How To Improve AutoCAD Performance Issues
AutoCAD can sometimes post slow performance punctuated by frustratingly sluggish response times. here, we detail what to look for to establish when AutoCAD is running slow. We will also discuss the various causes and how to improve slow or poor AutoCAD performance. So let's get into it.
Slow AutoCAD software typically results from hardware, system, network, or file issues. While it will not display error messages or alerts that notify you whenever the performance takes a dip, there are plenty of tell-tale signs.
Symptoms of Slow AutoCAD Performance
Every new release of AutoCAD comes with its system requirements. If you compare the requirements for the different versions released over the long AutoCAD history, you will observe that the latest software releases demand more powerful computers than their predecessors. You will likely notice slow performance if you run a new version on old hardware.
At the same time, computer hardware is prone to wear and tear, contributing to slow performance as components such as the memory or storage fail or inch closer to failure. Therefore, even if you still need to update your AutoCAD software, you may notice a slump in performance.
Often, this slow AutoCAD performance manifests itself in several ways. Here are the top 9 indicators of performance issues:
Delayed response time when performing commands or tasks.
Crashes or freezing during use.
Slow loading times for drawing files or AutoCAD itself.
Lag or choppiness when navigating the drawing or zooming in/out.
Issues with printing or plotting, such as slow printing times or incomplete prints.
Issues with copying and pasting, such as long wait times or incomplete pastes.
Slow performance when working with large or complex drawings.
Slow performance when working on a network or with shared resources.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is likely that your AutoCAD performance is slow and may require some troubleshooting or optimisation.
Causes of Slow Performance in AutoCAD
Is AutoCAD lagging after every command when moving objects or drawing lines? The reasons behind this sluggishness are varied. The slow or degraded performance can result from a single cause or a combination of multiple reasons and factors. Generally, however, and as stated above, the degraded or poor performance of AutoCAD products is rooted in hardware, file, or network issues.
Hardware-Related Causes of Slow AutoCAD Performance
There are several hardware-related causes of slow AutoCAD performance, including:
Insufficient RAM: AutoCAD requires a significant amount of memory to run efficiently. If your computer does not have enough RAM, it may slow down or even crash while using AutoCAD.
Outdated graphics card: AutoCAD relies heavily on the graphics card to render 3D objects and provide smooth performance. An outdated graphics card may need help handling AutoCAD's demands, leading to slow performance.
Slow processor: AutoCAD requires a fast processor to perform calculations quickly. If your computer has a slow processor, it may need help to keep up with the demands of AutoCAD.
Need for more storage space: AutoCAD files can be large and take up significant storage space. If your computer does not have enough storage space, AutoCAD may run slowly or even crash.
Overheating: AutoCAD can generate a lot of heat, which can cause your computer to slow down or even shut down. Ensure that your computer has adequate cooling to prevent overheating.
Multiple programs running at the same time: If you have numerous programs running at the same time, it can slow down AutoCAD performance. Close any unnecessary programs to improve AutoCAD performance.
If you experience slow AutoCAD performance, check your hardware specifications to ensure your computer meets the minimum requirements for running AutoCAD efficiently.
File-Related Causes of Slow AutoCAD Performance
There are several file-related causes of slow AutoCAD performance, including:
Large file size: Large AutoCAD files can take a long time to load and may slow down performance while working on them.
Complex drawings: Complex drawings with many layers, blocks, and objects can cause AutoCAD to slow down, especially when working in 3D.
Corrupted or damaged files: Corrupted or damaged AutoCAD files can cause slow performance, as AutoCAD may need to try to repair or recover the file constantly.
External references (Xrefs): Xrefs can slow down performance if large or complex. Ensure that your Xrefs are optimised and up-to-date to improve AutoCAD performance.
Lack of purging: Unused or unnecessary data in an AutoCAD file can slow down performance. Use the PURGE command to remove any unused data from your files.
Lack of indexing: AutoCAD relies on indexing to quickly search and retrieve data. Searching for specific data can speed up performance if your files are indexed.
Network or storage issues: Slow performance can also be caused by network or storage issues, such as slow network speeds or a lack of available storage space.
If you experience slow AutoCAD performance, check your files for any of these issues and take steps to optimise them. Consider creating new files or splitting large files into smaller ones to improve performance.
Network-Related Causes of Slow AutoCAD Performance
Here are the top 4 network-related factors that contributed to poor performance in AutoCAD;
Slow internet connection
Disconnected or unresolved network drive
A network file that cannot be found or opened
The file is stored in an unsupported network location
How to Make AutoCAD Run Faster
Here are some tips to make AutoCAD run faster:
Upgrade your hardware: Ensure that your computer meets the recommended hardware specifications for AutoCAD. Consider upgrading your RAM, graphics card, and processor if necessary.
Optimise your settings: Adjust your AutoCAD settings to optimise performance, such as reducing the size of the undo buffer, disabling background plotting, and reducing the number of backup files.
Use proxy objects: Use proxy objects for complex objects, as they can help reduce file size and improve performance.
Keep your files clean: Regularly purge your files to remove any unused or unnecessary data, and optimise your Xrefs and blocks.
Use object culling: Use object culling to hide objects that are not necessary to your current task, as this can help improve performance.
Use the latest version of AutoCAD: Using the latest version of AutoCAD can help improve performance, as newer versions often have optimised code and enhanced features.
Use hardware acceleration: Use hardware acceleration for graphics, as this can help improve performance by offloading graphics processing to your graphics card.
Use external reference file (Xref) optimisation tools: Use third-party tools to optimise and compress your Xref files to reduce their size and improve performance.
Close unnecessary programs: Close any programs running in the background to free up system resources for AutoCAD.
By implementing these tips, you can help make AutoCAD run faster and improve your productivity.
How to Use AutoCAD Performance Feedback Tool
The AutoCAD Performance Feedback Tool is a built-in tool that provides information on the performance of AutoCAD and helps you identify and resolve performance issues. Here are the steps to use the AutoCAD Performance Feedback Tool:
Open AutoCAD and go to the Help menu.
Click on "Performance Feedback Tool" from the dropdown menu.
The Performance Feedback dialogue box will appear. Click on "Start" to begin the performance test.
AutoCAD will run a series of tests to evaluate the performance of your computer, including graphics performance, CPU performance, and memory usage.
After the tests are complete, a report will be generated with recommendations for improving performance. Review the information and follow the advice to improve performance.
You can save the report for future reference by clicking the "Save Report" button.
Some of the recommendations that may be provided in the report include upgrading your hardware, adjusting your AutoCAD settings, optimising your files, or updating your graphics driver.
Using the AutoCAD Performance Feedback Tool, you can identify and resolve performance issues, optimise your system, and improve your AutoCAD experience.
Tips on How to Avoid Issues with AutoCAD Performance in the Future
The measures above are reactionary, attempted after AutoCAD started running slowly. However, you can prevent performance issues by implementing a few tips:
Limit the number of objects or data points to less than 100,000
Move the objects closer to the origin.
If you cannot locate the origin, type UCSICON on the command line to activate the source of the drawing. You can then use this point as a reference to determine how far the data or objects are from the origin.
Ensure your AutoCAD software, operating system, and drivers are constantly updated.
Uninstall unnecessary software, known as bloatware
Some of the solutions highlighted above can also act as preventative tips that, when implemented early on, can help avoid performance problems in AutoCAD.