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ARES Commander 2026 - Release Notes

ARES, Commander, 2026, Release Notes

Christian Kramer avatar
Written by Christian Kramer
Updated over 2 weeks ago

LAST UPDATE: 2026 SP1 (26.1.1.2171) - Released 03/07/2025

You can download the last update from here.

+ New ARES Commander Update +

ARES Commander 2026 SP1 (build no. 26.1.1.2171)

Click here to access the download page

Update instructions: After downloading, close ARES and start the installation. The service pack can be installed without previous uninstallation.

Below you can find the main fixes and new improvements on ARES Commander 2026 SP1:

  • Print, export and sheets:

    • Sorting in Batch Print has been restored, allowing users to organize files by filename, page layout, or status as expected. [DESKTOP-347669]

    • Page numbers in Sheet Set Manager display correctly. [DESKTOP-385769]

    • Draw order from DGN files is respected during import, ensuring correct layer display. [DESKTOP-263674]

    • Improve DXFOUT output on MacOS to be consume in some laser cutting machines. [DESKTOP-364656]

    • Resolved crash when importing specific DGN files using IMPORTDGN command. [DESKTOP-374003]

    • EXPORTPDF performance improved for large drawings, preventing software freeze. [DESKTOP-376021]

    • Set default plot styles in ARES for consistent new drawing prints. [DESKTOP-107090]

    • Resolved issue causing hang when specifying 'Print Range' in PRINT command. [DESKTOP-354108]

    • Simplenote widths display correctly with specific TrueType fonts during printing. [DESKTOP-367100]

    • Kanji characters in PDFs are now correctly recognized during searches. [DESKTOP-369284]

    • Resolved crash when zooming in/out in print preview with 'PNG' plotter. [DESKTOP-370994]

    • Symbol text entities display correctly in print preview and final PDF output. [DESKTOP-384169]

    • Entities no longer disappear during PAN operations, ensuring a stable view. [DESKTOP-318115]

    • View tile boundaries no longer overlap when resizing grips. [DESKTOP-361045]

    • COPY and MOVE commands function correctly in orthogonal mode for all 3D views. [DESKTOP-362777]

    • Zooming no longer reverts UCS from 'World' when UCSVP is set to 0. [DESKTOP-382403]


    ​

  • Geometry draw or modification:

    • The PUSHPULL command no longer causes the application to hang when used in specific drawings containing blocks. [DESKTOP-355157]

    • Resolved error when trimming closed polylines with hatches using window selection. [DESKTOP-318856]

    • PEDIT command reliably joins polylines after using WELD, maintaining the outer profile when OFFSET is applied. [DESKTOP-363047]

    • The FILLET command no longer adds an extra line when creating sharp corners between two polylines. [DESKTOP-368488]

    • Default Fillet Radius set to 0 for consistency with other CAD software. [DESKTOP-372958]

    • Resolved issue with arcs not extending when using EXTEND command with specific boundaries. [DESKTOP-385733]

    • Hatch updates correctly when multileader text inside boundary is edited. [DESKTOP-237908]

    • Hatch associativity remains intact when modifying pattern properties. [DESKTOP-316177]

    • HATCH command successfully creates hatches even if the entire boundary isn't visible. [DESKTOP-350730]

    • Resolved crash when changing hatch patterns in DWG files. [DESKTOP-356207]

    • Hatch color remains consistent after boundary deletion and recreation. [DESKTOP-362840]

    • Dialog box for Hatch/Fill can be closed after disabling the contextual ribbon. [DESKTOP-363560]

    • Hatch command accurately fills specified internal regions. [DESKTOP-367333]

    • Hatch area values display accurately for selected hatches. [DESKTOP-378402]

    • Polar and Entity tracking visibility restored for large coordinates. [DESKTOP-281721]

    • EGrip position updates correctly when changing text justification in non-English languages. [DESKTOP-356379]


    ​

  • Blocks and Data extraction:

    • Visibility State toggle in Block Editor no longer triggers unwanted window selection. [DESKTOP-364543]

    • 3D solids display correctly when editing components in ARES. [DESKTOP-303033]

    • REGEN command no longer resets block attribute values to zero after copying or moving. [DESKTOP-321444]

    • Resolved crash when pasting Block with Fields from ARES into AutoCAD. [DESKTOP-321816]

