Need to run AutoDesk Revit but have a Mac® computer? Architects, structural engineers, designers, and contractors alike utilize Revit, a powerful computer-aided design (CAD) software for building information modeling. CAD software enables users to visualize design, create photorealistic drawings, and even future-proof models for environmental factors.
- Revit on Mac Revit combines the features of Revit Architecture, Revit MEP and Revit Structure software. Try Revit for free. Mac-compatible products A-Z list. Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection. Arnold (US site) AutoCAD. AutoCAD mobile app.
- There is a good discussion of this topic on the following Revit Idea thread and if you would like to see a native Macintosh version of Revit you can vote up this idea: Revit for Mac Forum threads on this topic: Best windows version for Revit on Mac Re: Running on Mac Revit on Mac (Boot camp) vs PC Revit 2018 Sluggish in Parallels on New iMac.
- No more Bootcamp, Parallels or switching between a PC and Mac, well, yes, but no. Autodesk don’t have a Revit for Mac version but there is an application called Frame that it can run through and Autodesk have certified it for Revit and AutoCAD. “Frame: Run any software in a browser” is a cloud based application.
These two methods however focus on making a Windows install in your Mac anyhow, rather than modifying the software in any way. 3 Best Ways to Run Autodesk Revit on MacOS? Bootcamp is the most preferred method to use Autodesk Revit if you are a Mac user. Apple allows the user to make partition of their hard drive and install Windows. While Inventor or Revit does not currently have a native Macintosh version, you can still install Revit and Inventor on a Mac in virtualized environments including Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion. We also support these products via Boot Camp, part of Mac OS X that lets you install and run Windows (and Windows-based applications) on a Mac.
According to AutoDesk’s knowledge network, the system requirements to run Revit involve Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows Server 2008 or 2012. This leaves any Mac user unable to run Revit without rebooting via Boot Camp®. This causes a major issue for an architect, engineer, or designer who loves their existing Mac but has a job to do and wants to avoid the limitations associated with Boot Camp.
This is where Parallels Desktop® for Mac enters: a solution to run Windows on your Mac without rebooting. With desktop virtualization, users can reduce operating costs, minimize or even eliminate downtime, increase productivity, and simplify management.
We’d like to introduce Michael, an architectural owner at MW Architects LLC, who successfully runs Revit within a Windows 10 virtual machine using Parallels Desktop. Michael has over 20 years of experience within the field of architecture, and his top skills include design research, construction drawings, and design planning. When it comes to necessary tools and technologies for his trade, he uses SketchUp, 3ds Max, and AutoCAD Architecture, as well as our highlighted software, Revit. Here is an example of Michael designing with Revit on his Mac through Parallels Desktop:
(AutoDesk Revit running in Windows 10 on macOS® with Parallels Desktop)
Michael admits he first heard about running Windows on Mac without rebooting through an Apple Store® employee as a solution to avoid purchasing a PC. Quickly, he found that due to the reliability and life span of a Mac, making a switch to Mac from PC was the right choice.
Seamless integration of macOS and Windows OS within Parallels Desktop impressed him. “As an architect, I need to run Revit to accomplish my daily tasks, and since Revit is only made for a PC-based system, Parallels solved the problem. Without Parallels, I would probably be in another format, which is not ideal, as I prefer to switch between a macOS program to a PC program with a simple click.”
Michael not only happily runs Revit on his Mac with Parallels Desktop, but he’s also recommending Parallels Desktop as a solution for others who may be afraid to make the switch from PC to Mac. “I always talk about Mac computers and how reliable they are compared to PCs, and always present the fact that you can run Parallels in the Mac environment. It solves so many issues. Just the other day, I recommended the solution to a friend, and he did not even realize there was such a thing.”
There are so many talented Parallels Desktop users who utilize CAD programs specific to Windows environments on their Mac. But do take note: CAD programs are intensive, resource-heavy programs. Performance may vary depending on the technical specifications of your Mac. We suggest closing any other applications in the background of macOS while Parallels Desktop is running a power-hungry program to avoid any potential performance issues.
If you’re looking to run CAD programs for Windows on Mac without rebooting, we encourage you to download a FREE 14-day trial of Parallels Desktop for Mac and get started today.
Need to buy a Microsoft Windows operating system?
