SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Oct 15, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK), a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, announced that AutoCAD for Mac is now available for purchase. This version of AutoCAD software, one of the most widely used applications for professional design and engineering, makes powerful AutoCAD features and functionality available to customers who choose to work natively on the Mac. Autodesk is making a free* 30-day trial of AutoCAD for Mac available for download and will offer free* educational licenses to students and educators.

Styles&Wood, the UK's leading provider of property services to retailers, banks and commercial organizations, is one of the more than 5,000 participants who were part of the AutoCAD for Mac beta program. "We have been waiting a long time for AutoCAD to come back to the Mac," said Andrew Handley, CAD development manager. "Our experience has been that AutoCAD for Mac is similar enough to the PC version that the transition is easy. We've found it to be a very powerful and reliable product that has all the functionality we need."

AutoCAD for Mac has an intuitive interface that will feel familiar to Mac users and takes full advantage of Mac OS X, including graphical browsing of design files with Cover Flow and use of Multi-Touch gestures for pan and zoom on Mac notebooks, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad. With native creation and editing of files in the DWG file format, AutoCAD for Mac also supports easy collaboration with suppliers, customers, clients and partners regardless of platform. AutoCAD for Mac is also integrated with AutoCAD WS, so users can also upload and manage designs in their online workspace directly from the desktop and easily edit and share those designs through a web browser or Apple iOS devices using the free* AutoCAD WS mobile application.

AutoCAD for Mac is also now available for free* to students and educators through the Autodesk Education Community, where more than 25 Autodesk software products are available for download to inspire learning and help prepare students for successful careers. Recognizing the popularity of the Mac platform among students, Autodesk is providing AutoCAD for Mac so they can build skills by having access to the same software that design professionals use every day.

AutoCAD for Mac is now available for purchase in English in North America and Europe from leading resellers, online retailers and Autodesk.com. For details, purchase options or to download the free 30-day trial, visit http://www.autodesk.com/pr-autocadformac. Students and educators are also eligible to purchase commercial seats of AutoCAD for Mac at a substantial discount. For more information and to download the free* education version, visit http://www.autodesk.com/mac4students.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Customers across the manufacturing, architecture, building, construction, and media and entertainment industries -- including the last 15 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects -- use Autodesk software to design, visualize, and simulate their ideas. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software for global markets. For additional information about Autodesk, visit http://www.autodesk.com.

*Free products are subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that accompanies download of the software. The software is for personal use for education purposes and is not intended for classroom or lab use.

Autodesk, AutoCAD and DWG are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Academy Award is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

© 2010 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE: Autodesk, Inc.

Autodesk, Inc.
Noah Cole, 415-200-6310
noah.cole@autodesk.com