    • Attribute values in Block Property Table retain custom settings when modified using grips. [DESKTOP-344515]

    • ESnaps function correctly with dynamic blocks having alignment action. [DESKTOP-360767]

    • ATTIN command now imports all attributes from .txt files correctly. [DESKTOP-371364]

    • The MAKEBLOCKATTRIBUTE command no longer duplicates the 'Name' field text in the 'Default value' when creating a Multiline attribute. [DESKTOP-374013]

    • Resolved error when copying and pasting all entities in a drawing, eliminating duplicate block definition messages. [DESKTOP-376472]

    • Parallel constraint icons now update with dimension formula changes. [DESKTOP-385003]

    • Arrow keys in CBTABLE now navigate cells smoothly within block properties. [DESKTOP-366411]

    • Canceling the block property dialog no longer resets 'Attribute' values to default in CBTABLE. [DESKTOP-367949]

    • Visibility states in Dynamic Blocks function correctly even with the Property palette open. [DESKTOP-374266]

    • Stretching Custom Blocks to the left with increments works smoothly. [DESKTOP-377749]

    • The 'Select data link' label in the Data Extraction dialog is now translated into the local language. [DESKTOP-354295]

    • Resolved issue where non-leader annotation text copied to 'Tool Palettes' included unwanted annotations. [DESKTOP-358602]


    ​

  • Annotations:

    • The Mtext toolbar consistently appears above text, even on a secondary monitor. [DESKTOP-59160]

    • MacOS users will see correct formula results in tables, resolving invalid '###' display. [DESKTOP-177581]

    • Editing stacked text in tables no longer reduces text height with each edit. [DESKTOP-275782]

    • Resolved crash when switching between Pause and Stop while playing a Voice note. [DESKTOP-366378]

    • Resolved an application crash when pasting after cutting without selection in EDITANNOTATION. [DESKTOP-376392]

    • Corrected the alignment issue when entering text with the MTEXT command. [DESKTOP-383664]

    • Users will see accurate color updates in the Edit Dimension Style Manager and Options dialogs. [DESKTOP-353277]

    • RADIUSDIMENSION and DIAMETERDIMENSION lines return to original position after scale adjustment. [DESKTOP-354136]

    • Select Matching command now selects only the same type of dimension, aligning with expected behavior. [DESKTOP-357441]

    • CONTINUEDIMENSION command reliably creates dimensions as expected. [DESKTOP-365515]

    • DIMCEN system variable is now considered in 'Differences' for DIMENSIONSTYLE. [DESKTOP-368386]

    • Continued dimensions now align correctly when UCS is not set to World. [DESKTOP-382382]

    • Multileader position remains stable with 'Underline bottom line' setting. [DESKTOP-374750]

    • Multileader text alignment issue with half-width characters has been resolved. [DESKTOP-378944]

    • Resolved issue with EDITMULTILEADER command not functioning for multi leaders containing Blocks or Tolerance. [DESKTOP-383394]

    • Resolved issue with blank cells when pasting Excel data using PASTESPEC. [DESKTOP-349240]

    • Pressing 'Esc' during 'EDITTABLE' command now cancels actions before cell selection. [DESKTOP-358005]

    • Stretching the lower right 'Grip' of a table now shows the correct preview and behavior. [DESKTOP-376004]


    ​

  • Graphic System:

    • Field text visibility issue in shaded visual style with LWeight display ON resolved. [DESKTOP-374667]

    • ISOLATEENTITIES command ensures only isolated entities are selected for modification. [DESKTOP-253555]

    • Resolved issue where switching to '2D Wireframe' caused 3D solids to display artifacts. [DESKTOP-354483]


    ​

  • User interface:

    • Layer Manager - LineWeight settings remain consistent when activating layer states in viewports. [DESKTOP-347684]

    • Palette - The 'Measure Circumference' button icon in the Smart Calculator dialog displays correctly with a white frame. [DESKTOP-361943]

    • The Maximize/Minimize Ribbon button in the Light UI is now clearly visible and active. [DESKTOP-352284]

    • Tooltip for 'Report a bug' in Help drop-down now correctly displays 'web browser' and includes the command name at the end. [DESKTOP-48890]

    • Exiting ARES after docking a floating window post-sheet merge no longer causes a crash. [DESKTOP-350090]

