A reader recently sent in a question asking, "What's the best Mac mouse for AutoCAD LT 2015?" Specifically, the reader questioned if a two-button with scroll wheel mouse is required or if Apple's Magic Mouse would work?
The good news is that Autodesk engineered AutoCAD for Mac to work with Apple's Magic Mouse. In addition, the Magic Mouse can be configured as a two-button mouse, and using gestures, can act as if it has a scroll wheel. While this sounds good, in my experience I have found the Magic Mouse difficult to use as a control device for CAD.
What I recommend is Apple's older and still available, though only as a wired model Mighty, I mean Apple Mouse. I use it in combination with Apple's Magic Trackpad. The Trackpad provides gesture control for OS X and the Apple Mouse, gives me the more precise control that CAD requires.
Some have complained about the small Scroll Ball failing after a short period of use. I have experienced this problem as well, though with a little rubbing alcohol and a lint free cloth, this can be solved. See this and some other solutions at iFixit.
I'm sure there are other mice out there that are favorites, so please leave your suggestions in the comments.
As a Mac user there once were few choices when it came to CAD/BIM applications. With Apple's popularity, more and more formerly Windows only CAD apps are finding their way back to the Mac. The big fish in the pond of CAD for Mac is Autodesk with their AutoCAD for Mac, which after a 17 year gap, came back to the Mac in 2011. Recently joining this surge was BricsCAD (See New CAD + BIM Options for Mac).
But the question remains, what's the best CAD/BIM software for the Mac? Well, the team over at MacHow2 has compiled a comprehensive list, with detailed explanations for each option that will help you define what your needs are and select the application that will best fit those needs. Check out their excellent summary of "The Best CAD Software for Mac" post.
To continue the conversation, join the Apple for Architects Google+ Community for help from those that use many of these applications.
Having options is a good thing and until not that long ago there were few CAD or BIM options for Mac using Architects. Recently two new, traditionally Windows based programs, have been released with support for the Mac.
DeltaCad is a basic, easy to learn CAD program that can produce accurately scaled architectural or mechanical drawings. You can edit, scale, move, rotate, copy, etc. individual objects and it allows you to zoom in to draw fine details or zoom out to see the whole drawing. Learn more at DeltaCAD.
The other new Mac entry is BricsCAD. BricsCAD V15 for OS X offers 3D direct modeling with advanced 2D design. The new version offers cross-platform licensing, a familiar user interface, 3D direct and parametric modeling, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and 3D data exchange. All stored in standard .dwg files. Read a through review of Bricsys new BricsCAD for Mac over at Architosh.
