Designed by Autodesk and commissioned to an outside consultant, this comprehensive productivity study explores the functional and commercial differences between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. While both software variants share the same core features, AutoCAD delivers powerful 2D and 3D drafting along with automation capabilities, whereas AutoCAD LT is focused on providing a comprehensive 2D drafting toolset.
The 74% Productivity Advantage
By testing common design challenges with an expert-level user, this study proved that AutoCAD achieves a level of productivity for design creation unmatched by AutoCAD LT. Across a comprehensive series of tasks, users can achieve an overall time saving of up to 74% when utilizing AutoCAD.
Key Time Savings by Design Task
- Data Extraction (90% Faster): Utilizing AutoCAD’s DATAEXTRACTION command to count blocks and attributes saves significant time compared to the manual manual logging processes required in AutoCAD LT.
- CAD Standards Verification (81% Faster): AutoCAD utilizes DWS files to provide a highly efficient method for checking layers, text, and dimensions, bypassing the time-consuming manual checks needed in AutoCAD LT.
- Advanced Text Editing (80% Faster): Exclusive AutoCAD Express Tools drastically reduce the time needed to convert single-line text to multiline text or modify text cases.
- Markup Import and Assist (71% Faster): AutoCAD uses machine learning to quickly interpret handwritten annotations on marked-up raster files and convert them into standard AutoCAD objects.
- Isometric Drafting (61% Faster): AutoCAD generates true 3D isometric views and easily hides hidden details using visual styles, whereas AutoCAD LT forces users to rely on constrained 2D modeling.
- Plans and Elevations (46% Faster): AutoCAD provides advanced 3D modeling tools for easy manipulation of 2D plans, generating elevations much faster than standard 2D drafting.
Unlocking Automation and Customization
- API Access: AutoCAD features an Application Programming Interface (API), allowing users to develop custom routines via Visual Basic or LISP to automate tedious, time-consuming tasks.
- Autodesk App Store: AutoCAD users gain full access to a multitude of specialized apps for purchase and download, enabling further workflow optimization.
Seamless AutoLISP Integration: AutoCAD provides direct access to Visual LISP and Visual Basic Editors for immediate application editing and debugging. AutoCAD LT lacks API development capabilities and requires users to rely on external editors just to modify simple scripts.
Fill out the form below to get instant access to complete eBook.
