What is AutoCAD LT? Autodesk’s 2D drafting software explained

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:

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.

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:

Autodesk deals for July 2019

Autodesk

Save 10% on AutoCAD LT 2020 when you subscribe for a 3-year term

Cost effective 2D CAD. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 8 May 2019

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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.

Last verified 7 May 2019

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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.

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Danny Allen

Danny Allen heads up publishing innovation at Finder. Danny has been reviewing consumer and tech products for 20 years and is the former managing editor of Lifehacker Australia.