Can You Run AutoCAD On An Samsung Tablet? (My Experience)

I get it, architects are obsessed with portability, and new-generation architects are obsessed with technology.

We want to have AutoCAD installed on a tablet to take notes, scratch plans, and view plans while walking on-site.

As someone with experience in using AutoCAD, I can tell you that the full version of AutoCAD, which we typically use on desktop computers, is not available for Samsung or other Android tablets.

This is because AutoCAD is a resource-intensive application that requires the power of a full-sized computer to run smoothly.

However, what you do have available is AutoCAD mobile. This is a lighter version of AutoCAD designed specifically for tablets and smartphones.

With this app, you can open and view your DWG files, make light edits, and share your files with others. You can download it from the Google Play Store on your Samsung tablet.

The mobile version is quite handy when you are out in the field and need to quickly review or make small changes to your drawings.

However, for more detailed work and complex tasks, you would still need to use the full version of AutoCAD on a desktop or laptop computer. This is because the mobile app does not have all the features and capabilities of the full version.

In other words, AutoCAD mobile can be a great tool for certain uses on your Samsung tablet, but it can’t fully replace the desktop version for more professional, detailed, and complex work.

It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on updates from Autodesk or your device’s app store though, because software capabilities are continually improving and expanding.

What are the system requirements for AutoCAD mobile?

Now, the good news here is that AutoCAD mobile isn’t as resource-heavy as its desktop counterpart. However, there are still a few things we should consider to ensure a smooth experience.

You’d want your Samsung tablet to be running at least Android version 5.0 (Lollipop) or newer. The more recent the OS, the better the performance and stability you’ll generally experience.

Then, you’ve got to consider the hardware side of things. While Autodesk doesn’t specifically list hardware requirements for AutoCAD mobile, it’s safe to say that having a device with more power will give you better performance.

A tablet with a good processor and at least 4GB of RAM should do well for most tasks. But if you’re dealing with larger or more complex drawings, you might want a device with even more RAM for smoother operations.

Storage space is another factor. AutoCAD mobile itself doesn’t take up a lot of space, but remember you’ll be saving drawings and files, so you’ll need enough storage to accommodate those.

Plus, you’ll need some extra space for the app’s temporary and working files.

Remember that AutoCAD mobile requires an internet connection for many of its functions. So, a good, reliable internet connection will be vital, especially if you plan on syncing files between your tablet and other devices.

Can Autocad be installed on a Samsung tab ultra?

If you’re asking about the full desktop version of AutoCAD, then the answer is no, you can’t install it on a Samsung tablet.

The desktop version of AutoCAD is only designed to run on Windows and Mac computers and requires a lot more computational power than what’s available on a tablet.

But with AutoCAD mobile and the ability to sync your work via the cloud, you can still get a lot of work done on your tablet.

What features are available on AutoCAD mobile compared to the desktop version of AutoCAD?

AutoCAD mobile is like a streamlined, travel-sized version of its full-featured desktop counterpart. It is handy, portable, and has quite a few tricks up its sleeve.

You can view, create, edit, and share your AutoCAD drawings with ease using the mobile version. So, you can sketch out a new idea while you’re on the go, make adjustments to existing drawings during a field visit, or share an updated design with a colleague in a snap.

You can also work with layers and use tools like the measuring tool, which can be a real lifesaver when you’re out and about.

AutoCAD mobile is also integrated with cloud storage services, which means your drawings can be accessed and synced across different devices, making your work more flexible and responsive.

Now, let’s flip the coin and look at the desktop version. When it comes to high-end designing and drafting, the desktop version is where it’s at.

It’s like the command center, packed full with advanced tools and features that the mobile version doesn’t have.

For example, 3D modeling is a no-go on mobile. The mobile app also lacks some advanced editing features, such as the ability to create and edit xrefs (external references).

Also, tools for rendering, advanced customizations, and the usage of complex plugins are reserved for the desktop version.

How user-friendly is AutoCAD mobile?

Like any tool, AutoCAD mobile has its learning curve. For users who are used to the full desktop version of AutoCAD, the mobile app might initially feel a bit limited.

