Together, these improvements make ARES Commander the fastest version ever, especially when working with large drawings and complex multi-layout DWG projects.
Copy Operations
Opening Drawings
Navigation
Save and Autosave
run without blocking the interface
Performance tests were made out of 65 reference drawings (ranging in size from 1MB to 167MB), in 5 different hardware configurations, comparing key performance indicators in version 2027 SP0 with version 2026 SP0.
Greater stability and reliability
We’re dedicated to creating a rock-solid foundation for your work, and we’ll keep striving to ensure that your software experience is smooth and productive. We are pleased to report that version 2026 provided the same high-quality experience that you have come to expect.
Users with zero crashes with v.2026 (ie. not even 1 crash in a full year)
Sessions with zero crashes with v.2026 (98.94% vs. 99% with v.2025)
Online CAD in DWG
TOP NEW CAD FEATURES IN ARES KUDO
ARES Kudo is our cloud-based solution for CAD no matter where you work.
Because it runs directly inside your Internet browser, you can create, modify, and annotate 2D drawings in DWG — and even visualize 3D files — anywhere, on any device. Now, this convenience is enhanced by a Hatch ribbon that adapts to your actions in real time, a new Print to PDF workflow, and the ability to edit the blocks in your online block libraries directly from the Trinity Block Library.
Area Note: Quick area calculation and labeling
AREANOTE is an annotation tool designed to help users calculate areas quickly and represent them visually within their drawings.
After selecting a region — either by clicking inside it or by defining its boundary — the command automatically:
- Computes the area (in drawing units)
- Creates a colored fill for easy visual identification (with optional transparency)
- Adds a label showing the measured area and/or a custom description
For professionals who are frequently out of the office, ARES Kudo is your best companion to visualize and edit the drawings directly inside your web browser. Whether you are reviewing a site plan at a coffee shop or verifying room dimensions while visiting your customer, ARES Kudo allows you to interact with drawings created by your team in real time.
The new Area Note makes it easy to calculate and represent areas with colors, even for users with little expertise of CAD. The same feature is available online in ARES Kudo, on the desktop in ARES Commander, and even in ARES Touch to make such annotations on your smartphone or on a tablet.
In ARES Commander and ARES Kudo Professional, also available in ARES Touch (with Trinity)
Contextual ribbon for Hatch in ARES Kudo
ARES Kudo introduces its first contextual ribbon — a dynamic interface that adapts to the user’s current action by displaying relevant tools directly on the ribbon.
This new implementation streamlines workflows involving Hatch, one of the most commonly used drafting operations. Now, hatch-specific tools automatically appear when creating or selecting a hatch, eliminating unnecessary navigation.
The Hatch contextual ribbon supports two workflows — Hatch Creation and Hatch Editor. ARES Kudo supports User-Defined, Predefined, Custom, Solid, and Fill hatches, all sharing a common Hatch Creation contextual ribbon. The ribbon is organized into panels for Boundary Settings, Pattern, Properties, Pattern Start Point, Mode, Placement, and Close, with specific options adapting based on the hatch type.
New in ARES Kudo Professional and also available in ARES Commander
Quick Print to PDF & Print styles support
ARES Kudo introduces a new Print workflow with PDF output, delivering a modern, intuitive way to generate high-quality drawing outputs directly from your web browser. The new print experience is very intuitive for both an experienced CAD user and a beginner.
ARES Kudo now also supports *.ctb or *.stb files to reuse pre-configured print styles created with AutoCAD or ARES Commander, as well as some commonly used print styles pre-loaded in ARES Kudo such as default, monochrome, or grayscale. Using print styles, you can harmonize the drawings for your projects with parameters such as line weight, color, and screening.
With the newly enhanced PRINT command, users can generate PDF outputs with precise control over paper size, orientation, scale, units, print range, offsets, centering, and print styles.
New in ARES Kudo Professional and also available in ARES Commander
Drawing Insights
ARES Kudo introduces Drawing Insights, which provides clear visibility into actions performed on shared files by users and collaborators.
Drawing Insights improves transparency and accountability by capturing a detailed, file-level activity history, helping teams understand how files are accessed and changed over time. Drawing Insights records key events such as opening, renaming, and sharing files, and presents them in a user-centric way. Activity messages are tailored based on whether the action was performed by the user or by collaborators. The information is integrated into file metadata and is accessible through a dedicated Activity tab or panel, making collaboration tracking more intuitive and reducing confusion during multiuser workflows.
