6 Things every interior designer needs to know about AutoCAD LT
When I started drafting training at school AutoCAD was being used by construction companies to complete work, but there were many who still drafted by hand. It is why we had to spend a considerable amount of time working and learning by hand so that we could fit into the industry as soon as we finished out training.
Over the years I have seen this change to the point where your interior design firm simply can not survive without using drafting CAD programs for 2D drafting and 3D renderings. It has been a powerful trend in the industry, and one that has opened up so many opportunities and chances.
Back in school I learned other CAD software programs, but it was not until years later that I started to apply for jobs where AutoCAD LT was the main skill that I needed to know in order to get the job, or at least be considered for it in the first place. I have been using AutoCAD LT for the last decade and while I have tried many other platforms, I still honestly think that AutoCAD LT is the best tool for designers to use when they need to represent their designs.
But what has this trend happened? What does it mean? And why is AutoCAD LT the way forward? To shine a little extra light on the subject I have put together the top 6 things you need to know about the world of AutoCAD LT and what it has to offer.
1. Choosing the right software for your Interior Design business is key
Image 1: AutoCAD LT 2021 Branding photoshoot for CAD4Interiors
If you want to do the best work possible, you need the right tools for the job. According to the experts at Architectural Digest Pro:
“Autodesk AutoCAD LT is ideal for everyone from interior designers and architects, to engineers and construction professionals“. Once you start using it, you’ll see why it’s the most popular piece of software in the industry.
AutoCAD LT is a highly reliable and intuitive piece of software that allows professionals to design, draft, and document their drawings in 2D. The all-purpose suite contains a comprehensive range of editing and annotation tools, as well as a graphical user interface (GUI), making it a highly desirable option for interior designers across the world.
AutoCAD LT is best used for detailing or where you need to work with consultants to ensure clean data exchanges. If you are looking to model in 3D, AutoCAD LT makes it easy to export 2D floor plans and elevations that you can then import and develop with other tools such as Sketchup, 3dsmax, Autodesk Revit, 2020, Floor Planner 5D or a variety of other rendering platforms such as Coohom. Foyr Neo, Enscape and V-Ray, And thanks to the new integrated AutoCAD web application and the mobile app, users can view, edit, annotate and create drawings at any time on their smartphone or tablet thanks to a piece of software that works equally well across Windows and Mac OS.
2. Picking between AutoCAD vs AutoCAD LT matters
Image 2: Autodesk Autocad Vs Autodesk AutoCAD LT logos
When you want to get started fast, sometimes you do not need all of the complex functionality AutoCAD has to offer. To provide more choice Autodesk created a ‘lite’ version in the form of AutoCAD LT. It is a simplified 2D drafting and documentation program that lacks the 3D functionality offered by AutoCAD. It does however include the same level of 2D precision offered by AutoCAD. Proof, if any were needed, that choosing the software that is right for you is all about finding something you feel comfortable using and do not get overwhelmed by.
One of the other pluses of LT is that it is available for a relatively small investment. Subscriptions start from just $485/year or $60/ month with a range of flexible monthly payment plans available too. Additionally, Autodesk periodically offers promotional discounts where you can save up to 20% off on most of their products for new and current customers and this promotion is available throught the year. Just what you want to hear when you’re ready to change the way you do things without drastically changing your budget. In addition, students can make use of free versions to get them started, while companies can benefit from the variety of bundle options on offer.
3. Is it difficult for an interior designer to learn AutoCAD LT?
You do not have to understand every single complex feature, you just need to master the basics and get started with your practical learning. While most drafting is done with a handful of tools, there a few others additional features that are of great importance to know for efficient power drafting such as xrefs, clipping (xclip), associative dimensioning, image import, image scaling, hatching, pdf import, dim style selection, setting units and importing blocks will all allow you to get further than before with your learning. Just what you want to hear when you’re looking for a tool that makes a real difference.
Image 3: AutoCAD LT 2021- Kitchen elevation in model Space
Image 4: Kitchen elevation in title block for Michelle Yorke Interior Design
4. AutoCAD is built for collaborations
Every complex project needs the input and insights of a variety of different designers and engineers from all disciplines around the world, each with their own skillsets and areas of expertise. The fact it is so commonly used and highly flexible makes it the ideal tool for communicating and collaborating between various teams. Perfect for connecting designers, engineers, and a whole host of other professionals in different industries.
Image 5: AutoCAD LT – Electrical Floor Plan in model space
“AutoCAD is one of the industry recognized software packages used by designers from all disciplines around the world. Its popularity and flexibility makes it convenient for cross-departmental collaboration. Communicating with different teams and stakeholders is easier since AutoCAD is employed across a wide array of professionals”.
A great example is the way AutoCAD LT makes outsourcing the fine detailing to a rendering artist as simple as clicking a button. With everyone on the same page you can quickly finalize a design that is sure to catch the eye. And if you are looking to hire a rendering artist or you are looking for CAD drafting assistance you can message us.
Image 6: 2020 software kitchen elevation imported in AutoCAD LT- CAD drafting for Lauren Evans Interiors
Image 7: Kitchen rendering in 3dsMax- Rendering for Lauren Evans Interiors
5. Autodesk has your back
One of the best benefits of AutoCAD LT is that it comes complete with the highly helpful Autodesk customer support. There is nothing like being able to ask a team of experts for help with everything from glitches and bugs, to learning the basics and troubleshooting installation problem.
I can say from my own experience that Autodesk customer support is one of the best tech supports I have ever experience. I am amazed by the support from the expert team to the technical specialist who resolve an issue I had with an AutoCAD LT feature and how they were able to resolve the issue in a timely manner. So if you have any issues with your Autodesk product you can find technical support help using this link
Image 8: Telemarketing free stock image
