AutoCAD for Mac is a CAD (Computer Aided Design or Computer Aided Drafting)
software application for 2D and 3D design and drafting on the Mac OS X
platform. And because it’s AutoCAD, you’re working natively in DWG™ format,
so you can easily share files with clients, suppliers, and partners around
the world, regardless of platform.
Design and shape the world around you with AutoCAD® for Mac® software.
Explore your ideas, speed documentation, and share data seamlessly. With the
power, flexibility, and accuracy you expect from AutoCAD® software in an
intuitive, native Mac interface, AutoCAD for Mac helps you take your design
and documentation further.
Native Support For Mac OS Get the robust 3D free-form design tools and powerful drafting
capabilities you expect from AutoCAD in an intuitive Mac® interface. AutoCAD
for Mac software takes full advantage of the Mac OS® X platform. Draw and
manage layouts using controls that work like you think. Pan and zoom with
Multi-Touch gestures and find your designs quickly using Cover Flow
navigation to flip through previews of your files
3D Free-Form Design Tools Explore your design ideas with easy-to-use tools that help you transform
concepts into reality. Push and pull faces, edges, and vertices to model
complex shapes. Refine mesh surfaces and create high-precision NURBS curves
and surfaces. Preview surfaces and solids as you create them—in real time
Native Support For DWG Work natively in DWG™, one of the world’s most common file formats.
Share files easily and confidently regardless of platform.
Network Licensing AutoCAD for Mac offers a choice of licensing options – including network
licensing – to help simplify software
asset management and give you more flexibility in maximizing the
software across geographically dispersed teams.
JTB FlexReport can report on the
usage.
Productivity Tools Auto-complete options help you access commands more efficiently. The
power of multi-functional grips extends to most AutoCAD objects, including
lines, arcs, dimensions, and mleaders as well as 3D faces, edges and
vertices. External reference (xref) visor puts xref tools at your
fingertips. Elements modified in one file are easily updated in related
design files. Divvy up large project components and work on them
simultaneously to maximize efficiency.
Rendering Tools AutoCAD for Mac software transforms your designs into images that convey
the nuances of your design. Powerful rendering tools let you choose from
hundreds of materials, apply photometric lighting, and control the display
to create highly accurate, photorealistic images.
Associative Array Functionality Reduce rework by creating relationships between arrayed objects, such as
windows on a building or trusses on a bridge. The automation, management,
and editing tools in AutoCAD for Mac software help you reduce repetitive
tasks
Parametric Drawing Define persistent object relationships and your design adjusts
automatically as you draw—parallel lines stay parallel, concentric circles
stay centered. Infer both geometric and dimensional constraints in
real-time.
Intuitive Interface AutoCAD for Mac commands and tools will be familiar to AutoCAD users.
And if you haven’t used AutoCAD software in years, the intuitive interface
and context-sensitive help function in AutoCAD for Mac can help smooth out
your learning curve.
Customization Configure settings, extend the software, and build custom workflows. You
can even create specialized design and drafting applications—such as
industry-specific software or add-on applications from partner developers.
AutoCAD for Mac 2011
AutoCAD 2011 for Mac is only available in a stand-alone licensed version.
There are no multi-seat stand-alone or network versions available.
