AutoCAD 2023-2024 graphics performance improvements

AutoCAD 2023 and 2024 feature a new 3D graphics system that improves navigation in larger drawing files.  Graphics performance is also extended to model and paper space.

This new graphics engine improves 2D/3D graphical performance in larger drawing files.  It utilizes the power available in the GPU(graphics processing unit) and multi-core CPUs.

Note: This requires a DirectX 12 capable graphics card(see the DirectX 12 section below).

♦ AutoCAD 2022 featured this as a 'technical preview' in Shaded model viewports. Enabled with the 3DTECHPREVIEW system variable. With the graphics preview on, Shaded viewports show as 'Shaded (GSF)' in the viewport controls:

2023 

AutoCAD 2023 introduced the new graphics system that include the following 3D graphics enhancements.

♦A new FASTSHADEDMODE system variable enables the new 3D graphics system.  It is ON by default. It can also be turned on/off in Graphics Performance.

3D :

• In Shaded and Shaded with Edges visual styles in Model space viewports only.
• Does not support customized visual styles, materials, maps, point clouds or large coordinate values.

The following 2D improvements are included in this version as well:

2D : 2D Wireframe-improved Pan, Zoom in drawings with many TTF texts, long polylines and solid hatches.  GPU memory usage is optimized. 

2024 

Improvements in 3D and 2D graphics in this version include:

3D: Support for Paper Space, point clouds, lineweights, large coordinate values,  xref and locked layer dimming, added support for Civil and Map 3D.

2D: Pan: with raster images and wipeouts; Display: Layout switching, View Cube, Trace Background, Markup Import/Assist.

How to verify if your graphics card is DirectX 12 capable

1.Use the 3DCONFIG command in AutoCAD.  In the Graphics Performance dialog box at the top right, Virtual Device: DirectX 12

2.Start the dxdiag command in Windows to open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool dialog box.  Find your graphics card on one of the 'Display' tabs.  The 'Direct3D DDI:' field will be equal to '12'.

Other settings to improve AutoCAD performance:

Tips to improve performance in AutoCAD and AutoCAD based products

Settings to improve performance with older or low end graphics cards

Use a previous version of DirectX 

About the Author

Manufacturing Technical Support Specialist<br><br>Joanna has over eight years of experience working with Autodesk products. She started supporting core AutoCAD and network installations of all Autodesk products. She now has five years of experience with Inventor. <br> She graduated from Mechanical Engineering and has been providing solutions to clients and dedicating her knowledge to the Solution Center since then.

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