AutoCAD LT® Cost-effective 2D CAD

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With monthly and annual options, subscribing to AutoCAD LT is flexible and cost-effective.

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AutoCAD LT® 2D CAD software helps you create 2D drawings faster and with more precision. Available for Windows and Mac. Includes AutoCAD web and mobile apps.

Are you searching for new design software? Or, maybe you want to renew your AutoCAD subscription but want to pare down? If you don’t need extra bells and whistles, take a look at AutoCAD LT.
This software is great for artists and designers who don’t need the specialized industry toolsets from the full version. Also, if you don’t need 3D modeling, why pay for it? AutoCAD LT has features that support 2D drawing. But, without the extras you won’t use.

Who Is It For

This software is for artists and designers. You can use it to start your art projects. And then transfer it onto other mediums to finish.
In addition, environmental graphic artists and landscape architects can make great use of this software. Conceptual and retrofitting architects and firms may also use this software before starting costly construction.
Finally, AutoCAD LT is not just for traditional artists and designers. Event planners may also use this software for conceptual design and collaboration.

 

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Features and Benefits

Now that you know who it’s for, it’s time to find out what it does. AutoCAD LT may be the light version of AutoCAD, but it is mighty. Here’s a more in-depth look at the included features and benefits.

New Features for AutoCAD LT

The latest AutoCAD LT features some improvements. New features to check out are:

DWG compare

You can compare and document two different versions of a drawing in DWG compare.

Use web and mobile apps to save

In addition, you can also save the drawings you do on your desktop to view later on a web browser or mobile device. You can also make edits to your saved drawings on AutoCAD web or the mobile app.

2D graphics

AutoCAD LT now comes with enhanced 2D graphics. It’s 2 times faster when you zoom and pan. You can also make quick changes to layer and draw order.

Shared views

Another enhanced feature is the shared views. Now, published designs may be viewed and commented on using a web browser.

AutoCAD web and mobile apps

As mentioned before, many features are introduced with the web and mobile apps. These new apps allow you to create, as well as edit, view, and share your CAD drawings from a browser or mobile device. This new feature gives you the freedom to create and collaborate on the go.

Enhanced user interface

In addition, the user interface received a facelift. The visuals have improved, and now include icons that have a flat design. It also has 4K enhancements for better visual detail.

PDF import

Lastly, this new feature is convenient for importing various things such as: geometry, fill, SHX font files, TrueType text, and raster images.

Additional Features

You also receive other features with the latest AutoCAD LT. This includes options to make user interactions and collaborations seamless. And, you also receive 2D drawing and drafting options. Take a look at the specifics below.

User Interaction

AutoCAD Ribbon

Use Ribbon tabs to quickly and easily get access to the tools you use the most.

Tool palettes

This is another way to access the tools and content you use the most. You can customize palettes with this feature.

Command line

If you like quick keys and strokes, you will also like this feature. Use simple keystrokes on the line to launch commands and respond to prompts.

Multifunctional grips

Grip editing got easier with multifunctional grips. You can reshape, move, or manipulate geometry easily with this feature.

Transparency for layers and objects

Need to view things easier through your layers? Adjust them with this feature. Use the settings for transparency for one or everything on a layer.

Change block setting

Change the shape, configuration, or size of your block references. This feature adds intelligence and flexibility to your blocks.

Associative arrays

Plan and map out landscapes or events better with associative arrays. This feature lets you create or modify objects along paths.

Isolate and select objects

Finally, the last feature in the user interface allows you to find properties of different objects. You can also hide different objects that you select.

2D Drawing, Drafting, and Annotation

Text

Create and format text. You can also format boundaries and columns for the text.

Smart dimensioning

Next, you can also create automatic dimensions. You can get a preview of it before creating it. Simply pass your cursor over the objects you want to preview.

Leaders

And, create leaders using text. Or, you can also use other content. You can also define styles and set leader lines easily using this feature.

Centerlines and center marks

Need to create center marks and centerlines? You can also edit center marks and lines here. Additionally, this feature automatically moves when you move the attached object.

Create tables

Next, link created tables to an MS Excel spreadsheet. Produce tables with symbols and data. Use columns and rows. And, apply your formulas to the spreadsheet.

Fields

You can also use fields to display text in objects. It updates automatically as you change the field values.

Data linking

Create a link between a table placed into your draft and your MS Excel spreadsheet. The live link updates changes simultaneously.

Revision clouds

Quickly pinpoint updates and changes by drawing revision clouds.

Collaboration

PDF file and DGN file collaboration

Use PDF and DGN files in a variety of ways. You can share and recycle data easily. Simply export, import, or attach the needed file as an underlay.

Referencing DWG and image files

Use your drawings as externally referenced files. Simply attach your images and drawings to your current one.

Sheet creation and management

And, you can view your data differently using the Sheet Set Manager feature. You can look at, manage, and plot many drawings as a sheet.

Geographic locations, online

Lastly, you can display a map of an inserted geographic location and information into your drawing. This uses an online service for maps. And, it is only available for the PC version of this software.

Why You Need It

You need AutoCAD LT to streamline your creative experience from inception to production. It also helps you collaborate with other people. Especially if you are on the go.
File exports and apps allow you to view projects without being tied to your desktop.

PC and Mac Editions

There are some variations between the PC and Mac versions of AutoCAD LT. They are both used for 2D drafting, documentation, and drawing. However, there are a few key differences regarding features access.
For example, you can only share and use data from Bing Maps and DGN files if you have the PC edition of this software.
However, the Mac version has features that are not available on the PC. They include:

• Coverflow navigation
• Multitouch gestures
• Multiview split screen
• Touch bar support

The PC and Mac editions of AutoCAD LT have the same core features, though. Both versions include these main features:

• 2D creation and editing
• Customization with tool palettes and the ribbon
• Annotations using dimensions, leaders, text, and tables
• Attaching and importing PDF files

So, the decision to use one version or the other really depends on which platform you prefer. The differences are minimal. And, unless online maps and DGN file capabilities are priorities for you, you can go with either one.

Final Thoughts

AutoCAD LT is a great minimalist version of the AutoCAD software. Especially if you only need 2D drafting and drawing capabilities. There is no need to pay quite a bit more money for features you don’t need.

Also, you still receive great user interface and collaboration features. And, everything that you expect from AutoCAD without the extra options to bloat your experience.

Finally, both PC and Mac versions of AutoCAD LT are very similar. They only diverge on a few points. So, your final decision may come down to the type of platform you prefer to work on.

 

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