In ARES Kudo Professional only
Edit blocks directly from the Trinity Block Library
ARES Kudo now supports Edit_Block, enabling users to edit blocks directly from the Trinity Block Library, making block management faster and more intuitive.
Blocks can be edited from two entry points: the Edit button in the Trinity Block Library palette and the Edit option in the contextual menu on the Resources page, ensuring consistent access wherever users manage their block libraries. Users can edit either an individual block definition or the source drawing file. When editing a block definition, ARES Kudo automatically opens the source drawing, launches the block editor, and updates the block in the library once changes are saved and the editor is closed. When editing the source drawing file, users can modify, add, or remove block definitions, with changes reflected in the Block Library after saving and closing the drawing.
Appropriate safeguards are in place for permission handling, deleted source drawings, and read-only access, with clear messages guiding users through each scenario. This enhancement streamlines block editing workflows, reduces context switching, and ensures that changes to blocks are reliably synchronized across the Trinity Block Library, improving productivity and consistency when working with reusable content.
New in ARES Kudo Professional and also available in ARES Commander (with Trinity)
Performance highlights in ARES Kudo
The latest updates include significant performance enhancements and stability improvements aimed at optimizing the user experience.
- Faster file opening, thanks to reduced drawing load times.
- Undo is now even more responsive.
- Thumbnails are generated reliably.
- Entity positioning has been improved to prevent unexpected movement.
AI & Automation for DWG
TOP NEW FEATURES IN ARES COMMANDER & ARES KUDO
Shift more of your workload onto your software!
In ARES Commander and ARES Kudo, you can ask ARES AI Assist (A3) to select entities and modify them — all in one natural-language prompt.
And with direct access to Drawings Automation jobs from ARES Commander, you can generate 2D drawings or PDFs from BIM models, perform data extraction, run DWG comparisons, or convert DGN to DWG files — all automatically.
AI assistance to select, create, and modify DWG entities with A3
The latest enhancements to ARES AI Assist (A3) in ARES Commander and ARES Kudo extend the power of this CAD-savvy artificial intelligence, which is powered by OpenAI technology and specially trained to help ARES users.
The latest improvements include the ability to select and modify entities with the same prompt. Some of the modifications currently supported by A3 include:
- Create, modify, and delete layers
- Move
- Rotate
- Mirror
- Delete
- Scale
- Hatch
- Stretch
- Makeblock
- … and the list keeps growing
In addition, A3 can now create simple entities (such as lines, polylines, rectangles, and circles) when users specify the entity types and point coordinates or lengths, but creating such a prompt might take longer than using more traditional methods like keyboard shortcuts and mouse.
New in ARES Kudo Professional and also available in ARES Commander (with Trinity)
Use Voice Input for ARES AI Assist (A3) Requests
ARES Kudo enhances the ARES AI Assist (A3) with voice input support, enabling users to interact with A3 using spoken commands instead of typing. This feature introduces a more natural and hands-free way to trigger A3 functionalities, improving both usability and accessibility for CAD workflows.
With voice input, spoken commands are automatically converted into text using speech-to-text transcription and processed by the existing A3 command system. This ensures that voice interactions work seamlessly with current A3 capabilities without changing how commands are interpreted.
In ARES Kudo Professional only
AI-driven command recommendation
In any CAD application, boosting efficiency is key to enhancing user productivity and satisfaction. One way ARES Commander 2027 achieves this is through a new command recommendation system.
This AI-powered widget uses intelligent algorithms to analyze your interactions with the software and predict your next steps. The Command Recommender adapts dynamically to the commands you are currently using, and provides a list of 6 commands that are most likely to be used next. By tracking command sequences and usage patterns, the system builds adaptive user profiles, enabling real-time, personalized recommendations.
Beyond the obvious benefits of streamlined workflows and reduced time spent searching for tools, the system also encourages discovery of lesser-known tools, helping users make the most of ARES Commander’s functionality.
In ARES Commander only
AI-driven block generation in the Trinity Block Library
Creating CAD symbols in ARES Commander and ARES Kudo just got a lot easier, thanks to a new tool that can generate precise CAD components directly from simple text descriptions.
