Difference Between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

A commercial drafting and computer-aided design(CAD) software application are known as AutoCAD. Primarily used for 2D drafting, drawings and documentation, and 3D modeling and visualization. It was first released as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers in 1982 by Autodesk. In 2010, AutoCAD was published as a mobile and web app commonly known as AutoCAD 360. AutoCAD also helps the user to use and manage it on multiple machines using network licensing.

AutoCAD LT is critically a lower version of AutoCAD, which Autodesk released to attract more customers. It is an entry-level CAD software developed with reduced capabilities of AutoCAD. It was first released in 1993 by Autodesk. In 2015, AutoCAD LT was introduced with a desktop subscription. Therefore, AutoCAD LT is a solid but somewhat limited design package. AutoCAD LT is a beginner’s software and is also compatible with Windows, Mac, and mobile application.

Head to Head Comparison between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT (Infographics)

Below are the top 7 differences between AutoCAD vs AutoCAD LT :

Key Differences between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

Both are popular choices in the market; let us discuss some of the significant difference:

Since AutoCAD LT is a mini version of AutoCAD, it offers only 2D capabilities, whereas AutoCAD has 3D power.
AutoCAD LT is much more used for working in 2D drafting and even offers a lower price than that of AutoCAD. So, if someone whose priority is 2D, then he can even work solely on AutoCAD LT without taking any trouble to learn the complexity of AutoCAD.
For 3D specialization, AutoCAD LT will not be enough for the user as it can only move, copy or delete the 3D models but can’t create new ones. Whereas AutoCAD comes with a 3D facility.
AutoCAD helps a user to customize options without doing any extra effort. AutoCAD supports various application programming interfaces (APIs), including AutoCAD’s default programming language called AutoLISP. Whereas, in AutoCAD LT, the user can do simple customization like creating and adjusting toolbars and writing scripts, but it cannot perform higher-level programming.
AutoCAD LT doesn’t offer network licensing, whereas, with AutoCAD, the users get a network license that makes their works easy going. For example, the user can have a 10- seat license that lets AutoCAD run on any 10 of the 20 machines in the office if no more than 10 are run at one time. While for an AutoCAD LT user they have to purchase 20 licenses for 20 machines, one per machine.
Express tools are a set of officially unsupported but still dependable extra tools. The express tools are mostly written by using APIs, so they don’t work in AutoCAD LT., whereas they can be used in AutoCAD.
Parametric is extremely restricted in AutoCAD LT. The user gets to see the Parametric tab and the manager, but it has little influence in AutoCAD LT. The users cannot create parameters in LT, but they can delete them, which destroys the DWG file. So, for changing the drawing of geometry while changing the value of a dimension, one should consider AutoCAD.
AutoCAD LT doesn’t support management and automation ability with Sheet Set Manager and Action Recorder, while AutoCAD does support them.
The Options dialog box is where the user balances both drawing specific and system-wide settings as per their wish to work on the software. Profiles are these settings that the user saves and can even switch between them in the options dialog box. Unfortunately, there is no Profiles tab available in AutoCAD LT in the options menu, but in AutoCAD, the user can use it.
AutoCAD LT lacks Data Extraction Wizard, which gains information from objects and from attributed and no attributed blocks. Instead, the user needs to use AutoCAD LT for extracting data.

AutoCAD vs AutoCAD LT Comparison Table

Below is the topmost Comparison:

The basis Of Comparison	AUTOCAD	AUTOCAD LT
About	Used for 2D & 3D both. It also includes exposure to industry-specific toolsets and improvised workflow, supports desktop, web, and mobile.	It creates 2D drawings with accuracy and in no time. It supports desktop, web, and mobile.
Usage	Used for 2D drawings, documentation, and drafting. 3D modeling and visualization.	Used for 2D drafting, documentation, and drawings.
Performance-based on nature of work	Create and edit 2D geometry. Create and manage 3D models with solids, surfaces and mesh objects. Personalize with APIs. ribbon and tool pallets. Gain object data to tables.	Create and manage 2D geometry. Annotate drawings with text, dimensions, leaders, and tables. Personalize the ribbon and tool palettes Attach and import data from PDF files.
Target Audience	It targets bigger construction companies and people who are much interested in both 2D and 3D modeling.	It’s more attracted by smaller companies and users who more into 2D.
Performance-based on time management	Users find AutoCAD a bit time-consuming software. But still, if the work is based on 3D, then AutoCAD is the only choice.	AutoCAD LT is a much-simplified software. So, less time is taken to use and understand it.
Licensing	Available in single-user as well as multi-user (network).	Available only as a single user.
Performance- productivity of work	Since it comes with so much to experiment with, the quality it gives is very much satisfactory for the user.	It is a limited version of AutoCAD, but still, whatever it delivers, it never fails to disappoint the user.

Conclusion

AutoCAD LT can be called as a subpart of AutoCAD. It is a limited version of its parent software. Though both AutoCAD vs AutoCAD is equally used. AutoCAD is more elaborated in its features and functions, and many of them are not included in AutoCAD LT. What makes them different is just that AutoCAD LT does not support 3D modeling, and it doesn’t have a programming language of its own. Also, it has not been introduced with a network license.

Nevertheless, the most important part of the equation is what the customers want. If the market insists on 3D design and drafting files, AutoCAD LT will not be enough. Likewise, developing a capability to use AutoCAD could open doors to new business opportunities. But if the target audience is a specialist in 2D, then he can go for AutoCAD LT.

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