AutoCAD is currently the most used CAD software in the world. Autocad alone has 41% of the CAD software market. In fact, when Autodesk and Revit are included, it dominates 56.5% of the total market. (See Most Used CAD Software 2024)
The widespread use of Autocad has increased the need for its use. Autocad has caused problems in access due to its high price. An attempt was made to find a solution to these problems with Autocad LT.
AutoCAD vs AutoCAD LT
Autocad first appeared in 1982. CAD is an acronym for Computer-Aided Design. It was developed by Autodesk. Autocad, which has been continuously developed since 1982, now supports many languages and meets almost all kinds of drawing needs.
Autocad and Autocad LT versions are constantly confused and the differences between them are wondered. Let’s analyze the differences, advantages and disadvantages between the two software together.
Autocad
Autocad was developed for architects when it first came out, but today engineers use it a lot. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of Autocad.
Advantages of AutoCAD
- It comes with advanced features which help in the accurate and precise designing of civil infrastructures.
- It allows importing files from other platforms to work on pre-built designs.
- It allows to easily share files without any data loss to multiple parties simultaneously.
- Calculation of Area, Center of Gravity, Mass, Volume etc is very easy.
- It provides enhanced image tracing functionality which helps in converting handmade designs to digital designs.
Disadvantages of AutoCAD
- It is not suitable for Building Information Modelling (BIM).
- It supports limited file formats to import into this software.
- It is heavy software which requires high memory and disk storage.
Autocad LT
Autocad LT is a lighter version of Autocad. It first started to be developed in 1993. It is preferred by many people and companies due to its lower price.
Advantages of AutoCAD LT
- It is available at a lower price than AutoCAD
- It provides a simpler interface as compared to AutoCAD.
- It is lighter and does not require high processing power.
- It requires a small amount of disk space as compared to AutoCAD.
Disadvantages of AutoCAD LT
- It does not provide 3D model creating or visualizing functionalities.
- It is not suitable for 3D printing purposes.
Following is a table of differences between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT:
| AutoCAD | AutoCAD LT | |
| 1. | It can be understood as computer-aided design software which is used in construction, designing, and drafting 3D models. | It can be understood as computer-aided design software which is used in 2D designing and drafting. |
| 2. | It was developed by Autodesk. | It was developed by Autodesk. |
| 3. | Its price starts at  50 per month. |
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| 4. | It allows 2D as well as 3D drafting. | It only supports 2D designing and drafting. |
| 5. | It is available for mobile devices also. | It does not support mobile devices. |
| 6. | It requires LISP integration for coding. | It does not provide customizing features using LISP. |
| 7. | It comes with single as well as multiple user licensing. | It provides single-user licensing. |
| 8. | It is the best choice for medium and large-scale organizations. | It is the best choice for small companies and individual users. |
Which One Should I Prefer?
Although there are obvious differences between Autocad and Autocad LT, they are both very good software. You can examine the pros and cons of both software and choose the one that suits you best.
If 3D is important to you, you should choose Autocad, if price is more important to you, you should choose Autocad LT. Both software are developed by Autodesk. You can check out the differences in the video below.
