Autodesk announces AutoCAD 2012 for Mac

Today Autodesk announced AutoCAD 2012 for Mac OSX, offering native support for Mac OSX Lion, and AutoCAD WS for Mac (the cloud/mobile solution for CAD drawings).

Autodesk also announced LT 2012 for Mac, available for immediate download at the App Store (US$899.99).

The new portfolio of AutoCAD products for Mac expands options for millions of users of the popular design, documentation and collaboration software. AutoCAD 2012 for Mac was built specifically for OS X Lion and helps users create stunning designs on their platform of choice. AutoCAD LT for Mac enables users to document designs, optimize workflow and collaborate with colleagues and clients. for Mac enables users to view and collaborate on DWG files through the Mac interface. In addition, users can plot DWG files to PDF or DWF formats and sync with their cloud-based account, making files accessible from their mobile app. AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac and for Mac are available exclusively in the Mac App Store.

More images after the break:

Overlay 2D AutoCAD DWG on Google Maps with AutoCAD WS

Courtesy of Shaan Hurley

AutoCAD WS is a program that is available for free and only requires a browser such as Safari, IE, Chrome, or Firefox with Flash installed.  It allows users to upload, edit, markup, and share in real-time with DWG files, while also uploading and storing files such as  ZIP, Doc, and PDF files.  It also gives users control over who can download and views drawings that have been uploaded.

First launched in October 2010, it has another useful feature that many users are unfamiliar with which allows users to overlay their AutoCAD DWG files over existing in any of the standard views types:  Street, Satellite, Hybrid and Terrain.    This tool adds context to your plans and gives a more precise reading of your drawings an designs in existing site conditions in real-time.

More after the break.