Benefits of using AutoCAD vs. AutoCAD LT
AutoCAD® allows users to achieve a level of productivity for design creation that is not matched with AutoCAD LT®.
Autodesk commissioned a study that explored the productivity and commercial differentiations between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT when performing tasks ranging from creating geometry to creating plans and elevations, extracting object data, and applying and monitoring CAD standards.
Results showed that AutoCAD could allow a user to generate designs up to 3.9 times quicker* compared with AutoCAD LT, when these tasks were performed by an experienced AutoCAD user.
How AutoCAD Saves More Time Compared to AutoCAD LT
Parametric constraints – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 33%. AutoCAD offers complete geometric and dimensional constraint creation, editing, and management of parametric constraints.
Plans and elevations – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 46%. The 3D modeling tools in AutoCAD allow for easy manipulation to generate 2D plan and elevation objects.
Isometric drafting – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 61%. AutoCAD makes it easy to view 3D objects in isometric views and has visual styles that can be set to hide hidden detail.
Data extraction – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 90%. AutoCAD provides the functionality to extract data and create tables automatically, either in the drawing or in a Microsoft Excel® file.
CAD standards – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 81%. AutoCAD provides CAD standard functionality with a highly efficient method of checking standards against new and existing DWG files.
Text edting (Express Tools) – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 80%. AutoCAD includes Express Tools with advanced workflows when changing and manipulating text.
AutoLISP – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 50%. AutoLISP functionality is available in AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. Direct access to AutoLISP editors only from AutoCAD
saves time when editing the application.
Markup Import and Markup Assist – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 71%. Using machine learning, AutoCAD can interpret handwritten annotation and suggest conversions to AutoCAD objects, saving time and reducing errors.
Smart Blocks: Placement and Replacement – Time savings with AutoCAD up to 40%.
The Smart Blocks: Replacement tool in AutoCAD provides a simple interface where multiple blocks can be selected and replaced by a chosen block in one operation.
Application programming interface (API) and
the app store – AutoCAD offers an API not available in AutoCAD LT that allows users to automate tedious and time-consuming tasks. AutoCAD users are also able to purchase and download apps in the Autodesk App Store and develop apps to benefit
AutoCAD users on your team.
Autodesk AutoCAD vs AutoCAD LT 2024 Highlights Video
Tailored Functionality
Organisations can customise AutoCAD for their industries, empowering teams to build and run discipline-specific routines and workflows.
AutoLISP
AutoCAD LT now includes AutoLISP.
Leverage thousands of previously written programs created for use in AutoCAD-based programs. AutoCAD LT supports AutoLISP Source (LSP) files, compiled LSP files, Fast-load AutoLISP (FAS), and Visual LISP Applications (VLX) files.
Markup Import & Markup Assist
Faster cross-platform markup workflows through expanded machine learning capabilities & essential experience improvements
Faster cross-platform markup workflows through expanded machine learning capabilities & essential experience improvements
AutoCAD 2024 Vs AutoCAD LT 2024
AutoCAD 2024 offers more advanced features for 3D modeling, customisation with add-on apps and APIs, rendering, and CAD standards, among other features, while AutoCAD LT 2024 is a more affordable version that still offers many of the essential features for 2D drafting, annotation, and automation.
| Features | AutoCAD 2024 | AutoCAD LT 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Find and replace blocks based on other blocks in your drawing | Yes | No |
| Stay informed of relevant file changes with details of multi-user activities in a DWG file | Yes | No |
| Utilise AutoLISP programs to automate repetitive tasks and enhance workflows | Yes | Yes |
| Extend AutoLISP programs with third-party automation libraries, and utilize specialised editors to write and debug programs | Yes | No |
| Create and edit 2D geometry | Yes | Yes |
| Annotate drawings with traces, text, dimensions, leaders & tables | Yes | Yes |
| Customize the ribbon and tool palettes | Yes | Yes |
| Attach and import data from PDF files | Yes | Yes |
| Share and use data from DGN files, Navisworks, & Bing Maps | Yes | Yes |
| Create and edit 3D models with solids, surfaces, & mesh objects | Yes | No |
| Customize with add-on apps and APIs | Yes | No |
| Extract object data to tables | Yes | No |
| Create renderings with lighting, materials, & visual styles | Yes | No |
| Apply and monitor CAD standards | Yes | No |
| Automate counting objects and blocks | Yes | Yes |
| Share drawings with colleagues directly from AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT | Yes | Yes |
| Import feedback and incorporate changes with a click of a button | Yes | No |
| Learn new features and workflows to work faster with My Insights | Yes | No |
What's New in Specialised Toolsets
AutoCAD Architecture and MEP 2024
AEC3DPRINT
With AEC3DPRINT command, you can natively export the AEC objects to an STL file format that’s compatible with 3D printing without converting to 3D solids.
