In either case, you can use any CAD software package on your Mac. The second option, is to use Parallels desktop, allowing you to use both Mac OS and Windows simultaneously. You can then use either Mac OS or Windows. With Apple’s Bootcamp utility, you can install and run Windows applications within the Mac OS environment. Before you start forking out for a PC, there are steps you can take. So, does this mean Mac users have to avoid high-end CAD software? Not necessarily. CAD giants Autodesk and Dassault, for example, are primarily PC-based. Unfortunately, however, many high-end packages are unavailable for Mac.

Now, there are many CAD software packages that run natively in Mac. This is no different in the CAD industry, with all software packages being compatible with systems such as Windows and Linux, but avoiding the Mac OS. The complexity of the Mac OS has made it difficult, in many cases, for software developers to create apps for these systems. In addition, we’ll detail how beginner-friendly each of the packages is and finally list the best CAD software package for Mac based on various factors. We even discuss whether it’s worth using Mac with CAD, or whether you should stick to PC. With that in mind, Scan2CAD has put together a list of top 14 CAD packages for Mac. As with other types of applications, many CAD packages are unavailable for Mac.

While it can be easy enough to find CAD software for PC (some of which are free, as detailed in our article on the top free CAD packages to download), however, it can get a bit difficult with the Mac OS. Depending on your chosen CAD software, you can design and work with anything from architectural drawings-graduating onto BIM-to electrical drawings to mechanical schematics. From architecture to engineering to gaming, it can be integral in the creation of designs. Computer Aided Design (CAD) software is at the forefront of most industries nowadays.

Best cad program for mac