AutoCAD for Mac startup - The directory may be locked by another process or have been set to Read Only

Issue:

After installing AutoCAD for Mac or AutoCAD LT for Mac on a new MacBook Pro, iMac, or Mac Mini, the first start of the program causes an error to appear: 

"The directory may be locked by another process or have been set to Read Only"

The path to the Autodesk folder may be listed as:

'/Users/[the specific Username]/Library/Application Support/Autodesk'.

Causes:

Insufficient permission for the Mac user for the Autodesk folder. Also the solution to Un-install and reinstall in the Autodesk Technical Article "The directory may be locked by another process or have been set to Read Only" when launching AutoCAD / AutoCAD LT for Mac does not work.

Further, the path to the Autodesk folder cannot be found:

Solution:

The path to the Mac user's Autodesk folder needs Read & Write permission set.

But, the Library folder may not be visible at the path specified.

To show hidden folders, press Command+Shift+Period on the keyboard at the same time when in the Finder.

Then, the previously hidden Library folder is shown and the subfolders Application Support and Autodesk can seen.

Select the Autodesk folder, then right-click to select Get Info (or use Cmd+I).

Click the lock in the lower right to open it with your Mac login password.

Select your username and choose Read & Write.

Click the lock to close edit.

Now AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT will start successfully.

About the Author

Sr. Technical Support Specialist, Manufacturing<br><br>Bob Felton has been supporting Autodesk products for over 25 years including core AutoCAD, P&ID, Plant 3D, AutoCAD for Mac, AutoCAD Mechanical, and Vault. His background is in graphics with an Applied Sciences degree and ten years manufacturing experience drafting, as well as technical illustration, image editing, and even patent drafting.

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