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What is AutoCAD LT? Autodesk’s 2D drafting software explained
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AutoCAD LT 2020 simplifies drafting precise 2D drawings, layouts, blueprints and documentation.
AutoCAD is computer-aided design (CAD) software used by professionals such as architects, engineers and electricians.
You can draft original designs and edit existing projects – all while having access to thousands of specialised tool libraries, architectural objects and more. Add text, dimensions, tables and more to your drawings, plus gain access to even more customised features and work on your mobile with add-on apps and APIs.
That's why AutoCAD is used for a range of projects: floor plans, elevations, electric wiring, piping, duct work and more.
This guide is presented by AutoCAD LT. Available for Windows and Mac, try AutoCAD LT for free for 30 days – and save 10% off the annual price with a 3-year subscription. Learn more.What's new in AutoCAD LT 2020
AutoCAD LT 2020 adds a number of new workflow enhancements and time-saving features for your next design project, including the following:
- New quick measure tools to show nearby measurements by just hovering your mouse.
- Use any device to view, edit and create drawings, including desktop, mobile or web.
- Blocks palette helps you insert blocks from a most-recently used visual gallery.
- New dark theme (finally!) that can help reduce eye strain and improve contrast.
- Enhanced DWG compare now lets you compare two versions of a drawing without leaving your current window.
- Faster save and install times for solid state hard drives.
- Cloud storage support to help you access DWG files in AutoCAD LT via Autodesk's cloud or your favourite cloud provider.
Lite? What does the LT in AutoCAD LT mean?
Hint: it doesn't stand for "lite" or "laptop". According to an old Autodesk blog, the general philosophy of an LT (Limited Technology) product is to take the most "crucial, commonly used functionality" and make it accessible to more customers. And that cost-effectiveness is the basic idea behind AutoCAD LT, Inventor LT and Revit LT.
AutoCAD vs AutoCAD LT Compared: Can AutoCAD LT do 3D?
While AutoCAD LT is ideal for architectural drafters, the extended version of AutoCAD offers both 2D and 3D drawings as well as a photorealistic rendering.
| AutoCAD | AutoCAD LT |
|---|---|
| 2D drafting, drawing, and annotation | 2D drafting, drawing, and annotation |
| Text settings | Text settings |
| Dimensions | Smart dimensioning |
| Leaders | Leaders |
| Centrelines and centre marks | Centrelines and centre marks |
| Tables | Tables |
| Revision clouds | Revision clouds |
| Views | |
| Layouts | Layouts and Layouts Viewports |
| Fields | Fields |
| Data linking | Data linking |
| Data extraction | |
| Dynamic blocks | |
| Arrays |
How much does AutoCAD LT cost?
Try AutoCAD LT for free by downloading the free trial from the Autodesk website. If you decide you'd like to purchase the software once your trial has expired, you'll have the following payment options:
- Pay a monthly fee of AUD$75.
- Pay an annual fee of AUD$590/year (ex. GST) compared to AUD$2,670/year (ex. GST) for the full version of AutoCAD.
- Purchase a 3-year subscription and save 10%.
Autodesk deals for January 2021
Autodesk
Save 10% on AutoCAD LT 2020 when you subscribe for a 3-year term
Cost effective 2D CAD. T&Cs apply.
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Autodesk
Try AutoCAD LT free for 30 days
AutoCAD LT 2D CAD software helps you to create 2D drawings faster and with more precision. Available for Windows and Mac. Includes AutoCAD web and mobile apps.
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System requirements
Windows: You'll need Windows 7 SP1, 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit) or Windows 10 Anniversary Update (64-bit only) with a minimum of a 2.5GHz processor, 8GB memory, 6GB hard disk space, 1GB graphics and 1920x1080 display.
Mac: You'll need macOS 10.12 Sierra or later with a minimum of a 64-bit Intel CPU processor, 3GB memory, 3GB hard disk space, 1GB graphics and 1280x800 display. Requirements can vary depending on Mac model.
AutoCAD LT comparison
AutoCAD LT vs TurboCAD LTE
AutoCAD LT and TurboCAD LT are both geared toward interior designers and architectural drafters compared to their respective 3D-capable full versions. TurboCAD LTE is designed to feel familiar to AutoCAD LT users and offers support for file formats such as DWG, DXF and SKP.
Another key difference is that TurboCAD is a one-time payment that does not require a subscription. But you'll need to pay for the software in one lump sum. AutoCAD LT, on the other hand, offers a monthly payment option, but it requires a monthly or yearly subscription.
AutoCAD LT vs Revit LT
While AutoCAD LT provides a cost-effective approach to industry-standard 2D drafting, Revit LT (also from Autodesk) is more for creating and documenting building projects, generating 3D views and BIM deliverables.
AutoCAD LT vs SketchUp
Users can create both 2D and 3D drawings in SketchUp, but it's geared more toward 3D drafts. The full version of AutoCAD has more features and is available for a broader range of devices than SketchUp – which is only available on Windows and Mac.
AutoCAD is more expensive in the long run, since it requires a regular subscription, though you have the option of paying monthly. SketchUp offers a free version and does not require a subscription for its paid version.
Bottom line: Autodesk AutoCAD LT can help you improve your professional drawings, layouts and blueprints as well as access and edit them on any device. It does require a monthly or yearly subscription, but there are a variety of payment plans available.
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