What AutoCAD features are not available in AutoCAD for Mac
Although AutoCAD 2011 for Mac is based on AutoCAD 2011, it was written to
be a native Mac application. As such, it is a new and separate product
and not simply a port from the Windows version. In the first release
of this new product, there are some features and functionality that exist in
AutoCAD 2011 that are not yet available in AutoCAD 2011 for Mac, including
(but not limited to):
3DWalk, 3DFly, and animation support
Action Recorder and playback of Action Macros
Autopublish
Batch Standards Checker and the ability to use cad standards
[STANDARDS, CHECKSTANDARDS]
CAD Manager Tools
‘Classic’ dialogs for image, xref, and layers
Custom dictionaries
Data Extraction Wizard [EATTEXT] (Attribute extraction can still
be done using –ATTEXT)
dBConnect and Datalink support
DesignCenter
DGN support
Digitally signing drawings or notification when opening digital
signed drawings
Digitizer support
Drawing Recovery Manager
DWF support
Dynamic block authoring
Editable drawing properties [DWGPROPS]
eTransmit and Archive
Express Tools
Extended tooltips
FBX import/export
Filter and Quick Select
Geographic location support
Hyperlink
In-place editing of blocks or xrefs [REFEDIT]
Layer filters
Layer notification
Layer State Manager (fundamental layer state operations can still
be performed using the stAte option in the -LAYER command or using the
(layerstate-xxx) AutoLISP functions)
Layer Translator
Layer Walk
Some Layer Tools [LAYCUR, LAYDEL, LAYON, LAYTHW, LAYMCH, LAYMRG,
LAYVPI]
Layout wizard
Markup Set Manager
Navigation bar and SteeringWheels
OLE objects
Password protecting a drawing or opening password protected drawings
PDF underlay
Plot style configuration
Plotting to file
Point Clouds
Purge dialog (all purge options are still available from the command
line)
Quick Properties palette
Reference Manager (the external reference repathing utility)
Share with Autodesk Seek
Sheet Set Manager
ShowMotion
Slide creation or viewing
Table style setup
Tool palettes
User Profiles
VBA (Visual Basic for Applications)
Visual LISP editor
WMF import/export
Xref notification
Other Functionality
Most AutoLISP will work unless it includes Windows calls (using
.NET) or uses DCL dialogs
Most ARX applications will work unless it includes MFC or .NET calls
No import or export of CUI customization
There is only one workspace
Visual styles must be created at the command line
Sun Properties palette and Visual Styles managers are merged with
the Properties Inspector
Camera objects cannot be created
Materials cannot be edited or created and you can not adjust the way
a material maps on an object [MATERIALMAP]
Tessellation for new 3D mesh objects must be set via the command
line (MESHOPTIONS and MESHPRIMITIVEOPTIONS are not available)
Rendering options are limited (no Advanced Render Settings
palette or Rendercrop)
Limited editing and style support for Multilines
PC3 plot files may work but will depend on whether or not it uses
proprietary drivers
Page sizes are referenced differently between AutoCAD 2011 and
AutoCAD for Mac 2011
CUI editor may include commands that are not actually available
Command auto-completion may offer commands that are not actually
available
System variables for missing features may still exist and be
editable but will have no affect if the accompanying feature is not
included. They have been kept to help preserve scripting compatibility.
How to use trackpad multi-touch gestures in AutoCAD for Mac
You are using a Mac laptop trackpad or the Apple Magic Trackpad as a
pointing device for AutoCAD 2011 for Mac and you want to know what
multi-touch gestures are available.
The following multi-touch gestures are supported on a Mac laptop trackpad
or the Apple Magic Trackpad:
Pan
2-finger dragging
Spacebar + 1-finger dragging
Zoom In
Pinch open
Option key + 2-finger drag up
Zoom Out
Pinch closed
Option key + 2-finger drag down
3D Orbit
Shift key + 2-finger dragging
Video Tutorial
AutoCAD for Mac 2011 Update 1
An update is now available for AutoCAD for Mac at the following link:
The following features have been updated to fix issues identified using
incoming Customer Error Reports (CER):
2D Display
3D Selection
File Navigation
General UI
Graphic System
Hatch
Install
Layers
Open/Save
Properties Inspector
Quick View Tools
Start-up
General changes and improvements have been made to the following
features:
Hatch
AutoCAD for Mac is no longer unstable when deleting certain hatch objects.
Memory Use
Some memory leaks have been fixed to improve memory consumption.
Palette & Toolbar Icons
Palette and toolbar icons should always be displayed.
Plot
PDF output quality has been improved.
Start-up
On systems that do not meet the minimum system requirements, a message is
displayed when AutoCAD for Mac is launched.
Splash screen should always disappear.
Text Style
Xref-dependent text styles can no longer be set current.