    • Task bar preview displays correctly when using a high-resolution monitor as the primary screen. [DESKTOP-352964]

    • UCSICON size properly adjusts with UI scaling for better visibility. [DESKTOP-353849]

    • Restoring 'Sheet and Model Tabs' after docking a floating window is now seamless. [DESKTOP-353894]

    • The 'View Navigator' remains visible when floating a document window. [DESKTOP-354359]

    • UI scaling issue resolved when moving the application between screens with different resolutions. [DESKTOP-360355]

    • Mnemonics in the Color Books tab of the Line Color dialog are functioning correctly. [DESKTOP-361174]

    • The 'Relative point' icon in the 'Coordinate System' dialog for 'ENTERPOINT' command is visible. [DESKTOP-361964]

    • The ENTERPOINT command no longer retains unwanted values when using crossing selection. [DESKTOP-362074]

    • Syntax error in Color Book dialog when accessing .acb files has been resolved. [DESKTOP-364163]

    • The 'Color Book - Missing Color Book' message alignment has been corrected for better readability. [DESKTOP-365309]

    • Empty color fields in the LINECOLOR dialog now prompt an alert, preventing accidental acceptance. [DESKTOP-368786]

    • Layer dropdown in Hatch Ribbon expands for longer names, enhancing usability. [DESKTOP-369266]

    • Sample files on the Start page remain visible even after changing the drawing file path. [DESKTOP-380183]

    • The 'Learning' tab on startup provides immediate feedback if content loading is delayed. [DESKTOP-380244]

    • Application no longer freezes when displaying pull-down menus on macOS. [DESKTOP-380999]

    • Japanese MacOS users will see correct characters in 'View Tile Control'. [DESKTOP-383689]

    • Quick Settings labels display fully at larger scales, ensuring readability. [DESKTOP-386840]


    ​

  • BIM Features:

    • BIMSECTION creation now uses the correct template name. [DESKTOP-346695]

    • Resolved audit errors when binding BIM drawings, ensuring smoother workflows. [DESKTOP-359020]

    • German translations in BIM Navigator have been corrected for clarity. [DESKTOP-359897]

    • The OK button in FIELD > BIM > Entity is now active after specifying a BIM entity, allowing users to insert properties as fields seamlessly. [DESKTOP-363042]

    • BIM Grid Lines button is disabled for vertical BIM sections, preventing incorrect usage. [DESKTOP-368054]

    • The BIMAUTOPUBLISH variable correctly stops automatic PDF generation when set to 0. [DESKTOP-372787]

    • PACKANDGO operation can be run multiple times without issues. [DESKTOP-373067]

    • UNDO/REDO actions no longer cause crashes when reloading BIM models from BIM Navigator. [DESKTOP-374401]

    • The dialog box title in BIMDIMENSIONSTYLE has been corrected to 'BIM Styles Manager' for clarity. [DESKTOP-370776]

    • The BIMSPLITDRAWING command no longer crashes the application when used on drawings containing pasted BIM models, ensuring a smoother workflow. [DESKTOP-355675]

    • BIM Drawing - Users can customize hatches for cut and background lines in BIM drawings. [DESKTOP-357961]

    • Materials mapped to entities are now visible in Elevations, enhancing visual consistency. [DESKTOP-357823]

    • Mapping materials by IFC class allows users to assign materials to entire categories, streamlining the process and enhancing efficiency in managing BIM materials. [DESKTOP-357959]

    • Select a JSON material file for precise BIM material mapping. [DESKTOP-376395]


    ​

  • API and Customization:

    • UCSXDIR variable updates correctly with LISP commands in new drawings. [DESKTOP-363526]

    • Macro for text justification in AutoCAD and ARES Commander executes correctly, ensuring precise text alignment. [DESKTOP-347863]

    • Icons in the [Commands] section of the [Customize] dialog box are visible again. [DESKTOP-361702]

    • White lines in 'Borders' of TABLESTYLE dialog have been resolved for clearer visibility. [DESKTOP-357664]


    ​

  • External References:

    • The 'Replace path' function in References now correctly updates all selected references. [DESKTOP-371660]

    • Resolved hanging issue when replacing 'Not found' files in References. [DESKTOP-371668]

    • SAVECOMPONENT no longer crashes when editing specific drawings. [DESKTOP-371753]

