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AutoCAD LT Changelog

What's new in AutoCAD LT 2025

Apr 26, 2024
  • What’s included:
  • Best-in-class 2D drafting, design, and documentation tools.
  • AutoCAD on the web: View, create, and edit AutoCAD drawings from any computer with no software install required.*
  • AutoCAD on mobile: View, create, and edit AutoCAD drawings via iOS and Android devices.
  • Integrated workflows: Work smoothly across desktop, web, and mobile devices.*
  • Cloud storage connectivity: Access any DWG file in AutoCAD with Autodesk’s cloud, as well as with leading cloud storage providers.
  • Top new features added since 2016 include:
  • AutoLISP: Leverage AutoLISP to streamline workflows and enforce CAD standards through automation.
  • Smart Blocks: Automatically place blocks in your drawing based on where you’ve inserted the same ones in your drawing—or search and convert objects into new, existing, or recently used blocks.
  • Autodesk Assistant: Access helpful support and solutions related to features and your design challenges without leaving AutoCAD.
  • Activity Insights: Follow version history with file comparison tools to track updates for shared DWG with detailed properties.
  • File Open Performance: On average, 2D files will open 2x faster in AutoCAD LT 2025 vs. AutoCAD LT 2025**.
  • Trace: Safely review and add feedback directly to a DWG file without altering the existing drawing.
  • Count: Automate counting blocks or geometry with the Count command.
  • Share: Send a controlled copy of your drawing to teammates and colleagues to access wherever they are.
  • Push to Autodesk Docs: Push your CAD drawing sheets as PDFs to Autodesk Docs from AutoCAD.
  • Drawing history: See changes made to your drawing over time. (merged with Activity Insights as of AutoCAD LT 2025).
  • Xref compare: Compare two versions of an external xref and implement changes without leaving your current drawing.
  • Blocks palette: Insert blocks efficiently from the Libraries tab on desktop or in the AutoCAD web app.
  • Quick measure: Quickly display all nearby measurements including areas and perimeters in a drawing by hovering your mouse.
  • Trim and extend (enhanced): Automatically select all potential boundaries with the default Quick mode.
  • Purge (redesigned): Remove multiple unneeded objects with easy selection and object preview.
  • DWG™ compare: Compare two versions of a drawing or xref without leaving your current window.
  • PDF import: Import geometry (SHX font files, fills, raster images, and TrueType text) into a drawing from a PDF.
  • Save to web and mobile: Save drawings and their associated xrefs from your desktop to view and edit in AutoCAD on the web and on mobile.
  • New views and viewports: Easily add saved views to your layouts.
  • High-resolution monitor support: View your designs on 4K- and higher-resolution displays.
  • Off-screen selection: Keep selected objects in your selection set, even if you pan or zoom off screen.
  • Improvements since 2016:
  • Floating windows: Pull away drawing windows to display them side by side or on multiple monitors without opening another instance of AutoCAD
  • Faster Saves: Shave one second off each save on average
  • Speedy install time: Up to 50% faster for solid state hard drives
  • New dark theme: Modern blue aesthetic with contrast and sharpness improvements
  • User interface: Flat-design icons and intuitive dialog boxes and toolbars
  • 2D graphics: Better stability, fidelity, and performance
  • New DWG format: Save, move, and copy performance boost with the 2018.dwg file format
  • TrustedDWG: Integrity and compatibility alerts for DWG files
  • Support and software access:
  • Technical support:
  • Autodesk support specialists: Schedule a call,† chat online (limited availability), or email us.
  • Remote desktop assistance: Get secure, hands-on troubleshooting.†
  • Online resources: Access our knowledge base for help documentation, tutorials, training videos, and community support forums.
  • Access to the latest software: Instantly access the newest releases and updates.
  • Access previous versions: Download and use previous releases.
  • Flexible term lengths: Subscribe monthly, annually, or for 3 years.*
  • Administrative tools: Easily manage software licenses, seats, and usage from your Autodesk Account.
  • *Not available to maintenance plan customers.
  • †Available to maintenance plan customers with Advanced Support.

