AutoCad for MAC. Are older versions any good?
 

I just started looking at some AutoCad software for my macbook, the 2013 version of this program is just short of $4000. I dont believe I need the latest version of this since this is mostly to practice with and possibly design a few items.

Would a 2010, 11, 12 version be good enough. I was looking on the web and there are many places to download the older versions for incredibly low prices but I am concerned with the quality of the download.

Is there a reputable online download for a older version .

Any info appreciated SmileWavy

I've never tried d/ling an older version online but, I use 2011 at work and I honestly feel like ever single year it gets more over-programmed at least for what I do so, you should be fine with an older one. If I were using it for 3d or modeling parts I would use a different Autodesk product.

Frankly, you'd be perfectly fine with 2000. We use 2013, and whenever I use it (fortunately, no that much anymore) I find it to be a bloated, overly complex program full of glitches. Kind of like Revit-lite (which I feel blessed to be in an environment that will always be Revit-free).
Can't help you with the second question.

How about Google Sketchup? I have seen drawings and drafts made with it that were very good. I think to export common formats, you have to buy the pro version. I have no idea how much that is. Just a discussion point I wanted to throw in - maybe someone has experience!?

G

Someone pointed out to me recently that Solidworks has a free 2d Cad program. Might be worth a shot.
Free CAD software* for your DWG files: DraftSight lets professional CAD users, students and educators create, edit and view DWG files. DraftSight runs on Windows®, Mac® and Linux. - Dassault Systèmes

lucky you, I'm a BIM manager :/

You have my deepest sympathy. :D

As Aigel, pointed out, Sketchup (pro) can perform CAD exports, but they tend to be pretty messy files. By that I mean it will export everything in your line of view, resulting in lines on top lines on top of lines.

But you can also export 2D images of your work, which might prove helpful.

2011 for Mac works fine. You can also get Parallels and run any Windows program (including Autodesk software) without a worry. Since ADesk doesn't (to my knowledge) have a Mac version of Revit, this is what I do. Ditto a couple of other apps. Sketchup is a good suggestion too - good application which I really like.

You all are clearly much more experienced with this stuff than I. The intended use is to hopefully design a few items and be able to send the final designs to get CNC'd .

Do designs have to be in 2D or 3D to be able to get CNC'd ?


Aigle, thanks for the suggestion. I will look into that option also.

Thank you for the reply.

Would 2000 model year software work with a 2010-11 macbook ? I thought some of the older platforms could only work in computers running older operating systems.?

Depends on how it's being machined & what you are making. Plasma or waterjet can take 2d (dxf) files, but they cut out a 2d part. Mills/plastic printers, etc typically use a 3d file.

Either way, the cad file is typically converted to a code the machine understands, like 'G' code.

I like Solidworks.