    • Missing image xrefs now trigger a message box on drawing open. [DESKTOP-372363]

    • Line color changes in referenced drawings reflect correctly when set to "ByBlock". [DESKTOP-378776]


    ​

  • License:

    • Flex Network License License Manager window displays 'Max.Roam.Count' for clearer understanding of license limits. [DESKTOP-95995]

    • Resolved license deactivation when switching networks, ensuring seamless use across home and office. [DESKTOP-384471]


    ​

  • Performance:

    • Smooth cursor movement when adding continuous dimensions in ARES. [DESKTOP-274440]

    • Opening files with Chinese characters in names on Linux no longer causes crashes. [DESKTOP-386926]

    • Opening files with German umlauts in names no longer crashes ARES Commander on Linux. [DESKTOP-386928]

    • Selecting specific 3D solids no longer causes ARES to hang. [DESKTOP-312439]


    ​

  • AI Resources:

    • Users without a Kudo License will see a clear message in the A3 palette. [DESKTOP-375072]


    If you are facing issues that are crashing the application, please use the Crash Report tool to let us know about it. If possible, it's always useful to provide the reproduction steps in the comments section of the Crash Report tool.

Build No. 26.0.1.1124 (SP0) - Released 07/04/2025

You can check the full detail enhancement list for ARES 2026 products accessing http://www.graebert.com/whatsnew

YOU CAN QUICKLY REVIEW THE TOP UPDATES:

COMPATIBILITY WITH AUTOCAD®

NEW START TAB & UI CONFIGURATION

ARES Commander continues to evolve, delivering an even smoother and more intuitive user experience. The new Start Tab simplifies workspace customization, allowing users to easily configure their ribbons, palettes, and settings to fit their workflow preferences.
​
Additionally, the CAD General workspace — now enabled by default — provides a familiar environment for users transitioning from AutoCAD or similar CAD software.

CAD FEATURES

PERFORMANCE & STABILITY BOOSTS

This year, we prioritized performance and stability to enhance your workflow. These improvements have been successively released in recent service packs and in the new version 2026. Year over year, ARES Commander now delivers 10% faster file opening, 55% faster zooming, and 38% faster panning.
And our dedication to continually improving stability and reliability is yielding concrete results: 94% of users had ZERO crashes with version 2025 (vs. 91% with version 2024), and more than 99% of sessions had ZERO crashes with version 2025 (vs. more than 97% with version 2024).

CUSTOM BLOCKS WITH MULTIPLE VISIBILITY STATES

ARES Commander supports both AutoCAD®-compatible dynamic blocks and its own custom blocks, offering a powerful alternative. This year, custom blocks gained full support for multiple visibility states, making them functionally equivalent to dynamic blocks.
The Trinity Block Library, which was enriched last year with 450+ dynamic block examples, has now been further improved with more intuitive tools for adding blocks to your online libraries, making block sharing even easier.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

AI ASSISTANCE FOR SELECTIONS AND MODIFICATIONS

First introduced in the previous version, ARES AI Assist (A3) now enables users to make selections and modifications using natural language through its dedicated side palette. Simply enter commands such as “Select all lines longer than 5 on the layer Windows” or “Move the selected entities to layer 0” to execute actions instantly. You can also modify properties effortlessly, via requests like “Change the color of all circles to red.”


​AI-DRIVEN TEXT TOOLS & MTEXT IMPROVEMENTS

ARES Commander’s AI assistant, A3, now extends its capabilities to text editing. The MTEXT editor has been enhanced with AI-driven tools to translate, refine writing, check spelling, and summarize text, streamlining documentation tasks. Additionally, users can now format text into columns, improving readability and layout flexibility.

MAPS FEATURES

ECW FORMAT SUPPORT & FASTER LOADING OF ONLINE MAPS

ARES Commander now supports the ECW file format, allowing users to work seamlessly with highly compressed orthophotos, such as aerial images. This enhances ARES Commander’s Maps service, which lets users search and insert satellite or street maps with real-world coordinates. Additionally, the Maps service has been optimized for faster loading, ensuring a smoother experience when zooming and panning in the drawing.

3D FEATURES

3D RENDERING WITH TWINMOTION

ARES Commander now supports exporting DWG drawings to the Datasmith format, enabling users to create photo-realistic renderings and walkthrough videos in Twinmotion. This integration allows for material and lighting assignments, helping users produce high-quality visualizations of their 3D projects. Plus, Twinmotion is free for small and medium businesses with revenues up to $1 million USD.

