Autodesk is an American multinational company that manufactures software and computer products for various industries such as manufacturing, education, territory, media, etc.
Autodesk launched new products for the commercial sector,: AutoCAD and an upgraded version of it is AutoCAD LT. Both share many similarities but also vary in many parameters.
Key Takeaways
- AutoCAD LT is a lighter, more affordable version of AutoCAD, offering basic 2D drafting and documentation capabilities.
- AutoCAD includes advanced features, such as 3D modeling and customization options, which are absent in AutoCAD LT.
- AutoCAD LT is suitable for small businesses and individual users, while AutoCAD is better suited for professionals requiring advanced capabilities.
AutoCAD vs AutoCAD LT
The difference between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT is that AutoCAD offers 2D and 3D drafting toolsets, while AutoCAD LT offers only 2D drafting toolset services. An individual study was conducted on both of these software regarding productivity. It revealed that AutoCAD is more productive than AutoCAD LT when dealing with common activities.
Autodesk company launched the product AutoCAD which is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) software, in December 1982. It is consistently upgraded and released.
Recently, the newer version of this product was launched in March 2021. The operating system of AutoCAD is quite advanced and has Windows, Mac-OS and iOS, etc.
Autodesk company introduces a smaller version of AutoCAD, which is the AutoCAD LT. This product was launched with similar features to AutoCAD but with fewer capabilities and productivity.
The aim of Autodesk for releasing this product is to hit the lower price market as AutoCAD was quite expensive those days, and only luxurious companies could afford it.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | AutoCAD | AutoCAD LT |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Used to create drawings with both 2D and 3D drafting tools. | The license cost of AutoCAD LT is relatively cheaper. |
| Cost | The license cost of AutoCAD is expensive. | Only a single-user license is available. |
| License | Both single-user and multiple-user licenses are available. | AutoCAD is a broader version in comparison to AutoCAD LT. |
| Scope | AutoCAD is a wider version in comparison to AutoCAD LT. | AutoCAD LT is a narrower version in comparison to AutoCAD. |
| CAD standards | It can analyze and set CAD standards. | No access to CAD standards. |
What is AutoCAD?
Autodesk, an American multinational company, launched a product called AutoCAD in December 1982. It was manufactured to be computer-aided designed software (CAD).
The newer versions of this product are consistently getting upgraded and launched.
The operating software of AutoCAD is Windows, Mac-OS, and Android, etc. AutoCAD is available in 14 languages. It provides 2D and 3D drawings, designs and documentation, etc.
The distinguishing feature of AutoCAD is its capacity to set CAD standards. AutoCAD enables us to analyze the evolving CAD standards and helps us to adapt or set the standards according to our usage.
In addition, it enables us to import and export all the designs or documents created by it anywhere in the world.
AutoCAD has many specialized toolsets like 3D maps, and access libraries to numerous symbols and components.
Furthermore, it has access to the Autodesk app store. Cultivating all these outstanding features comes up with the disadvantage of being expensive. The licensing cost of using this software is relatively high compared to other software.
However, it is both single-user and multi-user licenses.
Hence, AutoCAD is one of the valuable and efficient software launched by Autodesk. It is used worldwide and in various industries.
What is AutoCAD LT?
Autodesk company launched another product similar to AutoCAD in 1993,: the AutoCAD LT. It has features similar to AutoCAD but differs in productivity and specialized toolsets.
AutoCAD LT has no such specialized features and results in lower productivity than AutoCAD.
When Autodesk company launched AutoCAD, it only reached the luxurious and top companies as it was pretty expensive in terms of acquisition and also running expenses.
Hence, Autodesk launched another product with similar features but fewer capabilities and productivity, the AutoCAD LT.
This product was relatively cheaper and was affordable by all sectors. AutoCAD LT was launched to hit the lower markets, and was successful in lower-priced markets.
It enables us to create or design 2D drawings and geometry and customize tool palettes.
AutoCAD LT allows us to import and export all data, designs, and documents anywhere in the world.
It does not have any specialized toolsets or the ability to set CAD standards. AutoCAD LT was the first product that was economically low and profitable for Autodesk.
Hence, AutoCAD LT is economical and helpful for lower sectors of industries and IT companies.
Main Differences Between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
- AutoCAD is vast and has many specialized tools, whereas AutoCAD LT is a little narrow and does not have any specialized tools.
- The license charge for AutoCAD usage is quite high compared to AutoCAD LT.
- AutoCAD offers 2D and 3D drafting and designs, while AutoCAD LT offers only 2D drafting and designs.
- The license of AutoCAD is available as both single-user or multiple-users, while AutoCAD LT is a single-user license.
- AutoCAD has the ability to set CAD standards and have access to the Autodesk app store, while AutoCAD LT fails to provide all these additional services.
- AutoCAD provides customization with NET and VBA, while AutoCAD LT does not provide this customization with any software.
- https://static.sdcpublications.com/pdfsample/978-1-63057-257-0-1.pdf
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=rLPrXY5o-xoC&oi=fnd&pg=PA905&dq=autocad+lt&ots=sGxrHo7WZ2&sig=4jCgVhWdLpwIpxSL2t7QgMANNRA
Last Updated : 01 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The lack of specialized tools in AutoCAD LT is clearly a disadvantage, and should have been emphasized further.
The comparison table is quite helpful in outlining the differences between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, making it easier for readers to understand the variations in features and scope.
The post provides a great overview of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, but fails to address the new products launched by Autodesk for the commercial sector.
This article is insightful, the comparison between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT gives a clear and unbiased understanding about the differences
The thorough comparison of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT is definitely valuable for anyone seeking to understand the features and limitations of both software. Kudos!
The history and evolution of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are well presented, but the article could have delved deeper into the productivity differences between the two.