[PLC-Landscape]

For those designers using Mac, what professional software will render the same look as Autocad?

[agla]

Autocad does not have a look. It just draws what you draft.

If you are looking for a Mac based cad program, I know that Vectorworks was available in Mac. They have a landscape specific program whose name escapes me.

[trees]

I use Vectorworks (though on a PC). It's a nice program... pretty straightforward to use and creates nice looking plans. They have several industry-specific versions of the software. The landscaping version is called Landmark.

It's cheaper than Autocad, too.

[PLC-Landscape]

Thanks for the info.... I have looked into that program.

[syzer]

Just throw fusion on that bad boy and run any windows program you want. You can run it in unity view, and minimize them to your doc if you like so it doesn't look like you are running an external program for windows.

I use this method, and use prolandscape with no problems at all.

Hope that helps

[moltenfe]

I have been considering a MAC notebook as well for design. I have used them regularly for college and was wondering how the worked for design. I also am running prolandscape as the design software. Have you encountered any glitches running it?

[syzer]

Nope, I have ever run into any problems running windows software on my mac. Some I think run faster =).

[PLC-Landscape]

I switched over to Mac platform 6 years ago because I was told the operating system is much more stable (the person worked IT for IBM, they would know I guess) - Using the Mac isn't much different, I've never had a pop-up, system crash or freeze once in those 6 years, so I guess that's good. I think one of the areas where a Mac excels is that multiple applications can be open at the same time without slowing the computer down, the system handles them differently internally. Thats one reason Mac users stayed away from Windows, there were/are ways to run mac applications, but along with running the windows applications, comes the bugs, and opens the system up to viruses, something like 90+ of all the viruses are created for windows since most of the population uses that platform. And sometimes the system is slower because you're essentially running an operating system through another operating system. The new Intel macs... - ? - I haven't researched them, I don't know if its different, but I'll stick with my 100% Mac OS Powerbook. I'm gonna run Vectorworks because it looks like Cad, so if builders, etc want a Cad drawing, I can give them a "CAD" drawing, I can also give them 3D, rendering, etc, but AutoCAD is the old standard, and Vectorworks for Mac covers that base.... Good luck with whatever you decide....

[syzer]

Originally Posted by PLC-Landscape

I switched over to Mac platform 6 years ago because I was told the operating system is much more stable (the person worked IT for IBM, they would know I guess) - Using the Mac isn't much different, I've never had a pop-up, system crash or freeze once in those 6 years, so I guess that's good. I think one of the areas where a Mac excels is that multiple applications can be open at the same time without slowing the computer down, the system handles them differently internally. Thats one reason Mac users stayed away from Windows, there were/are ways to run mac applications, but along with running the windows applications, comes the bugs, and opens the system up to viruses, something like 90+ of all the viruses are created for windows since most of the population uses that platform. And sometimes the system is slower because you're essentially running an operating system through another operating system. The new Intel macs... - ? - I haven't researched them, I don't know if its different, but I'll stick with my 100% Mac OS Powerbook. I'm gonna run Vectorworks because it looks like Cad, so if builders, etc want a Cad drawing, I can give them a "CAD" drawing, I can also give them 3D, rendering, etc, but AutoCAD is the old standard, and Vectorworks for Mac covers that base.... Good luck with whatever you decide....

Agreed, I have run windows machines for 20 years, never liked mac. Went out on a limb, bought the mac book pro with the intel core 2 duo and wow, dont know why I didnt do it sooner. Going to pick up the new imac now!

[msfxJeep]

I'm using a MBP with Parallels/XP to run Autosketch. The solution works really well for me b/c I really like Autosketch even though it's been discontinued. It's hard to find a replacement with all the tools in the same price point.

[NatureByDesign]

I use Vector Works on both PC and Mac. Graphically they are exactly the same. The only difference is the commands and the way the keyboard and mouse work.

[TerraSerenity]

I have a BFA in Visual communication. I was lucky to start out in school with some Mac SE which had some dot matrix printer back in 1989 never could move over to some thing other then a Mac. Crazy to think that Mac finally teamed up to run intel chips-I'm running the Mac book with the dual core. As for design there is a reason Artist have been using Mac's. Sunrises me that it has taken so long for others who create in the Landscape world are still on IMB. Coupe years ago in my home town hit the MANTS show. Saw 2 of the landscape programs they had. Man I was shocked how expensive they were when one could just by Photo Shop and drop images right over a design. But hey guess I take to much for granted. But $1000 for some software which was really seemed old school to me. But then again what do I know. I play with rocks. I haven't spent much time working with any of them. So I'm sure they work well for those who use them.

3 D program
sketchup.google.com
Fun free stuff. I've been using this just as a basic tool for laying out walls and walks. Mainly to help allow me to figure out SQ on curved paths.
One of my friends who does a great deal of wet work. Uses this for every drawling he does for his clients. WOW what he can do. I have not had as much time to master it like he has. Sure is some thing when your doing surface areas to determine material quantities. It always shocks me when he pulls out the computer to show me his latest job all in FREE 3 d.

Nice to here you all chatting about Mac's - Ok back the hardscape board I go.

This is some of my friends Derrick Earl work. All images, art and photo are Copyrighted 2008, they may not be use for any thing other then viewing. I'm hoping this might help get him on these boards. He has so much to share with others. Maybe this will spark him to sign up and post. Hee hee Enjoy.

[derrickearl]

Originally Posted by TerraSerenity

This is some of my friends Derrick Earl work. All images, art and photo are Copyrighted 2008, they may not be use for any thing other then viewing. I'm hoping this might help get him on these boards. He has so much to share with others. Maybe this will spark him to sign up and post. Hee hee Enjoy.

Thanks Mark, I'll write a reply later today. This may be the perfect topic to start out writing on this board.

[TerraSerenity]

Glad to see your on board. Derrick,
I look forward to seeing some of your posts. Since you have shown me so much....
Get writing since these folks need to hear more.