With the new AI-Assisted Block Generation tool, you can simply describe what you need — such as a door swing, a power outlet, or a table — and the system will generate an accurate, standards-aligned symbol for you. Users can quickly generate, adjust, and reuse high-quality symbols tailored to their specific project requirements, boosting productivity without compromising precision. This dramatically reduces repetitive drafting work, and improves consistency across projects.
No more starting from scratch or searching through libraries!
In ARES Commander (with Trinity) and ARES Kudo Professional
Online Drawings Automation for CAD — now directly from inside ARES Commander
ARES Commander now includes built-in access to the ARES Online Drawings Automation jobs previously integrated in ARES Kudo, allowing you to automate common tasks without manually opening each drawing.
While most of these operations can be operated manually and file by file inside ARES Commander, the online automation offers advantages including:
- Offset the workload to an online server: The task is performed by the server without using the local hardware, meaning you can keep working on other tasks on your computer without waiting for this task to be completed.
- Batch-processing: Instead of manually processing one file at a time, the automation can batch-process many files and inform you via email when it is completed.
- Scheduling: You can schedule a task to be performed at a specific date and time (e.g., after working hours).
- Recurring jobs: A task can also be repeated. For instance, you could schedule to convert your DWG to PDF every night, with the output saved in the chosen cloud storage.
New in ARES Commander (with Trinity) and also available in ARES Kudo Professional
Automation from the Cloud Storage palette
The Cloud Storage palette enables you to connect ARES Commander with your cloud storage accounts, so you can browse the files stored there, and open and edit them.
The files stay in your cloud storage, but you can edit them with ARES Commander as if they were saved on your hard drive. Most interestingly, the Cloud Storage palette automatically synchronizes your edits with your cloud storage.
Now, you can also right-click on the files to launch an automation. For example, you can right-click on a PDF file and select Convert to DWG; the Online Automation job will perform the PDF-to-DWG conversion, and you can then open the DWG file to edit it if desired.
New in ARES Commander (with Trinity)
New Automation job: Print Sheet Set (.DST) to PDF
Users now have one more Automation job type to choose from in ARES Online Drawings Automation: Print Sheet Set (.DST) to PDF. This Automation job is available from ARES Kudo, and included among the new Online Automation features integrated in ARES Commander 2027.
While ARES Commander can read, create, and modify sheet sets as in AutoCAD, and use the Publish command to print a sheet set to paper or PDF, this development delivers time-saving new capabilities. Now, users can batch process sheet sets or schedule this task as a recurring job, performed online by the Online Automation.
New in ARES Commander (with Trinity) and ARES Kudo Professional
AI-driven text tools to translate, improve, or summarize
ARES Kudo is catching up with the AI-driven text enhancement tools previously released in ARES Commander.
ARES Kudo’s MText editor has been expanded with AI-driven tools to translate, refine writing, check spelling, and summarize text.
The AI-powered text tools include Translate, Refine Writing, Quick Correction, Smart Description, and Generate Summary. These can help users to convert text between different languages, improve clarity, correct grammar, generate descriptive text, and summarize content, respectively.
The AI Text Support feature for Note and SimpleNote entities activates when text is present and allows users to regenerate, replace, or insert AI-generated results based on their workflow needs.
New in ARES Kudo Professional and also available in ARES Commander
BIM to DWG Drawings Automation
TOP NEW FEATURES IN ARES COMMANDER & ARES KUDO
Our BIM drawings automation technology — which effortlessly generates DWG floorplans, sections, and elevations from Revit® and IFC files — continues to expand.
Import BIM models from different disciplines, and ARES Commander will intelligently manage them as an integrated project. Connect to your preferred cloud storage provider, including Autodesk Forma®, to use Revit® files stored there. And with a new ribbon, modify your BIM drawings in ARES Kudo, as well as ARES Commander.
BIM Drawings Automation with multi-discipline models
ARES Commander 2027 features enhanced support for multi-discipline BIM (building information modeling) workflows.
Previously, when importing separate BIM models for Architecture, Structure, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) disciplines, ARES Commander would generate separate plans for each model — even when those plans were redundant and covered the same floors. This led to unnecessary duplication and confusion, particularly in collaborative workflows.