Enhanced Design Center Content
New MVBlocks and block references are available in Design Center.
More than 200 new MVBlocks and block references are added to the AutoCAD Architecture (US Imperial) and AutoCAD Architecture (US Metric) content packs for Design Center. The added content is available in metric profile for non-English languages. The content includes external lighting, bathroom accessories, furniture, site, kitchen fittings, and more.
Refer to the 2024 Help file for further information
AutoCAD Mechanical 2024
ANSI/ASME Standard Revision Update
The section line symbol within AutoCAD Mechanical is updated to support the AWS Y14.3 – 2012 standard revision. To support AWS Y14.3 – 2012, all aspects of the section line symbol are revised to correspond with AWS Y14.3 – 2012.
AutoCAD Mechanical continues to support the AWS Y14.3 – 2003 standard revision to allow documents created in previous releases to be opened, edited, and saved without updating the section line symbol standard. By supporting AWS Y14.3 – 2012 and AWS Y14.3 – 2003, you can annotate new and as-built designs using the required standard revision.
ISO Standard Revision Update for Taper and Slope Symbols
The taper and slope symbol within AutoCAD Mechanical is updated to support the ISO 3040:2016(E) standard revision. To support the ISO 3040:2016(E), all aspects of the taper and slope symbol is revised to correspond with ISO 3040:2016(E).
AutoCAD Mechanical continues to support the ISO 3040:2009(E) standard revision to allow documents created in previous releases to be opened, edited, and saved without updating the taper and slot symbol standard. By supporting ISO 3040:2016(E) and ISO 3040:2009(E), you can annotate new and as-built designs using the required standard revision.
Refer to the 2024 Help file for further information
AutoCAD Plant 3D 2024
Ortho Bill of Materials (BOM)
The Ortho Table Setup dialog box includes simplified options and more table capabilities for orthographic drawings. You can now add the Bill of Materials (BOM) for piping, equipment, steel, as well as nozzle and spool lists into ortho drawings.
Spec and Catalog Editor Enhancements
The Edit Parts and Edit Properties functions are enhanced in both Spec and Catalog Editors.
Edit parts within a selected parts family for inclusion in a spec sheet or catalog.
Refer to the 2024 Help file for further information
Pipe Spec Viewer Enhancements
View all parts available for a specific size in the selected spec. Use the search box to look for specific components in the Pipe Spec Viewer.
Any changes to the size and spec lists are both updated in Pipe Spec Viewer and the Part Insertion panel on the ribbon.
Ortho Single-Line Piping Enhancements
In this release, ortho single-line piping offers more enhancements including a new interface for some piping criteria providing better control when you display piping in a single-line representation in orthographic drawings.
AutoCAD Map 3D 2024
Coordinate System Update
AutoCAD Map 3D 2024 supports the new coordinate systems in the following categories:
- SnakeGrid EWR2
- NAD83(CSRS) / Alberta 3TM
Refer to the 2024 Help file for further information
AutoCAD Electrical 3D 2024
Pipe Spec Viewer Enhancements
Create a schematic symbol table from schematic reports.
The schematic report lists the symbols used in the project along with its description in a table. You can also surf through a particular symbol that is used in various locations of the project.
Wire Type Synchronisation
Wire type can now be synchronized for all wires in the network with the same signal code across the drawings.
In previous releases, when you update the type of the wire connected to the source arrows, the destination wire type was not updated. In AutoCAD Electrical 2024 toolset, when the wire type is updated at the source arrow, all wires in the network are updated to the same wire type of the source. New wire layers are created along with its properties if the destination drawing doesn’t contain the new wire type.
Refer to the 2024 Help file for further information
Discover the Right CAD Tool for Your Engineering Needs
Choosing between AutoCAD and AutoCAD Mechanical? Our free eBook offers a detailed comparison to help you make the best choice for your design projects. Gain insights into key features, pricing, and real-world applications.
Download the eBook now to make an informed decision and optimise your workflow.
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