Operating System Compatibility for AutoCAD for Mac
You are wondering what operating systems are supported for the AutoCAD
2011 for Mac release. Here they are:
Mac OS® X v10.6.4 or later (Snow Leopard)
Mac OS® X v10.5.8 or later (Leopard)
System Requirements
Apple® Mac® Pro 4,1 or later; MacBook® Pro 5,1 or later (MacBook Pro
6,1 or later recommended); iMac® 8,1 or later (iMac 11,1 or later
recommended); Mac® mini 3,1 or later (Mac mini 4,1 or later
recommended); MacBook Air® 2,1 or later; MacBook® 5,1 or later (MacBook
7,1 or later recommended)
Mac OS® X v10.6.4 or later; Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later
64-bit Intel® processor
3 GB of RAM (4 GB recommended)
2.5 GB free disk space for download and installation (3 GB
recommended)
All graphics cards on supported hardware
1,280 x 800 display with true color (1,600 x 1,200 with true color
recommended)
U.S., U.K., or France keyboard layout
Apple® Mouse, Apple Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, MacBook® Pro
trackpad, or Microsoft®-compliant mouse.
Mac OS X-compliant printer
FAQ
What is AutoCAD 2011 for Mac software?
AutoCAD® 2011 for Mac® software is a version of AutoCAD software developed
specifically to run on Mac OS® X.
How is AutoCAD 2011 for Mac software similar to AutoCAD 2011
software?
AutoCAD for Mac software includes familiar AutoCAD capabilities like 2D and
3D
design tools, including 3D free-form modeling capabilities; 3D visualization
and
rendering; advanced customization of the menu, as well as support for LISP
and
ObjectARX®/DBX applications; and more. AutoCAD for Mac software creates
files in the same native DWG™ file format as AutoCAD software.
How is AutoCAD 2011 for Mac different from AutoCAD 2011?
A primary difference is in the user interface. AutoCAD 2011 for Mac has been
designed to follow common native Mac application user interface guidelines.
Instead of a ribbon, AutoCAD 2011 for Mac software has the familiar Apple
menu
bar, and a number of workflow-based palettes. AutoCAD for Mac also supports
native Mac OS X behavior, such as Cover Flow navigation and Multi-Touch
gestures
You can create custom scripts, linetypes, hatch patterns, and command
aliases,
as well as AutoLISP® and ObjectARX applications, in AutoCAD 2011 for Mac;
however, there is no support for DCL in AutoLISP, nor is there access to
some of
the custom AutoCAD user interface controls in ObjectARX. Technologies
specific
to Windows®, such as Visual Basic for Applications, OLE objects, and Windows
Media® Audio, are not supported in AutoCAD 2011 for Mac.
The most commonly used functionality of AutoCAD is included in AutoCAD for
Mac. However, there are a few commands that are not included in this first
release, including layer filters, layer groups, and layer states; Sheet Set
Manager; and DGN, PDF, and DWFTM underlay support.
Who should use AutoCAD for Mac?
AutoCAD 2011 for Mac software is suited for designers, architects, and
engineers who prefer to work in a native Mac environment, and who need to
create, edit, or review conceptual designs, 3D models, technical drawings,
and
documentation.
The functionality in AutoCAD 2011 for Mac software makes this release best
suited for users in small to medium businesses who do not require features
supporting an enterprise wide workflow.
What are the purchasing options and pricing for AutoCAD 2011 for
Mac
software?
AutoCAD 2011 for Mac software is available through authorized resellers or
from
the Autodesk Store at
www.autodesk.com/store. If you need help finding a
reseller, refer to
www.autodesk.com/reseller. Consult your local reseller or the
Autodesk Store for pricing information and for information on Autodesk
Subscription.
Can I try AutoCAD 2011 for Mac before I buy it? Yes, you can try out AutoCAD 2011 for Mac software by downloading a
trial
version at www.autodesk.com/autocadmactrial. This fully functioning version
of
AutoCAD 2011 for Mac is available as a free* 30-day trial.
Does AutoCAD 2011 for Mac software use product activation? Yes, with AutoCAD 2011 for Mac software the authorization process
includes
product activation.
What is product activation?
Product activation is a software-based license management technology used by
most Autodesk software products. It is a secure, easy process that allows
users
who have purchased legitimate software licenses to run their Autodesk
software.
The process verifies that the serial number is valid and that the software
has
been activated only on eligible computers. Product activation does not
change
the way the software works for licensed users. It is similar to activation
mechanisms previously used in Autodesk products but improves security and
license management.
Why is Autodesk requiring Autodesk customers to activate their
software?