New in AutoCAD LT 2024 (Mar 31, 2023)

  • Trace:
  • Safely review and add feedback directly to a DWG™ file without altering the existing drawing
  • Share:
  • Send a controlled copy of your drawing to teammates and colleagues to access wherever they are
  • Count:
  • Automate counting blocks or geometry with the COUNT command
  • Push to Autodesk Docs:
  • Push your CAD drawing sheets as PDFs directly from AutoCAD LT to Autodesk Docs
  • Floating windows:
  • Pull away drawing windows to display side by side or on multiple monitors, in the same instance of AutoCAD LT
  • Cloud storage connectivity:
  • Access, preview, and open any DWG file in AutoCAD LT with Autodesk’s cloud and other leading cloud storage providers
  • AutoLISP:
  • Use AutoLISP in AutoCAD LT to streamline workflows and enforce CAD standards through automation
  • AutoCAD on any device:
  • View, edit, and create drawings in AutoCAD on virtually any desktop, web, and mobile device
  • Blocks palette:
  • View, access, and mark your blocks as favorites from AutoCAD LT on desktop or within the AutoCAD web app
  • Drawing history:
  • Compare past and present versions of a drawing and see the evolution of your work
  • Enhanced DWG compare:
  • Compare two versions of a drawing without leaving your current window
  • Dynamic blocks:
  • Add flexibility to your block references, including changes in shape, size, or configuration

New in AutoCAD LT 2023 (Mar 31, 2022)

  • Trace:
  • Safely review and add feedback directly to a DWG™ file without altering the existing drawing
  • Share:
  • Send a controlled copy of your drawing to teammates and colleagues to access wherever they are
  • Count:
  • Automate counting blocks or geometry with the COUNT command
  • Push to Autodesk Docs:
  • Push your CAD drawing sheets as PDFs directly from AutoCAD LT to Autodesk Docs
  • Floating windows:
  • Pull away drawing windows to display side by side or on multiple monitors, in the same instance of AutoCAD LT
  • Cloud storage connectivity:
  • Access, preview, and open any DWG file in AutoCAD LT with Autodesk’s cloud and other leading cloud storage providers
  • Quick measure:
  • Display all nearby measurements in a drawing simply by hovering your mouse
  • AutoCAD on any device:
  • View, edit, and create drawings in AutoCAD on virtually any desktop, web, and mobile device
  • Blocks palette:
  • View, access, and mark your blocks as favorites from AutoCAD LT on desktop or within the AutoCAD web app
  • Drawing history:
  • Compare past and present versions of a drawing and see the evolution of your work
  • Enhanced DWG compare:
  • Compare two versions of a drawing without leaving your current window
  • Dynamic blocks:
  • Add flexibility to your block references, including changes in shape, size, or configuration

New in AutoCAD LT 2022 (Oct 19, 2021)

  • Features:
  • Trace:
  • Safely review and add feedback directly to a DWG file without altering the existing drawing.
  • Share:
  • Send a controlled copy of your drawing to teammates and colleagues to access wherever they are.
  • Count:
  • Automate counting blocks or geometry with the COUNT command.
  • Performance enhancements:
  • Reduce the amount of time you spend setting up AutoCAD LT with faster and customizable installations.
  • Push to Autodesk Docs:
  • Push your CAD drawing sheets as PDFs directly from AutoCAD LT to Autodesk Docs.
  • Floating windows:
  • Pull away drawing windows to display side by side or on multiple monitors, in the same instance of AutoCAD LT.
  • Cloud storage connectivity
  • Access, preview, and open any DWG file in AutoCAD LT with Autodesk’s cloud, as well as with leading cloud storage providers.
  • Quick measure:
  • Display all nearby measurements in a drawing simply by hovering your mouse.
  • AutoCAD on any device:
  • View, edit, and create drawings in AutoCAD on virtually any device, desktop, web, and mobile.

New in AutoCAD LT 2019.0.1 Hotfix (Jul 6, 2018)

  • This Hotfix addresses an issue with Draw Order not functioning correctly after switching layouts.

New in AutoCAD LT 2019 (Mar 23, 2018)

