RMS Performance Tips

AutoCAD Release 12 and 13 for DOS requires a computer
equipped with at least 16 megabytes of physical memory
(random-access memory, RAM). The Microsoft Windows
versions of AutoCAD require even more memory due to
Windows’ memory requirements. This assumes that 15
megabytes of extended memory (above the first megabyte
of conventional system memory) are dedicated to AutoCAD.
When all available memory is used, AutoCAD will begin to
swap unused executable code and data to disk. Additional
memory will improve performance by reducing the need for
AutoCAD to have to swap to disk.

For very large drawing files (large number of contour
lines, cross-sections, etc.) the amount of available
memory can become a significant factor. If AutoCAD's
performance is poor, type STATUS at the AutoCAD command
line. This command will list memory usage and swap file
activity. To improve AutoCAD's performance, consider the
following:

1. Use of multiple viewports can drastically slow down
AutoCAD. It is recommended that only 1 drawing
viewport be used, especially with larger drawings.

2. After starting up AutoCAD, first load BOSS RMS
without any drawing file, and then load the drawing
file you wish to work with. This can dramatically
speed up the process of starting up AutoCAD with your
work.

3. Remove any unnecessary information from the drawing
(excess contour lines, background information, etc.).

4. Use the LAYER FREEZE command to deactivate layers
containing details irrelevant to your current editing
work. When regenerating a drawing, AutoCAD will skip
objects on frozen layers. This can significantly speed
up display regenerations.

5. Certain AutoCAD commands will enable or disable modes
that can save time during drawing and plotting. These
commands include VIEWRES, REGENAUTO, FILL, and QTEXT.
See your AutoCAD Reference Manual for more information
on these commands.

6. As a general rule, use any of the OSNAP modes other
than INTERSECT whenever applicable. OSNAP INTERSECT
performs more intricate computations than the other
OSNAP modes, and is therefore slower.

For additional discussion on how to further improve
AutoCAD's performance on your computer, please consult
the AutoCAD Interface, Installation, and Performance
Guide supplied with AutoCAD.