INTEROPERABILITY

STEP IMPORT

The STEP format is a widely used standard for exchanging 3D geometry with software like SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, Autodesk Inventor, PTC Creo, and Onshape. With the new STEP Import feature, users can easily bring STEP models into their drawings as editable 3D solid DWG entities. These models can then be modified using ARES Commander’s 3D solid modeling tools, or sectioned to generate precise 2D drawings.

CONVERT DWG TO SKETCHUP

The new Export to SketchUp feature allows users to convert DWG files to the SKP format, which is widely used in 3D architectural design. This export supports both 2D drawings and 3D geometry, preserving essential elements while optimizing them for SketchUp. Depending on the view mode, users can export either a 2D plan view or full 3D models from their current drawing

DRAWINGS AUTOMATION FOR BIM

DRAWINGS AUTOMATION IMPROVEMENTS & BIM MATERIAL MAPPER

ARES Commander streamlines BIM-to-DWG workflows, enabling users to import Revit or IFC files and instantly generate 2D DWG drawings — including floorplans, sections, and elevations — with automatic dimensions and labels. New features include support for grid lines, stairs representation, automatic drawing splits, and more.
Additionally, the BIM Material Mapper allows users to customize BIM material representations in 2D drawings and save configurations as JSON files for easy sharing and reuse. This enhances standardization while enabling users to create and switch between different drawing styles (for example, one style for architecture, one for fire ratings, and another one for the sales department)

System Requirements

Windows OS

Minimum

  • 64-bit version: Microsoft® Windows 10 or Windows 11 (with latest Updates and Service Packs)

  • Intel® i3 processor (6th generation) or AMD® Ryzen 3 (2nd generation)

  • 8GB RAM

  • 5 GB free hard disk space on SSD depending on accessory applications installed

  • 3D Graphics accelerator card with 1 GB GPU memory and DirectX 9 compliant (OpenGL version 2.0 or better)

  • Display with 1280 x 768 pixels resolution with True Color (100% DPI scaling)

  • Mouse

For a good experience we recommend

  • 64-bit version: Microsoft® Windows® 10 or Windows® 11 (with latest Updates and Service Packs)

  • CPU Intel® i5/i7/i9 processor (8th generation or newer), AMD® Ryzen 5/7/9 processor (2nd generation or newer), or better

  • 16 GB RAM (or more)

  • 5 GB free hard disk space on SSD depending on accessory applications installed

  • 3D Graphics accelerator card with 1 GB or 2 GB GPU memory and DirectX 12 compliant (OpenGL version 4.3 or better) | (Nvidia – GeForce 700/800/900 series, GeForce RTX 20/30/40 series, GeForce GTX 16 series, GeForce MX 300/400/500 series or ATI)

  • Full HD monitor (1920 x 1080 pixels) or 4K Display (3840 x 2160 pixels) with True Color

  • Wheel mouse, or 3D mouse

ARM processor architecture under Windows is not supported yet.
Windows Terminal Servers are not supported.

MacOS

  • Intel Version: Mac® with Intel® Core™ i5 processor or better

  • ARM Version: Apple M1 ARM-based systems or better

  • v13 (Ventura), v14 (Sonoma) or macOS v15 (Sequoia)

  • 8 GB of RAM (16 GB or more recommended)

  • 5 GB of available hard-disk space for installation

  • 3D Graphics accelerator card with OpenGL version 2.0 (OpenGL version 3.3 or better recommended)

  • Display with 1280 x 768 pixels resolution, or better

  • Mouse (Wheel mouse recommended)

Linux

  • Ubuntu® 24.04 LTS, Fedora® 39

  • Intel® i3 processor (6th generation) or AMD® Ryzen 3 (2nd generation) or better

  • 8 GB of RAM (16 GB or more recommended)

  • 5 GB of available hard-disk space on SSD for installation

  • 3D Graphics accelerator card with OpenGL version 2.0 (OpenGL version 3.3 or better recommended)

  • Display with 1280 x 768 pixels resolution, or better

  • Mouse (Wheel mouse recommended)

Note: Product activation requires a network interface card.

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ARES Commander 2025 - Release Notes
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