Windows 10 Home
Windows 10 Pro
Revit for mac is influential computer-aided design software (CAD) which certainly assists in building information modeling. The software is quite serviceable for architects and structural engineers. To clarify, Revit allows its users to make photo-realistic drawings and also visualize the design. In addition, it enables them to future-proof models for environmental factors as well. However, Revit is an awesome combination of all features owned by Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, and Revit Structure software.
Although mac owns a successful ecosystem of programs, still there are some software that only support windows. Yet, there are several ways that help you to operate window programs on your mac.
You can operate Revit on Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows Server 2008 or 2012. But the mac user cannot use Revit without rebooting through Boot Camp. Here architects and designers come across the major problem while performing their job. As the boot camp offers several limitations which are certainly unavoidable for the users.
However, there is a perfect solution to this problem in the form of parallel desktop. In other words, a parallel desktop enables you to utilize Revit for mac without rebooting. First of all, this desktop virtualization minimizes operating costs, secondly, reduces downtime, enhances productivity and lastly, simplifies management. Moreover, Autodesk Revit is now accessible on mac which enables you to carry out your task while remaining on mac.
As you know that native mac version does not support Revit, so, there are many other options that allow you to run Revit while sticking to the mac. For instance, boot camp, virtual machine, and remote access. Let’s have a quick glance at these functional ways.
Boot camp:
This facilitates booting of your system into windows OS thus allowing you to enjoy productivity of hardware to the fullest.
Virtual machine:
Helps you to create a virtual hardware environment through virtualization software. Particularly, this environment is quite friendly for Revit installment.
Remote access:
Your access to another Windows system, for example, Windows Remote Desktop, Citrix, etc. allows you to employ remote access software. Therefore, you will be able to take advantage of Revit on the remote system, while working through your Mac.
PDF underlay support:
Allows you to snap to the PDF in order to model 2D data elements.
Path of travel:
Perfectly demonstrates the movement of people within the building and navigates space as well.
Elliptical walls:
Helps you to make well-improved wall geometry as it is competent enough to draw elliptical walls.
Tag, schedule, and view filter for elevation:
You can schedule the evaluation of elements and furthermore can view filters with the help of those values.
Track and edit scope box parameter in view list:
The scope box parameter aids you in coordinating crop regions without opening each view individually.
Create parts from imported geometry:
Imported geometry allows you to make cuts and adjustments.
Copy and paste legends across sheets:
This feature promotes quick copying of legends for use in different locations.
Enhanced multi-rebar annotation:
Certainly deals with planar parallel free form rebar sets and concrete faces.
Steel connection for dynamo:
Speeds up the insertion of several steel connections.
Propagation of steel connections:
Instantly propagates existing connections thus adding similar steel connections to your project.
Electrical panel feed through lugs connection:
This trait of Revit documents your system design in an accurate way.
Electrical home-run wiring improvements:
Revit For Mac
Administering through arrowheads and tick marks make your work field easier to use and understand.
Revit extension for fabrication exports:
Gives you a CSV result that can be used in spreadsheets or other data environments.
Change service improvement:
You can preserve or replace multi-shape services in a single project.
This particular software offers you a 30-day free trial. However, before you start to download, be cautious regarding the following aspects.
- Firstly, smooth download requires 10 Mbps internet connection.
- There must be ample space on your hard disk as trial software generally comprises of larger file sizes.
- Better to turn off all the active applications for the time being before clicking on the download button. Moreover, even any virus checking software is not excluded from the criteria.
- Last but not least, after installation completes, restart your computer.
OPERATING SYSTEM: Microsoft® Windows® 10 64-bit, Windows 10 Enterprise, Windows 10 Pro
CPU TYPE: Single- or Multi-Core Intel®, Xeon®, or i-Series processor or AMD® coordinated with SSE2 technology. Above all, the highest affordable CPU speed rating is suggested. Moreover, autodesk® Revit® software products use multiple cores for numerous tasks.
Revit
MEMORY: 8 GB RAM. It is quite enough for a typical editing session for a single model up to approximately 100 MB on disk.
VIDEO DISPLAY RESOLUTIONS
Minimum: 1280 x 1024 with true color Maximum: Ultra-High (4k) Definition Monitor
VIDEO ADAPTER
Basic Graphics: Exhibit adapter with 24-bit color Advanced Graphics: Direct X® 11 capable graphics card
Disk space: needs 30 GB free disk space
MEDIA: Download or install from either DVD9 or USB key
POINTING DEVICE: MS-Mouse or 3Dconnexion® compliant device
BROWSER: Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 10 (or higher)
CONNECTIVITY: Internet connection for license registration and prerequisite component download