Autocad 2017 for Mac crashes when I try to open up a second dwg

[johnhewetson1]

I have installed a trial copy of Autocad 2017 for Mac on my Macbook Air with Catalina 10.15.5. It works but everytime I try to open up a second dwg with the "+" button it crashes. I have downloaded the hotfix and update but no luck.

[pendean]

That's too new an OS version for that old software: why do you need v2017 that you cannot license anymore?

[johnhewetson1]

I am going to work for a company that uses 2017 (probably windows based) and I am trying to get up to speed. I don’t have access to a PC just my Mac at the moment.
What trial version of Autocad or Autocad LT do I need to run on Catalina? I only have 2D requirements. I may purchase a licence/subscription so that I can work at home.

Thanks for the fast response. I was getting frustrated and really appreciate the feedback.

Cheers John

[maxim_k]

Hi John,

On Catalina you can use AutoCAD 2019 with 2019.1 Update, AutoCAD 2020 with 2020.1 Update and AutoCAD 2021 OOTB.
Starting from 2018 version AutoCAD saves drawings in 2018 DWG format by default. So if you plan to collaborate with a company that uses 2017 version of AutoCAD, you need to save drawings in 2013 DWG format before sending them to coworkers. You can set default format for save in AutoCAD Preferences.
I'd recommend you to use 2021 version as it contains new features and has less bugs.
If you create only 2D drawings, you can try LT version, but keep in mind that you will not be able to use custom AutoLISP utilities with LT.

[pendean · Accepted solution]

AutoCAD2017 in Windows looks absolutely nothing like AutoCAD2017 on a MAC: so you are really handicapping yourself significantly. You might wish to confirm, then figure out a WindowsOS solution on your MAC to test run old AutOCAD2017 in Windows.

HTH

[johnhewetson1]

Very good points. I agree with your recommendation. Cheers John

[johnhewetson1]

Thanks Pendean. This is good to know. I will investigate running a windows version on my Mac and if not practical may have to break down and purchase a PC. I am working in the Cayman Island currently and hardware prices are crazy due to importing costs. Thanks again. Cheers John