Certain advanced tools and features aren’t available, and working on a smaller screen can feel restrictive at first. But remember, it’s not designed to replace the desktop version but rather to complement it.

In my case, for example, one of the things that took me the longest time to master was taking and editing dimensions in a plane.

One of the things I really appreciate about AutoCAD mobile is its integration with cloud storage services.

You can easily open and save drawings to the cloud, which makes it super simple to switch between working on your tablet and your desktop computer. It really enhances the overall usability of the app.

AutoCAD mobile is designed to be a user-friendly tool that provides quick access to essential features. It has a simpler, more streamlined interface compared to the desktop version.

It offers easy access to common drawing and editing tools. The on-screen icons and menus are optimized for touch interfaces, which can make tasks like sketching, measuring, and layer management feel very natural on a tablet.

The ease of use really shines when you’re in the field, and you need to quickly reference or make a minor change to a design.

How do you transfer files between AutoCAD mobile and the desktop version?

Moving files between AutoCAD mobile and the desktop version is actually simpler than you might think, thanks to cloud-based storage services.

Let’s say you’ve got a design on your desktop that you’d like to review while you’re out of the office. You can simply save it to a cloud storage service that both your desktop and mobile versions of AutoCAD can access.

AutoCAD itself offers Autodesk’s own cloud storage, but it can also integrate with other popular services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.

So, you’re at your desk, you save your DWG file to one of these cloud services, and then you’re off.

Once you’re on the go with your Samsung tablet, you just open AutoCAD mobile, connect it to the same cloud service, and voila! Your file is right there, ready for you to view, edit, or share.

This cloud-based approach not only allows you to move files between devices easily but also ensures that you always have the latest version of your work at your fingertips.

You made some edits while you were out and about? No problem. Once you save, those changes are updated in the cloud and will be available the next time you open the file on your desktop.

One thing to note though, make sure you’ve got a decent internet connection when you’re working this way, as all that syncing and updating happens over the web.

But overall, the process is pretty seamless and a great example of how cloud technology can make our lives easier.

Can you use a stylus or Samsung S Pen with AutoCAD mobile?

You can indeed use a stylus or Samsung S Pen with AutoCAD mobile. And I’ve got to say, it can make a world of difference when you’re trying to work with precision.

Think about it, as handy as our fingers are, they can be a bit bulky when you’re trying to do detailed work on a touchscreen. That’s where the S Pen or a stylus comes into play.

It gives you that fine tip and the level of control you’d expect from a pencil or a mouse, which is especially useful when you’re working on complex drawings.

You can use the S Pen or a stylus for virtually everything in the AutoCAD mobile app, from selecting and modifying objects to sketching new elements.

It can greatly enhance your accuracy when creating or modifying designs.

In fact, some features of the S Pen, like pressure sensitivity, can be taken advantage of in certain scenarios, depending on the app and the device you’re using.

Pressure sensitivity can give you more natural control over the thickness of lines when sketching, for example.

So, if you’ve got a Samsung tablet and you’re thinking about using AutoCAD mobile, I’d highly recommend getting your hands on an S Pen if you haven’t already.

It’s like having a precision tool that takes your tablet from a basic touch device to a professional design tool. You might be surprised at the difference it can make.

Is it possible to print directly from AutoCAD mobile?

AutoCAD mobile doesn’t support direct printing of a drawing from the app. When you’re working on the go and want to print something, it’s a bit more of a roundabout process, but it’s definitely doable.

Here’s the thing, your drawings are saved as DWG files in the app, right? And these files are typically not directly supported by most printers. So, what you need to do is to first convert these files into a printable format, like PDF.

Luckily, AutoCAD mobile does allow you to export your drawings as PDF files. You can then print the PDF from your Samsung tablet, assuming you have a printer set up that supports mobile printing.

In essence, while you can’t directly hit “print” within the AutoCAD mobile app itself, you can still get your drawings onto paper by doing an extra step or two.

It’s not as straightforward as printing directly from the desktop version of AutoCAD, but it certainly gets the job done when you’re working from your tablet.

It’s also worth noting that the quality of the print will depend on various factors such as the resolution of the original design, the printer’s capability, and the paper you’re using. So, do keep that in mind when printing your work.