Civil 3d for Mac - What are its Benefits and Features?

Mac computers are preferred among creative workers and designers because of the GUI and comprehensive software applications. But for the architecture, engineering, or construction’s CAD (computer-aided design) software users on Mac, the available choices may be a bit limited. Applications like AutoCAD Civil 3D which were once powerhouses in the CAD software domain are available for the Windows platform only. So what are the options for Mac users who require a power packed CAD program?

First, it is useful to realize why most CAD developers deliver their product only for Windows only. This CAD user base has historically been a Windows GUI and its use remains a logical choice given that Windows is dominant in engineering and technical firms. Also, Windows lets the software to directly communicate with more enhanced graphical processors and hardware that can be used to perform complex operations of a CAD application.

However, even these definitions have become blurred with the Apple silicon chips that are increasingly competitive with PCs. Web-based applications for CAD have also been developed using cloud computing, so they can run on any working environment. Currently, Autodesk Fusion 360 is among the most prominent CAD tools that supports Mac operating systems.

Fusion 360 is compatible with Mac OS

Fusion 360 Mac from Autodesk is probably the only CAD software that is comprehensive enough to be described as a CAD powerhouse on Mac. It provides powerful, integrated and feature-rich modeling, simulation, rendering, animation and even CAM/CNC machining capabilities. The way that Fusion 360 works on Mac is the same as in Windows because it uses cloud computing for several of its features. Offline access and easy integration with PC-based project members make Fusion a feasible option for Mac-using product design teams.

As much as this is an excellent package, Fusion 360 does have its drawbacks compared to other of Autodesk’s applications such as AutoCAD or Inventor or Civil 3D for Mac which are only available on Windows. Users, who require CAD software with functions focused on civil engineering, factory layout, or documentation, will need to use Boot camp or cloud virtualization in case they are Mac users but need Windows CAD.

CAD in the Mac: The Future

Even though Apple is steadily eradicating the market share of its competitors in creative industries, developers of CAD applications are now challenged to design genuinely native Mac applications. Apple’s own gestures and interface conventions have established expectations of what makes an application professional for Mac. As Apple silicon Macs has become just as capable as Windows for many tasks, there are less reasons for CAD software vendors not to properly support the Mac platform natively.