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AutoCAD LT VS LibreCAD

Compare AutoCAD LT VS LibreCAD and see what are their differences

AutoCAD LT logo AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD LT is a drafting tool to create 2D drawings.

LibreCAD logo LibreCAD

An open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux.
  • AutoCAD LT Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-23
  • LibreCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-18

AutoCAD LT features and specs

  • Cost-effective
    AutoCAD LT is generally more affordable than the full version of AutoCAD, making it accessible for small businesses and individual professionals who need basic drafting and design tools without the expense of the full suite.
  • User-friendly interface
    AutoCAD LT offers a streamlined and intuitive interface, allowing users to easily navigate and utilize the essential drafting features, making it suitable for beginners and efficient for experienced users.
  • 2D Drafting Focus
    As a 2D drafting software, AutoCAD LT provides robust tools for creating precise technical drawings, schematics, and documentation, catering to industries that primarily require 2D designs.
  • File Compatibility
    AutoCAD LT ensures compatibility with DWG files, enabling seamless collaboration with users of the full AutoCAD version and integration into existing workflows that require industry-standard file formats.
  • Reliability
    Known for its stability and performance, AutoCAD LT is a reliable tool for generating professional and accurate 2D drawings, maintaining a high standard of quality in outputs.

Possible disadvantages of AutoCAD LT

  • Limited 3D Capabilities
    AutoCAD LT lacks 3D modeling features, restricting users to 2D drafting which may not suffice for projects requiring complex 3D designs or visualizations.
  • Feature Limitations
    Compared to the full version of AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT offers fewer advanced customization and automation tools, like LISP programming, which can limit productivity enhancements and tailored workflows.
  • No Network Licensing
    AutoCAD LT does not support network licensing, which can make it challenging for larger organizations that need to manage multiple user licenses efficiently across departments.
  • Third-party app limitations
    AutoCAD LT has limited support for third-party applications and plugins, potentially restricting users who need specialized tools or extensions to supplement their drafting needs.
  • No Parametric Constraints
    The absence of parametric constraints in AutoCAD LT means users can't define relationships between objects that automatically update changes, which can impact workflows requiring dynamic updates to designs.

LibreCAD features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    LibreCAD is completely free to use, and its open-source nature allows users to modify and improve the software according to their needs.
  • Cross-Platform
    The software is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring that users on different operating systems can utilize it without compatibility issues.
  • Lightweight
    LibreCAD is not resource-heavy, making it suitable for older computers and systems with limited hardware capabilities.
  • 2D CAD Focus
    Specialized for 2D design, making it easier for users who specifically need 2D drafting tools as it avoids the complexities associated with 3D modeling.
  • Customizable Interface
    Users can tailor the interface to better suit their workflow, enhancing productivity and ease of use.
  • Active Community Support
    An active community provides support, documentation, and forums for troubleshooting and advice, making it easier for users to solve problems and learn new features.

Possible disadvantages of LibreCAD

  • Limited 3D Capabilities
    LibreCAD is primarily a 2D CAD software and does not support 3D modeling, which can be a limitation for users needing advanced spatial design tools.
  • Steeper Learning Curve for Beginners
    While powerful, the software can be challenging for new users unfamiliar with CAD software, requiring a significant amount of time to learn.
  • Fewer Advanced Features
    Compared to some professional CAD packages, LibreCAD lacks some of the more advanced features and tools, which can limit its use in complex projects.
  • Limited File Format Compatibility
    LibreCAD primarily supports DXF format, and while it can read/write other formats, the compatibility is not as comprehensive as some other CAD software.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Some users have reported crashes and bugs, which can be problematic for those working on time-sensitive projects.
  • Sparse Documentation
    While there is community support, the official documentation can be lacking in detail, making it difficult for users to find thorough guidance on complex tasks.

AutoCAD LT videos

AutoCAD LT 2020 UI Tour Demo Video

More videos:

  • Review - Introducing AutoCAD LT 2019
  • Review - Getting Started With AutoCAD LT 2014:Installing AutoCAD LT And Design Review

LibreCAD videos

FreeCAD vs. LibreCAD

More videos:

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to AutoCAD LT and LibreCAD)
3D
15 15%
85% 85
CAD
23 23%
77% 77
Architecture
12 12%
88% 88
Simulation Software
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare AutoCAD LT and LibreCAD

AutoCAD LT Reviews

We have no reviews of AutoCAD LT yet.
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LibreCAD Reviews

15 Best Sketchup Alternatives 2022
Also, it is a CAD program so the created files can work on other CAD software programs, even if 3D based. Sketchup supports up to 11 languages, but LibreCAD beats that with support for more than 30 languages.
Alternatives to SketchUp: Check out 10 free programs
Just like Blender, you can help develop and enhance the platform by editing the code base and adding even more features to the software. So, if you’re looking for a more simple, perfect for beginners program, LibreCAD can be the best out of the alternatives to SketchUp for you. Being a fully free system, you can only gain.
Source: solidface.com
9 Free CAD Software to Download
Here’s another high quality 2D-CAD modeling platform, LibreCAD, an easy-to-use software with a lot of high quality features included in it. LibreCAD has features such as snap to grid for drawing, usage of layers, measurements inside your drawing and plenty others to make your life easier when you’re drawing on a 2D-CAD platform.
Looking for a SketchUp alternative? Check out the 10 best options
LibreCAD is a 2D CAD software that serves as a great way to learn and practice 2D modeling. It’s completely free and open-sourced, with a healthy user base around it to boot.
Source: all3dp.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, LibreCAD seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 19 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

AutoCAD LT mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of AutoCAD LT yet. Tracking of AutoCAD LT recommendations started around Mar 2021.

LibreCAD mentions (19)

  • Looking for a poor man's AutoCad
    LibreCAD, OpenSCAD (more script based and more for solids), FreeCAD. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • If I don't use Windows or Mac and only use Linux, will I run into a lot of compatibility issues?
    CAD options on Linux are more limited than windows or mac but they do exist. The industry standard for 2d CAD files is the .dxf file format. I use LibreCAD. https://librecad.org/ The UI is a little clunky and eccentric in places but it is feature complete for 2d CAD drawings. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Windows / MacOS - Home/garden design
    You could also try out free AutoCAD alternatives like libreCAD (2D), or brlCAD (2D&3D, I believe). Source: about 2 years ago
  • Everything you need to know about CAD humble bundle
    It seems like a low risk purchase for $1, however, there are free options available too such as https://librecad.org/ . Or see https://www.reddit.com/r/humblebundles/comments/117ki1c/comment/j9v0v37/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 for an older Autocad clone. Beckercad 2D seems like a niche product so I would probably invest my time learning something that is more mainstream. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Architectural Software
    For 2d stuff I tend to use Libra cad Https://librecad.org/. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing AutoCAD LT and LibreCAD, you can also consider the following products

BricsCAD - A powerful CAD platform, with features familiar to you from native .dwg applications.

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

progeCAD - progeCAD is DWG/DXF-native CAD software, built for professional drafting.

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone

PowerCADD - PowerCADD is a computer-aided design software application that enables users to create and edit 2D and 3D drawings.

Autodesk AutoCAD - Autodesk AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application.