Autodesk AutoCAD for Mac

AutoCAD for Mac is a powerful CAD (computer-aided design) software for drafting and designing 2D and 3D objects, widely used by architects and designers to create detailed representations of objects.



It offers a range of features for creating, editing, and documenting drawings, making it suitable for various use case scenarios, such as architectural design, engineering, 3D printing, construction, and general creation of technical drawings.

Over its four-decade-long history, this application quickly established itself as the most popular solution for generating precise 2D and 3D designs that could be used in projects of all types and sizes, including mechanical and electrical engineering, architecture, electronic design, civil engineering, and more.

The Mac version of this popular app includes the same tools and services that are present in the original Windows version, including powerful features like dynamic blocks, dynamic links to Excel documents, API support for 3rd party extensions, file exporting, vertical integration with discipline-specific addons, layer state manager, and others which have all been introduced to work on all platforms, including macOS.

Today, this powerful CAD utility from Adobe cannot be purchased via the traditional lifetime license approach that was used for more than 3 decades of its presence on the market and has instead moved to a term-based subscription model.

Main Features

• Smart Tools – Automatically place dynamic elements and blocks and accelerate daily workflow.
• Powerful 2D and 3D design tools – Create technical documents for projects of all types.
• Dynamic links to Excel documents – Infuse projects with data from external documents.
• Layer state manager – Easily manage complicated projects by focusing on individual layers.
• Cloud features for collaboration – Collaborate in real-time with simultaneous editing and sharing of project files.
• Drawing History – Easily track changes through an activity log of recent changes.
• Customizable Interface – Boost your workflow by optimizing the way the main dashboard presents its toolbars, modules, and 3D renders.
• AutoCAD Web App – Access your technical drawings and collaborate even when away from your work computer.

Installation and Setup

This professional app can be installed by visiting the official Autodesk website or downloading the automated installer from FileHorse. While the installation package is quite large, the entire process is quite straightforward, requiring the users to just follow a few on-screen instructions.

It is important to note that this app is fully optimized for both legacy Intel-based Mac hardware and new generations of Apple Silicon chips, providing excellent performance and hardware-accelerated 3D rendering for M1 and M2 series Macs.

How to Use

After installation, users can access the app from the Applications folder and get acquainted with its many tools and customization options.

The software provides a familiar interface for those accustomed to CAD applications, with tools and commands for creating and editing designs. Users can also take advantage of cloud features for collaboration.

Novices and students will first need to master the use of basic tools for creating and editing CAD drawings and learn how to boost their drawing workflow using built-in documentation and online tutorials.

User Interface

The user interface is designed to be user-friendly, providing easy access to tools and commands for creating and editing designs. However, novices should be prepared to feel a bit overwhelmed due to the presence of many advanced tools that require a bit of time to get accustomed to.

The interface is very similar to the Windows version, ensuring a consistent experience across platforms, and empowering students, enthusiasts, and seasoned designers to easily transfer their skills from other CAD apps to AutoCAD.

FAQ

What is AutoCAD for macOS?
It is the world’s most advanced CAD software for 2D and 3D technical design widely used by architects and designers.

Is it safe?
100% yes! This is a highly-rated utility developed by Autodesk, a reputable company that also develops and maintains a large suite of other professional apps such as Photoshop, Premiere, and others.

Alternatives

FreeCAD for Mac – A powerful open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler, providing advanced tools for designing real-life objects and mechanical engineering projects on the macOS platform.

LibreCAD for Mac – A versatile open-source 2D CAD application, offering users intuitive tools for creating precise technical drawings and designs.

BricsCAD for Mac – A robust CAD software, providing advanced 2D and 3D design tools for architects, engineers, and designers to create precise models and drawings.

Autodesk Fusion 360 for Mac – A 3D CAD/CAM software, providing designers and engineers with advanced tools for modeling, simulation, and manufacturing.

Pricing

A few years ago, this app moved from a fixed license purchase model to a subscription model.

Now users can pick the duration of their plans or even purchase special credits for custom daily usage.

System Requirements

• OS: macOS 11 (Big Sur) or newer
• CPU: 64-bit Intel or M-series Apple Silicon
• Memory: 4GB of RAM (8GB is recommended)
• Display: 1280 x 800 panel (2880 x 1800 with Retina Display is recommended)
• Storage: 6GB of free storage space

PROS

• Powerful 2D and 3D design tools.
• Familiar interface for CAD users.
• Native support for Apple silicon Macs.
• Wide integration with external apps and discipline-specific addons.
• Optimized for modern Mac hardware.
• Built-in collaboration tools.

CONS

• Expensive subscription-based pricing model.
• High system requirements.
• Can be overwhelming to novices.

Conclusion

AutoCAD for Mac is a robust CAD software that provides a wide range of features for 2D and 3D designers, making it suitable for architects, designers, engineers, and other professionals designing access to industry-leading technical drawing tools.

With its native support for Apple silicon Macs and consistent user interface across platforms, it offers a compelling option for enthusiasts, students, and design professionals using Mac computers.

Note: 30 days trial version. Requires a 64-bit processor.

Also Available: Download Autodesk AutoCAD for Windows