To prevent this issue, ARES Commander now manages linked BIM models from different disciplines as part of an integrated project.
When running Automation to generate DWG drawings from your Revit® or IFC BIM models:
- The system now avoids generating duplicate plans for the same floor across different disciplines.
- Users can now configure drawings generation to include only the disciplines they select. For example, they can generate a coordinated Architectural + Structural plan or an Architectural + MEP plan.
- This update aligns more closely with real-world BIM coordination workflows, where multiple discipline models are linked into a central architectural model.
New in ARES Commander (with Maintenance)
Revit® 2026 file format support
ARES Commander now supports the Revit 2026 file format. Users can generate BIM drawings from RVT files created in Revit versions 2011 through 2026.
BIM drawings are DWG drawings generated from Revit or IFC BIM projects that users upload into ARES Commander. Thanks to the BIM-to-DWG drawings automation — a technology developed by Graebert — this generation can be completed automatically, saving users time and effort.
The resulting DWG drawings are “smart,” meaning they retain their link to the BIM project they were created from, and can be updated automatically to reflect changes in the project.
New in ARES Commander (with Maintenance) and ARES Kudo Professional
BIM Drawings Automation connected
with Autodesk Forma® Data Management
formerly Autodesk Construction Cloud®
ARES Commander and ARES Kudo can automate the creation of DWG files from Revit® or IFC files. These files can be stored locally on your computer or in a connected Cloud storage account, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, or Microsoft Sharepoint.
Now you can also connect to Autodesk Forma® Data Management (previously known as Autodesk Construction Cloud®, or ACC), and therefore use Revit® files that are stored in Forma.
In addition, ARES Commander and ARES Kudo can save and synchronize with your project folder in Forma the DWG floorplans, sections, and elevations that you will automatically generate with the BIM Drawings Automation features in ARES Commander (or with the ARES Online Drawings Automation that is available in ARES Kudo, and now also in ARES Commander).
New in ARES Commander (with Trinity) and ARES Kudo Professional
How ARES Online Drawings Automation
benefits DWG & PDF in Revit® projects
Online BIM Drawings Automation now directly from ARES Commander
The BIMAUTOALL, BIMRELOAD, and BIMDATAEXTRACTION commands in ARES Commander can now be used from our online service, yet accessed directly from ARES Commander.
Based on the ARES Online Drawings Automation features previously released in ARES Kudo, this feature offloads tasks to an online server, so they can run in the background. That means you can keep working on other activities without interruption.
You also have the ability to schedule automation tasks for a future time, and to set up recurring jobs. For example, you can use ARES Online Drawings Automation to generate floorplans, sections, and elevations from a Revit® or IFC file, but also to update the DWG drawings from the BIM model — and update an Excel file with a data extraction — every weekend on an ongoing basis. You may also set up a recurring job that prints a sheet set of the project to PDF every night, incorporating all your latest changes in ARES Commander.
New in ARES Commander (with Trinity) and also available in ARES Kudo Professional
BIM Drawings tools in ARES Kudo
When using the ARES Online Drawings Automation features in ARES Kudo, you will obtain automatically generated floorplans, sections, and elevations that contain automatic dimensions and labels.
In ARES Commander, you may also manually create additional DWG drawings extracted from the BIM model, such as additional section drawings or detail drawings. If these drawings were not generated with automatic dimensions and/or labels, you can use the BIM label and BIM dimension tools in ARES Commander to further annotate your drawings. This was already possible in ARES Commander; now, the new BIM ribbon makes the same features available in ARES Kudo as well.
New in ARES Kudo Professional and also available in ARES Commander (with Maintenance)
Cloud-based Collaboration for CAD in DWG
TOP NEW FEATURES IN ARES COMMANDER, ARES KUDO & ARES TOUCH
The ARES Trinity concept connecting ARES Commander with ARES Kudo and ARES Touch
unlocks efficient new workflows and modern collaboration.
Now, ARES Commander, ARES Kudo, and ARES Touch can connect to Autodesk Forma®, providing a workflow as fluid and intuitive as our existing support for Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, Microsoft SharePoint and other popular cloud storage options.
Create and modify DWG files stored in Autodesk Forma®
Data Management
The new integration with Autodesk Forma Data Management (formerly known as “ACC” or “Autodesk Construction Cloud”), enables ARES Commander and ARES Kudo users to browse, create, and edit DWG drawings directly from this cloud storage.
