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Chromebooks are often seen as subpar devices that can’t handle powerful software like AutoCAD. But that’s not true.
You can actually run AutoCAD and other CAD tools on your Chromebook pretty easily.
In this article, I’ll show you how to run AutoCAD on a Chromebook in four proven ways. By the end of this article, you’ll easily create and edit your CAD projects on your Chromebook.
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
You can actually run AutoCAD and other CAD tools on your Chromebook pretty easily.
Table of Contents
Run the Online Version of AutoCAD on Chromebook
One of the easiest ways to run AutoCAD on a Chromebook is to use the online version from Chrome.
You’ll need to have an Autodesk account and a subscription to AutoCAD to use the online version of AutoCAD.
If you’re a student or an educator, you can get a free educational license for AutoCAD from Autodesk. Simply go to web.autocad.com and sign in with your Autodesk account credentials and you’re good to go.
Note
Safari is not a supported browser. Use one of these browsers: Google Chrome 64-bit, Mozilla FireFox 64-bit (without private browsing) or Microsoft Edge.
The online version of AutoCAD has many benefits and capabilities, also some drawbacks such as:
- Benefits
- Edit geometry and select, move, rotate, and scale objects within drawings.
- Access easy-to-use drafting tools and manage views, properties, and layers.
- Reduce eyestrain with sharp icons and a modern blue interface.
- Safely review and add feedback directly to a DWG file without altering the existing drawing.
- Share a controlled copy of your drawing with teammates and colleagues to access it wherever they are.
- Drawbacks
- You need an internet connection to use it.
- You can only store files in the cloud, not on your device.
- You may experience some lag or performance issues with more complex 3D drafting.
How to Run AutoCAD Chrome Extension
Another way to run AutoCAD on a Chromebook is to use the Chrome extension for AutoCAD. This lightweight app lets you view, edit, and share DWG files on your Chromebook.
As usual, you’ll need an Autodesk account and a subscription to AutoCAD to use the Chrome extension.
You’ll also need to install the extension from the Chrome Web Store.
Here are the steps to use the Chrome extension for AutoCAD on your Chromebook:
- Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for “AutoCAD”.
- Click on “Add to Chrome” and confirm the installation.
- Open a new tab and click the AutoCAD icon in the top right corner.
- Sign in with your Autodesk account credentials.
- Choose a drawing from your cloud storage or upload a new one from your device.
- Start editing your drawing with the toolbar or command line tools.
- You can save your changes to your cloud storage or download your drawing to your Chromebook.
The Chrome extension for AutoCAD has some advantages and disadvantages over the online version of AutoCAD, such as:
- Benefits
- You don’t need an internet connection to use it (after installation).
- You can store files on your device as well as in the cloud.
- You can access more features and tools than in the online version.
- Drawbacks
- You need more storage space on your device to install it.
- You may encounter some compatibility issues with some DWG files or commands.
- You can’t collaborate with others in real time or add feedback to drawings.
Run Fusion360 on Chromebook
If you’re a student who needs more than just basic CAD tools, you may want to try Fusion360.
This cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software lets you design, engineer, and manufacture anything.
Fusion360 is now available on Chromebooks for students with an Autodesk account and an educational subscription.
You can use Fusion360 on your Chromebook through a web app or a PWA.
Here are the steps to use Fusion360 on your Chromebook:
- Go to fusion.online.autodesk.com and sign in with your Autodesk account credentials.
- Choose a project from your cloud storage or create a new one from scratch.
- Start designing your model with the sketch, sculpt, model, or patch tools.
- Save your changes to your cloud storage or export your model to other formats.
Fusion360 is great for students who want to create complex 3D models for architecture, engineering, or construction projects.
Benefits and drawbacks of using Fusion360 on your Chromebook:
- Benefits
- You can create parametric, freeform, and mesh-based models with ease.
- You can perform various analysis and simulation tasks on your models, such as stress, thermal, motion, and fluid dynamics.
- You can generate toolpaths and G-code for CNC machining, 3D printing, or laser cutting.
- You can collaborate with others in real-time and share your projects with anyone.
- Drawbacks
- You need an internet connection to use it.
- You may experience some lag or performance issues with more complex models or tasks.
- You may not have access to all the features and tools available on the desktop version.
Run AutoCAD on Chromebook Using Parallels
If you’re a professional who needs to run the full version of AutoCAD on your Chromebook, you may want to consider using Parallels.
If you are unfamiliar with Parallels, this software lets you run Windows applications on your Chromebook without rebooting or switching operating systems.
Parallels is only available for Chromebook Enterprise users with an eligible device and a license.
You can use Parallels to run AutoCAD and other Windows applications on your Chromebook with full functionality and performance.
Here are the steps to use AutoCAD via Parallels on your Chromebook:
- Install Parallels Desktop for Chromebook Enterprise from the Google Play Store.
- Launch Parallels Desktop and sign in with your organization’s credentials.
- Download and install AutoCAD on your virtual Windows machine.
- Launch AutoCAD and start working on your drawings.
Parallels is the best option for running AutoCAD on a Chromebook if you need the full power and features of the desktop version.
Advantages and Disadvantages of using Parallels:
- Benefits
- You can run AutoCAD and other Windows applications seamlessly on your Chromebook.
- You can access all the features and tools that are available on the desktop version of AutoCAD.
- You can work offline or online without any issues.
- Drawbacks
- You need more storage space and RAM to run it smoothly. Namely: at least Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 and (at least) 8GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD.
- You need a license from your organization to use it.
- It’s possible that you will face some compatibility issues with some Chromebook models or peripherals.
Run AutoCAD Using Linux on Chromebook
Another way to run AutoCAD on a Chromebook is to use Linux on Chromebook and AutoCAD for Linux.
This method involves installing a Linux operating system on your Chromebook and then running AutoCAD for Linux on it.
To use Linux on Chromebook and AutoCAD for Linux, you’ll need to have a compatible Chromebook model that supports Linux (Beta) mode.
You’ll also need to download and install AutoCAD for Linux from Autodesk’s website.
Note
Autodesk does not officially support AutoCAD for Linux and it may not work properly on your Chromebook. You can also go for alternative CAD software for Linux, such as FreeCAD, LibreCAD, or OpenSCAD.
Here are the steps to use AutoCAD via Linux on Chromebook:
- Enable Linux (Beta) mode on your Chromebook by going to Settings > Linux (Beta) > Turn On.
- Follow the instructions to set up a Linux terminal and environment on your Chromebook.
- Download AutoCAD for Linux from Autodesk’s website and save it to your Linux folder.
- Open the Linux terminal and navigate to the folder where you saved AutoCAD for Linux.
- Run the installation script by typing ./autocad-linux.sh and follow the instructions.
- Launch AutoCAD for Linux from the terminal by typing autocad &.
This way, you can use AutoCAD for Linux natively on your Chromebook without relying on any cloud or virtualization software.
Some of the benefits and drawbacks of this method are:
- Benefits
- You can run AutoCAD faster and smoother than using other methods.
- You can access all the features and tools that are available on the desktop version of AutoCAD.
- You can customize your Linux environment and settings according to your preferences.
- Drawbacks
- You need more technical skills and knowledge to properly set up and use it.
- You may void your warranty or damage your device by installing Linux on it. Be sure to check on this.
- You may not have access to some ChromeOS features or apps while using Linux mode.
I hope you found this article helpful and informative.
If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know in the comments below.
