Price: AutoCAD for Mac starts at $210 monthly. Unfortunately, AutoCAD for Mac is missing some features offered in the Windows version, including advanced rendering settings, a feature finder, and DWF/DGN underlays. Since you’re most likely using a Mac with a Retina or HD display, these images will look gorgeous. Many users render beautiful models to show their clients and sell their products. The UI and rendering is stunning users can customize their display as they see fit, and the 2D and 3D models are of fantastic quality. Users can use its smart dimensioning tool to get all their measurements right, share revision history, and even use it for 3D printing. The software makes object and layout design simple, with a Photoshop-like interface that’s fairly easy to pick up.

With all that said, AutoCAD for Mac is #1 for good reason. When marketing, most alternatives focus on whether they can import or export in AutoCAD formats (.dwg) and what options they can offer that AutoCAD doesn’t. AutoCAD for MacĪutoCAD is the dominant option, by far, in the CAD software industry. Price: ARES commander is reasonably priced all options (including team share) cost under $1,000 per year, and the cheapest model is $250 a year. Users will have to use video tutorials and the manual to learn how to use the software. The only stand-out drawback is that ARES Commander is not an intuitive program. In fact, we believe ARES Commander 2016 is the only native DWG Mac CAD system that has this capability.” This is a noteworthy mention because many civil and landscape architects utilize Microstation and hence designers and architects on the Mac need tools that can access DGN files. Users can choose to allow Quick Input to stay on as they’re working, or disable it until it’s needed.įinally, one reviewer noted that the “ImportDGN command… inserts DGN files as a block into your drawing. This guide will give the user instant information about angles, prompts, options, and dimensions. One standout feature is “Quick Input,” which shows up as drafters are working on their projects. If you’re familiar with AutoCAD, the software’s design will seem remarkably similar to the industry standard and will be easy to switch over to (though, arguably, ARES Commander’s setup is even more flexible than AutoCAD). Because it’s portable (it works on Windows tablets and iPads too), it makes for a great go-to for designers who travel to and from client meetings and the worksite. One license can be activated on a plethora of devices, include Android, Linux, and Windows. ARES Commander doesn’t want to limit you to your Mac, or even iPhone.

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