Architosh Staff (info@architosh.com)

20 April 2005

 

Feedback: Can I get Autocad LT for Mac, and if not what Mac CAD choices are there?

Reader Question: Where I work I regularly use Windows based Autocad LT. I was told that I could get Autocad LT for a Mac, but my searching has proved nothing of the sort. I'm planning on purchasing a Mac for home and was wondering what CAD programs are out there that compare to Autocad LT, so that I can do CAD drawings at home, and still be able to transfer them to my work PC. Thanks, -- Ivan Brandt

Answer: This is such a common question and we are continuously amazed that Apple doesn't make it clearer that -- yes, there are Autocad alternatives for CAD on the Mac. There are lots of them in fact. Since you didn't say what you are drawing we will assume you need a general CAD program.

One of the main differences between Autocad and Autocad LT is that LT doesn't allow you to create, modify and render 3d objects. However, you can always draw in isometric projection to create the appearance of 3d objects. The Macintosh platform has several 2D-based CAD programs, most of them on the platform for more than a decade. Before summarizing them you may want to read this article, Five affordable CAD programs for your new Mac mini.

• MacDraft 5.5 - A professional CAD program at an entry level price point. If VectorWorks is a big Volvo V70 uber luxe wagon then you can think of MacDraft 5.5 as the more affordable Volvo V50. Both programs are stalwarts on the Mac platform with long histories and very mature but modern code bases. MacDraft can import and export Autocad file format with various degrees of success depending on the Autocad file. Generally speaking exporting to Autocad is a breeze. Importing is the area where things can get tricky. Click here for more.
• HighDesign - A newcomer in the CAD world HighDesign doesn't sound like a typical CAD program, and it isn't. HighDesign is an innovative, graphics oriented, CAD program with some noteworthy features, such as its Single-Image Photogrammetry capabilities. It too works well with Autocad with the same caveats mentioned above. Click here for more.
• PowerCADD - PowerCADD could be thought of as the Autocad LT of the Macintosh world. Many people use it, love it and are loyal to it -- just like LT. It is also noted for its sheer 2D CAD speed and ease of use. It is also one of the only Mac-only CAD programs in the world with a sizable installed base. Priced similarly to LT, PowerCADD imports and exports Autocad file format. Click here for more.
• VersaCAD - Once one of the most powerful CAD programs on the planet, VersaCAD slipped off the face of the earth for years and then made a comeback in the late 90's. Now back in the hands of its original developer, VersaCAD 2005 for Mac OS X was just recently announced. Imports/exports Autocad files. Click here for more.

While those tools listed above are all quite good, there are several others mentioned in the Five affordable CAD programs for your new Mac mini article above. And if you are interested in 3D CAD on the Mac there are several additional options as well.

To start with we could mention that the most popular general CAD program on the Mac is VectorWorks. They also have a specific "architecture" product called ARCHITECT. If you are interested in ARCHITECT then you may be interested in ArchiCAD, the world's most advanced BIM (building information modeling) CAD program. ArchiCAD started on the Mac back in the 80's. Domus.CAD is also a strong 3D CAD program and popular in Italy.

Ashlar makes the venerable Graphite CAD program. This used to be called Vellum. They also make several other 3D and product design CAID (computer-aided industrial design) programs. There are a few others not mentioned here but this gives you a wide selection to choose from. Which one you choose is a matter of budget and preference. For the absolute best Autocad file support ArchiCAD is arguably tops in the class. However, if you are into mechanical CAD then that is likely not the program for you.

So...What About Autocad on Mac OS X?

It seems everyone wants Autocad on Mac OS X. Architosh has been running a survey for years on the subject. And we also co-published a white paper summarizing the data of thousands of users. However, at this point in time it seems that Autodesk just doesn't want to commit any money to the Macintosh market. So we have no updated news on that front, other than to say that we continue to receive many completed petitions expressing intense interest. The irony is that currently those petitions have been coming mostly from current Autocad users interested in jumping ship to the Mac -- sort of like our reader Ivan above.

Feedback: info@architosh.com

Related Links

Five affordable CAD programs for your Mac mini

Autocad, Architecture, and OS X: An Analysis of the AEC CAD Market as it Applies to Macintosh Users

2002 AEC CAD IT Study Indicates Macintosh Advantages for IT Management Costs for AEC Firms Worldwide

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