Can I run VCarve Pro or Aspire on a Mac, and what is the new Spark app for macOS?

The official position

The software maker's FAQ states that Cut2D, VCarve and Aspire require a modern Windows operating system, that this can include Macs running Parallels, and that technical support for some of those configurations may be limited. Spark is described as the maker's first native macOS product, for macOS 12 or later.

Running VCarve Pro or Aspire on a Mac

1. Install Windows in Parallels and install the software inside it. Educators confirm this works day to day.
2. 3D view fails to draw or the computer locks up in previews: open Edit > Options, 3D View Settings, and set Use Software Renderer to Yes. The official description says this switches from GPU rendering to CPU rendering for cases of limited GPU capability or compatibility problems, and needs a restart. Educators report it restores the 3D view under Parallels, with the trade-off that heavy 3D operations run slower.
3. Sculpting brush icons missing under Parallels: one educator fixed it by setting the virtual machine to DirectX 11 and adjusting resolution and display scaling.
4. Give the virtual machine plenty of memory. An educator's rule for 3D work is 16 GB as the absolute minimum and 24 GB or more recommended.

What Spark is, and is not

From the product page:

• Native macOS app with 2D drawing and editing, node editing, text, Boolean and trim tools, 2D toolpaths (cut out, cut along, pocket, drilling), V-carving with flat-bottom and multi-tool strategies, laser toolpaths (picture, cut, fill) and a 3D toolpath preview.
• It can open existing .crv and .crv3d files but imports only the elements it supports.
• It does not support gadgets or automatic tool changing, and it does not model or machine 3D components.
• Files saved by Spark cannot be opened in version 12 or earlier of Cut2D, VCarve or Aspire. The product page says a future version 13 and later will open them. Version 13 is not released as of this writing.

Which should you use?

• You cut 2D parts, V-carve signs and run a laser, and you want a Mac-only setup: Spark covers that.
• You import or model 3D files, use gadgets, or share files with Windows users on version 12: stay with VCarve Pro or Aspire under Parallels.

Pro tips

• Spark keeps its tool database and post-processors in Library > Application Support, under the Spark folder, according to the FAQ. VCarve and Aspire use File > Open Application Data Folder.
• Test the free trial inside Parallels before buying a license for a Mac setup.
• See the entries on the black or garbled 3D view and on file version compatibility. For the minimum system requirements and the manual license code method when online sign-in fails under Parallels, see the entry on running VCarve Pro or Aspire on a Mac with Parallels, Boot Camp or Apple silicon.