Autodesk today announced the launch of the latest versions of its popular AutoCAD computer-aided design software packages for Mac, adding a number of new features that put the release nearly equal to its Windows counterpart for the first time.

autocad_mac_2015
MacRumors spoke with Autodesk product manager Micah Dickerson about the new version, with Dickerson noting an emphasis on cross-platform compatibility for mixed Windows and Mac environments and highlighting a "big four" set of features added in the 2015 version based on customer feedback:

- Dynamic Blocks: Mac users now have the ability to create and edit Dynamic Blocks with a new streamlined yet powerful tool. With Dynamic Blocks, users can build a single block that can be used repeatedly (such as for windows or doors) and simply adjusted in size or shape dynamically rather than creating a static block for each feature.

autocad_mac_2015_dynamic_block

Dynamic Blocks

- Layer States: Addressing one of the major barriers to cross-platform usage between Windows and Mac versions of AutoCAD, Mac users can now save layer information such as color, linetype and frozen/locked/off status.

- Quick Select: This feature allows users to easily select objects based on queries, including multiple selection criteria. The feature also includes a new preview function to allow the user to see what objects match the criteria before committing.

- Data Links: Users wishing to associate Excel spreadsheets with their drawings can now do so through Data Links. Changes to the spreadsheet will automatically the corresponding table in AutoCAD, making it easy to keep track of scheduling and costs on various projects.

Dickerson points out that, based on testing so far, AutoCAD for Mac 2015 appears to be the most stable and fastest version so far, while adding a number of new features and taking care of several bugs and other issues.

AutoCAD for Mac 2015 launches today, and is available not only in the usual perpetual license program, but also Autodesk's subscription plans designed to lower the barrier to entry for those looking to take their first steps into the company's CAD software.

Standard pricing remains the same for 2015, with AutoCAD coming in at $4195 and the more basic AutoCAD LT priced at $1200, with cheaper upgrade options also available for current users. The subscription plan will see AutoCAD priced at $210 per month or $1680 per year, while AutoCAD LT will be priced at $45 per month or $360 per year.

Top Rated Comments

Parasprite Avatar
140 months ago
PSA: Autocad (and other software) is free* for postsecondary students with a .edu email address. Full versions.**

http://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/all

*You know, free as in for noncommerical use.
**Note that for this version they mark all files saved with this as being education versions permanently, whether they were created with other versions or not. In other words, do not open important business projects with this unless you want them marked as noncommercial use only.

Edit: Apparantly you don't actually need a .edu address. (thanks Evmanw)
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
oneMadRssn Avatar
140 months ago
C'mon Dassault. Please bring Solidworks to Mac as well.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Crosscreek Avatar
140 months ago
I would have used Mac all along if I could have run AutoCad on it.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
140 months ago
Their pricing model is ridiculous.

This isn't Angry Birds:D It's business software.
/jk


Whether or not the price is right is ultimately determined by the purchaser. Businesses that use this software to help generate profit may see price as reasonable. Of course everyone wants to pay less, but it isn't always the bargain we think. Similarly, people say Mac Pros are ridiculously priced. If the MP, like AutoCAD, puts food on your table and a roof over your head, doesn't the value outweigh the cost? From a business perspective, I'd consider them both an investment. In the majority of cases I'm pretty sure the ROI far outweighs the expense.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LERsince1991 Avatar
140 months ago
My Father, an architect, uses AutoCAD in Windows. My brother, also an architect, uses Sketchup on his Mac. I don't have any expertise to make a comment on the difference, but pricing seemed to be in favor of Sketchup. I wonder if this changes anything.

Sketchup is NOT an alternative to AutoCAD...
(For 2d drawings)

Autodesk should be concentrating on getting Revit over to Mac since over 70% of the top 100 architecture firms use it, also given the growth and requirement to use BIM
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jdechko Avatar
140 months ago
"...nearly equal to its Windows counterpart..."

As usual then, not really possible to switch to the mac version, at least not for power users.
Depends on the features you need. A lot of the scripting hasn't transferred over (like LISP), but VBasic & .Net scripting can't be transferred for obvious reasons. Some of the old express tools functionality has been included with the core features. It's the old software adage that almost all of your customers can be satisfied with 80% of the features, it's the remaining 20% that is difficult because it varies so wildly based on the customer.


The market isn't that limited. Frankly AutoCAD has grown into a very large company on the back of AutoCad. That isn't a bad thing as they now offer a wide array of products. The problem is 2 D drafting is a mature industry. It would really help adoption if AutoCAD was more rationally priced, especially the LT version.
Come on, the LT version only $1200, and it's perfectly usable if all you need is 2D drafting. If you make $45k per year and you purchased a new version every year, that's 2.6% of your income. If you make 100k per year and upgrade every 3 years, it's 0.04% of your income. And that doesn't even consider how much money a large firm could make and any volume discounts.

We're talking about this on MacRumors where people don't hesitate to buy a new iPhone, iPad or Mac every year just because. Yet charging (a considerable sum of) money for software is suddenly unreasonable.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

A18 Pro Chip

New MacBook With A18 Pro Chip Spotted in Apple Code

Monday June 30, 2025 8:05 am PDT by
Apple is developing a MacBook with the A18 Pro chip, according to findings in backend code uncovered by MacRumors. Earlier today, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is planning to launch a low-cost MacBook powered by an iPhone chip. The machine is expected to feature a 13-inch display, the A18 Pro chip, and color options that include silver, blue, pink, and yellow. MacRumors...
iPhone 17 Pro Lower Logo Feature 1

iPhone 17 Pro Coming Soon With These 14 New Features

Monday June 30, 2025 1:08 pm PDT by
Apple's next-generation iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are less than three months away, and there are plenty of rumors about the devices. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max in September this year. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models:Aluminum frame: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an...
iPhone Car Key WWDC 2025

Apple Announces 13 Automakers Planning to Offer iPhone Car Keys

Friday June 27, 2025 11:42 am PDT by
In 2020, Apple added a digital car key feature to its Wallet app, allowing users to lock, unlock, and start a compatible vehicle with an iPhone or Apple Watch. The feature is currently offered by select automakers, including Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and a handful of others, and it is set to expand further. During its WWDC 2025 keynote, Apple said that 13...
maxresdefault

Five Features Coming to AirPods Pro 3

Friday June 27, 2025 10:52 am PDT by
Apple hasn't updated the AirPods Pro since 2022, and the earbuds are due for a refresh. We're counting on a new model this year, and we've seen several hints of new AirPods tucked away in Apple's code. Rumors suggest that Apple has some exciting new features planned that will make it worthwhile to upgrade to the latest model. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Heal...
macbook air spacegray purple

Apple Planning to Launch Low-Cost MacBook Powered By iPhone Chip

Monday June 30, 2025 3:20 am PDT by
Apple is planning to launch a low-cost MacBook powered by an iPhone chip, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In an article published on X, Kuo explained that the device will feature a 13-inch display and the A18 Pro chip, making it the first Mac powered by an iPhone chip. The A18 Pro chip debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro last year. To date, all Apple silicon Macs have contained M-series...
anker power bank recall

PSA: Anker Recalls Multiple Power Banks Due to Fire Risk

Friday June 27, 2025 4:16 pm PDT by
Popular accessory maker Anker this month launched two separate recalls for its power banks, some of which may be a fire risk. The first recall affects Anker PowerCore 10000 Power Banks sold between June 1, 2016 and December 31, 2022 in the United States. Anker says that these power banks have a "potential issue" with the battery inside, which can lead to overheating, melting of plastic...
Chase Sapphire Reserve Apple Perk Feature

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Introduces New Perk for Apple Customers

Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:08 pm PDT by
Chase this week announced a series of new perks for its premium Sapphire Reserve credit card, and one of them is for a pair of Apple services. Specifically, the credit card now offers complimentary annual subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Apple Music, a value of up to $250 per year. If you are already paying for Apple TV+ and/or Apple Music directly through Apple, those subscriptions will...
replay all time playlist apple music

Apple Music Debuts All-New Personalized Playlist

Monday June 30, 2025 7:16 am PDT by
As part of its 10-year celebrations of Apple Music, Apple today released an all-new personalized playlist that collates your entire listening history. The playlist, called "Replay All Time," expands on Apple Music's existing Replay features. Previously, users could only see their top songs for each individual calendar year that they've been subscribed to Apple Music, but now, Replay All...
iPhone 17 Pro Blue Feature Tighter Crop

iPhone 17 Pro Launching in a Few Months With These 12 New Features

Thursday June 26, 2025 2:00 am PDT by
Apple's next-generation iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are around three months away, and there are plenty of rumors about the devices. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max in September this year. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models:Aluminum frame: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an...