AutoCAD for Mac?

by Sheena
(Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada)

Q. Hello, I am interested in becoming a CAD designer (field yet to be determined) and I was wondering if it's possible to run AutoCAD on a Mac computer?

I was looking through quite a few different college technical courses and most seem to use the AutoCAD program for CAD.

I'm sure I'll have to learn AutoCAD on a Windows platform but I was wondering I will be able to operate AutoCAD on my Macintosh as it is my preferred OS?

Thanks!
Sheena


A. Hi Sheena, great question!

Yes, you can run AutoCAD on a Mac... BUT, you will need a third party software such as Parallels Desktop or Boot Camp.

I cannot attest to either program, but have read that Autodesk prefers Parallels software.

When using Parallels, Autodesk also fully supports:

AutoCAD
AutoCAD LT
Inventor
Inventor LT
3ds Max
3ds Max Design
Revit Architecture
Revit Structure
Revit MEP

You may also want to download a free CAD trial of any of the above Autodesk products to try out for 30 days at home before starting your course.

This will give you a good feel for what you will have in store for yourself.

So AutoCAD for Mac is doable! Best of luck with your CAD training.

RJ