6 of the Best CAD Software For Mac



When it comes to buildings, be it a house or a hospital, work is rarely ever “done.” After a few years, the owners may decide to remodel, build additions, or tear the whole thing down and start anew.To get more news about 2d drafting, you can visit shine news official website.

That last one isn’t common, but after 50, 60, 70 years? For most buildings, it’s an eventuality.
Coordinating an architect and construction firm is difficult enough — what’s designed, what’s possible, and what’s in-budget are often at odds.CAD software has been used for decades to aid the construction industry. It’s an electronic drafting solution that can produce engineering calculations, create 2D and 3D models, and may include PMI specifications.

Plenty of popular CAD software has been made for Windows; if you look at this list of the top AutoCAD alternatives, though, only a handful offer CAD software for Mac.

For the more aesthetically-charged architect, that can easily elicit a gasp.

But don’t worry, options are out there. I’ve looked through the best software and found the stand-out Apple options, complete with pros, cons, and pricing. I’ve arranged them below alphabetically.
ARES Commander doesn’t want to limit you to your Mac, or even iPhone. One license can be activated on a plethora of devices, include Android, Linux, and Windows. 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.

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).

One standout feature is “Quick Input,” which shows up as drafters are working on their projects. This guide will give the user instant information about angles, prompts, options, and dimensions. Users can choose to allow Quick Input to stay on as they’re working, or disable it until it’s needed.

Finally, one reviewer noted that the “ImportDGN command… inserts DGN files as a block into your drawing. 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. In fact, we believe ARES Commander 2016 is the only native DWG Mac CAD system that has this capability.”

The only stand-out drawback is that ARES Commander is not an intuitive program. Users will have to use video tutorials and the manual to learn how to use the software.
2. AutoCAD for Mac
AutoCAD is the dominant option, by far, in the CAD software industry. 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.

With all that said, AutoCAD for Mac is #1 for good reason. The software makes object and layout design simple, with a Photoshop-like interface that’s fairly easy to pick up. Users can use its smart dimensioning tool to get all their measurements right, share revision history, and even use it for 3D printing.
3. SketchUp Pro 8
Formerly known as Google SketchUp, this is a great option for CAD software for Mac. SketchUP summarizes the benefits of its solution as follows:

Really, what makes SketchUp Pro 8 is its gorgeous 3D display of your drawings. Look at some of these images:

Buyer be warned, though. SketchUp does not offer a wall tool, which is more of a minor inconvenience for architects, but something to be aware of.

4. TurboCAD Pro Platinum
TurboCAD Pro Platinum is an excellent choice for advanced drafters looking for Apple-compatible CAD software. It’s particularly good for those in the construction business because it was created with industry drafting needs in mind.

For example, the software comes with 500 premade floorplans, a huge library of objects, and settings to adjust details like lighting, shadowing, and environmental effects. Architects can enjoy the plethora of TurboCAD Pro Platinum’s advanced features. Consider their “House Wizard” tool.