To ensure your laptop is compatible with current design and simulation software (such as Clo3D and other resource-intensive tools), please make sure your device meets or exceeds the following specifications. Please note that we are allowing students to come into the program with a Mac(iOS) computer as they perform well with simulation software and resource-intensive tools. However, they require working on a cloud platform to run a vital pattern-making software- Optitex (Cloud Platform: https://kpuworkspace.cloud.com). Please note that all fashion students will have access to the computer lab with computers pre-loaded with the Adobe creative suite software, Optitex, and Clo3D. All instructors will teach classes that require Optitex and Clo3D software’s will be teaching classes in the computer lab.
Mac Requirements:
Operating System: macOS Monterey (12) or Ventura (13)
- Model: Intel-based Macs (2018 or newer) or any Apple Silicon Mac (M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra, M2)
- Processor: Apple Silicon (preferred) or Intel Core i9
- Memory (RAM): 24GB or more
- Storage: SSD with at least 20GB of free space (larger SSDs recommended)
- Display: Retina 4K or Retina 5K supported
Windows Requirements:
Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit (22H2 or later) or Windows 11 64-bit (22H2 or later)
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7/9 7000 series or Intel Core i7/i9 (13th Gen or newer)
Memory (RAM): 32GB or more
Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX series or NVIDIA Quadro RTX / RTX A series
Storage: SSD with at least 20GB of free space (larger SSDs recommended)
Display: Minimum 2560x1440 resolution (4K supported)
Notes:
- RAM and graphics capabilities are especially important for running 3D garment simulation and rendering software without performance issues.
Apple Silicon (M1/M2 chips) has shown excellent performance for creative workflows and is highly recommended if purchasing a new Mac.
Software Requirements (To purchase):
- Adobe Creative Suite: Students are responsible to purchase their own Adobe creative cloud account as they will be working in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for many of their courses. You can purchase a student account found here. There is no need to purchase any software before you start classes- please wait to purchase these unless you would like to experiment with the software before starting.
KPU provided Software’s:
- Microsoft365- This is free for students, find out how to access it here: https://www.kpu.ca/it/students/O365
- Optitex- This pattern drafting software is provided to all Fashion Design students. Access is granted through your classes. See more information about this software here https://optitex.com
- Clo3D- KPU has a limited amount of licences for this software. You will have free access to this software for any courses that require it (3rd and 4th year) if you would like to purchase a copy to work on it prior to in-class assignments you can sign up for a free 30 day trial https://clo3d.com/en/
Students are welcome to wait until the first week of classes to consult instructors before purchasing anything.