  • DWG compare
  • Compare and document the differences between 2 versions of a drawing. (video: 2:41 min.)
  • Easily view and edit drawings from the web and mobile apps
  • Save to web and mobile
  • Save drawings from your desktop to view and edit on the AutoCAD web and mobile apps. (video: 2:11 min.)
  • Take advantage of 2D graphics enhancements
  • 2D graphics
  • Enjoy 2X faster zoom, pan, and change draw orders and layer properties.
  • Create shareable link for viewing and commenting on a drawing from a web browser
  • Shared views
  • Publish design views of your drawing in a web browser for viewing and commenting. (video: 1:06 min.)
  • Create, edit, view, and share CAD drawings from any device through the browser
  • AutoCAD web app
  • Create, edit, view, and share CAD drawings from any device through the browser. (video: 1:15 min.)
  • View, create, edit, and share CAD drawings on your mobile device with the AutoCAD mobile app
  • AutoCAD mobile app
  • View, create, edit, and share CAD drawings on your mobile device with the AutoCAD mobile app. (video: 43 sec.)
  • Flat-design icons and 4K enhancements in AutoCAD LT 2019
  • User interface
  • Experience improved visuals with new flat-design icons and 4K enhancements.
  • Video: Import geometry (including SHX text), fills, raster images, and TrueType text into a drawing from a PDF.
  • PDF import
  • Import geometry, SHX font files, fills, raster images, and TrueType text into a drawing from a PDF. (video: 2:45 min.)
  • More features
  • User interaction
  • Access your favorite tools easily when you need them with the AutoCAD ribbon.
  • Ribbon tabs and panels
  • Access your favorite tools easily when you need them with the AutoCAD ribbon.
  • Easily access your most frequently used content and tools with customizable tool palettes.
  • Tool palettes
  • Easily access your most frequently used content and tools with customizable tool palettes.
  • Launch commands and respond to prompts quickly with simple keystrokes, right at the command line.
  • Command line
  • Launch commands and respond to prompts quickly using simple keystrokes, right at the command line.
  • Easily reshape, move, or manipulate geometry with grip editing.
  • Multifunctional grips
  • Easily reshape, move, or manipulate geometry with grip editing.
  • Object and layer transparency
  • Control the transparency for selected objects or for all objects on a layer.
  • Dynamic blocks
  • Add flexibility and intelligence to your block references, including changing the shape, size, or configuration.
  • Associative arrays
  • Create and modify objects in circular or rectangular patterns, or along a path.
  • Object selection and isolation
  • Find and select all objects that match the properties of an object. Hide or unhide the selected objects.
  • 2D drafting, drawing, and annotation
  • Text
  • Create a single or multiline text (mtext) as a single text object. Format the text, columns, and boundaries.
  • Smart dimensioning
  • Create dimensions automatically. Pass the cursor over selected objects to get a preview before you create it.
  • Leaders
  • Create leaders with a variety of content, including text or blocks. Easily format leader lines, and define styles.
  • Smart centerlines and center marks
  • Create and edit centerlines and center marks that automatically move when you move the associated objects.
  • Tables
  • Create tables with data and symbols in rows and columns, apply formulas, and link to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
  • Revision clouds
  • Draw revision clouds around new changes in a drawing to quickly identify your updates.
  • Layouts
  • Specify the size of your drawing sheet, add a title block, and display multiple views of your model.
  • Layout viewports
  • Create layout viewports to display different elements of your design at varying scales.
  • Fields
  • Use fields in text objects to display text that can be updated automatically as the field value changes.
  • Data linking
  • Enable simultaneous updates by creating a live link between a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and a table in your drawing.
  • Collaboration
  • PDF and DGN import/export/underlay
  • Share and reuse data from PDF and DGN files by importing, exporting, or attaching them as underlays.
  • DWG and image references
  • Attach drawings and images to your current drawing as externally referenced files.
  • Sheet set manager
  • View, access, manage, and plot multiple drawings as sheet.
  • Geographic location and online maps
  • Insert geographic location information into a drawing, and display a map in the drawing from an online map service.
  • Installation and customization
  • TrustedDWG technology
  • TrustedDWG™ technology lets you know of a possible incompatibility when a file was not last saved by an Autodesk software.
  • Migration tool
  • Migrate your custom settings and files from previous releases.
  • CUI customization
  • Customize the user interface to improve accessibility and reduce the number of steps for frequent tasks.
  • Sysvar monitor
  • Monitor current system variables against a preferred list of values. Notification balloons alert you of deviations.
  • Autodesk desktop app
  • Get alerts and install software updates without disrupting your workflow. View tutorials about new features.

New in AutoCAD LT 2018 (Mar 24, 2017)

