AutoCAD versus AutoCAD LT

[Scott Weiss]

I am having trouble finding (on this website, or on any CAD advertising website) exactly what the differences are between regular $4000 AutoCAD 2008 and the LT version. I know 3D is one issue (I don't use it), as is some level of customization (does that mean something as simple as command aliases or does that refer to more complex customization such as lisp routines, etc.)? What about other commands? I've been using regular CAD for 2D architectural work for 15 years and would like to go off on my own, meaning I need to buy the program. I do not want to sacrifice usability for cost, but also don't want to sacrifice $4000 if I don't need to.:)

[Strix]

good question...

http://www.cadtutor.net/faq/questions/21/What+is+the+difference+between+AutoCAD+%28full%29+ and+AutoCAD+LT%3F

I'm looking forward to us being able to launch this bit of the site properly - but it's still in the constuction phase :wink:

[SLW210]

good question...

http://www.cadtutor.net/faq/questions/21/What+is+the+difference+between+AutoCAD+%28full%29+ and+AutoCAD+LT%3F

I'm looking forward to us being able to launch this bit of the site properly - but it's still in the constuction phase :wink:

I believe there are now Dynamic Block capabilities in LT. Now that the Layer tools are no longer in Express, those are available as well. I still think Express Tools will be sorely missed in LT. You can still get the free trials of both Full and LT as well as other products to compare. Autodesk Products (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=8909451)

[Strix]

Alan - our FAQ needs an update :roll:

Bookmarked :(

at the very least, I think we should include the free trial info

[Cad64]

Here's a pretty comprehensive list of the differences between Full and LT:

Missing Drawing commands:
Mline
MlEdit
MlStyle
Sketch

Missing Raster/Image commands:
ImageAttach
ImageClip
ImageQuality
ImageAdjust
Transparency

Missing Common commands:
XClip
VPClip
QDim
DXBin
Load
PsIn
PsOut
PsFill
Shell
Align
Cal
Attredef
Battman
Battorder
Attsync
Eattedit
Eattext
Refedit
Attsync
Mline
Bedit (added in LT2007)

Missing Variables:
Offsetgaptype
FieldEval
ACADLSPASDOC
USERS1-5
OSNAPZ

Missing Extras:
Truecolor abilities (256 limit)
MVSETUP
LISP
VLisp
NetLoad command
VBA, DBconnect
ARX/ObjectARX
ActiveX
Most functions from Express Tools (Layers added in LT2007)
Object Snap Tracking (OTRACK added in LT2007)
Table Fields
Sheet Set Manager (SSM),
Expanded PUBLISH (DWF only option in LT)

And of course no 3D functionality.

[Scott Weiss]

Thank you everyone for your responses. Any compatibility problems with regular AutoCAD files, and am I able to use old files in LT??

Now to decide whether to spend $4K and be SURE I have what I want, or less and take a chance. Wow that's a lot of money!:shock:

[SLW210]

Give the trial versions a spin and see if you can live with the difference. http://img126.exs.cx/img126/997/36_1_11.gif

[rustysilo]

Heck if you don't need or desire 3D capabilities and you aren't restricted (by clients, etc.) to Autodesk products you might look into using QCad (http://www.qcad.org/qcad.html).
You could even do drawings in OpenOffice Draw (http://www.openoffice.org/product/draw.html) which is free of charge. Search around and you'll find even more products that are less expensive that Autodesk.
If you like using Autodesk products I would recommend going with the higher priced full version of Acad or even Arch. Desktop over LT, but that's me. I hate LT due to its lack of features and commands that are in the full version(s). Of course there are add-ons that add functionality you can get for LT which may possibly be the way to go if you don't need 3D capabilities.

[Strix]

is openoffice draw part of open office or separate?

something else to add to the to-do list :roll:

[SLW210]

is openoffice draw part of open office or separate?

something else to add to the to-do list :roll:

It comes with it.

[Alan Cullen]

The FAQ has been updated to include additional information posted here. Thanks everyone.

What is the difference between AutoCAD (full) and AutoCAD LT? (http://www.cadtutor.net/faq/questions/21/What+is+the+difference+between+AutoCAD+%28full%29+ and+AutoCAD+LT%3F)

[Raggi_Thor]

then you have LT-Extender, but Autodesk doesnt like it...

[SLW210]

You guys and gals have the FAQ looking pretty good Alan. :thumbsup:

[rkmcswain]

I am having trouble finding...exactly what the differences are between regular $4000 AutoCAD 2008 and the LT version.

It's all right here:
http://rkmcswain.blogspot.com/2008/05/autocad-2009-vs-autocad-lt-2009.html

[dewain0606]

the 2008 lt is the light version but easier but the full version is better