Laptop Computers & Software Recommendations
The Landscape Architecture Department has 24-hour general access computers, scanner, and printer located in the studio environments. However, all freshmen and transfer students are required to have a laptop computer when they enter the program and throughout the full degree.
The department has a PC-oriented studio environment. A Windows laptop is the safest recommendation because several commonly used programs run only on Windows or perform better on Windows, including ArcGIS Pro and Lumion. AutoCAD for Windows is also more common in professional offices, and the department teaches the Windows version.
Students who already own a Mac or PC that can run Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud may use that device during the first year. This can be a good option for students who want to wait before buying a more powerful laptop. By the second year, students should plan to have a laptop with enough power, memory, storage, and graphics performance for 2D and 3D design work, GIS, rendering, and multimedia projects.
Recommended Laptop Specifications
These are the minimum specifications students should consider.
| ITEM | Minimum recommendation |
|---|---|
| Computer type | Windows laptop |
| Processor | Intel Core i7 / Core Ultra 7, AMD Ryzen 7, or better |
| CPU cores | 8 cores minimum |
| Memory/RAM | 16GB absolute minimum |
| Graphics | Dedicated graphics card strongly recommended |
| Graphics memory | 8 GB VRAM minimum |
| Storage | 1 TB SSD minimum |
| Screen | 15-inch or 16-inch recommended |
| Operating System | Windows 11, 64-bit |
Ideal Laptop Specifications
These are the preferred specifications for students who want a laptop that is more likely to last through the full five-year program.
| item | ideal recommendation |
|---|---|
| Computer type | Windows performance laptop |
| Processor | Intel Core i9 / Core Ultra 9, AMD Ryzen 9, or similar |
| CPU Cores | 10 cores or more preferred |
| Memory/RAM | 32 GB minimum; 64 GB ideal |
| Graphics | Dedicated NVIDIA RTX, AMD Radeo, or similar |
| Graphics memory | 12 GB or more preferred |
| Storage | 2 TB preferred |
| Screen | 15-inch or 16-inch, higher resolution preferred |
| Operating System | Windows 11, 64-bit |
Software used in the program
Students may use current versions of the following software in landscape architecture courses:
- Adobe Creative Cloud*, including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, Premiere Pro, and related desktop apps
- Microsoft 365*
- AutoCAD*
- Rhino*
- Lumion (Free for students with their school emails on its website)
- ArcGIS Pro*
- Google Earth Pro*
- Antivirus / (Sophos & Jamf Protect)*
- Other 3D modeling, rendering, mapping, or visualization software as specified by instructors
*Software marked with an asterisk may be available to Cal Poly students at no additional cost through the Cal Poly Academic Use Software page, the Cal Poly Software Hub, educational licenses, or virtual computer lab access. Students should check current Cal Poly software access before purchasing software independently, since software availability and licensing may change.
Devices NOT recommended
The department does not recommend the following as a student’s main computer:
- Chromebooks
- iPads, Android tablets, or other tablets
- 2-in-1 detachable devices as the main computer
- Laptops with only 8 GB RAM,
- Laptops with only integrated graphics
- Laptops with less than 512 GB storage
- Windows on ARM or Snapdragon laptops, including many Copilot+ PCs
- Devices that only run web or mobile versions of Adobe apps
- Computers that cannot install full desktop software (eg. School or managed devices)
- Linux laptops as the primary computer
- Older or low-memory Mac laptops
These devices may work for browsing or email, but they are not recommended for design studio, Adobe Creative Cloud desktop apps, CAD, GIS, Rhino, Lumion, or 3D modeling.
Note about Mac laptops
MacBook Pro laptops can work well for Adobe Creative Cloud, Rhino, Google Earth Pro, and some AutoCAD work. However, they are not the best all-around choice for the program because ArcGIS Pro and Lumion require Windows.
Students who choose a Mac should understand that they may need access to a Windows computer for some courses and assignments.
Updated June 2026
