Short answer: AutoCAD LT is 2D-only: the same drafting engine, DWG files and annotation tools as AutoCAD, without 3D modelling, LISP/API customisation or the specialised toolsets. If every drawing you produce is a plan, section, elevation or schematic, LT is enough. If you model in 3D, run custom routines, use third-party plug-ins or need Architecture, Electrical or MEP tools, buy full AutoCAD. LT costs about a quarter of AutoCAD from Autodesk; from AutoSoftKey both are 3-year licences from £39.
The AutoCAD versus AutoCAD LT question comes up in every small practice and every freelancer’s first-year budget, and the marketing does not make it easy: Autodesk describes LT as “powerful 2D CAD” and AutoCAD as “2D and 3D CAD with automation”, which tells you nothing about whether your work needs the difference. This guide lists exactly what LT leaves out, what that costs, and how to decide.
The feature differences, line by line
| Capability | AutoCAD LT | AutoCAD |
|---|---|---|
| 2D drafting, layers, blocks, hatches, dimensions | Yes | Yes |
| Dynamic blocks (use and edit) | Yes | Yes |
| Sheet sets, layouts, plot styles, PDF/DWG underlays | Yes | Yes |
| Drawing history, compare, count, trace | Yes | Yes |
| AutoCAD web and mobile apps | Yes | Yes |
| 3D solids, surfaces, meshes, rendering | View only | Yes |
| Point clouds (attach and edit) | No | Yes |
| AutoLISP, .NET, ObjectARX, Python (2026+) | No | Yes |
| Express Tools | No | Yes |
| Third-party plug-ins (most) | No | Yes |
| Specialised toolsets (Windows) | No | Yes |
| Network (multi-user) licensing | No | Yes |
| Platform | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac |
Two of those rows matter more than the rest. Customisation: LT cannot run LISP routines or the plug-ins many UK practices rely on for title blocks, numbering and export — if a colleague sends you a “handy LISP”, it will not load. Toolsets: on Windows, an AutoCAD subscription unlocks the Architecture, Mechanical, Electrical, MEP, Plant 3D, Map 3D and Raster Design toolsets, which LT never can.
Who should buy AutoCAD LT
- Drafting technicians producing 2D construction details, plans and elevations.
- Kitchen, joinery, signage and interiors designers working in plan and elevation.
- Surveyors, estate teams and facilities managers maintaining 2D records.
- Extra seats for drafting-only staff in a practice where designers keep full AutoCAD.
- Anyone who has used full AutoCAD for years and never touched the 3D tab.
Who should buy full AutoCAD
- Designers who model in 3D or need to visualise and render.
- Practices whose workflow depends on LISP, scripts or plug-ins.
- Engineers who need a specialised toolset — Electrical schematics, MEP services, Plant 3D piping, Map 3D GIS or Mechanical standard parts.
- Anyone importing point clouds from surveys.
- Teams that need network licensing.
What each edition costs in the UK
| AutoCAD LT | AutoCAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Autodesk monthly | £60 | about £234 |
| Autodesk annual | £492 | about £1,890 |
| Autodesk 3-year | about £1,476 | about £5,670 |
| AutoSoftKey 3-year licence | from £39 | from £39 |
On Autodesk’s prices the gap is roughly £1,400 a year, which is why choosing correctly matters. On AutoSoftKey’s 3-year licences the two start at the same price, so the only reason to choose LT is preference for the lighter application. The AutoCAD price UK guide has the full cost breakdown.
Three situations where LT is a false economy
You will need 3D within the licence term. There is no in-place upgrade from LT to AutoCAD; you buy a new licence. Your client or main contractor supplies drawings that depend on toolset objects — LT displays them through object enablers but cannot edit them. You inherit a colleague’s customised set-up of LISP routines and menus that LT cannot load. In each case, full AutoCAD from the start is cheaper than LT plus a second purchase.
And one situation where AutoCAD is the false economy
A practice buying five seats of full AutoCAD for five people who only ever draft in 2D is spending money on 3D and automation nobody uses. Audit what each person actually does before renewing; most drafting-only roles are LT roles.
Decided which edition you need?
Both are available as 3-year licences for Windows or Mac, with digital delivery and setup guidance by email.
AutoCAD vs AutoCAD LT FAQs
What is the difference between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT?
LT is the 2D-only edition. It lacks 3D modelling, LISP and API customisation, Express Tools, most plug-ins and the specialised toolsets; drafting, annotation, sheet sets and DWG compatibility are identical.
Does AutoCAD LT have 3D?
It can open and view drawings containing 3D objects but cannot create or edit 3D solids, surfaces or meshes.
Is AutoCAD LT worth it?
For 2D-only work, yes: it is a quarter of the price of AutoCAD from Autodesk and includes everything a drafter needs. For 3D, automation or toolsets, no.
Can I upgrade from AutoCAD LT to AutoCAD?
Not in place. You buy a full AutoCAD licence and install it alongside or instead of LT.
Is AutoCAD LT available for Mac?
Yes. Both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT have Mac editions; the toolsets are Windows-only.
Do AutoCAD and LT open the same files?
Yes. Both use the DWG format and can exchange drawings freely.