is there a software like solidworks, or very similar, for the mac, or more specifically, mountain lion?

Yes, but nothing to the caliber of SolidWorks.
Google Sketchup is probably your best bet, but it doesn't compare to SolidWorks.
Rhino is another option, and so is Blender, but like I said, it is not nearly as good.

-Doug

You can install a Windows partition using the Boot Camp Assistant, then install SolidWorks.

what about Autodesk Inventor Fusion? free!

autocad for mac? its on there website http://www.autodesk.com

Thanks for that! Just a snip at $4000!
Maybe not - another reason I can't design anything!

i did not know it was $4000 i get it for free for 3yr with my school. just keep looking.

I think there is a free educational version available for students (with a period limit). But you might be able to go around the time limit by changing the date on your computer. (although I'm not sure if that's a legal thing to do or not!)

The truth is, they don't mind you using their software for free as long as it's for educational purposes. Because then it would mean more potential buyers for them (i.e. you or the company that hires you). But if you WORK with an illegal copy then you probably will be in big trouble if you're caught.

The only limit is that you have to a student or teacher, I've had a free student licence for years.
And there's really no way to catch you if you keep working with it after you graduate, I'm not aware of any watermarks on anything except assembly files, which I use rarely for twisty puzzles, and can get away without. It's obviously still frowned upon though
The one to use for twisty puzzles is Inventor Pro!

Yeah, but I bet there is probably a clause somewhere in the license agreement that says this software is to be used for educational purposes only!


Edit: I just went to their website here. If you look on the right it says that Autodesk student version "includes a print banner" to prevent people from making money with it. So maybe they changed that in the newer versions.

That's on printed drawing and assembly files, not digital files such as .ipt and .stl files that we would use.
Really, don't worry about it!

that is what my school dose and it is only good for 3yr but if you still in school when those 3yrs are up just reinstall. but after i get out of high school and my 3yr go up i have to buy it.

Given all the discussion about licenses, it seems appropriate to link to the Piracy of modeling software thread.

Respect for the creators of wonderful software is encouraged on this forum, just like our KO policy respects our wonderful puzzle creators.

What you do off forum is your own business, but we will not to have discussion on how to get around licenses on this forum.

Dave

i get what you you are saying.
i did forget get to say in what i typed that is what my school dose and it is only good for 3yr but if you still in school when those 3yrs are up just reinstall. but after i get out of high school and my 3yr go up i have to buy it.[/quote]was that whole part on being able to re install the software is part of the autodesk student license that my school has. like i said at the end i will have to buy it. the part of the re install after 3yr is for when i get out of high school i will HAVE to buy it, that so auto desk can make sure i don't have it forever.

just clearing it up for everyone.



oh and they do check to make sure you go to that school.