Review by K. Groh

I have to admit from the start that I got AutoCAD Lt because I receive CAD files - I do not have a need to create them.nAs a graphic designer, I do a lot of work for companies that build new homes or apartment communities. I receive CAD files from their architects and I have to import them into Adobe Illustrator and manipulate them to use in marketing materials.

The CAD files I receive are usually bogged down with details that I don’t want and ultimately, I spend a lot of time deleting lots of unnecessary lines and marks. Additionally, once a file is exported, it loses some details that I do need and I end up going back and forth with the client to get the missing information.

Being able to open the CAD files from the architects and manipulate them before exporting is a huge plus for me.nSince I have never used a CAD program I have nothing to compare it to but I will comment on the functionality of it as it pertains to my work and work within other vector based and layered programs like Adobe Illustrator.

AutoCAD Lt was easy enough to install. The disk self-launches and walks you through your install options, including the ability to choose your industry thereby offering tools and menus to meet your needs. I use Windows XP (although it is compatible with all versions of Vista) with 3GB of RAM. AutoCAD recommends at least 2GB of RAM. Installation requires 721 MB of free disk space. You also need to be connected to the Internet during install. CPU type needed is documented as follows: Windows XP - Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon™ Dual Core processor, 1.6 GHz or higher with SSE2 technology Windows Vista - Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon Dual Core processor, 3.0 GHz or higher with SSE2 technology. I’m running on 2.4 GHz Intel Core2.

Display resolution should be 1024 x 768 with True Color. It is also 64-bit compliant.

In the box you receive one install disk, a card with support information, and some nice `postcards’ - almost mini manuals - covering a small variety of topics like Getting Started, PDF Enhancements, and Application Menu. There are 9 cards in all with great graphics and tips.

There is a great on screen help menu broken down into three tabs per topic: Concept, Procedure and Quick Reference.

AutoCAD is a memory hog but so are all my other graphics programs. I ran it with Illustrator and had no problem.

The installation and reboot corrupted my preference file for my WACOM graphics tablet. I deleted the file and rebooted and all was well even with AutoCAD reopened. Since many engineers/architects may use a graphics tablet, be aware that this may happen.

The first thing I did was to open a very comprehensive site plan CAD file, saved by the architect as a DWG file. I’m not sure what version of AutoCAD the file originated in but I had no trouble opening it. I was warned of a couple incompatibilities that didn’t seem to affect the drawing.

I was able to see all the layers and view the file in just the layers I needed or as a complete set. The most important thing to me was the ability to export the file into a PDF, keeping its vector attributes. The best part is that in Acrobat (and I’m running full version, not Reader) there is a list of layers that you can turn off as groups or individually.

The PDF file imported into Illustrator and gave me all the editing capabilities I needed.

Since I will not be using it to create drawings, I’m not sure how many of tools I’ll learn how to use - it’s hard to teach an old dog a new program - but I’ll be spending more time looking at import and export options to give me even greater control.

Overall, this is a great investment for someone like me and even more so for someone who needs a great CAD program for design and mechanical layout. It comes at a big price but when I think of the time I spend trying to work with exported CAD files that are not to my specifications, it will pay for itself easily before one project is complete.