For
many architects, engineers and designers, AutoCAD is the tool of
choice. First released in December 1982, AutoCAD was one of the first
CAD programs to run on personal computers. However, back in 1992
Autodesk dropped the Mac version of the software and for over 18 years
AutoCAD has only been available for PCs. That was until the end of 2010,
when AutoCAD returned to the Mac. Why did it take Autodesk so long to
reincarnate the Mac version?Autodesk told us that like many developments
in the software world, the evolution of AutoCAD was influenced by both
market demand and the latest advancements in technology. In the early
90s, when the AutoCAD product was radically developed and evolved,
Autodesk was utilising the state-of-the-art PC-compatible graphics cards
for 3D modelling.At that time the firm looked at the market and the
platforms available and concluded that it wanted to develop the product
for one platform alone. In the end, it chose to focus on building the
application for PCs, rather than the less widely-used Mac.In the past
decade, however, the technology landscape has radically changed. Apple
has improved graphic capabilities and switched to the Intel processor.
These technology advancements – combined with Apple’s resurgence in
popularity – made compelling reasons for Autodesk to reconsider
re-releasing AutoCAD on the Mac, the company said.
After
an 18-year hiatus, Autodesk has finally bought its computer-aided
design program back to the Mac, citing Apple’s improved graphics and
Intel processorsWhile Mac users were requesting AutoCAD on the
Mac, the move was not entirely driven by user demand, claimed Autodesk.
By not releasing AutoCAD for Mac, Autodesk risked missing out to
competitors who had the potential to grow in markets where it was not
available.Taking CAD to a new audienceRather than port across the
software from the PC, Autodesk started from scratch and developed a Mac
version with a familiar look and feel for Mac users. Autodesk trialled a
Beta version of AutoCAD among a core base of Mac users and their
feedback on usability and features helped to shape the final
release.Autodesk decided against porting some of the more seldom-used
features from the Windows version that relate to near-obsolete hardware,
such as Digitiser Support. Other features, such as Visual Basic, were
too closely related to Microsoft to port.AutoCAD for Mac was eventually
released in October 2010 and Autodesk told us that the availability of
the software on the platform actually prompted existing PC users to move
to Mac. According to Autodesk, the Mac version has received less
positive feedback from Windows converts, but the native Mac users
appreciate the Mac-inspired interface.Six months on – hit or
miss?Autodesk told us that creative users (particularly in the
architectural world) have been extremely receptive to the release of
AutoCAD for Mac. Industrial design users now have a viable alternative
to CAD products such as Shark and Rhino. Since the transition to Mac,
other professions, such as theatrical lighting companies, are also
actively using AutoCAD, claimed Autodesk.AutoCAD for Mac is offered at a
comparable price-point to its Windows-based alternative, with discounts
available for existing PC users looking to make the switch, and a free
version available for cash-strapped university students.So what’s next
for Autodesk and Mac? While Autodesk remains tight-lipped about
potential future releases, as the market continues to turn in Apple’s
favour, it seems inevitable that other Autodesk software will follow
suit.
