Can I Run SolidWorks on M1 Mac?
If you’re an avid Mac user and considering running SolidWorks on your M1 Mac, you might be wondering if it’s possible. In this article, we’ll explore whether or not SolidWorks is compatible with M1 Macs and what options you have for running this powerful CAD software.
Understanding the M1 Chip
The M1 chip is Apple’s first custom-designed system-on-a-chip (SoC) specifically for Mac computers. It boasts impressive performance and power efficiency, making it a popular choice for many users. However, the transition to the M1 architecture means that some software, including SolidWorks, may not be natively compatible.
Native Compatibility
Currently, SolidWorks does not have a version that runs natively on M1 Macs. The software was developed primarily for Windows-based systems and has limited support for macOS. Therefore, attempting to install SolidWorks directly on your M1 Mac may result in compatibility issues or even failure to run at all.
Virtualization and Emulation
One option you can consider is using virtualization or emulation software to run SolidWorks on your M1 Mac. These tools allow you to create a virtual environment that emulates a Windows operating system, where you can then install and run Windows-based applications like SolidWorks.
Note: Virtualization/emulation solutions may impact performance and functionality compared to running software natively on a compatible system.
Parallels Desktop
- Parallels Desktop is a popular virtualization tool that allows you to run Windows applications on your Mac.
- The latest version of Parallels Desktop (version 17) is compatible with M1 Macs and offers enhanced performance compared to previous versions.
- With Parallels Desktop, you can create a Windows virtual machine on your M1 Mac and install SolidWorks within that environment.
Boot Camp
- Another option is to use Boot Camp, a utility built into macOS that allows you to install and run Windows natively on your Mac.
- However, as of now, Boot Camp does not support M1 Macs. It only works with Intel-based Macs.
- This means that if you have an M1 Mac, Boot Camp is not a viable solution for running SolidWorks.
Alternative CAD Software
If virtualization or emulation is not an ideal solution for you, considering alternative CAD software may be worth exploring. Several CAD applications offer native compatibility with macOS and can run smoothly on M1 Macs. Some popular options include:
- Fusion 360: Autodesk’s cloud-based CAD software that offers comprehensive modeling features.
- Rhino: A versatile 3D modeling software widely used by designers and architects.
- Onshape: A web-based CAD platform that allows collaborative design in real-time.
Note: While these alternatives may not have the exact same capabilities as SolidWorks, they provide viable options for running CAD software on your M1 Mac without the need for virtualization or emulation.
In Conclusion
SolidWorks does not currently have native compatibility with M1 Macs. However, you can explore options such as Parallels Desktop or alternative CAD software to run SolidWorks on your M1 Mac. Assess your specific needs and priorities to determine the best solution for your CAD requirements.