Do you know that Autocad LT is such a software without which 90% engineers and architects will not be able to do their work? But what is more surprising is that many people do not even know why this is different from Autocad! But in reality it is the tool with which professional people can make accurate 2D designs without spending much money.
Today we will tell you the real advantages of Autocad LT. Whether you are a small contractor or a designer of a big company or you just want to know for hobby purposes, in this blogpost we will tell every basic things about Autocad LT.
What is Autodesk AutoCAD LT?
Autocad LT is a software developed by Autodesk. It is lighter version and budget-friendly version of Autocad and this is basically used for 2D drafting and designing. These tools are basically helpful for engineers, architects and designers. It allows them to draw accurate drawings. In Autocad LT, users can create drawings by using 2D elements like line, shape, text etc.
So, it can be said that this software is basically made for professionals who require designing and drafting like civil engineers, mechanical design technicians or architect draftsmen etc. It does not have 3D modelling or advanced automation features due to which it is available at a lower cost than Autocad.
What is the Function of AutoCAD LT?
1. Perfect 2D drafting:
- The king of creating technical drawings like floor plans, electrical diagrams, machine parts!
- Millimeter-like accuracy in every line, curve and measurement.
2. Smart editing tools:
- Trim/Extend: Quickly cut or extend incorrect lines.
- Layers: Work in different colors and layers (e.g. walls, windows separately).
- Blocks: Save frequently used designs (e.g. doors, furniture).
3. File movement:
- DWG format: Standard used all over the world, share it with anyone.
- Direct import from PDF: Use to edit client’s PDF!
What AutoCAD LT is NOT for:
- 3D modeling: Want to create a 3D view of a house/machine? It won’t happen here! (You will have to take full AutoCAD).
- Rendering: No realistic shading, lighting, etc.
- Automation (AutoLISP): No coding tools to automate repetitive tasks.
Who Uses AutoCAD LT?
This software is a powerful 2D drafting tool which is used by many professions. Professionals like it more due to its low price and simplicity. Let’s find out who uses it correctly:
🏛️ Architects
This software is used by architects. They use it for tasks such as preparing floor plans, elevations and basic structural designs. It helps them to show accurate and clean plans to clients.
🛠️ Engineers
Mechanical and electrical engineers use it in a slightly different way. They use it to make drawings of mechanical parts, wiring diagrams, technical plans. Its simple interface helps them to do the work quickly and accurately.
🛋️ Interior designer
Interior designers use it for space planning, furniture layout, room designs etc. With its help, they can show their design vision to the clients well.
🚧 Construction Professionals
In the construction industry, it is used for works like making blueprints, site plans, and working drawings. Construction professionals prepare the necessary documents for site work through it.
👩🎓 Students & Hobbyists
This software is a low-cost software which is easy to buy for those who are interested in CAD and are interested in designing. Students and hobbyists designers who want to learn or practice basic drafting skills also use it.
What is AutoCAD LT Good For? (Best Use Cases)
Ideal for:
1. Small businesses/Limited budgets 💰
- Startups, freelancers or small teams who only need professional 2D drawings
- Example: Local architects, mechanical workshop owners
2. Working in DWG files 📁
- Easy file sharing with clients, contractors or manufacturing units
- Work in all industry standard .DWG formats
3. Simple & straightforward projects ✏️
- Basic 2D work like floor plans, electrical layouts, furniture design
Not Ideal for:
1. Need 3D modelling/visualisation 🎨
- Want to create a 3D view of a house/product? Not happening here!
2. BIM (Revit) or large-scale projects 🏗️
- Large construction companies need model-based design (BIM)
3. Need automation/advanced tools 🤖
- Macros (AutoLISP), custom programming or heavy data management
AutoCAD LT vs Full AutoCAD
When you think of choosing AutoCAD software, 2 options come to your mind: AutoCAD LT and Full AutoCAD. Both are made by Autodesk, but there is a lot of difference in their capability, price and features.
| 🔧 Features | 🧩 AutoCAD LT | 🏗️ Full AutoCAD |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Price | Cheaper (around 1/3rd price) | Expensive (with full features) |
| ✏️ 2D Drafting | Yes, full feature | Yes |
| 🧱 3D Modeling | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| ⚙️ Customization (AutoLISP) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| 🤖 Automation Features | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| 🖥️ User Interface | Simple and lightweight | Advanced and heavy |
| 👥 Suitable for Large Teams | Limited | Yes, with collaboration tools |
| 🏢 Building Information Modeling (BIM) | ❌ No | ✅ Can be used with Revit |
Which is better?
