If you’re new to using CAD software and trying to understand the difference between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, you have come to the right place. In this article, we break down what each software is and what it can offer to help you make the best decision for your CAD needs.
What is AutoCAD?
AutoCAD is a complete 2D & 3D CAD software capable of precision drafting and model designs, from architectural mockups, urban planning, and electrical schematics, to product development, prototyping, and much more.
What is AutoCAD: Functions and operation guide for 2DCAD beginners
What is AutoCAD LT?
AutoCAD LT is a lite version of AutoCAD that offers only 2D CAD capabilities along with some other essential features. It is aimed at architects, town planners and engineers who work exclusively with 2D drafting and design.
AutoCAD vs AutoCAD LT
Which AutoCAD software is right for you? Take a look below to see how AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT compare based on their standard features.
| AutoCAD | AutoCAD LT | |
| Design Options | 2D Drafting & 3D Modeling | 2D Drafting |
| Rendering | All rendering options are available | No rendering |
| 3D Printing | Yes | No |
| Design Automation | Yes | No |
| Toolsets | 7 for MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), Architecture, and Civil Engineering | None |
| Design Compliance with CAD Standards | Yes | No |
| Materials & Mass Properties for Models or Parts | Yes | No |
| Parametric Constraints for Parts | Yes | No |
| Custom Keystroke Commands | Yes | No |
| Printing Batches of Drawings | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Annotation Tools | Yes | Yes |
| 2D Manufacturing Drawings | Yes | Yes |
| Global Sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Shared View Workability | Yes | Yes |
AutoCAD LT is an easier and cheaper software.
People who want to do architectural design at a low cost may choose AutoCAD LT. However, there are some things you cannot do, so it is important to check carefully.
AutoCAD vs. AutoCAD LT Pricing
Both options come with a three-tier subscription plan.
| AutoCAD | AutoCAD LT | |
| Monthly | $235 | $60 |
| Annually | $1,586 | $345 |
| 3 year | $4,518 | $983 |
If you know you’ll only be working with 2D files, we recommend you take advantage of AutoCAD LT’s 30-day free trial to see if it’s up to the task. If you’re still unsure after the trial period, you can subscribe on a monthly basis until you’re ready to commit to a longer subscription period. This will also make it easier for you to switch to AutoCAD later, as Autodesk does not offer an upgrade option from AutoCAD LT to AutoCAD.
Additional AutoCAD Features to Consider
As well as the similarities and differences between the two, there is more to consider in order to clearly understand how each might affect your CAD software requirements.
Mechanical Design
Winner: AutoCAD
Mechanical engineers often need to design 3D models of objects, assemblies and parts, which AutoCAD LT doesn’t support. However, with AutoCAD LT you can still easily create 2D drawings for manufacturing or other purposes, such as perspective drawings.
Electrical Design
Winner: AutoCAD
With Electrical Design in both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, you can easily design electrical panel layouts or schematic diagrams for electrical work in buildings. You can also design electrical layouts for urban planning. However, AutoCAD LT doesn’t allow you to use electrical standards for these designs or to check for errors in the schematics.
Interoperation & Integration of Coordinated BIM Models
Winner: AutoCAD
Coordinated Building Information Modelling (BIM) models are those where the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), architectural and structural models of the building are designed in relation to each other to achieve an optimised outcome and overall design of the building. The models are then integrated to create a final model to verify that these models actually meet each other’s requirements and contingencies. The designers can then identify any changes that need to be made to the individual models.
For example, if a pipe is located where it crosses a beam in the structure of a building, the BIM model would alert the designers to the problem and they would be able to change either the piping system or the structure of the building.
While interoperation (i.e. sharing information from BIM models) is possible in both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD has the additional capability of integrating coordinated BIM models to complete a design. This feature is an essential tool for the design and modelling of any building or structure, saving time, money and resources.
User-Interface Customization
Winner: Tie
When it comes to customising the interface ribbons and menu, both programs can be customised.
One advanced feature to consider is that AutoCAD LT doesn’t have any design automation features (as mentioned in the comparison table above), whereas in AutoCAD you can use APIs and add-ons to get a more fluid working environment with increased productivity.
Model Viewing
Winner: AutoCAD
Although you can’t create 3D models in AutoCAD LT, you can open them in the software. However, the software doesn’t have viewing and navigation tools to walk around 3D models, so you can only view the models from a particular view or camera angle. The standard AutoCAD software has full functionality for viewing both 2D drawings and 3D models.
File Formats
Winner: Tie
One of the most important considerations for any CAD designer or engineer is the ability to export drawings and models in specific file formats.
While other lite CAD programs may be limited in file formats compared to their full counterparts, AutoCAD LT allows you to import and export your designs in any 2D file format offered by the standard version of AutoCAD. This includes importing PDFs and many other CAD file formats commonly used in the design industry.
AutoCAD Web & Mobile App
Winner: Tie
As a convenient feature, both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are available online through the cloud-based AutoCAD Web, as well as companion mobile apps for iOS and Android. Both are included as part of the subscription fee for the desktop versions. Without a subscription to one of the desktop versions, the web and app versions will only allow you to open and view AutoCAD files.
By storing your files in Autodesk’s cloud, you can access them anytime, anywhere, and perform minor editing using core AutoCAD commands without having to worry about carrying a laptop or installing the software on another desktop for temporary use.
It’s important to note that the web version and mobile applications do not replace the full functionality of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT.
System Requirements for AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
The system requirements for both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are the same.
| Requirements | Windows | MacOS |
| Operating System | Windows 10 version 1809 or above, Microsoft Windows 11 | Apple macOS Catalina v10.15, Big Sur v11, Monterey v12 |
| Processor | 2.5–2.9 GHz processor (3+ GHz recommended) | Apple M series CPU |
| Memory | 8 GB (16 GB recommended) | 4 GB (8 GB recommended) |
| Display | 1920 x 1080 (minimum), up to 3840 x 2160 | 1280 x 800 (minimum), up to 2880 x 1800 |
| GPU | 1 GB of VRAM with 29 GB/s bandwidth (4 GB of VRAM with 106 GB/s recommended) | Mac Native Graphics Cards |
| Disk Space | 10 GB | 5 GB |
You can work with AutoCAD LT on devices with lower specifications because it doesn’t require the heavy-duty graphics processing that AutoCAD does, but it’s always better to have devices that meet the software’s requirements so you don’t have to worry about poor performance, crashes and freezes.
For those who want to master AutoCAD operating skills and techniques that can be used on the job, this online training course is a good choice. It is highly rated with a 99.5% customer satisfaction rate and will enable you to use AutoCAD on the job in two days.
Which is better: AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT?
As with all major software decisions, it really depends on what you want to use AutoCAD for. Each version is designed to meet the specific needs of CAD users.
If your work involves 3D modelling, then AutoCAD is the better option, simply because AutoCAD LT does not offer 3D CAD functionality.
If you don’t plan to create 3D models, that doesn’t mean AutoCAD isn’t the better choice, as it offers a more efficient workflow compared to AutoCAD LT, with an increase in efficiency of 86%, as calculated in a study carried out by Autodesk and commissioned by an external consultant (results provided without any guarantee, as they will vary from user to user).
On the other hand, if AutoCAD LT can handle your 2D CAD projects, you can save a significant amount of money by going with the lighter version. Fortunately, Autodesk makes it easy for you to try its software and find the perfect fit for your needs.
We hope that you now have a good understanding of the differences and similarities between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. Although they overlap in many ways, they are really designed for different uses. AutoCAD is, of course, the more powerful option, so if you have the budget, we recommend that you go with that version, simply because you will have greater functionality and increased efficiency, even with 2D CAD applications.
