The Key Differences Between AutoCAD LT vs AutoCAD

AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are both popular 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software from Autodesk. AutoCAD is the full-featured professional version while AutoCAD LT is a scaled down version designed for smaller businesses and projects. But what exactly are the key differences between AutoCAD LT and the full AutoCAD?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare AutoCAD LT vs AutoCAD looking at features, usage, system requirements, pricing and more. Read on to find out which version of AutoCAD is right for your needs.

Overview of AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD LT is the lighter version of AutoCAD developed by Autodesk for engineers, architects and construction professionals. First released in 1993, it’s aimed at smaller businesses who don’t need the full capabilities of AutoCAD.

AutoCAD LT contains the core 2D drafting tools in AutoCAD but omits some advanced features. It’s meant for simpler, low-scale projects compared to the complex designs possible with the full AutoCAD. The LT stands for “limited toolset”.

With AutoCAD LT you can create, view, print and share DWG files. It supports both 2D drafting and basic 3D modeling with tools like the Ribbon interface, annotation scaling, dimensioning and layouts. There’s also industry-specific toolsets for architecture, mechanical design and more.

As a lower cost alternative, AutoCAD LT is great for freelancers, small firms and students who don’t require the power and customization of full AutoCAD. It’s an affordable way to get started with precision 2D drafting and drawing.

Overview of AutoCAD

AutoCAD by Autodesk is the industry-leading commercial CAD software. First released in 1982, it’s used by professionals for complex 2D and 3D architectural, engineering and construction design.

AutoCAD contains tools for almost any kind of design task. It supports advanced 2D drafting, 3D modeling, photorealistic rendering, customization, collaboration and programming. There’s also specialized toolsets tailored for disciplines like architecture and product design.

With AutoCAD you can create detailed technical drawings, visualization renders, building plans, product schematics and more. It’s the gold standard for professional CAD work in any design field. Large architecture firms, engineers, construction companies and manufacturers rely on AutoCAD.

AutoCAD also allows extensive customization and automation. Experienced users can configure the interface, develop custom workflows and design custom plugins tailored to their industry using AutoLISP and other programming languages.

Now let’s look closely at the key differences between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT.

AutoCAD LT vs AutoCAD: Key Feature Differences

While AutoCAD LT covers the essential 2D drafting tools, full AutoCAD provides a much wider and deeper toolset. Here are some of the main features missing in AutoCAD LT:

• 3D modeling – AutoCAD LT only allows basic 3D views and visualization. AutoCAD provides advanced solid, surface and mesh modeling tools.
• Rendering – AutoCAD LT is not capable of photorealistic rendering and lighting. AutoCAD offers ray traced and physically-based renders.
• Customization – AutoCAD supports APIs and programming languages for customization while AutoCAD LT does not.
• Collaboration – AutoCAD includes real-time collaboration and cloud integration. AutoCAD LT lacks these capabilities.
• Specialized Toolsets – AutoCAD features advanced toolsets for architecture, electrical design, mapping and more. AutoCAD LT only has basic industry-specific tools.
• File Format Support – AutoCAD supports a wider range of file formats including CATIA, Rhino and NX.

For most smaller-scale 2D drawing and drafting work, AutoCAD LT provides sufficient tools. But for advanced 3D, customization, collaboration and specialty disciplines AutoCAD is required.

Differences in Usage

Due to the differences in features, AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are suited for slightly different use cases:

• AutoCAD LT – Smaller 2D drafting projects like building plans, schematics, blueprints, etc. Solo work or smaller teams.
• AutoCAD – Large and complex 2D/3D designs. Advanced engineering and architecture visualization. Custom automation and workflows. Collaboration across large teams.

AutoCAD LT meets the needs of most freelancers, small architecture firms, students, hobbyists and any small business with basic CAD requirements.

AutoCAD enables large enterprises, engineering firms, manufacturing plants and professional design studios to tackle complex projects and customizable workflows.

System Requirements

AutoCAD LT has lower system requirements than full AutoCAD since it lacks some advanced capabilities:

• AutoCAD LT – Requires Windows 7 or later, Mac OS X v10.13 or later. 8 GB RAM recommended. Basic 3D graphics card.
• AutoCAD – Requires Windows 8.1 or later, Mac OS X v10.14 or later. 16 GB RAM recommended. Professional 3D graphics card recommended.

As you can see, AutoCAD demands a more modern and powerful Windows PC or Mac to handle the complex computations required for advanced 3D, rendering and customization features.

With its lighter toolset, AutoCAD LT can run fine on older and less powerful machines. For many freelancers and small offices, AutoCAD LT is the only option compatible with their existing computers.

Pricing and Licensing

Pricing is another major difference between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. AutoCAD LT costs significantly less:

• AutoCAD LT – $55/month or $455/year standalone license. $25/month or $210/year with multi-user discount.
• AutoCAD – $185/month or $1,470/year standalone license. $145/month or $1,175/year with multi-user discount.

As you can see, AutoCAD LT is around 70% cheaper than AutoCAD for both the individual and multi-user discounted pricing. For many smaller businesses and sole proprietors, the savings of AutoCAD LT make it the obvious choice over the more expensive AutoCAD.

Educational access is another pricing difference. AutoCAD LT comes included free with the Autodesk Education program. AutoCAD itself still requires purchase of an education license.

For professional designers and firms who need AutoCAD’s advanced tools, the higher price brings major added value. But for any user or business able to get by with AutoCAD LT’s capabilities, the cost savings are substantial.

Is AutoCAD LT Enough for Your Needs?

For many designers, engineers, architects and small businesses, AutoCAD LT provides more than enough capability at a far lower cost. Before paying more for full AutoCAD, consider whether you truly need the additional features.

Ask yourself these key questions:

• Will you primarily be doing 2D drafting or also need advanced 3D modeling?
• Do you require photorealistic rendering and visualization?
• Will you need to automate tasks or customize with programming?
• Will you collaborate with large teams?
• Does your workflow require specialized tools beyond basic 2D drafting?

If your answer is yes to any of these questions, AutoCAD is likely the better choice over AutoCAD LT. Paying more for AutoCAD will provide the advanced tools your work requires.

For purely 2D work, solo drafting, or small office use, AutoCAD LT boasts an unmatched value. The affordable pricing puts robust 2D drafting capabilities within reach of most designers and small businesses.

Before committing to AutoCAD, take advantage of Autodesk’s free trials of both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. Test each version hands-on to decide which provides the optimal features for your needs.

Key Takeaways

When choosing between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, keep these key differences in mind:

• AutoCAD LT is the more affordable lightweight 2D drafting version. AutoCAD provides full advanced 2D/3D design tools.
• AutoCAD LT lacks features like advanced 3D, rendering, customization, collaboration and specialty disciplines.
• AutoCAD LT is suited for smaller 2D projects, solo work and smaller offices. AutoCAD enables advanced and complex design workflows.
• AutoCAD requires a more powerful computer while AutoCAD LT has lower system requirements.
• AutoCAD LT is around 70% cheaper than full AutoCAD for both standalone and multi-user licensing.

For users with basic 2D drafting needs, AutoCAD LT provides tremendous value and capability at a far lower cost. But for more advanced design applications, AutoCAD’s robust toolset justifies the added price.

Carefully assess your specific needs and workflows to decide if AutoCAD LT has all the features you require – and if the savings outweigh any missing capabilities. By understanding the key differences between the two versions, you can make the optimal AutoCAD choice for your projects and budget.