AutoCAD 2024 is out, and it's official: the best 3D modeling software now natively supports Apple's silicon chips.
According to the Autodesk developer, Mac users should see their overall performance doubled compared to the latest version.
Along with performance improvements for Apple's M-series chips, the latest update for Windows and Mac also adds improved machine learning and desktop and laptop design automation for AutoCAD.
What's new in AutoCAD 2024?
Users have long wanted Autodesk's popular software for architects and interior designers to add native support for the M1 and M2 chips, but Apple users aren't the only ones benefiting from faster workflows. Windows users will see up to 9x faster switching between design tabs, as well as increased stability and fidelity compared to AutoCAD 2023.
In an effort to improve online collaboration, users can now view activity feed, which details file changes and user activities. The 2024 edition also includes better markup support. Users not only have the ability to annotate and share drawings, but it's now faster to implement comments on drawings.
About the improvements, the company said: "AutoCAD uses machine learning to detect certain instructions in the marked text that allow shortcuts to commands such as Move, Copy or Delete."
Placing and replacing blocks has also gotten smarter and faster. With these new machine learning capabilities, users can more easily find and replace blocks. Meanwhile, adding blocks has also been simplified. The software can infer the probable position of the next block based on the location of previous blocks in the DWG file.
“AutoCAD 2024 introduces new machine learning capabilities to push the boundaries of productivity and accelerate our customers' workflows. AutoCAD for Mac 2024 and AutoCAD LT for Mac 2024 offer exciting new performance enhancements with the ability to run AutoCAD natively on Apple Silicon. It's exciting to see how customers can now take full advantage of the latest M-series chips and hardware to work faster,” said Dania El Hassan, director of product management for AutoCAD.