AutoCAD Performance Improvement

Overview

AutoCAD may experience reduced performance in virtual desktop environments due to GPU acceleration, rendering methods, and UI features that are optimized for local hardware. The following steps can help improve responsiveness and stability when using AutoCAD in Softdrive.

Index

1) Disable DirectX 12

2) Disable Hardware Acceleration

3) Set Cursor Type to Default Windows Cursor

4) Disable ToolTips and Rollover ToolTips

5) Disable Dynamic Input

6) Disable Selection Preview (No Command Active)

Content

The following steps should improve Autocad usage in Softdrive. Please try the following one at a time.

1) Disable DirectX 12

Disabling DirectX 12 can improve graphics stability in virtual environments.

• In AutoCAD, open the command line.

• Type:

  GFXDX12
  

• Set the value to:

  0
  

• Restart AutoCAD.

2) Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration may cause performance issues when GPU resources are virtualized.

• In AutoCAD, type:

  3DCONFIG
  

• Disable Hardware Acceleration.

• Apply changes and restart AutoCAD.

3) Set Cursor Type to Default Windows Cursor

Using the default Windows cursor can improve mouse responsiveness.

• In AutoCAD, type:

  CURSORTYPE
  

• Set the value to:

  1
  

Additional Performance Adjustments

If performance issues persist, try the following optimizations.

4) Disable ToolTips and Rollover ToolTips

Tooltips can introduce latency in virtual sessions.

Disable via Options Menu

• Click Application Menu > Options.

• Open the Display tab.

• Clear the checkboxes for:

  • Show ToolTips

  • Show rollover ToolTips

Disable via Command Line

TOOLTIPS = 0
ROLLOVERTIPS = 0

5) Disable Dynamic Input

Dynamic Input can impact performance in remote environments.

Disable via Drafting Settings

• Right-click the Dynamic Input icon in the Status Bar or type:

  DSETTINGS
  

• Open the Dynamic Input tab.

• Clear the following options:

  • Enable Pointer Input

  • Enable Dimension Input where possible

  • Show command prompting and command input near the crosshairs

You may also hide the Dynamic Input icon by right-clicking it and clearing:
Display > Dynamic Input

6) Disable Selection Preview (No Command Active)

Selection preview effects can slow UI responsiveness.

Disable via Options Menu

• Click Application Menu > Options.

• Open the Selection tab.

• Clear the checkbox for:

  • When no command is active

Disable via Command Line

SELECTIONPREVIEW = 2

Additional Resources

Autodesk documentation provides further guidance for virtualized environments:

• AutoCAD Performance Recommendations for Citrix XenApp
  https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/AutoCAD-Performance-Recommendations-for-Citrix-XenApp.html

• AutoCAD on Citrix – Slow Mouse Performance
  https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/AutoCAD-on-Citrix-slow-mouse-performance.html