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Questions and Answers

General Product Information

1. Who will benefit from the i-drop Enhancer Extension?
Anyone who wants to speed the drawing process by dragging predrawn content from the Web or web-based media into their drawings will benefit from the i-drop Enhancer Extension.

2. What does the i-drop Enhancer Extension do?
Autodesk i-drop technology provides an easy method for getting design content, such as blocks, from Web into AutoCAD software and industry-specific products based on AutoCAD; now the i-drop Enhancer Extension makes it easy to deal with multiple types of i-drop content and associated data files by expanding drag-and-drop functionality of the i-drop technology. For example, when an i-drop package contains a block and associated data files, such as catalog information in a spreadsheet or an order form as a PDF, a right mouse button drag-and-drop operation prompts you to save the associated data files to a location of your choice on your local hard drive.

With the i-drop Enhancer Extension, dropped block content is automatically tagged with a hyperlink to a web address (URL) that links to either the source or a content provider-specified location. And, an i-drop history log is generated for your drawing file so that you can see what, when, and where content was dropped. When you use a right mouse button drag-and-drop operation, you can choose between the appropriate types of content (such as block or style for Autodesk® Architectural Desktop users) and select any associated data files that the content provider included in the i-drop package.

3. Which AutoCAD-based industry-specific products can use this extension?
The i-drop Enhancer Extension is available to members of the Autodesk Subscription Program for the following AutoCAD 2002-based products*:

AutoCAD® 2002
Autodesk Map? 5
Autodesk® Land Desktop 3
Autodesk® Architectural Desktop 3.3
AutoCAD® Mechanical 6
Autodesk® Mechanical Desktop® 6

*Note: This extension is an enhancement to the AutoCAD platform i-drop technology for dropping AutoCAD blocks.

4. Does this extension work with AutoCAD LT?
No. The i-drop Enhancer Extension does not work with AutoCAD LT® software.

5. Does this extension require a service pack?
Only for certain applications. Autodesk Architectural Desktop 3.3 requires the installation of both the i-drop Enhancer Extension and Autodesk Architectural Desktop 3.3 Service Pack 1 to use the enhanced i-drop functionality with Architectural Desktop styles. No service pack is required for AutoCAD 2002, Autodesk Map 5, Autodesk Land Desktop 3, AutoCAD Mechanical 6, or Autodesk Mechanical Desktop 6 to use the i-drop Enhancer Extension functionality with any AutoCAD block.

6. Are subscribers to Autodesk Building Electrical and Autodesk Building Mechanical eligible for this extension?
Autodesk® Building Electrical and Autodesk® Building Mechanical subscription members are eligible for the i-drop Enhancer Extension if they also subscribe to Autodesk Architectural Desktop 3.3. If both Autodesk Architectural Desktop 3.3 SP1 and the i-drop Enhancer Extension are installed, Autodesk Building Electrical and Autodesk Building Mechanical users can use enhanced i-drop functionality when dropping AutoCAD blocks and Architectural Desktop styles into their drawing windows.

7. Does this extension replace my old i-drop command and browser plug-in?
Yes. When you install the i-drop Enhancer Extension, your old i-drop tool will automatically be updated with the new functionality. The command and i-drop browser plug-in are both updated.

8. Where do I find i-drop-enabled content?
You can visit www.autodesk.com/idrop for links to publicly available i-drop-enabled content. Everything from symbols to manufacturer content is available. With the enthusiasm around i-drop technology, it is likely that many more websites will offer i-drop enabled content in the future. And, you can even host your own i-drop-enabled content on the Internet or your company intranet.

9. How do I know if content is i-drop enabled?
Many content sites have an explanation of i-drop for first-time visitors. In addition, your cursor changes to an “eye-dropper” symbol when you move it over a live i-drop link.

10. Can I build my own i-drop-enabled websites?
Yes. Anyone can build an i-drop-enabled website. For detailed instructions on how to create i-drop-enabled design content, visit www.autodesk.com/idrop.

11. Does i-drop work with the Publish to Web tool?
Yes, you can use this tool to create basic i-drop-enabled content. When using the Publish to Web tool, check the “i-drop enable” box and the drawings on your published web page will be automatically i-drop enabled.

12. Do I need to update my i-drop browser plug-in to use this extension?
No. Installing the extension automatically updates both your application and your i-drop browser plug-in.

13. Does i-drop work with Netscape Navigator®?
No. i-drop requires Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5.5 or later.

14. How do I change the i-drop content type that my application automatically accepts by default?
To change the default i-drop content type that your application accepts automatically during a left mouse button drag-and-drop operation, enter setidrophandler at the command line and then follow the prompts.

15. Will Autodesk® VIZ have problems using AutoCAD or Autodesk Architectural Desktop data that contains content inserted through the i-drop Enhancer Extension?
No. The i-drop Enhancer Extension simply makes the process of inserting data into AutoCAD and Autodesk Architectural Desktop drawings easier. The format of the data itself has not changed.

16. Will the Autodesk Inventor? application have any problems using AutoCAD or Autodesk Mechanical Desktop data that contains content inserted through the
i-drop Enhancer Extension?
No. The i-drop Enhancer Extension simply makes the process of inserting data into AutoCAD and Autodesk Mechanical Desktop drawings easier. The format of the data itself has not changed.

Availability

1. How do I get the i-drop Enhancer Extension?

The i-drop Enhancer Extension is only available through the Autodesk® Subscription Program. Subscription Program members can download the extension from the Subscription site on Autodesk Point A at www.pointa.autodesk.com/subscription.

2. What is the Autodesk Subscription Program?

The Autodesk Subscription Program is an easy way to minimize upgrade disruptions and get instant access to the latest Autodesk design software. With an up-front annual subscription fee, you can maximize your budget resources while the incremental software delivery smoothes the learning curve. Plus, the Autodesk Subscription Program comes with helpful support documents, e-Course training modules, and optional Direct Online Support.

3. How do I join the Autodesk Subscription Program?

Contact your Autodesk Authorized Reseller or visit www.pointa.autodesk.com/subscription for more information.

4. Is training available for the i-drop Enhancer Extension?

Yes, an e-Course training module is available for the i-drop Enhancer Extension. Autodesk e-Courses are self-paced courses that may combine animation, graphics, text, and drawing files. e-Courses are short, typically 15-30 minutes, and are designed to help you quickly master a key concept or feature of Autodesk software. They may include an overview, key concept, or feature explanation(s), and one or more step-by-step exercises. The i-drop Enhancer Extension e-Course is a benefit of your subscription membership and is available for download from the Autodesk Subscription Center at pointa.autodesk.com/subscription.

5. Will the i-drop Enhancer Extension be available in other languages?

Yes. This extension will be available in other languages. For more information, contact your local Autodesk representative. To locate one visit www.autodesk.com/reseller.