  • AutoCAD® 2018 software includes enhancements and new features such as external reference path repair and recognition of SHX font files.
  • KEY FEATURES:
  • PDF import:
  • Import geometry, including SHX font files, fills, raster images, and TrueType text into a drawing from a PDF
  • External file references:
  • Save time and minimize frustration with tools to fix broken paths for externally referenced files.
  • Object selection:
  • Selected objects stay in the selection set, even if you pan or zoom off screen.
  • Text to Mtext:
  • Convert combinations of text and Mtext objects to a single Mtext object.
  • User interface:
  • Work intuitively with common dialog boxes and toolbars.
  • Share design views:
  • Publishes design views of your drawing to a secure location for viewing and sharing in a web browser.
  • High-resolution monitor support:
  • Enjoy the best possible viewing experience ever, even on 4K and higher resolution displays.
  • AutoCAD mobile app:
  • View, create, edit, and share CAD drawings on your mobile device with the AutoCAD mobile app.
  • USER INTERACTION:
  • Ribbon tabs and panels:
  • Access your favorite tools easily when you need them with the AutoCAD ribbon.
  • Tool palettes:
  • Easily access your most frequently used content and tools with customizable tool palettes.
  • Command line:
  • Launch commands and respond to prompts quickly using simple keystrokes, right at the command line.
  • Multifunctional grips:
  • Easily reshape, move, or manipulate geometry with grip editing.
  • Object and layer transparency:
  • Control the transparency for selected objects or for all objects on a layer.
  • Dynamic blocks:
  • Add flexibility and intelligence to your block references, including changing the shape, size, or configuration.
  • Associative arrays:
  • Create and modify objects in circular or rectangular patterns, or along a path.
  • Object selection and isolation:
  • Find and select all objects that match the properties of an object. Hide or unhide the selected objects.
  • 2D DRAFTING, DRAWING, AND ANNOTATION:
  • Text settings:
  • Create single or multiline text (mtext) as a single text object. Format the text, columns, and boundaries.
  • Smart dimensioning:
  • Create dimensions automatically. Pass the cursor over selected objects to get a preview before you create it.
  • Leaders:
  • Create leaders with a variety of content, including text or blocks. Easily format leader lines, and define styles.
  • Smart centerlines and center marks:
  • Create and edit centerlines and center marks that automatically move when you move the associated objects.
  • Tables:
  • Create tables with data and symbols in rows and columns, apply formulas, and link to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
  • Revision clouds:
  • Draw revision clouds around new changes in a drawing to quickly identify your updates.
  • Layouts:
  • Specify the size of your drawing sheet, add a title block, and display multiple views of your model.
  • Layout viewports:
  • Create layout viewports to display different elements of your design at varying scales.
  • Fields:
  • Use fields in text objects to display text that can be updated automatically as the field value changes.
  • Data linking:
  • Enable simultaneous updates by creating a live link between a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and a table in your drawing.
  • Data extraction:
  • Extract information from objects, blocks, and attributes, including drawing information.
  • Parametric constraints:
  • Apply geometric and dimensional constraints to maintain relationships between drawing geometry.
  • Express tools:
  • Extend the power of AutoCAD with a collection of productivity tools.
  • COLLABORATION:
  • PDF and DGN import/export/underlay
  • Share and reuse data from PDF and DGN files by importing, exporting, or attaching them as underlays.
  • DWG and image references:
  • Attach drawings and images to your current drawing as externally referenced files.
  • Sheet set manager:
  • View, access, manage, and plot multiple drawings as sheet sets.
  • Reference Navisworks models:
  • Attach and view Navisworks models as underlays to your AutoCAD drawings.
  • Import 3D models:
  • Import maps, parts, and assemblies from applications including CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, and others.
  • Geographic location and online maps:
  • Insert geographic location information into a drawing, and display a map in the drawing from an online map service.
  • INSTALLATION AND CUSTOMIZATION:
  • TrustedDWG technology:
  • TrustedDWG™ technology lets you know of a possible incompatibility when a file was not last saved by an Autodesk software.
  • Migration tool:
  • Migrate your custom settings and files from previous releases.
  • CUI customization:
  • Customize the user interface to improve accessibility and reduce the number of steps for frequent tasks.
  • Secure load:
  • Specify security restrictions for running executables in AutoCAD to help protect against malicious executable code.
  • Action recorder:
  • Record commands and input values that can be played back as an action macro.
  • Multi-user (network) license sharing:
  • Pool licenses on a server to reduce costs when not all licenses are in use at the same time.
  • Sysvar monitor:
  • Monitor current system variables against a preferred list of values. Notification balloons alert you of deviations.
  • Tools for managing CAD standards:
  • Define and monitor CAD standards to maintain consistent styles for layers, linetypes, text, and dimensions.
  • Application Programming Interface (API):
  • Control drawings and databases with ActiveX, VBS, AutoLisp, Visual LISP, ObjectARX, JavaScript, and .NET.
  • Autodesk App Store
  • Customize your software with Autodesk-approved extensions from the Autodesk App Store.
  • Autodesk desktop app:
  • Get alerts and install software updates without disrupting your workflow. View tutorials about new features.

New in AutoCAD LT 2015 (Apr 24, 2014)

  • New features:
  • Refined interface:
  • The new interface has a updated look and feel that improves the design process.
  • Ribbon galleries:
  • Save time and clicks by accessing drawing content directly from the ribbon.
  • New Tab page:
  • Quickly open new and existing drawings and access a large selection of design elements that help you start on a project.
  • Command preview:
  • Evaluate potential changes before committing to them. Preview outcomes of frequently used commands such as Offset, Fillet, and Trim.
  • Enhanced features:
  • Design feed:
  • Enhancements include the capability to use design feed on an intranet, as well as on through an Internet or cloud connection.
  • Online maps:
  • Access online maps—formerly live maps—directly inside the canvas. Now you can also capture maps as static images for printing.