Technology

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.

If you have any tech questions, the CCAD information technology staff is here to help. Contact the IT Help Desk at 614.222.6174, helpdesk@ccad.edu or drop by Kinney Hall, Room 220.

IT Help Desk hours:

Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Digital Print Lab hours:

Monday through Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Hardware

To start, you’ll need a laptop.

Specifically, you'll need a laptop that can support Adobe Creative Cloud. Plus, an external hard drive and a USB flash drive.

 

Software

Beyond our classrooms and computer labs that have the latest version of Adobe Creative Cloud, you'll also have access to that software, which is included in the Freshman Supply Kit. Second-, third- and fourth-year students who want to buy a new Creative Cloud subscription or renew an existing subscription may do so at the CCAD Supply Store or through Adobe.

 

Technology requirements & guidelines for incoming students

A Mac or PC laptop computer

  •  At least 512 GB of internal space
  •  At least 8 GB of memory (RAM)
  •  Dell education discounts here (but other PC brands will work as well)
  •  Apple education discounts here
  •  Check that your laptop meets Adobe Creative Cloud minimum requirements!
  •  Consider an extended warranty to extend life and delay replacement

Adobe Creative Cloud

  • Creative Cloud subscriptions must be purchased directly from Adobe using the student discount here.
  • Renewals of existing subscriptions will also be purchased directly from Adobe.
  • Instructions to purchase and install Adobe Creative Cloud here.

Antivirus software

  • The Help Desk can recommend software

An external backup drive

  • 1 TB is recommended
  • Make sure to run regular backups! Data loss can happen at any time.

A USB flash drive to transfer files

A digital drawing tablet

  • Tablets are available at the CCAD Supply Store. Funds for this are included in the Freshman Supply Kit.