I’m a new member and have some questions regarding AutoCadLT.  I have experience with much older versions of AutoCad ( like AutoCad200...).  I do not have a need for 3D applications.  I own my own landscape design / build business and work exclusively in the high-end residential design market in South Florida.I am a Mac user, but also have access to home laptop PC.  I’ve read a lot of horror stories/reviews  about the functionality of AutoCad on the Mac platform, enough to really scare me away from purchasing that format.  I have not used AutoCadLT in the past, only the full version of AutoCad I noted.  I have a few basic questions, and would appreciate any comments or ideas you may have regarding the following:1.  With my basic knowledge and experience using 2D drawing & editing commands from my past AutoCad experience, does LT have any major functional differences from the full version, other than the 3D capabilities?2.  I’m not one that needs major “bell & whistles”.  Basically I need to be able to draw a base plan, add plant symbols from a library I hope to be able to save, be able to hatch / fill and print out sheets for my clients.  I see older versions for sale such as AutoCadLT 2010 for significantly less money than the 2014 version.  Are there any major revisions worth the price of the new version, again keeping in mind mine is a very “vanilla” application?3.  Is the Mac operational issue still a big deal?  I can’t afford to invest $900 to find out.  I’d be more inclined to purchase for PC, even though I prefer Mac life.Thank you for your comments.  

1. There are no major functional differences that would preclude you from doing 2D landscape drawings using LT.2. The only version of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT that you can LEGALLY buy at this time is 2014.  Any other versions you see for sale are either being sold in violation of AutoDesk's End Users License Agreement or they are pirated copies.  If you buy either of them AutoDesk has no legal responsibility to provide you with an activation code which means you could be out any money you spent on the software and have a non-functioning program on your hands you cannot return for a refund.3. There are some major differences between the Mac and PC versions of AutoCAD.  I believe there is a feature comparison chart at the AutoDesk website that spells out what those differences are.  Bear in mind one other thing.  If you run into a problem you better hope you know someone else who runs the Mac version who can help you or you'll be ending up solely looking for help at the AutoCAD for Mac discussion group and not a website like this or the handful of other AutoCAD help sites that are mainly frequented by AutoCAD on a PC users.Got all that?There are two other options available to you.1. Use a FREE CAD program like Draftsight.  It is an AutoCAD clone offered by Dessault Systemes.2. Buy a low-cost AutoCAD clone like Bricscad.  The price is even lower than AutoCAD LT.


John Connor2014-01-29 18:50:21

I would concur with John's comments.Autodesk's draconian licensing has been the bane of many.Although I've no personal experience with the Mac version of AutoCAD, I've read of many quirks on that platform.I, too, would suggest considering the options mentioned.

Thanks for the input.  I did not realize that the folks selling the older versions of AutoCad were doing so in a shady manner.I did purchase another CAD product a few months ago called HighDesign.  It was relatively inexpensive, and does a good bit of what I need, but does not have some basic functions I require in certain editing commands.  Its hard to describe fully, but simple things like trimming out multiple intersecting circles simply blows that program’s mind.  That’s an almost everyday basic need I have in the landscape design world.  Arcs, especially continuous arcs are impossible with this program, and the hatch function leaves a lot to be desired.In short, High design is not AutoCad and since I’ve been so accustomed to working with AutoCad commands, it’s hard for this old dog to learn the new operations of a different program.  I’ve emailed them for help, but most of the answers come back as capabilities the program doesn’t have and “we’ll look into that”.

You may want to DL trial of BricsCAD.I migrated from AutoCAD seamlessly w/ almost no learning curve.Autodesk's upgrade policies became cost prohibitive.CAD guru Ralph Grabowski's "BricsCAD for AutoCAD Users" with his comparison of the two here: http://www.bricsys.com/bricscad/docs/en_US/V14/BricsCADV14ForAutoCADusers-en_US.pdf

Thank you Robert!

My pleasure

One other major functional difference that hasn't been mentioned here yet is that LT does not support LISP.  You can create scripts, and if you want load .lsp files as part of your startup routine, but you cannot create/edit LISP routines or load them from within LT.  That and the lack of 3D (altho' you can view 3D files created with the full version) are the major differences.  I don't believe LT includes Express Tools/command either.From there you can follow the advice of others here and look for a direct LT-AutoCAD command comparison chart.  There are also a number of full version commands that LT does not recognize.I would also agree with others and point you toward the Windows version of LT if you get it.  The Mac version is still not fully vetted or as easy to get help with.Dave.

Swampy: Did you use lisp when you ran an older full version of AutoCAD?The Mac version of AutoCAD is still a work in progress.  AutoDesk did add some new functionality the last time around and I suspect more will be added to the 2015 version.  Between the software and the cost of a Mac I hope you're business is doing very well because it is going to be expensive if you go that route.