Oh no! Where's the JavaScript?
Your Web browser does not have JavaScript enabled or does not support JavaScript. Please enable JavaScript on your Web browser to properly view this Web site, or upgrade to a Web browser that does support JavaScript.

Running AutoCAD on a Raspberry Pi

Last updated on 3 months ago
C
caaSuper Admin
Posted 3 months ago
Method 1: Use a Remote Desktop Connection

The simplest and most effective way to run AutoCAD on a Raspberry Pi is by using a remote desktop connection to access a more powerful computer running AutoCAD. Here's how you can do it:
Step 1: Set Up a Remote Desktop Server on Your Windows PC

Install AutoCAD on your Windows PC if you haven't already.

Enable Remote Desktop:
Windows 10/11 Pro:
Open Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
Toggle on Enable Remote Desktop.
Windows Home:
Use third-party software like Chrome Remote Desktop or TeamViewer.

Configure Remote Desktop Settings:
Make sure your PC is discoverable on the network.
Set up a static IP or use a hostname for easy access.

Allow Remote Desktop Through Firewall:
Open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
Ensure Remote Desktop is checked for both Private and Public networks.

Step 2: Set Up Raspberry Pi for Remote Access

Install a Remote Desktop Client:
RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol):

bash

sudo apt update
sudo apt install remmina

Chrome Remote Desktop:
Install Chrome on both Raspberry Pi and PC.
Set up Chrome Remote Desktop following these instructions.

Connect to Your Windows PC:

Open Remmina and create a new connection.
Enter the IP address or hostname of your Windows PC.
Set the protocol to RDP and connect.

Run AutoCAD:

Once connected, launch AutoCAD on your remote Windows PC through the Raspberry Pi interface.
C
caaSuper Admin
Posted 3 months ago
continued...

sudo apt update
sudo apt install remmina

Chrome Remote Desktop:
Install Chrome on both Raspberry Pi and PC.
Set up Chrome Remote Desktop following these instructions.

Connect to Your Windows PC:

Open Remmina and create a new connection.
Enter the IP address or hostname of your Windows PC.
Set the protocol to RDP and connect.

Run AutoCAD:

Once connected, launch AutoCAD on your remote Windows PC through the Raspberry Pi interface.
C
caaSuper Admin
Posted 3 months ago
Method 2: Use Wine and ExaGear Desktop

Although Wine is typically used to run Windows applications on Linux, it's not natively supported on ARM-based systems like the Raspberry Pi. However, you can use ExaGear Desktop, a commercial emulator, to run x86 applications. Note that this method is less straightforward and might not provide the best performance.
Step 1: Set Up ExaGear Desktop

Purchase and Download ExaGear Desktop:
ExaGear is no longer officially supported, but you might find older versions online.

Install ExaGear Desktop:

bash

sudo dpkg -i exagear-desktop-rpi.deb
sudo apt-get install -f

Run ExaGear:

bash

exagear

Step 2: Install Wine

Download and Install Wine:

bash

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update
sudo apt install wine

Configure Wine:
Run winecfg to set up the Wine environment.

Step 3: Install AutoCAD

Install AutoCAD:
Download the AutoCAD installer.
Run it using Wine:

bash

wine setup.exe

Run AutoCAD:

Once installed, use Wine to launch AutoCAD:

bash

wine "C:Program FilesAutoCADAutoCAD.exe"
C
caaSuper Admin
Posted 3 months ago
continued...

sudo apt update
sudo apt install wine

Configure Wine:
Run winecfg to set up the Wine environment.

Step 3: Install AutoCAD

Install AutoCAD:
Download the AutoCAD installer.
Run it using Wine:

bash

wine setup.exe

Run AutoCAD:

Once installed, use Wine to launch AutoCAD:

bash

wine "C:Program FilesAutoCADAutoCAD.exe"
C
caaSuper Admin
Posted 3 months ago
Method 3: Use a Virtual Machine

If you have a powerful enough Raspberry Pi (e.g., Raspberry Pi 4 with 8GB RAM), you can run a virtual machine with Windows and AutoCAD. This method requires considerable resources and may not be practical for larger projects.
Step 1: Install a Virtual Machine Software

Install QEMU:

bash

sudo apt update
sudo apt install qemu-system

Download a Windows ISO:
Obtain a Windows installation ISO compatible with your license.

Step 2: Create a Virtual Machine

Create a Virtual Disk:

bash

qemu-img create -f qcow2 windows.img 20G

Run the Virtual Machine:

bash

qemu-system-x86_64 -m 2048 -hda windows.img -cdrom path/to/windows.iso -boot d

Install Windows:
Follow the installation process to set up Windows.

Step 3: Install AutoCAD

Install AutoCAD:
Once Windows is installed, run the AutoCAD installer.

Run AutoCAD:
Use the virtual machine interface to launch AutoCAD.
C
caaSuper Admin
Posted 3 months ago
Step 3: Install AutoCAD

Install AutoCAD:
Once Windows is installed, run the AutoCAD installer.

Run AutoCAD:
Use the virtual machine interface to launch AutoCAD.

Method 4: Use a Cloud-Based Solution

Another option is to use cloud-based CAD solutions, which can be accessed via a web browser on the Raspberry Pi. This eliminates the need for powerful local hardware.
Step 1: Choose a Cloud-Based CAD Platform

Onshape:
Visit Onshape and sign up for an account.
Access your CAD projects through the browser.

AutoCAD Web App:
Visit AutoCAD Web App and log in with your AutoCAD account.

Fusion 360:
Access Fusion 360 through a virtual desktop or the web interface if available.

Step 2: Access Cloud CAD

Open Browser on Raspberry Pi:
Use Chromium or Firefox for the best experience.

Navigate to the CAD Platform:
Log in and start your CAD projects online.

Conclusion

Running AutoCAD on a Raspberry Pi can be achieved through several methods, but the most practical solution is using remote desktop access. This allows you to leverage the power of a more capable machine while still using your Raspberry Pi as a thin client. Alternatively, cloud-based solutions offer a lightweight approach without the need for heavy installations.

Each method has its pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your needs and the resources available.
You can view all discussion threads in this forum.
You cannot start a new discussion thread in this forum.
You cannot reply in this discussion thread.
You cannot start on a poll in this forum.
You cannot upload attachments in this forum.
You cannot download attachments in this forum.
Sign In
Not a member yet? Click here to register.
Forgot Password?
Users Online Now
Guests Online 2
Members Online 0

Total Members: 11
Newest Member: Jhilam