AutoCAD

Comparison of AutoCAD releases

Can’t decide which version to choose? Have a look at what features are included in the individual AutoCAD releases that we sell in our e-shop in the table below.

Swipe to the side to see the rest of the table.

Feature/ AutoCAD version	PDF import	Simplified interface	DirectX 11 support	Line smoothing (anti-aliasing)	Ribbon gallery	High-resolution monitor support
2011
2012
2014
2015
2016
2018
2019
2020

Feature/ AutoCAD version	PDF import	Simplified interface	DirectX 11 support	Line smoothing (anti-aliasing)	Ribbon gallery	High-resolution monitor support
2011
2012
2014
2015
2016
2018
2019
2020

Introducing AutoCAD category

AutoCAD products are perfect for: businesses of all sizes (construction and design companies especially), architects, project managers, engineers

Main benefits:

• Versatile array of features that can be used in many work fields
• Comprehensive, yet easy to use software with intuitive interface
• Photorealistic rendering allows better illustrations of designs
• Wide variety of formats for document sharing
• Library of materials such as wood or brick and adjustable lighting will help with creating a more complete look of your designs
  
  

Please note: The AutoCAD products that we offer can differ as newer releases usually come with additional features and improvements of the already existing ones. The following description focuses on one of the latest perpetual products – AutoCAD 2020.

Introducing AutoCAD 2020

With AutoCAD 2020 you can easily produce professional 2D documentation and drawings by using a comprehensive set of editing and annotation tools. The program also allows you to create and edit realistic 3D models by applying different types of surfaces, solids, and mesh objects. Find everything you might need for 2D drawings and 3D modelling in one software!

With AutoCAD 2020 you can:

• Use lines, polylines, User Coordinate System (UCS) and other features to create 2D objects.
• Use dimensions, notes, and other types of explanatory symbols or objects to add information to your drawing.
• Enjoy easy access to tools anytime you need them with the Ribbon Tabs and Panels.
• Attach and import data from PDF files into a drawing.
• Share and/or reuse data from DGN, Navisworks, and Bing Maps files by importing, exporting, or attaching them as underlays.
• Customize user interface with a vast collection of additional tools and APIs.
• Choose a data source to extract property data from selected objects to a table or to an external file.
• Add lights, apply materials and visual styles to objects in your 3D models, and create high-resolution rendered images.
  
  

What’s new in AutoCAD 2020?

New Dark Theme
The new dark blue theme provides contrast improvements, sharper icons and better looking interface that’s easy on the eyes.

Blocks Palette
Blocks palette helps to insert blocks with visual galleries. You can drag and drop them into the drawing from Current Drawing, Recent, or Other Drawing tabs.

Quick Measurement Tool
This new tool allows you to measure distances in the drawing in real time by moving the cursor in the drawing area, over and between objects.

Improved DWG Compare tool
You can now compare two versions of a drawing in the same window and import changes into the current drawing constantly. The DWG Compare toolbar allows you to activate/deactivate selected layers, making it easier to see differences and apply adjustments from one version to the other.

Redesigned Purge command
This feature has been adjusted to make removing unused objects (such as block definitions, layers, or dimension styles) easier, so that your drawing contains only relevant information.

Minimum hardware requirements

Processor: 2.5 GHz
Memory: 8 GB
Hard Disk Space: 6 GB
Graphics: 1 GB CPU; DirectX 11; 1920 x 1080 screen resolution with True Color
Operating system: Windows (64-bit only for every system) 7 SP1, 8.1, 10; Mac OS 10.13 or later (64-bit)

IMPORTANT: Starting with AutoCAD 2020, the program only runs on systems with the 64-bit architecture as the compatibility with 32-bit architecture systems has been discontinued.

Please keep in mind that the minimum hardware requirements differ significantly between AutoCAD versions, that’s why you should always check this information in the product detail of a specific product.

AutoCAD vs AutoCAD LT

What is the difference between these two versions?

The main and most important one is that AutoCAD LT is focused on 2D drafting, drawings, and documentation, whether the full version of AutoCAD not only offers 2D drawing, but also 3D modeling and visualization.

You can see a basic overview of the differences in the table below. If you would like to learn more about the mentioned features, just click the one you are interested in and the link will take you to the feature description.

AutoCAD vs AutoCAD LT comparison table

AutoCAD vs AutoCAD LT – feature details

3D Modelling
In AutoCAD LT you can open and view 3D models created in the full version of AutoCAD, but you can’t create any new ones or edit them. AutoCAD provides full support for 3D modelling.

Parametric Drawings
The full version of AutoCAD provides a complete support for parametric drawings – a technology that allows designing with constraints = geometric and dimensional associations and restrictions are applied to your 2D designs. With AutoCAD LT you can display, edit and change values of existing constrained drawings, but you won’t be able to create new ones.

Licensing
AutoCAD is available in the SLM and NLM licensing model. AutoCAD LT is available in the SLM version, NLM is not supported.

What is the difference between SLM and NLM?
SLM = Single License Manager: 1 SLM product can be installed and activated on up to 2 devices, but it can only be used on 1 device at a time. Special conditions apply. Click here for more information.
NLM = Network License Manager: 1 NLM product can be installed on an unlimited number of devices, but can be used only on 1 device at any given moment. The total number of products that can be in use equals the amount of NLMs you have bought.

Customization
A simple customization is available for AutoCAD LT – for instance: writing scripts, creating and modifying toolbars or using custom hatch patterns and linetypes. Apart from the aforementioned features, the full version of AutoCAD supports a number of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for more advanced customization.

Express Tools
Express Tools is a library of productivity tools designed to extend the power of AutoCAD products. This set of very useful additional tools is provided by Autodesk as a courtesy to their customers, but since they’re officially unsupported, the company doesn’t take any responsibility for their successful operation.

These tools are available in the full version of AutoCAD.

Should I choose AutoCAD, or AutoCAD LT?

Still not sure which of the versions is a better fit for you? Check what you should consider before you make a final decision:

1. Type of market and future projects
Your choice should be based on the type of market you want to aim at with your designs. Residential construction projects can be presented in 2D, but for advanced commercial constructions you might need 3D design and visualization.

2. Learning curves
Do you have time and resources to train your employees? It may take time to get familiarized with the program, so make sure that you checked basic features and tools available in both softwares before making a decision. As AutoCAD LT offers only 2D drafting and has less advanced features, it will take less time to start using the product.

3. Price and return of investment
Every purchase of new software should be treated as an investment. New functionalities should let you create more valuable projects and generate more profit. Consider which features are essential for you and the future development of your business and count which version of AutoCAD will bring a better ROI.