Hardware/software setup for learning (basic architecture)

[devburke88]

Through work, I have access to a suite of Autodesk software (AutoCAD, Revit, etc.). I'd like to learn enough to make/modify relatively simple house plans. Floor plans would be great, if it's possible to do details, floor joists, truss plans, and elevations, even better, but this is kind of a side skill I'm looking to build, not something I'm spending my actual work time on. By day I'm a home builder, (generally one to two family, single or two story).

My questions are these:

1. Since this is kind of a side project, not one I'm doing for work, I'll be using my own computer. I have a M2 MacBook Air. I understand that AutoCAD Mac does not include AutoCAD Architecture. I'm guessing that's a big enough deal that it would be much better to have the Architecture tools, is that correct?

2. I'm willing to spend a little on an external SSD, a Windows license, and virtualization software if necessary (looks like VMWare is free for personal use). Would that be adequate, run from my Mac? I'm sure a dedicated Windows machine would be better, but I'm afraid a decent enough one will price me out of this project. I don't be doing anything too complex, so I'm guessing that will be fine, but I wanted to check before spending any money.

For reference, I'm not looking to become an architect or anything like that, this isn't going to be a profession. I'm also pretty familiar with basic Fusion and Inventor stuff, but haven't used them for any kind of architecture/building plans.

Any advice would be super helpful.

Thanks!

[paullimapa]

To save some costs you may want to just start off with plain vanilla AutoCAD. There's no need for jumping directly into the Architecture vertical product.  There are probably more online video tutorials using the Windows version of AutoCAD than the Mac version.  Also Revit only runs on Windows so you may want to look into installing Vmware or Parallels Desktop (this is not free). Also keep in mind AutoCAD is not free either so you'll have to put aside monthly subscription costs on paying for that license. AutoCAD LT is a bit cheaper by the way so you may want to start there if you don't plan to do any 3d work or generate schedules...

[devburke88]

Thanks! I have access to the license through work, so the cost of the subscription is not an issue. It includes things like Revit too, although I don’t anticipate diving in that deep. Mostly I’m just wondering if it’ll be viable to accomplish what I want running through a VM on an M2 MacBook Air? I know it’s not optimal, but would it be good enough for my basic needs? Mostly just making up house plans on AutoCAD.

[paullimapa]

As long as your M2 is not an ARM processor then it’ll work. Autodesk does not support those 

[devburke88]

Ah yeah, good point! All M series Macs are ARM. I understand that Windows for ARM does support running x86 apps via emulation, so it should technically work. I suppose I’m just not sure about performance for emulation running inside a VM. I was just hoping someone could offer insight as to whether performance would be workable.

[paullimapa]

post in the Mac forum and you may get better feedback:

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-for-mac-forum/bd-p/520

[devburke88]

Thanks, I'll try that. Although it appears that's a forum for the Mac version of AutoCAD, which isn't what I'm asking about, so they may point me back here 🙂

[paullimapa]

the community there can respond if they attempted to run vmware with ARM processors to see if AutoCAD for Windows would run properly...although as I stated AutoCAD itself does NOT support it:

System requirements for AutoCAD 2025 including Specialized Toolsets