Leading design software returns to Macintosh computers

Autodesk announced that its AutoCAD software used by professionals to design everything from skyscrapers to pocket knives is reuniting with the Macintosh computer platform.

A version of AutoCAD has been tailored for Macintosh computers, and applications for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices will let people collaborate on designs using those popular Apple mobile devices.

“Apple is thrilled that Autodesk is bringing AutoCAD back to the Mac and we think it’s the perfect combination for millions of design and engineering professionals,” said Apple senior vice-president of worldwide product marketing Philip Schiller.

“The AutoCAD WS app is a bold new idea, a mobile version of industry-leading design software for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.”

AutoCAD is returning to Macintosh after parting ways with the platform in the early 1990s in favour of computers running on Windows software made by Microsoft, according to Autodesk senior vice-president of platform solutions and emerging business Amar Hanspal.

Autodesk was not selling much of its computer-assisted design – AutoCAD – program for Macintosh machines because much of the architecture, design and engineering world at that time opted for Windows computers, he explained.

About five years ago, Apple began shifting to Intel computer chips that let Macintosh computers run programs designed for Windows machines.

“When the Apple processor moved to the Intel environment, we saw customers moving to the Mac,” Hanspal said. “They really like the Mac experience but wanted to use their favourite programs.”