AutoCAD for Mac OS X

Once upon a time AutoCAD could run on Mac and during the fall 2010 it is time for it again. It has been possible to run AutoCAD on Mac for some time but now AutoCAD for Mac is a native Mac application. Thinking about it last time I had a Mac from Apple was around 20 years ago and I was developing applications for it too.

AutoCAD for Mac is a 2D and 3D product and use the same native DWG format as AutoCAD for Windows. LISP and Scripts are also supported even though some AutoLISP features will not work as they are Windows specific. Even the command line is still there as well as most other familiar AutoCAD features.

“The AutoCAD for Mac was a complete re-write and not a simple port or a LT version.” – Between the Lines

“AutoCAD for Mac has an intuitive interface that will be familiar to Mac users and makes available many of the powerful AutoCAD features and functionality to customers who choose to work natively on the Mac. AutoCAD for Mac takes full advantage of Mac OS X, including graphical browsing of design files with Cover Flow and use of Multi-Touch gestures on Mac notebooks, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad for intuitive pan and zoom features. User experience design patterns, such as the visual approach to drawing and layout management, have also been incorporated into AutoCAD for Mac.”

“With support for native creation and editing files in the DWG file format, AutoCAD for Mac also offers easy collaboration with suppliers, customers, clients and partners regardless of platform. Files created in previous versions of AutoCAD will open seamlessly in AutoCAD for Mac, boosting productivity by reducing time-consuming file translation and cleanup of converted data. The value of AutoCAD for Mac is further extended with an extensive API (application programming interface) and flexible customization options that allow for tailor-built workflows, simple application development and adaption, custom configurations for settings and screen real estate options to suit individual workflows and project demands.” - Press release

 

A subset of ObjectARX and AutoLISP (not COM related stuff) will be available to developers and customers working on AutoCAD for Mac. Notable omissions include layer states, layer filters, the Sheet Set Manager and DWF/DGN/PDF underlay support.