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maxim_k
en respuesta a: jeanette

Hi @jeanette ,

 

>>>>> How difficult is the switch? 

If you've been using AutoCAD for Windows for a long time and, for example, are used to using ribbon, then I have to disappoint you - switching to the user interface on Mac can be quite difficult for you.

On the other hand, if you are used to using command aliases and don't use much Ribbon and Tool palettes, the transition will be easier. All commands that exist on both PC and Mac have the same options and functionality.

Some commands on Mac are not so user friendly because they only exist in the command line variant.

 

>>>>>> Functionalities: which ones doesn't work optimally? Ie I'm using a lot of dynamic blocks, dataextraction, automatic pdf generation on save etc. 

There are quite a few features that are not available on Mac. For more details, please look here:

Compare Features: AutoCAD for Windows against AutoCAD for Mac

For example:

- you can author and use Dynamic blocks, but there is no Lookup tables functionality on Mac,

- Data Extraction wizard is not available in AutoCAD for Mac. On Mac you can use -ATTEXT command to extract attributes,

- I think you can create AutoLISP routine to automate PDF generation on save,

- Keep in mind that most of Visual Lisp functions are not available on Mac,

- There is no offline Rendering in AutoCAD for Mac,

At the same time - some missing functionality can be replaced with workarounds.

 

>>>>>An alternative is to install windows on Mac and run AutoCAD through there, but I'm uncertain if it'll be slow and sluggish.

 

If you use a fairly powerful modern Mac, then you will practically not feel any slowness and sluggishness.

On Intel Mac you can use two methods to run Windows (and AutoCAD for Windows in it): virtualization software, such as Parallels Desktop, and Bootcamp.

On M-series Mac you are limited only by the virtualization program - Parallels Desktop can create and run an ARM version of Windows 11 and AutoCAD for Windows runs smooth in such virtual machine.

 

>>>>>Also, which Mac is recommended if I do the switch? 

 

If you will be using a virtualization program, then you need the most powerful Mac you can afford - at least 16Gb RAM + 500Gb SSD

If you plan to buy new Silicon Mac, I'd recommend you MacBook Pro with M2 Pro chip, basic model of Mac mini with M2 Pro chip, even MacBook Air (model with 512Gb SSD + 16Gb RAM)

The best solution would be basic Mac Studio with M2 Max chip.

 


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Maxim Kanaev
Architect
MARSS

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