Are you a Mac user looking to get AutoCAD for free? You’re in luck!
In this comprehensive tutorial, we will guide you through the process of getting AutoCAD on your Mac without spending a single penny. So let’s dive right in!
Step 1: Download a Virtual Machine Software
To run AutoCAD on your Mac, you’ll need to install a virtual machine software that allows you to run Windows applications. One of the most popular choices is VirtualBox, which is open-source and free to use. Head over to the official VirtualBox website and download the version suitable for macOS.
Step 2: Install VirtualBox on Your Mac
Once the download is complete, locate the installer file and double-click on it to start the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the installer to install VirtualBox on your Mac.
Step 3: Get a Windows Operating System Image
In order to run AutoCAD, you’ll need a copy of the Windows operating system. If you already have a Windows installation disc or an ISO file, you can skip this step. Otherwise, there are several websites where you can find legal Windows ISO files for download such as Microsoft’s official website.
Step 4: Create a New Virtual Machine
Open VirtualBox on your Mac and click on the “New” button to create a new virtual machine. Give it a name and select “Windows” as the operating system type and version that matches your downloaded Windows image.
Step 4.1: Adjust Virtual Machine Settings (Optional)
If desired, you can customize various settings for your virtual machine such as the amount of RAM allocated, video memory, and virtual hard disk size. These settings can affect the performance of AutoCAD, so it’s recommended to allocate sufficient resources based on your Mac’s capabilities.
Step 5: Install Windows on the Virtual Machine
With your virtual machine created, select it from the left sidebar and click on the “Start” button. This will launch the virtual machine and prompt you to select the Windows ISO file or installation disc. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows on your virtual machine.
Step 6: Install AutoCAD
Once Windows is installed, open your virtual machine and connect to the internet. Download AutoCAD from Autodesk’s official website or use an installation disc if you have one. Proceed with the installation process as you would on a regular Windows computer.
Step 6.1: Activating AutoCAD
During the installation process, you’ll be prompted to activate AutoCAD with a license key. If you don’t have a license key, simply select the option for a trial version.
Congratulations! You now have AutoCAD running on your Mac!
By following these steps, you’ve successfully obtained AutoCAD on your Mac without spending any money. Remember that running AutoCAD through a virtual machine may introduce some performance limitations compared to running it natively on a Windows PC.
- Tips:
- If your Mac has limited resources, consider allocating more RAM and video memory to improve performance.
- Regularly update both VirtualBox and AutoCAD to ensure compatibility and security updates.
- Save your work frequently as unexpected issues may occur when using virtual machines.
Now that you have AutoCAD up and running, you can unleash your creativity and start designing amazing projects right on your Mac. Happy designing!