Autodesk today announced the launch of the latest versions of its popular AutoCAD computer-aided design software packages for Mac, adding a number of new features that put the release nearly equal to its Windows counterpart for the first time.
MacRumors spoke with Autodesk product manager Micah Dickerson about the new version, with Dickerson noting an emphasis on cross-platform compatibility for mixed Windows and Mac environments and highlighting a "big four" set of features added in the 2015 version based on customer feedback:
- Dynamic Blocks: Mac users now have the ability to create and edit Dynamic Blocks with a new streamlined yet powerful tool. With Dynamic Blocks, users can build a single block that can be used repeatedly (such as for windows or doors) and simply adjusted in size or shape dynamically rather than creating a static block for each feature.
- Layer States: Addressing one of the major barriers to cross-platform usage between Windows and Mac versions of AutoCAD, Mac users can now save layer information such as color, linetype and frozen/locked/off status.
- Quick Select: This feature allows users to easily select objects based on queries, including multiple selection criteria. The feature also includes a new preview function to allow the user to see what objects match the criteria before committing.
- Data Links: Users wishing to associate Excel spreadsheets with their drawings can now do so through Data Links. Changes to the spreadsheet will automatically the corresponding table in AutoCAD, making it easy to keep track of scheduling and costs on various projects.
Dickerson points out that, based on testing so far, AutoCAD for Mac 2015 appears to be the most stable and fastest version so far, while adding a number of new features and taking care of several bugs and other issues.
AutoCAD for Mac 2015 launches today, and is available not only in the usual perpetual license program, but also Autodesk's subscription plans designed to lower the barrier to entry for those looking to take their first steps into the company's CAD software.
Standard pricing remains the same for 2015, with AutoCAD coming in at $4195 and the more basic AutoCAD LT priced at $1200, with cheaper upgrade options also available for current users. The subscription plan will see AutoCAD priced at $210 per month or $1680 per year, while AutoCAD LT will be priced at $45 per month or $360 per year.
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Top Rated Comments
http://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/all
*You know, free as in for noncommerical use.
**Note that for this version they mark all files saved with this as being education versions permanently, whether they were created with other versions or not. In other words, do not open important business projects with this unless you want them marked as noncommercial use only.
Edit: Apparantly you don't actually need a .edu address. (thanks Evmanw)
This isn't Angry Birds:D It's business software.
/jk
Whether or not the price is right is ultimately determined by the purchaser. Businesses that use this software to help generate profit may see price as reasonable. Of course everyone wants to pay less, but it isn't always the bargain we think. Similarly, people say Mac Pros are ridiculously priced. If the MP, like AutoCAD, puts food on your table and a roof over your head, doesn't the value outweigh the cost? From a business perspective, I'd consider them both an investment. In the majority of cases I'm pretty sure the ROI far outweighs the expense.
Sketchup is NOT an alternative to AutoCAD...
(For 2d drawings)
Autodesk should be concentrating on getting Revit over to Mac since over 70% of the top 100 architecture firms use it, also given the growth and requirement to use BIM
Come on, the LT version only $1200, and it's perfectly usable if all you need is 2D drafting. If you make $45k per year and you purchased a new version every year, that's 2.6% of your income. If you make 100k per year and upgrade every 3 years, it's 0.04% of your income. And that doesn't even consider how much money a large firm could make and any volume discounts.
We're talking about this on MacRumors where people don't hesitate to buy a new iPhone, iPad or Mac every year just because. Yet charging (a considerable sum of) money for software is suddenly unreasonable.