Which is better and which is not depends entirely on your needs:
- If your work is limited to 2D drafting and you have a low budget, then Autocad LT software is a smart option for you.
- But if you want to do things like 3D modeling, custom tools and automation, then you should go for full AutoCAD.
Is AutoCAD LT cheaper?
Yes, AutoCAD LT usually comes at one-third the price of Full AutoCAD and it is a great option for students, hobbyists, small organizations and people doing 2D work but it does not have many advanced features which are needed by big companies who build large projects, so it is not enough for them.
Disadvantages of AutoCAD LT
1. Lack of 3D design ❌
- Problem: Cannot do 3D modeling, rendering or visualization at all.
- Result: If you want to create a 3D view of a product/building, you will need full AutoCAD or Revit.
2. No automation tools 🤖
- No AutoLISP/API support: Cannot run macros or custom scripts.
- Result: Repetitive tasks require manual effort to automate.
3. Lack of collaboration 👥
- Limited cloud tools: Cannot work with a team in real-time as easily as full AutoCAD.
- Result: File sharing and feedback is difficult in large projects.
4. Slow in heavy projects 🐢
- Complex drawings slow: Large files (500MB+ DWG) start hanging.
- Result: Unsuitable for large engineering/architecture projects.
Which Type of AutoCAD LT is Best?
🎫 Select License Type (Single vs. Multi-User)
| Features | Single-user | Multi-user |
|---|---|---|
| Users | 1 person | Team (up to 5+ users) |
| Price | Cheap (₹35,000/year) | Expensive (₹50,000+/user/year) |
| Best for | Freelancers, Small Businesses | Medium/Large Teams |
Tips:
- If you work alone, go for single-user.
- If you need to share with a team, multi-user is better (but check Autodesk’s volume discounts).
💳 Payment Plans (Subscription vs. Perpetual)
| Features | Subscription | Perpetual (one-time) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹35,000/year (approx.) | ₹1,00,000 (one-time) |
| Updates | ✅ Yes (get new features) | ❌ No (old version only) |
| Cloud Features | ✅ AutoCAD Web/Mobile Access | ❌ No |
| Flexibility | Can be cancelled anytime | Lifetime license |
Tips:
- Get a subscription if: You want the latest tools and cloud access.
- Get a perpetual if: You have a budget for long-term use and don’t need updates.
🎓 Extra Tips
- Trial version: Test the 30-day free trial first.
- Education Discount: Students get up to 50% off (on Autodesk website).
Why Use AutoCAD LT?
The main reason is its affordable price. While the annual subscription of full AutoCAD costs more than 1 lakh INR, AutoCAD LT costs only 30-40 thousand INR. This price is quite affordable for small architect firms, individual consultants and startups.
The second reason is simple and easy to use. Compared to full AutoCAD, it has fewer tools and options, which makes it easier for new users to choose options and they learn quickly. It has often been seen that students or freshers, that is, beginners who start with AutoCAD LT, find it easy to shift to the full version later.
The third reason is its industry-standard file compatibility. AutoCAD Lt works in the .DWG format, which is a standard in the construction and manufacturing industry. This means that if you create a file in it, it can be easily shared with any Autocad user without any problem.
And another advantage of using it is that it does not require much resources in the computer. Where there is a need for running full Autocad-end system, for this even simple medium level laptops are enough. It runs smoothly on laptops.
Conclusion
Autocad LT is a simple, trusted and affordable priced software that is commonly used for 2D drafting designing. It is an ideal choice for architects, engineers, interior designers, hobbyists and students alike. It helps create projects without too much cost and without complex features.
If you only need 2D drafting and designing then you can go for Autocad LT and it is appropriate for you. But if you need to do 3D modelling, custom scripting and require team collaboration then full Autocad will be right.
What is right for you depends on your need. You can do one thing, if you are not able to understand then you can take a free trial of 30 days. If you like it then take a subscription. Do tell us your experience in the comments.
Also Read: