Are you a Mac user who wants to use AutoCAD but doesn’t want to spend a fortune on it? Well, you’re in luck!
In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to get AutoCAD on your Mac for free. So, let’s get started!
Step 1: Download a Virtual Machine Software
If you want to run Windows-based applications like AutoCAD on your Mac, you’ll need a virtual machine software. One popular option is VirtualBox. It allows you to install and run Windows operating systems on your Mac.
Step 2: Install VirtualBox
To install VirtualBox on your Mac:
- Step 2.1: Go to the official VirtualBox website and download the installer for macOS.
- Step 2.2: Open the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions provided by the setup wizard.3: Once the installation is complete, launch VirtualBox from your Applications folder.
Step 3: Obtain a Windows ISO File
In order to install Windows on your virtual machine, you’ll need a Windows ISO file. You can either purchase one or obtain it legally from Microsoft’s website if you have a valid license key. Once you have the ISO file ready, proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Create a New Virtual Machine
To create a new virtual machine in VirtualBox:
- Step 4.1: Open VirtualBox if it’s not already running.
- Step 4.2: Click on the “New” button in the toolbar to create a new virtual machine.3: Give your virtual machine a name and select the type and version of the operating system (Windows) you’ll be installing.4: Allocate memory to your virtual machine. It’s recommended to assign at least 4GB of RAM for smooth performance.5: Create a virtual hard disk for your machine. Choose “Create a virtual hard disk now” option and follow the wizard to set up the disk size and format.
Step 5: Install Windows on the Virtual Machine
To install Windows on your virtual machine:
- Step 5.1: Select your newly created virtual machine from the left sidebar of VirtualBox’s main window.
- Step 5.2: Click on the “Start” button in the toolbar to launch your virtual machine.3: When prompted, select the Windows ISO file as your installation media.4: Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the Windows installer to complete the installation process.
Step 6: Download and Install AutoCAD
You’re almost there! Now that you have a working Windows environment on your Mac, you can download and install AutoCAD just like you would on a regular Windows computer.
Note:
Please ensure that you have a valid license or access to a free trial of AutoCAD before proceeding with the installation.
Step 7: Launch AutoCAD
Once AutoCAD is installed, you can launch it from your Windows virtual machine. Enjoy using AutoCAD on your Mac for all your design and drafting needs!
Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be able to get AutoCAD running on your Mac without spending a dime. Happy designing!