I'm currently using Windows 10 on my main computer, but I'm really interested in switching to a Linux distribution. However, I need to be able to use AutoCAD and Revit. What options do you recommend? Should I run them in a virtual machine, or are there any viable alternatives? I've seen some suggestions like using Wine, but I've heard that may not be too reliable. Are there any architects or engineers out there who've dealt with this issue?
6 Answers
Honestly, the best idea is to keep Windows and dual boot with Linux. If you ever install Windows after Linux, it can wipe your boot records, so keep that in mind. Having a separate SSD can help with managing space and performance.
If you depend on AutoCAD or Revit, running them through Wine won't work well and lead to more issues than solutions. A VM with GPU passthrough is a solid setup if you've got the hardware for it, but if you're just doing personal projects, look into FreeCAD or BricsCAD—they're similar to AutoCAD and have native Linux versions. But stick to a VM for serious Revit work.
Modern virtualization tools have made it much easier to run Windows apps on Linux, but you can hit some limits with GPU acceleration. A simpler option is to dual boot, but be careful with how you set it up; installing Windows after Linux can mess things up. There are alternatives available like FreeCAD, but transitioning might be frustrating if you don't practice on Windows first.
What happens if you don’t boot Windows every day?
For any serious CAD work, you'll likely need Windows to run AutoCAD or SolidWorks properly. You can run Windows in a VM or dual boot with it, but if you're considering alternatives, keep in mind these options won’t have full compatibility with your colleagues' projects.
There are some CAD options available for Linux, like Onshape which is browser-based, but keep in mind that your files might be public unless you pay for a subscription. For more advanced features, you might find using Fusion 360 with specific installers helpful, but overall it's challenging to find good CAD tools for Linux. I’d avoid FreeCAD if that’s what you’re thinking about, too.
Yeah, architecture really needs more complex software than what Onshape offers.
Totally agree! FreeCAD has its limits.
Check out FreeCAD, LibreCAD, and OpenSCAD. FreeCAD has a lot of great tutorials on YouTube, too. Also, think about using design plugins in Blender for certain projects.
Thanks for the advice! I’ve got about 75 GB free on my SSD. Will that be enough for dual booting?