AutoCAD vs. AutoCAD LT
You’ve heard of both of these products, and you may even use them, but what exactly do they do, who do they benefit, and, crucially how are they different?
Logicle IT knows how difficult it can be for CAD enthusiasts and professionals to determine the differences between CAD packages. With conflicting information—or none at all—there's no natural way of finding out each program's capabilities. For this reason, we set out to create comparison guides for the top CAD programs on the market. This week, we're turning our heads to look at CAD giant Autodesk and its most popular products.
Since AutoCAD's inception in 1982, Autodesk has been a significant and resounding presence in the CAD industry. A key player in the evolution of CAD, Autodesk has since released a range of top software packages. None have surpassed the popularity and power of Autodesk's flagship product, AutoCAD. Offering solutions to various industries—from architecture to engineering to entertainment—there's no way to avoid it. Autodesk created a 'lite' version in AutoCAD LT to broaden its customer base further.
In this guide, we'll examine AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT—looking at the differences in functionality, capability and much more.
WHAT IS AUTOCAD?
As one of the front-running products in the CAD industry, you're already familiar with Autodesk's flagship product, AutoCAD. But, then again, if you're anything like us, you've probably spent most of your time getting to grips with AutoCAD's capabilities rather than its history. So before getting stuck into its incredible features, we'll give you a quick overview—looking at how one of the CAD industry's favourite products came to be.
First released in 1982 but conceived much earlier, AutoCAD was derived, in fact, from a program called Interact CAD—sometimes referred to as MicroCAD—before it was developed further by Mike Riddle and then acquired by Autodesk—a move that proved to cement Autodesk's reigning status in the CAD industry. The first version was demonstrated at the 1982 Comdex and released in December later that year. The release proved earth-shattering for the CAD industry, with AutoCAD being one of the first CAD packages to run on PCs. As one of the first CAD programs to be so commercially available to customers worldwide, it's no surprise that it was such a hit.
With at least 33 versions since its first release, AutoCAD hasn't rested on its laurels. The latest release, AutoCAD 2019, brought in critical updates, including AutoCAD packaging, launching the first AutoCAD web app—joining CAD in the cloud—and introducing the handy DWG Compare.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
AutoCAD is one of the most flexible software packages available on the CAD market, used by drafters, engineers and architects worldwide. At the time of its inception, it came with only 2D capabilities. As the program evolved, however, it added 3D design and drafting to its long list of capabilities. Although surpassed by programs like SolidWorks in pure 3D CAD functionality, users can still take advantage of solid, surface and mesh modelling. Available on Windows, Mac and web/mobile apps, AutoCAD facilitates workflows from anywhere in the world. It's little wonder that its user base is so large.
Although it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking of AutoCAD as a single program, it's more like a software suite. As we've said, AutoCAD offers solutions to various industries worldwide. In the past, it did this by offering standalone products, ranging from AutoCAD Architecture to AutoCAD Mechanical. Now, with AutoCAD 2019, AutoCAD is packaged as a single product offering specialised toolsets.
Industry solutions offered by AutoCAD
Architecture: includes features for architectural drawings, documentation and schedules. Users can create floor plans, sections and other building designs using over 8,000 intelligent objects and styles.
Electrical: has electrical design features allowing users to create and modify electrical control systems. Users can use consistent project standards and a library of over 65,000 electrical symbols.
Map 3D: incorporates GIS topology to allow users to use CAD and GIS data in planning, design and data management. Users can access spatial data, use standard data schema and even automate workflows.
Mechanical: includes a library of standards-based parts and tools, enabling users to create and document mechanical designs. Users can create a realm of parts and assemblies with over 700,000 manufacturing parts.
MEP: adds specialised tools to help users design and document MEP building systems. Users can use precise construction documentation, task-based tools and over 10,500 MEP objects.
Plant 3D: comes with features to help users create P&IDs and integrate them into 3D plant design models. Users can generate isometrics, create schematic diagrams, and use over 400 plant objects.
Raster Design: incorporates raster-to-vector tools, enabling users to convert rasters into DWG objects. It also allows users to edit scanned drawings in an AutoCAD environment.
Its immense popularity also means that its native file format—DWG—is one of the most ubiquitous file formats in the entire world. With billions of DWG files nowadays, you'd be hard-pressed to navigate the world of CAD without coming across the file type. Fortunately, Autodesk extended DWG to other CAD software, enabling a more extensive use spread across industries.
What is AutoCAD LT?
And now, onto AutoCAD's sister product: AutoCAD LT. Although AutoCAD was a commercial success upon its release, Autodesk soon realised that the price alone might offer a broader customer base. With that in mind, they set out to develop an entry-level CAD package that would compete in a much lower price bracket than any of its other products. Enter the conception of AutoCAD LT.
