AutoCAD 360 lands in Windows Store

Like Windows Phone, Windows 8.x does not get anywhere near the same level of attention as its more popular rivals, Android and iOS, receive from top developers. Still, the app selection has slowly gotten better, thanks in no small part to third-party offerings, reaching the point where it ticks all the right boxes for casual users.

But, Windows Store is also seeing improvements in its selection geared towards professionals. The latest major Modern UI offering to greet Windows 8.x is Autodesk's AutoCAD 360, which arrives as a free preview. This is a huge win for the platform.

Why? Because AutoCAD is popular with professionals from a wide range of industries, like surveying, civil and mechanical engineering. AutoCAD 360 may not be as powerful as the traditional software or any of its tailored variations (like AutoCAD Architecture, Map 3D or Mechanical), but it gives users the option to view DWG, DWG and DXF files while in Modern UI, switch between model and paper spaces, and sync with their AutoCAD 360 accounts.

So far, professionals had to use the Desktop version of AutoCAD to view blueprints. AutoCAD 360 can come in handy when using a touchscreen-equipped device, like a hybrid or tablet, in the field or during presentations, where it is much easier to navigate by swiping on the screen than using a touchpad or mouse.

AutoCAD 360 is available to download from Windows Store.