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.
To do the best work, you'll need the right gear.
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.
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Major |
OS |
Memory |
Processor |
Storage |
Video |
Battery |
Suggested model |
How much will this cost me?* |
| Photography | macOS 12 Monterey or newer | 8GB RAM | Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine | 512GB | Integrated graphics | standard battery (not customizable) | MacBook Air | $1,149.00 |
| Comics, Illustration, Advertising & Graphic Design | macOS 12 Monterey or newer | 16GB RAM | Apple M1 Pro chip with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine | 512GB | Integrated graphics | standard battery (not customizable) | 14-in MacBook Pro | $1,849.00 |
| Film & Video | macOS 12 Monterey or newer | 16GB RAM | Apple M1 Pro chip with 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine | 1TB*** | Integrated graphics | standard battery (not customizable) | 16-in MacBook Pro | $2,499.00 |
PC |
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Major |
OS |
Memory |
Processor |
Storage |
Video |
Battery |
Suggested model |
How much will this cost me?* |
| Interior Design, Fashion Design | Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit | 16GB RAM | Intel Core i5 11th-gen | 512GB SSD*** | Integrated Intel Iris Xe with 1080p display | standard battery (not customizable) | Dell XPS 13 Laptop** | $1440.59 |
| Animation, Industrial Design, Game Design | Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit | 32GB RAM | Intel Core i7 11th-gen | 2TB SSD*** | Discrete 4Gb Graphics Card with 1080p display | 6-cell or higher | Dell Precision 5560** OR Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 | $2,399.00, $3,499.95 |
Either Mac or PC |
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Major |
OS |
Memory |
Processor |
Storage |
Video |
Battery |
Suggested model |
How much will this cost me?* |
| Fine Arts, Art History | macOS 12 Monterey or newer | 8GB RAM | Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine | 512GB | Integrated graphics | standard battery (not customizable) | MacBook Air | $1,149.00 |
| Fine Arts, Art History | Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit | 16GB RAM | Intel Core i5 11th-gen | 256GB SSD | Integrated Intel Iris Xe with 1080p display | standard battery (not customizable) | Dell XPS 13 Laptop** | $979.99 |
*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.