To do the best work, you'll need the right gear.

CCAD has all the cutting-edge tech tools you'll need to turn your creative dreams into reality. Our computer labs are loaded with the latest version of Adobe Creative Cloud and other industry-standard software. Plus, we've got 3D printers, laser-cutting tools and plenty of 21-inch Cintiq tablets for you to draw on. Not to mention high-quality, large-format printers so you can see your work translate onto paper. Use the information on this page to select the right laptop for your needs and learn what technology you'll need for the first day of class.

Contact Us

Digital Print Lab

Location: Kinney Hall room 220

Phone: 614.222.6174

Email: [email protected]

IT Help Desk

Location: Packard Library

Phone: 614.222.6174

Email: [email protected]

 

Hours

Regular Hours

Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Summer, Winter Break Hours

Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

Digital Print Lab:

The Digital Print Lab contains professional inkjet and large format printers that can print at various sizes and finishes. As a student, you only need to purchase your paper at our campus supply store, the Ampersand Emporium, and then print in the lab for free. You can also order large format prints priced based on size, and collect them within 2 business days. If you have questions, email [email protected].

IT Help Desk:

Visit the IT Help Desk to report issues with campus technology in classrooms and computer labs, or to help troubleshoot issues with your laptop. The Help Desk can't provide repair services for personally owned equipment, but  can help you with software, drivers, updates, backups, and antivirus software. If you have questions, call 614.222.6174 or email [email protected].


Technology recommendations & guidelines
 

Recommended laptop specifications

While having a laptop is a requirement as a CCAD student, it can be confusing knowing which one will best fit your needs. Use the table of recommendations below to help you purchase the right laptop for your intended area of study. You can purchase Mac laptops at the Apple Education Store, PC laptops at the Dell University Store, and Wacom MobileStudio Pro systems at the Wacom Student Discount page.

We support Windows or macOS; we do not support Linux or ChromeOS. Linux and ChromeOS cannot run most of the software titles you will need to use as a CCAD student.

You must get a laptop that meets the minimum requirements listed for your area of study in the table below. If you need any information about our recommendations, please reach out to the Chair of your intended major.

MFA Visual Arts students should refer to the major in the table below that most closely relates to their discipline. For example, MFA students whose work is photography-focused should refer to Photography, etc.

Mac

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Major

OS

Memory

Processor

Storage

Video

Battery

Suggested model

How much will this cost me?*

PhotographymacOS 12 Monterey or newer8GB RAMApple M1 chip with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine512GBIntegrated graphicsstandard battery (not customizable)MacBook Air$1,149.00
Comics, Illustration, Advertising & Graphic DesignmacOS 12 Monterey or newer16GB RAMApple M1 Pro chip with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine512GBIntegrated graphicsstandard battery (not customizable)14-in MacBook Pro$1,849.00
Film & VideomacOS 12 Monterey or newer16GB RAMApple M1 Pro chip with 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine1TB***Integrated graphicsstandard battery (not customizable)16-in MacBook Pro$2,499.00
         

PC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Major

OS

Memory

Processor

Storage

Video

Battery

Suggested model

How much will this cost me?*

Interior Design, Fashion DesignWindows 10 or 11, 64-bit16GB RAMIntel Core i5 13th-gen512GB SSD***1080p displaystandard battery (not customizable)Dell Latitude 3440 Laptop**$1,319.00
Animation, Industrial Design, Game DesignWindows 10 or 11, 64-bit32GB RAMIntel Core i7 12th-gen2TB SSD***Discrete 4GB Graphics Card with 1080p display6-cell or higherDell Precision 5570** OR Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16$2,879.00, $3,499.95
         

Either Mac or PC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Major

OS

Memory

Processor

Storage

Video

Battery

Suggested model

How much will this cost me?*

Fine Arts, Art HistorymacOS 12 Monterey or newer8GB RAMApple M1 chip with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine512GBIntegrated graphicsstandard battery (not customizable)MacBook Air$1,149.00
Fine Arts, Art HistoryWindows 10 or 11, 64-bit16GB RAMIntel Core i5 11th-gen256GB SSD1080p displaystandard battery (not customizable)Dell Latitude 3440 Laptop**$1,319.00

 

*Prices are based on "student" or "educational" discounted rates. Prices listed are subject to change, and do not include additional, external storage or accessories such as a mouse, adapters, or extra charge cables.

**Dell stock is subject to change frequently. If you can't find the model with the exact specifications listed on this page, another model with the same specifications will also work. 

***It is recommended to upgrade internal storage if available or purchase an additional external drive.

 


Technology Checklist for incoming students

 

Adobe Creative Cloud

CCAD BFA and MFA students have full access to Adobe Creative Cloud apps using their CCAD email address. 

 

Antivirus software

Our IT Help Desk can recommend software to keep your files safe. Contact us by emailing [email protected], or by calling 614.222.6174

 

Backing up your files

You have access to cloud storage on your Google Drive as part of your CCAD account. Store important files here to make sure they are safely backed up in the cloud.

 

A USB flash drive

Or some other form of external storage to move your files between classroom stations and your laptop. Make sure not to keep the only copy of your files on your external storage in case it is lost or damaged.

 

A digital drawing tablet

Tablets are available in person at the Ampersand Emporium. Funds for this are included in the Freshman Supply Kit.