Where AutoCAD Mac Keeps Crashing?

Understanding AutoCAD on Mac: Troubleshooting Crashes

Experiencing crashes with AutoCAD on Mac can be frustrating, especially when working on important projects. This article details potential reasons for these crashes and step-by-step solutions to troubleshoot and mitigate the issues.

Common Causes of Crashes

1. Software Corruption: AutoCAD might be crashing due to corrupt installation files or settings. Corruption can occur from improper installation or unexpected shutdowns.

2. System Compatibility: Ensure that your macOS is compatible with AutoCAD 2025. Running outdated system versions can lead to performance issues.

3. Excessive System Load: Running multiple resource-intensive applications simultaneously can exceed your system’s memory capabilities, leading to crashes.

4. Cache Overload: A large cache might be causing the application to slow down or crash by consuming valuable memory resources.

Steps to Resolve Crashing Issues

Step 1: Verify System Updates

• Click the Apple menu and choose “About This Mac.”
• Select “Software Update” to check for any available updates for your macOS.
• Install any updates and restart your system.

Step 2: Reset AutoCAD Preferences

• Open AutoCAD 2025.
• Navigate to the AutoCAD menu and select "Preferences."
• Locate the option to reset to factory settings and follow the prompts to restore default settings.

Step 3: Clear Cache

• Open AutoCAD, and access the settings menu.
• Find the "Options" or "Preferences" section.
• Look for an option to "Clear Cache" and proceed to do so; this can help alleviate performance issues.

Step 4: Repair or Reinstall AutoCAD

If crashes persist, a repair or reinstall may be necessary. Here’s how:

• Close AutoCAD completely.
• Go to the Applications folder in Finder.
• Locate AutoCAD 2025, right-click, and select "Move to Trash."
• Empty the trash to fully uninstall the application.
• Reinstall AutoCAD by downloading it from the Autodesk website or using your installation media. Follow the prompts for installation.

Additional Troubleshooting Measures

Running AutoCAD in Safe Mode

1. Restart your Mac.
2. Immediately hold down the Shift key until the Apple logo appears.
3. Safe Mode will help diagnose whether a particular startup item or third-party extension is causing issues.

Monitor System Resources

• Open “Activity Monitor” from the Utilities folder.
• Check the CPU and Memory tabs for applications using a high amount of resources.
• Close any unnecessary applications consuming significant memory, allowing AutoCAD to function more smoothly.

Check for Corrupted Files

• If specific commands or files cause AutoCAD to crash, check if those files are corrupted.
• Open suspected DWG files and use the “Recover” command as follows:
  1. Launch AutoCAD.
  2. Click on the “Open” option, select the corrupt file, and click “Recover” from the dropdown menu.

FAQs

1. What should I do if AutoCAD keeps crashing without warning?
Attempt to reset preferences, clear the cache, and monitor other applications running alongside AutoCAD. If issues persist, consider reinstalling AutoCAD.

2. How can I improve AutoCAD performance on Mac?
To enhance performance, ensure macOS and AutoCAD are fully up-to-date, limit background applications, and clear any caches regularly.

3. Can hardware upgrades help with AutoCAD crashing on Mac?
Yes, upgrading your Mac’s RAM or using an SSD can improve system performance significantly, potentially reducing the frequency of crashes while running AutoCAD.