AutoCAD Lt vs AutoCAD

[bibleje]

If 3D is not needed whatsoever, what would be the main drawback of simply using LT?  I know of a company that is wanting to do mainly P&IDs and some simple sketches.  That's all they will be doing.  Are there some major functionality differences between the two softwares?  Also, are you able to do isometric sketching in LT (for piping)?  Their main reason for looking into LT is cost, pure and simple.  Thank you.

John E. Bible

[Washingtonn · Accepted solution]

I always cringe/smile when someone says something like "That's all they will be doing." and then adds more things to consider.
Here is a link which you can use to compare the two software packages:
https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/compare

[bibleje]

I do agree with that premise that they may need more but I think the second line in the comparison tells the tale.  $460/yr vs $1865/yr.  Over 4x difference.  This is their first exposure to CAD so I think they are just being cautious in seeing the ROI for the product.  Thank you for your input.

John E. Bible

[pendean]

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@bibleje wrote:

I do agree with that premise that they may need more but I think the second line in the comparison tells the tale.  $460/yr vs $1865/yr.  Over 4x difference.  This is their first exposure to CAD so I think they are just being cautious in seeing the ROI for the product.  Thank you for your input.

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A common misconception for sure.

Quick recap:

LT, @ $460/yr, is a general use CAD program that does not specialize in much of anything related to any industry (or much of any specialty that you listed as your intent) and repetitive tasks and serious automation is limited. It's great to use when your only concern is bottom line cost that does not factor in efficiencies of drafting.

AutoCAD, @  $1865/yr, give you not only access to 3rd party addons that would make your P&ID workload possibly lighter, you also get access to 30+ years of free LISP /VBA customizations that just making drafting and repetitive tasks way more automated.
PLUS you get to use all the other 6 variants of AutoCAD for free when you need them, and a Raster toolset, including but not limited to AutoCAD Plant3D which has P&ID abilities built in. That's 7 separate software packages.

So... "mainly P&IDs" to some folks means using the correct tool, short term costs can be easily compensated for with efficient use of time drafting (aka more billable hours or better use of time on fixed-bid projects). To others its nothing more than electronic pen/paper drafting, upfront cost is the only driving reason.

Choose wisely. You got this.

HTH

[DarrenP]

its definitely better to get Autocad than just LT  in case they may want to do 3d in the future