Introduced by Autodesk as a lower-cost version of AutoCAD with reduced capabilities, AutoCAD LT cost $495. To put things into perspective, it was one of Autodesk's first products priced below the $1000 mark. And that's not the only significant aspect to note. Unlike AutoCAD, purchased from official Autodesk dealers, AutoCAD LT was sold directly by Autodesk and in computer stores. As a result, this 'inexpensive' and 'lite' version of AutoCAD was a hit with many.
As with AutoCAD, Autodesk has made an effort in attempting to improve upon AutoCAD LT's functionality and capabilities. As of 2019, LT moved to a more flexible subscription model, with each release and product update enabling users to take advantage of new features. Additional features from the 2019 release include the new AutoCAD web app, the AutoCAD mobile app and integrated workflows that work smoothly across desktop, web and mobile devices.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
The simplest way to explain AutoCAD LT to people who need to become more familiar with it is to describe it as a stripped-down version of AutoCAD. In short, it is a simplified 2D drafting and documentation program. The main difference between it and its sister product is that LT lacks the 3D capacity offered by AutoCAD. That's not to say that AutoCAD LT is a poorer product—it provides the same level of precision offered by AutoCAD.
With AutoCAD LT, users can create 2D drawings and documentation. The program has various tools, including 2D geometry, annotation capabilities, dimensions, leaders and tables. Whilst its customisation capabilities are nowhere near as extensive as AutoCAD's, LT still allows users to customise the ribbon and tool palettes. Additionally, users can attach and import data from PDF files, not to mention share and use data from DGN files and Bing maps. Since its first release, LT has continued to add to its list of capabilities, including:
DWG compare: enabling users to reach and document the differences between two drawing versions.
High-resolution monitor support: allows users to view designs on 4K and higher-resolution displays—particularly handy if you're fond of your 4K monitor!
Off-screen selection: no matter how much you pan or zoom off-screen, any objects you select will remain in the selection set.
Shared views: users can publish the design view of their drawings in a web browser—enabling third parties to view and comment on them.
Save to web and mobile: enabling ultimate accessibility, users can save drawings from desktops to view and edit in AutoCAD web and mobile apps.
So, how does it differ from AutoCAD?
3D modelling
AutoCAD LT can only be used for 2D drafting. It cannot create or render 3D models. For some engineers and designers, this can be a big deal breaker. However, if you're only interested in diagrams, floor plans and other 2D drawings, LT is a good shout.
Industry-specific toolsets
The specialised toolsets mentioned in the AutoCAD section—Architecture, Electrical, Mechanical—are only available with AutoCAD, so perhaps not an issue if you're part of a small business or a CAD enthusiast. If, however, you're looking to get your hands on toolsets that will help you simplify your workflow, AutoCAD is the only way to go.
Customisation capabilities
Another strength of AutoCAD is that it enables users to customise it to their preferences. Drafters, designers, mechanical—everyone works differently, and AutoCAD caters to this. LT, however, doesn't have this capability—it doesn't support customisation with LISP, ARX, .NET or VBA.
Price and licensing
One of the most significant selling points of LT is its price. Much cheaper than the complete AutoCAD package, many users are willing to overlook its limited capabilities for the lower price tag. LT can be installed on up to 3 computers or other devices; however, only the named user can sign in and use that software on a single computer at any one time.
AutoCAD vs AutoCAD LT
By this point, you should be familiar with both programs—from their histories to their main features and customer bases. However, to help you visualise everything more clearly, we've put together a table summarising some of the main differences between the two.
AutoCAD
2D and 3D
Windows and Mac
£1,986 p/year
Free for students
A relatively steep learning curve compared to other CAD packages
Autodesk software is available on subscription only. Users access products for a term through a dedicated single-user subscription.
Targets the AEC sector, large businesses and users looking for 2D & 3D capabilities
It comes with specialised toolsets for industries, e.g. Architecture, Electrical etc.
A large variety of customisation capabilities, ranging from APIs to AutoLISP
AutoCAD LT
2D Only
Windows and Mac
£486 p/year
Free for students
Much easier learning curve, without the difficulty of 3D modelling
It can be installed on up to 3 computers or other devices. Only the named user can sign in and use that software on a single computer.
Targets smaller businesses, CAD beginners & enthusiasts and 2D users
It does not have specialised features or toolsets for industries—just simple capabilities
Offers simple customisation to users only, e.g. with ribbon and tool palettes.
To sum it up, your choice depends entirely on your needs. If 3D modelling is essential, there's no question—you need AutoCAD. If, on the other hand, you're content with just 2D drafting—or you're lured in by a lower price tag—AutoCAD LT isn't a bad shout.
There's certainly plenty to consider when choosing between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. However, if you still need to determine the best option, you could always try a free trial of both programs to get some hands-on experience and perspective.