This integration ensures all modifications are synchronized in real time, providing a workflow as fluid and intuitive as our existing support for Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, or Microsoft Sharepoint.
Unlocking the Trinity Collaboration features for files stored in the Autodesk Cloud
Connecting with Autodesk Forma does more than just enabling ARES users to create and modify the drawings in sync with the Autodesk Cloud.
It unlocks also the possibility to use the Trinity Collaboration features although the files are staying in Autodesk Forma:
- Access secured by login and password
- Live synchronization: Work in the ARES CAD software as if the file was saved locally, but the file stays in the cloud and changes are instantly synchronized.
- Session handling & take-over editing session: avoid conflicting changes among the ARES users, ensuring that only one user can edit, while the others are granted view-only access. Users can also alternate editing sessions in real-time with the take-over feature.
- Version control: Access Version History and Version Compare to track every iteration and revert changes if desired.
- Markups & Comments: Communicate design intent, collect feedback and answer questions with text, voice, pictures and stamps without leaving the drawing.
- Secure sharing: Generate View-only links to share free online viewing and commenting with external stakeholders. Includes the possibility to protect with password or expiry dates.
As Autodesk Forma® is also integrated with the free version of ARES Kudo, you can additionally use this solution to deploy free online viewing and commenting to the users that don’t benefit from any CAD license such as ARES Commander, ARES Kudo Professional or AutoCAD®.
New in ARES Commander (with Trinity), ARES Kudo Professional and ARES Touch (with Trinity)
Free version of ARES Kudo to extend collaboration with internal users
ARES Kudo is a powerful online CAD application that enables you to create, edit, and collaborate on DWG drawings directly in your browser.
The free version of ARES Kudo offers seamless connectivity with all supported cloud storage providers, featuring free online viewing and commenting, as well as some limited access to the online drawings automation features.
To improve collaboration while limiting costs, you can have a mix of free and paid users within the same company. Users with a paid subscription will be able to create and modify drawings. And for those employees who only need to view and comment on drawings, ARES Kudo Free is the perfect solution. To begin, simply create a Graebert Account and start with our free 30-day trial.
During the trial period, you will have full access to the editing features of ARES Kudo, and can connect your preferred cloud storage services to not only view, but also create and modify DWG or DXF drawings. When your free trial expires, the editing features of ARES Kudo will be disabled, but you can keep using it to view drawings online for free.
View-only links: Navigation widget for ARES Electrical projects
ARES Kudo adds PREVIOUS and NEXT navigation commands for Electrical drawings, making it easier to move between layers that represent different sheets or views.
This improves navigation in multi-layer ARES Electrical files and aligns the experience more closely with dedicated electrical CAD workflows.
A key advantage is to enable ARES Electrical users with a valid Trinity subscription to share View-only links to enable their contacts to view and comment online for free on their electrical projects.
The PREVIOUS and NEXT commands are available in the Home tab under the Navigation section and are shown automatically when an Electrical drawing is opened. By recognizing the drawing type and enabling these commands contextually, ARES Kudo allows users to switch between electrical layers quickly and efficiently, similar to the workflow in ARES Electrical.
New in ARES Kudo Professional and also in View-only links / ARES Kudo Free Version
QR codes deactivation for older versions
ARES Kudo now allows drawing owners to disable QR code–based view-only links at any time, providing greater control over shared drawings.
The QR code feature in ARES Commander and ARES Kudo allows users to embed links within their drawings that point to either the “latest” version for real-time updates or a “printed” version for viewing a specific snapshot. For the latter, ARES Kudo’s Version History now displays which versions have an active QR code, giving users the flexibility to monitor or deactivate them as needed.
New in ARES Kudo Professional
Flex Cloud license improvements
A Flex Cloud license provides the ability to share a license among multiple users in different locations.
Flex Cloud licenses can be shared between concurrent users or computers to reduce the number of licenses and costs. For example, it is possible to share three Flex Cloud licenses among six users.
We continue to enhance Flex Cloud licensing to improve license availability, efficiency, and overall resource utilization across organizations.
Now, we are introducing further optimizations to reduce idle license lock time and maximize availability:
- Automatic license return: The license is now immediately returned when the user is closing the application, making the license immediately available for other users, without waiting for the user to be timed out.
