Run the Windows version of ArcGIS and analyze geographic information and visual geographical statistics and data through rich layer building maps on your Mac with Parallels Desktop. Use this ArcGIS alternative for Mac to run the Windows version of ArcGIS and more.
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"Parallels Desktop Pro allows me to run ArcGIS pro for a class I'm taking, and I am impressed by how well it runs even with just the 8 GB RAM on my M1 MacBook Air. It’s fast and convenient and I like the ability to move files and copy/paste between MacOS."
"Parallels Desktop Pro was a seamless experience from Mac to Windows. I use ArcGIS Pro for mapping, and some processing."
"Parallels Desktop Pro works very well and supports ArcGIS"
Does ArcGIS work on Mac? Yes, with Parallels Desktop. Access the complete functionality of the Windows version of ArcGIS Pro and more on your Mac.
Use two of the most popular ArcGIS extensions on your Mac, without limitations due to rendering pipelines, GPU support, or dependences on specific Windows libraries.
The 3D analyst extension equips users with tools for working with 3D data, performing surface analysis, and creating realistic visualizations. The Spatial Analyst extension enables advanced spatial analysis, including raster-based analysis, suitability modeling, and surface interpolation.
Leverage the full array of geoprocessing tools available in ArcGIS for spatial analysis, data management, and automation without exceptions or limitations on Mac due to differences in how certain system functionalities are implemented or accessed.
ArcGIS supports various database management systems for storing and managing spatial data, including Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Spatial, PostgreSQL/PostGIS, and SQLite. While some DBMSs are supported on both macOS and Windows, users may encounter challenges or differences in installation processes, admin tools, or performance optimizations.
Some third-party formats or proprietary file formats might require external libraries or codecs for full support within ArcGIS, such as GeoTIFF, HDF, NetCDF, CAD formats, and proprietary GIS formats. While these may be available on macOS, using the Windows version of ArcGIS guarantees more seamless compatibility.
ArcGIS leverages various geospatial libraries and tools like GDAL/OGR, PROJ, GEOS, and libraries for spatial analysis algorithms for specific functionalities or analysis tasks. Many of these libraries are compatible with macOS, but using the Windows version ensures more effortless compatibility and removes potential limitations.
Many ArcGIS users leverage the software’s extensive support for Python scripting and automation that integrates with popular scientific computing libraries for data analysis and geoprocessing tasks. The availability and performance of certain Python libraries and packages may differ between macOS and Windows, but users can ensure cross platform compatibility with Parallels Desktop.
ArcGIS integrates mapping and visualization tools like Adobe Illustrator for graphic design, Tableau for interactive data visualization, and open-source mapping libraries such as Leaflet or Mapbox GL for creating custom cartographic products or enhancing data visualization. Users can avoid compatibility issues or differences in functionality when integrating with third-party mapping and visualization tools on macOS by using Parallels Desktop to run the Windows version of ArcGIS.
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Optimized for Mac M-series
Get started with Parallels Desktop and start maximizing the potential of your Mac to run ArcGIS and more.
Download and install Parallels Desktop on your Mac.
Once installed, set up a new virtual machine and install Windows.
After installing Windows, you can run the Windows version of ArcGIS and enjoy its full feature set and functionality, right from your Mac.
*Windows license and ArcGIS licenses required.
Yes, you can run ArcGIS on any Mac with macOS 12 (Monterey) or higher and Parallels 19 or higher, including Mac computers with Apple M1, M2, or M3 series chips. Discover how to get the current version here.
Parallels Desktop gets you up and running with Windows 11 in just one click and it is a Microsoft-authorized solution.
See how Parallels Desktop 19 is optimized to run ArcGIS and more in this knowledge base article.
Running ArcGIS in a virtual machine on your Mac shouldn’t affect performance significantly; however, if your Mac is slow, you may need to purchase additional memory to improve its overall performance.
If you encounter an error message when launching ArcGIS Pro that prompts you to download and install the Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime x64 framework, you can follow these directions to resolve the issue.
ArcGIS integrates with Microsoft Office 365 apps such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for various purposes, such as data import/export, reporting, and presentation.
The Windows version of ArcGIS seamlessly integrates with Office 365, allowing users to directly access and manipulate data stored in Excel spreadsheets, generate reports in Word documents, or create presentations in PowerPoint.
While ArcGIS for macOS still supports integration with Microsoft Office, users may experience limitations or differences in functionality compared to the Windows version.
For example, certain advanced features that rely heavily on Windows-specific APIs might not be available or might behave differently on macOS.
Yes, Parallels Desktop enables you to run the Windows version of ArcGIS, which relies on various third-party libraries and dependencies for certain functionalities.
It serves as an alternative to ArcGIS for Mac, because some of these libraries might have limited support or compatibility on macOS.
This may affect the availability or performance of specific features or workflows within ArcGIS.
Parallels Desktop provides exclusive discounts of up to 50% for students enrolled in a qualified institution or professional educators employed at an eligible institution. Get started by verifying your student discount eligibility.
Learn more about Parallels Desktop as a recommended solution in this guide to installing Parallels Desktop and running ArcGIS on your Mac. Parallels Desktop has been recommended by leading academic solutions to run ArcGIS and other GIS apps on Mac, even if the software is built for Windows.
Academic institutions incorporate ArcGIS Pro into their curriculum for courses related to mapping and cartography, geography, environmental science, urban planning, civil engineering, public health, and more.
By using Parallels Desktop as a bridge between popular Mac hardware and Windows-based ArcGIS Pro software, universities empower students and educators to learn and teach across platforms.
Get all the Microsoft Office features you require on your Mac.
Learn more about Microsoft OfficeEnjoy ArcGIS on Mac, plus other key Windows applications without the need for a PC.
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