Mac vs PC for AutoCAD

[Anonymous]

I am looking at purchasing a new Mac or PC but before I did so, I wanted to know if there are any differences between the Mac version of AutoCAD and the PC version of AutoCAD. Are they identical or does one have better functionality over the other?

[leeminardi · Accepted solution]

AutoCAD for the PC and for the Mac are not identical.  The PC version has some key features that are not available on the Mac.  If there are not extenuating issues I would recommend going with the standard PC version.

See the following link for Autodesk's definition of differences.  Be sure to expand the 2D, 3D, and collaboration details.  

https://www.autodesk.com/compare/compare-features/autocad-products

[gotphish001]

I'm not positive but I think they are different. The MAC version is missing some features I believe since it is new built from scratch. I at least think that is what I read somewhere.

[dgorsman · Accepted solution]

The main thing to consider isn't core AutoCAD, but what else you are doing.  If you need an AutoCAD vertical product like Plant3D or Civil3D, those are only available for Win.  Similarly, most of the high-end programs like Inventor, Revit, Navisworks, and 3DSMAX are also Win only.  Any other products, do research to see what operating systems are supported; many Mac programs will only run on specific versions so pay attention to details.

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous,

I see that you are visiting as a new member to the AutoCAD forum. Welcome to the Autodesk Community!

There are significant differences between the Windows and Mac versions of AutoCAD. Most noticeably, the interface on the Windows product reflects a ribbon interface that was inspired by the Microsoft ribbon introduced into its Office products. The Mac interface has a more "Apple" feeling to it and consists of palettes.

I see that @leeminardi has kindly provided a link to the feature comparison between the two products.  If you really like the Mac platform, realize that when you get an AutoCAD subscription, you are entitled to use both the Windows and Mac versions of AutoCAD.  So you can run the AutoCAD for Mac native and switch to a virtual machine environment to run Windows-based products.  This means you would have to install license of Windows into Bootcamp, Parallels, or VMware Fusion.

Depending on the type of design work you are performing this might give you the best of both worlds.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[murray-clack]

If you are leaning towards getting a Mac, but still want AutoCAD for Windows, then you should look into getting a Mac and installing a program called "Parallels" which allows you to install Windows OS and any software developed for Windows.

There are a number of YouTube videos that show how well a Mac running Parallels with Windows installed and running AutoCAD works

[martti.halminen · Accepted solution]

One part that comparision page handles rather lightly is customizing AutoCAD with Lisp programs. The Mac version has essentially the same limitations as AutoCAD Core Console:  AutoLISP works, but most of the Visual Lisp extensions (anything requiring ActiveX) won't.

So, whether you are writing programs yourself, or using programs made by others, a large part of the tools are missing.

-- 

[pendean · Accepted solution]

1. MAC interface looks nothing like the Windows interface.
2. MAC version has no express tools.
3. MAC version has no ability to add third party add-ons.
4. MAC version has no customizations other than pure LISP.
5. MAC version has no Object Enablers to add if you exchange files with verticals like C3D.
6. MAC version is missing a few other niceities, and 3D is limited.
7. MAC version costs as much as the Windows version. Sounds like a good deal, huh.

[dgorsman]

Well, for a student with free EDU license learning basic drafting on their fruit-logo'd laptop it's a pretty good deal. 

[pendean]

... until they come in here asking why the teacher and other students are using tools they don't have.

[Anonymous]

I want to thank you all for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience, it's much appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Se de mucho colegas que después de probar Mac, se devuelven a Windows. Si ya tiene alguna experiencia en Windows, es  mejor que se quede. Dicte un curso en Mac y aunque lo sacamos adelante, fue bastante tortuoso. Sin embargo, como todo es cuestión de costumbre...

[Anonymous]

I realise this post is nearly a year old but nothing has changed in terms of improving Autocad 2018 for Mac. It gets Fatal Errors when performing the simplest tasks; the Measure command is a joke and the default Toolbars are missing the most basic commands. 

Autocad has the audacity to charge a lot of money for this mess?!

I've worked on Autocad for Windows for 20 years with no such problems.  The Mac version is terrible.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I see that you are visiting as a new member to the AutoCAD for Mac forum. Welcome to the Autodesk Community!

 I use AutoCAD for Mac 2018 daily and I do not see any crashes.  Would you like to figure out what is going on?  Can you attach a sample file where this is happening?

While not all of the Windows  version features are in the Mac product, most have been included. Which command are you not able to find on a palette?

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

Hi John

I would like to have the MEASUREGEOM pictorial command added onto the
Dimension menu and the EXTEND command added to the Modify menu, but
separated from TRIM. Is Extend on Windows called Lengthen on Mac?

Also CHAMFER separate from FILLET. The list is endless.

I have tried Tools/ Customize Interface using drag and drop, per command,
but then they still don't appear with their group as pictures on the
grouped toolbar.

As a separate issue a Fatal Error occurred when I was creating a Block, as
I snapped to the Insertion Point. Thereafter the whole drawing file just
spun in limbo for hours and I had to restart the computer.

I don't have a screenshot of that but I did click yes to sending an Error
Report.

I hope you can help. As architects we typically work to deadlines and this
is consuming an enormous amount of time.

Regards,

Teresa

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

The crash report indicated two errors occurred. The first was corrected in an update. Please verify that your AutoCAD for Mac 2018 if fully up-to-date.  My version is 2018.1 Update Product Version O.48.M.478.  The other error has been identified and is being examined by the Development team. Some customers that report this issue are using anti-virus programs such as CleanMyMac and they are seeing the are when the AutoCAD cache is being cleared out.

As far as adding/moving commands in the menu, in AutoCAD for Mac 2018, you can create a new Panel and add the commands to it with a variety of icon size/orientation formats.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[rundoverme]

John, I believe you are correct. I do interior design drawings as well as mechanical and 3D drawings and I have been using AutoCad for Mac for several years now and never really had any issues since 2013. I have found that the 2018 version is defiantly better and faster for me so I will never go back to Windows. 

[moua.thao]

I was going to start a new post about a running list of features that the MAC version of AutoCAD doesn't currently have, but seeing as this is a very relatable subject, if the original poster doesn't mind, I'll add them here as I recognize them.

If everyone could add to this that would be great...or if Any autodesk reps could include a list of features that would also be awesome.

Missing specific features in MAC:

-Cannot edit multiline attributes

-

[john.vellek]

Hi @moua.thao,

Please do start another thread on this subject.  I will hopefully be able to add a feature comparison matrix article in the near future. 

[Anonymous]

Hi John

Any updates on the matrix? As a training provider we are occasionally asked about the differences between the MAC and Windows versions, as we only train the Windows version I don't know about the MACs.

Thanks

Anne