Product activation is a simple way to reduce and deter unauthorized use and
casual copying of Autodesk products, with little to no impact on loyal
customers.
How do I activate my software? Through the activation and registration interface, you can activate
your product
24 hours a day, seven days a week, on the Internet or via email. Either
option
takes only a few steps to complete and requires your product serial number
and
registration information.
What if I have more than one computer? Will product activation
allow
me to use the software on multiple machines? Autodesk recognizes that some users may need to operate the
software when
they are away from their usual work location. To accommodate this need, the
product activation technology allows an employee to install the software on
a
second computer owned by the employee’s company, provided it is for use away
from the employee’s usual work location, the software is used only by that
employee and no other, and only one of the two copies of the software is
ever in
use at any one time. Consult the Autodesk Software License Agreement for
details about using the software on a second computer.
Does AutoCAD 2011 for Mac support network licensing? The first release of AutoCAD 2011 for Mac does not support network
licensing.
Can I transfer my AutoCAD license between platforms (from AutoCAD
to AutoCAD for Mac, and vice versa)?
AutoCAD and AutoCAD for Mac are licensed separately. You can transfer your
AutoCAD 2011 license to a license for AutoCAD 2011 for Mac, or vice versa,
by
contacting your local reseller and paying a platform exchange fee. You can
also
upgrade from a previous version of AutoCAD to AutoCAD 2011 for Mac. To find
a local reseller, go to
www.autodesk.com/reseller.
Where can I find more information about software activation?
More information on product activation can be found at www.autodesk.com/activation.
Do third-party applications based on previous Windows versions of
AutoCAD software work with AutoCAD 2011 for Mac software?
Most LISP routines that work in AutoCAD 2011 will run without modification
in
AutoCAD 2011 for Mac. LISP routines that are dependent upon DCL or COM
interfaces such as VLA or VLAX are not supported in AutoCAD 2011 for Mac.
Existing ObjectARX applications will require some effort on the behalf of
the
developer to work in AutoCAD for Mac. At a minimum, ObjectARX applications
need to be recompiled for Mac OS X. The API (application programming
interface)
libraries used by those applications, and the availability of those
libraries on Mac
OS X, will give some indication of the modification necessary for the
application
to work in AutoCAD 2011 for Mac. For example, the ObjectARX sample
applications compile without modification. Conversely, an application making
multiple win32 system calls will need to be modified.
Can I migrate customizations from AutoCAD 2011 to AutoCAD 2011
for Mac?
AutoCAD 2011 customizations cannot be directly migrated to AutoCAD 2011 for
Mac. However, AutoCAD 2011 for Mac uses a subset of the AutoCAD 2011
cui/cuix XML schema to define the user interface. The values are interpreted
slightly differently (for example, ribbon panels become workflow groups) but
they
are very similar. AutoCAD 2011 for Mac supports Menu and Workflow
customization; however, constructs like Profiles and Workspaces are not
supported in AutoCAD 2011 for Mac.
Can I open and save DWG files created in previous versions of
AutoCAD in AutoCAD 2011 for Mac?
AutoCAD 2011 for Mac reads DWG files from the following previous versions of
AutoCAD software: AutoCAD Release 14, 2000, 2004, 2007 and 2010. AutoCAD
2011 for Mac has a built-in Save As function, so you can save drawings to
and
from AutoCAD releases using the AutoCAD Release 14, 2000, 2004, 2007 and
2010 DWG format(s). In addition, you can use the Save As AutoCAD Release 12
DXF™ command to support drawings to and from releases prior to AutoCAD
Release 14.
Can I open DWG files created in AutoCAD 2011 for Mac in older
versions of AutoCAD? You can open an AutoCAD 2011 for Mac drawing using AutoCAD 2010 and
AutoCAD 2011. For opening drawings with versions prior to AutoCAD 2010, you
should use DWG TrueView™ software to translate DWG files to AutoCAD
Release 14, 2000, 2004, and 2007 file formats. DWG TrueView can be
downloaded at
www.autodesk.com/dwgtrueview. DWG TrueView does not
require the AutoCAD application in order to convert DWG files.