- Silent check acceleration: In case the user loses connection to the Internet, the license will be considered as returned within 30 min vs. 60 min before. But if this user is still working (e.g. in case of Internet shortage), ARES Commander will keep working until the Internet access is available again and a new license can be taken from the online service.
These enhancements facilitate the transition of Flex Network users to the new and more modern Flex Cloud licensing, although both types of licenses remain supported. To learn more about options to share ARES licenses, make sure to watch our video.
Administration
TOP Administration Features for Organization Admins
With every update, we strive to give you better control over your software, and to make administration a frictionless experience.
A new dashboard brings all company-level settings into the Customer Portal for simplified management. This includes a new company-level setting: With one convenient toggle, administrators can enable or disable AI feature access across all Graebert applications.
Company-level settings dashboard
To improve centralization and cross-platform consistency, company-level settings previously managed within ARES Kudo have been migrated to the new Admin Space in the Graebert Customer Portal.
Previously, ARES Kudo hosted administrative controls related to:
- Cloud storage integrations
- View-only link generation
- QR code access to drawings
With this release:
- All company-wide controls are now managed centrally within the Customer Portal
- Settings configured in the portal automatically apply across all Graebert applications and platforms
- Administrators benefit from a unified interface for managing organization-wide policies
This change enhances governance, simplifies administration, and ensures consistent behavior across the entire Graebert ecosystem.
Control AI features with company-level setting
We are introducing a new company-level setting to manage AI feature access across all Graebert applications.
- ARES AI Assist (A3) — Controls overall access to the A3 palette
- AI Text Tools — Read and edit the texts in your drawings upon request
- A3 Select & Modify — Use A3 to select and modify drawing entities
- AI-Assisted Block Generation — Use AI to generate blocks from user prompts
- Command Recommendations — Use AI to recommend commands based on the user’s activity.
Each user can individually control their preferences, and using one convenient toggle, administrators can now enable or disable all AI-powered functionality.
Flex Network License Manager:
License usage statistics
Flex Network licensing enables multiple users on the same local PC network to share a number of licenses from a central pool.
A license is dynamically allocated whenever a user launches the application, then released back into the pool once the application is closed. This process is managed by the Flex Network License Manager (FNLM), which helps optimize license utilization and reduce costs.
Previously, license usage statistics were only available in the Graebert Customer Portal. This meant that Flex Network licenses — which use a local server — were excluded. Now, new usage statistics reports in the FNLM extend this capability to Flex Network licenses.
Customization of A3 for Enterprise customers
ARES Enterprise customers benefit from advanced security and configuration settings, such as using Microsoft SSO (Single Sign-On with Microsoft Active Directory Federation Services) for the ARES Trinity of CAD software, as well as customizations for ARES Kudo and ARES Touch.
Now, we are extending the Enterprise features with the capability to customize A3 with additional documents to be used by its knowledge base for the users of your organization.
These documents may include resources specific to your industry or company to help your users with questions they would ask A3, or guidance about how to use ARES for a particular workflow in your company.
Note: Graebert Licensing comprises the core Licensing server and the web portals for managing users, organizations, and licenses. The Customer Portal can be accessed from the Graebert website or the following address: https://customer-portal.graebert.com/
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Customer Experience Improvements
ARES Commander 2027 is the fastest version ever released, helping you speed through everyday obstacles
like opening big, complex drawings.
But we don’t stop with software improvements; we seek to provide a great customer experience on all fronts. A new resource page compiles online help and education for users and developers, and last year’s redesign has been extended to the entire Customer Portal, including the interface for users.
New Online Help resources
The Help files for the ARES CAD software are now available online, making it easy for ARES users to explore and search them.
We took the opportunity to create learn.graebert.com, which indexes all the available resources for users and developers.
Graebert Customer Portal now fully redesigned
Last year, we launched a redesigned Graebert Customer Portal for company administrators, simplifying license, user, and device management. (To learn more, watch “Manage Multiple ARES CAD Licenses & Users – Admin Space for Organizations” on the Graebert YouTube channel.)
This year, we extended the new design — which features a more intuitive user experience — to the rest of the Customer Portal, and in particular the interface for users. In addition, the new design is now the default one (until recently, the old UI was the default, and the new style optional).
