Is AutoCAD Available for Mac M1?
If you are a Mac M1 user and considering using AutoCAD, you might be wondering if this popular software is compatible with the latest Apple Silicon. In this article, we will explore whether AutoCAD is available for Mac M1 and discuss the options available to you.
Compatibility of AutoCAD with Mac M1
The release of Mac M1 brought significant changes to the architecture of Apple’s computers. With this transition from Intel processors to ARM-based chips, some applications faced compatibility issues.
Unfortunately, AutoCAD is one such application that is not yet officially supported on Mac M1.
AutoCAD relies heavily on third-party libraries and plugins, many of which are not yet optimized for the new architecture. As a result, Autodesk, the company behind AutoCAD, has not released a version specifically designed to run natively on Mac M1.
Workarounds and Alternatives
Although there is no official support for AutoCAD on Mac M1, there are a few workarounds and alternatives you can consider if you still want to use this software on your machine.
Virtualization Software
One option is to use virtualization software like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. These tools allow you to run Windows operating system on your Mac M1 and then install the Windows version of AutoCAD.
By doing so, you can access all the features and functionalities of AutoCAD while running it within a virtual environment.
Rosetta 2 Translation Layer
Another option is to rely on Apple’s Rosetta 2 translation layer. This technology allows apps built for Intel-based Macs to run on Mac M1.
While the performance might not be as optimized as a native version, you can still use the Intel version of AutoCAD on your Mac M1 using this compatibility layer.
AutoCAD Web App
If you prefer not to use virtualization software or rely on translation layers, Autodesk offers a web-based version of AutoCAD. The AutoCAD web app allows you to access and work on your files directly from a supported web browser, regardless of your operating system.
Conclusion
As of now, AutoCAD is not officially available for Mac M1. However, you can still use workarounds like virtualization software or the Rosetta 2 translation layer to run the Intel version of AutoCAD on your Mac M1.
Alternatively, you can utilize the AutoCAD web app for online access to the software. Keep an eye on official announcements from Autodesk for any updates regarding native support for Mac M1 in the future.