How can I get personalized support and training for AutoCAD 2011
for Mac software? If you purchased this product from an Autodesk Authorized Reseller,
contact your
reseller for support and training information. To locate an Autodesk
Authorized
Reseller in your area, call your local Autodesk office or visit the Autodesk
website
at www.autodesk.com/reseller.
You can also visit
www.autodesk.com/autocad-support for a list of the support
options from Autodesk.
Is technical support available through Autodesk Subscription? When you enroll your AutoCAD for Mac software license in Autodesk®
Subscription, you are entitled to direct technical support via the web. Your
Autodesk distributor, Autodesk Authorized Reseller, or Autodesk retailer can
provide you with Autodesk Subscription enrollment rules, terms and
conditions,
and program and pricing details for your location. For more information
about
Autodesk Subscription, visit
www.autodesk.com/subscription.
How do I find out if service packs are available for AutoCAD 2011
for Mac software? In the event that Autodesk releases an AutoCAD 2011 for Mac
software service
pack, the user will be notified from within the product. AutoCAD 2011 for
Mac
recognizes if you have the most up-to-date release and prompts you if there
is an
update available.
What benefits does Autodesk Subscription offer? Autodesk Subscription is a software maintenance and support program
that
provides exclusive advantages and delivers the lowest total cost of
ownership in
your AutoCAD for Mac Software. Automatically get access to download any new
versions or incremental product enhancements for AutoCAD for Mac software
released during the term of your subscription, as well as exclusive license
terms
that are available only to Subscription members. A range of community
resources, including web support direct from Autodesk product support
specialists, make Autodesk Subscription the best way to optimize your
investment in AutoCAD for Mac.
The Subscription fee includes these benefits:
• Autodesk Subscription offers a way to make your software costs
predictable.
Whether you opt for a one-year subscription or a multiyear contract, the
costs are
known for the entire term of your contract.
• Product enhancements may include extensions, advantage packs, or other
rich content, and many of these enhancements are exclusive to Subscription
members. Subscription members can access these new product downloads that
add new functionality and/or features to your AutoCAD for Mac software.
Since they can adapt easily into your current workflows, you can apply them
immediately to your new projects to help you stay competitive.
• Autodesk Subscription helps make managing software licensing hassle-free
and flexible, including the ability to use AutoCAD for Mac software in the
office
and at home.
• Get what you need to help you stay productive with AutoCAD for Mac
software. With web support you get direct, one-to-one communication with
Autodesk product support specialists for answers to your installation,
configuration, and troubleshooting questions.
To learn more, take the Subscription tour at
www.autodesk.com/subscription.
What product downloads are available for Subscription members? Product downloads may include the current release of the software,
extensions,
advantage packs, or other content for AutoCAD for Mac software. These
enhancements are exclusive to Subscription members and will be able to be
downloaded from the Subscription Center at
www.autodesk.com/subscriptionlogin.
Layer States tips
One of the features not included in the new AutoCAD 2011 for Mac release
is the Layer States Manager dialog.
Although the Layer State Manager dialog is not available in AutoCAD for
Mac, most of the really important layer state operations can still be
performed using either the -LAYER command or the (layerstate-xxx) AutoLISP
functions.
Using the stAte option of the -LAYER command, you can do the basics like
saving, restoring and deleting layer states. Using the different
(layerstate-xxx) AutoLISP functions, you can do quite a bit more. Here is a
list of the available functions:
(layerstate-addlayers) Adds/updates a series of layers to a layer state
(layerstate-compare) Compares a layer state to the layers in the current
drawing
(layerstate-delete) Deletes a layer state
(layerstate-export) Exports a layer state to an .LAS file
(layerstate-getlastrestored) Returns the name of the last restored layer
state in the current drawing
(layerstate-getlayers) Returns a list of the layers saved in a layer
state
(layerstate-getnames) Returns a list of the layer state names in the
drawing
(layerstate-has) Checks if a layer state is present in the drawing
(layerstate-import) Imports a layer state from a specified .LAS file
(layerstate-importfromdb) Imports a layer state from a specified drawing
file
(layerstate-removelayers) Removes a list of layers from a layer state
(layerstate-rename) Renames a layer state
(layerstate-restore) Restores a layer state in the current drawing
(layerstate-save) Saves a layer state in the current drawing
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