Autodesk, Inc. has announced that AutoCAD for Mac software will be available to users this Fall. This version of AutoCAD runs natively on Mac OS X and will increase choice of hardware for millions of users around the world. Autodesk also announced the AutoCAD WS mobile application, a new app for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch that will allow users to edit and share their AutoCAD designs in the field.

"The release of AutoCAD for Mac marks the return of professional design and engineering software to the Mac platform, and an important convergence of power and design. Over 5,000 customers have helped develop this product through our beta program, and they are delighted to have the choice of a native Mac version of AutoCAD," said Amar Hanspal, senior vice-president, Autodesk Platform Solutions and Emerging Business.

AutoCAD for Mac has an intuitive interface that will be familiar to Mac users. It takes full advantage of Mac OS X, including graphical browsing of design files with Cover Flow and use of Multi-Touch gestures on Mac notebooks, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad for intuitive pan and zoom features. User experience design patterns, such as the visual approach to drawing and layout management, have also been incorporated into AutoCAD for Mac.

With support for native creation and editing files in the DWG file format, AutoCAD for Mac also offers easy collaboration with suppliers, customers, clients and partners regardless of platform, the company said. Files created in previous versions of AutoCAD will open in AutoCAD for Mac, boosting productivity by reducing time-consuming file translation and cleanup of converted data.

AutoCAD for Mac and the AutoCAD WS mobile application will be available in North America and Europe beginning this fall.