If you’ve just installed AutoCAD on your Mac and it refuses to launch—showing a blank screen, crashing immediately, or not opening at all—you’re not alone. Many Mac users encounter startup issues with AutoCAD due to compatibility conflicts, permission errors, or incomplete installations. This comprehensive guide walks you through proven troubleshooting steps to get AutoCAD running smoothly on your macOS system.
Before You Begin: Check System Requirements
First, ensure your Mac meets Autodesk’s official system requirements for your version of AutoCAD:
- macOS Version: AutoCAD 2024 requires macOS 13 (Ventura) or 12 (Monterey). Older versions may not support the latest macOS updates.
- Processor: Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) or Intel-based Mac with 64-bit support.
- RAM: Minimum 8 GB (16 GB recommended).
- Graphics: Metal-capable GPU with at least 1 GB VRAM.
- Disk Space: At least 10 GB of free space.
💡 Tip: Visit Autodesk’s official system requirements page to verify compatibility.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
1. Restart Your Mac
Sometimes a simple restart resolves temporary system glitches that prevent applications from launching.
- Click the Apple menu () > Restart.
- After rebooting, try opening AutoCAD again.
2. Run AutoCAD in Safe Mode
AutoCAD may fail to start due to corrupted preferences or third-party plug-ins.
To launch in Safe Mode:
- Hold down the Shift key while double-clicking the AutoCAD icon.
- AutoCAD will start with default settings and without loading customizations.
- If it opens successfully, the issue likely stems from preferences or add-ons.
🛠️ Next Step: Reset AutoCAD preferences (see Step 5).
3. Check for macOS and AutoCAD Updates
Outdated software is a common cause of compatibility issues.
- Update macOS:
- Go to > System Settings > General > Software Update.
- Update AutoCAD:
- Open the Autodesk Desktop App (if installed).
- Or visit manage.autodesk.com to download the latest version.
Note: AutoCAD for Mac does not support macOS Sonoma (14) or Sequoia (15) as of early 2024. If you’ve upgraded to an unsupported macOS version, consider rolling back or using Boot Camp/Parallels with Windows AutoCAD.
4. Verify Installation Integrity
A corrupted or incomplete installation can prevent AutoCAD from launching.
Reinstall AutoCAD:
- Uninstall AutoCAD:
- Open Finder > Applications.
- Drag AutoCAD to the Trash.
- Also delete related folders:
~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk~/Library/Preferences/com.autodesk.*~/Library/Caches/com.autodesk.*
- Empty the Trash.
- Re-download AutoCAD from your Autodesk Account.
- Reinstall using the official installer—do not use third-party download sites.
Important: Always log in to your Autodesk account before installing to ensure license activation.
5. Reset AutoCAD Preferences
Corrupted preference files are a frequent cause of startup failures.
To reset preferences:
- Quit AutoCAD if it’s running (use Force Quit if necessary).
- Open Finder and press Cmd + Shift + G.
- Type the following paths one by one and delete the contents:
~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD [Version]~/Library/Preferences/com.autodesk.autocad.*~/Library/Caches/com.autodesk.autocad.*
- Restart your Mac and launch AutoCAD.
This resets tool palettes, workspaces, and settings—but your drawings remain safe.
6. Disable Conflicting Software
Security software, screen recorders, or display utilities can interfere with AutoCAD.
- Temporarily disable:
- Antivirus/firewall apps (e.g., Norton, McAfee)
- Screen recording tools (e.g., CleanShot, Loom)
- GPU utilities or display enhancers
- Try launching AutoCAD again.
If it works, re-enable apps one by one to identify the culprit.
7. Check Graphics Driver Compatibility
AutoCAD for Mac relies heavily on Metal-compatible graphics.
- For Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3): AutoCAD 2023+ includes native support. Ensure you’re running AutoCAD 2023 or newer.
- For Intel Macs: Update to the latest macOS version to get the newest GPU drivers.
- Avoid using external GPUs (eGPUs) unless explicitly supported.
Test: Try launching AutoCAD with software rendering:
- Open Terminal and run:
defaults write com.autodesk.AutoCAD MetalRendererEnabled -bool NO- Launch AutoCAD. If it works, your GPU may be incompatible.
8. Repair Disk Permissions (macOS Ventura and earlier)
While macOS no longer uses traditional “repair permissions,” you can still verify disk health.
- Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities).
- Select your startup disk.
- Click First Aid > Run.
- Restart and test AutoCAD.
9. Create a New User Account
User profile corruption can prevent apps from launching.
- Go to > System Settings > Users & Groups.
- Click the + button to create a new admin account.
- Log into the new account.
- Install (or copy) AutoCAD and test it.
If it works, your original user profile is damaged—consider migrating data to the new account.
10. Contact Autodesk Support
If none of the above steps work:
- Visit Autodesk Support
- Provide:
- AutoCAD version
- macOS version
- Exact error message (if any)
- Steps you’ve already tried
- Use the Autodesk Virtual Agent for instant diagnostics.
Pro Tip: Collect crash logs via Console.app (search for “AutoCAD” under User Reports) to share with support.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Installing Windows AutoCAD via Wine/CrossOver: Not supported—use only the native Mac version.
- Running AutoCAD on unsupported macOS versions: Check compatibility before upgrading macOS.
- Skipping license activation: AutoCAD may appear to launch but close immediately if not properly licensed.
Final Checklist
| Step | Done? |
|---|---|
| Verified macOS & hardware compatibility | ☐ |
| Restarted Mac | ☐ |
| Tried Safe Mode launch | ☐ |
| Updated macOS and AutoCAD | ☐ |
| Reinstalled AutoCAD cleanly | ☐ |
| Reset preferences | ☐ |
| Disabled conflicting apps | ☐ |
| Tested with software rendering | ☐ |
| Created new user account (if needed) | ☐ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does AutoCAD show a blank white window and then close immediately on my Mac?
This is often caused by GPU incompatibility or corrupted display settings. Try launching AutoCAD in Safe Mode (hold Shift while opening) or disable hardware acceleration by running this command in Terminal:
defaults write com.autodesk.AutoCAD MetalRendererEnabled -bool NO
If the issue persists, ensure your macOS version is officially supported by your AutoCAD release.
Can I run AutoCAD for Mac on macOS Sonoma (14) or Sequoia (15)?
As of AutoCAD 2024, macOS Sonoma (14) and Sequoia (15) are not officially supported. Autodesk typically adds support for new macOS versions several months after release. Running AutoCAD on an unsupported OS may result in crashes, blank screens, or failure to launch. Check Autodesk’s system requirements page before upgrading macOS.
Does AutoCAD for Mac work natively on Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) Macs?
Yes—but only starting with AutoCAD 2023. Earlier versions (2022 and older) run via Rosetta 2 translation and may be unstable or fail to launch. Always use AutoCAD 2023 or newer on Apple Silicon Macs for full native support and optimal performance.
I reinstalled AutoCAD, but it still won’t open—why?
Residual preference or cache files from the previous installation may be causing conflicts. After uninstalling, manually delete these folders:
~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/~/Library/Preferences/com.autodesk.*~/Library/Caches/com.autodesk.*
Then reinstall AutoCAD while logged into your Autodesk account to ensure proper licensing.
What should I do if AutoCAD crashes on launch with no error message?
Open Console.app (in Applications > Utilities), filter logs by “AutoCAD,” and look for crash reports under User Reports. These logs often reveal missing libraries, permission issues, or plugin conflicts. You can also try creating a new macOS user account to test if the issue is user-specific.
Is it safe to use third-party “cracked” versions of AutoCAD for Mac?
No. Cracked or pirated versions often contain malware, lack critical updates, and are incompatible with macOS security features like Gatekeeper and Notarization. They frequently fail to launch or crash immediately. Always download AutoCAD directly from your Autodesk Account to ensure a clean, secure, and supported installation.
Conclusion
AutoCAD for Mac is a powerful tool, but startup issues can be frustrating—especially after a fresh install. By methodically working through these steps, most users can resolve the problem without needing professional help. Always start with the simplest fixes (restart, updates) before moving to advanced solutions like preference resets or clean reinstalls.
If you’re on an unsupported macOS version, your best long-term solution may be to use AutoCAD on Windows via Boot Camp or a virtual machine—though native Mac support continues to improve with each release.
Remember: Keep both macOS and AutoCAD updated to minimize future compatibility issues.
Still stuck? Share your specific error message or behavior in the comments below, and we’ll help you troubleshoot further!
