Does AutoCAD Work on Mac M1?

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Does AutoCAD Work on Mac M1?

If you’re a Mac user, you might be wondering if AutoCAD, the popular computer-aided design software, is compatible with the new Apple Silicon M1 chip. With the recent transition from Intel processors to Apple’s own custom-designed chips, it’s natural to have concerns about software compatibility. In this article, we’ll explore whether AutoCAD works on Mac M1 and discuss any potential limitations or workarounds.

AutoCAD and Mac Compatibility

AutoCAD has been primarily developed for Windows operating systems, but Autodesk, the company behind AutoCAD, recognizes the growing demand for Mac compatibility. As a result, Autodesk has released a native version of AutoCAD for macOS.

Native Support:

  • Intel-based Macs: Until recently, AutoCAD ran on Intel-based Macs using Rosetta translation technology. This allowed users to run the Windows version of AutoCAD seamlessly on their machines.
  • M1 Macs: With the introduction of Apple Silicon M1 chip and macOS Big Sur (11.0) and later versions, Autodesk has made significant progress in supporting M1-powered Macs natively.

Autodesk Universal App:

  • Cross-platform Compatibility: To ensure compatibility across various devices and operating systems, Autodesk has introduced its Universal App framework. This means that you can use the same AutoCAD app across both Intel-based and M1-powered Macs.
  • Enhanced Performance: The native version of AutoCAD for M1 delivers improved performance and efficiency compared to running it under Rosetta translation technology.

Limitations and Workarounds

While AutoCAD for M1 Macs is a significant step forward, there are still a few limitations to be aware of:

  • Third-Party Plugins: Some third-party plugins or custom applications might not be compatible with the M1 architecture. Before upgrading your Mac or installing AutoCAD on an M1-powered machine, make sure to check with the plugin developers for compatibility updates.
  • Rosetta Translation: In case you encounter compatibility issues with older versions of AutoCAD or specific features, you can still rely on Rosetta translation technology to run the Intel-based version of AutoCAD on M1 Macs.

Note: Keep in mind that Autodesk continues to work on improving compatibility and performance for AutoCAD on M1 Macs. Regular updates and patches are released to address any issues and ensure a seamless experience.

In Conclusion

If you’re using an M1-powered Mac and wondering if AutoCAD works, the answer is yes! Autodesk has made great strides in providing native support for macOS Big Sur running on Apple Silicon M1 chips. With enhanced performance and cross-platform compatibility through their Universal App framework, AutoCAD users can now utilize the software seamlessly on their Macs.

However, it’s important to stay informed about any potential limitations or compatibility issues with third-party plugins or older versions of AutoCAD. Make sure to regularly update your software and check for any updates from Autodesk or relevant plugin developers.

So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and design away with AutoCAD on your Mac M1!