AutoCAD 2007

AutoCAD LT also has only limited 3D support. You can view and edit 3D
objects in AutoCAD LT, so you can work with drawings created in AutoCAD
that contain 3D objects. However, you cannot create true 3D objects in LT.
The lack of 3D object creation in LT is not as big a negative for many users as
you may think. Despite a lot of hype from the computer press and CAD ven-
dors (including Autodesk), 3D CAD remains a relatively specialized activity.
The majority of people use CAD programs to create 2D drawings. It's going to
be interesting to see if AutoCAD 2007's new 3D capabilities change anything.
Although you may hear claims that AutoCAD LT is easier to master and use
than AutoCAD, the truth is that they're about equally difficult or easy,
depending on your NQ (nerd quotient). The LT learning curve doesn't differ
significantly from that of AutoCAD. AutoCAD was originally designed for max-
imum power and then modified somewhat to improve ease of use. AutoCAD
LT shares this same heritage.
Fortunately, the minimal differences between LT and AutoCAD mean that
after you have climbed that learning curve, you'll have the same great view.
You'll have almost the full range of AutoCAD's 2D drafting tools, and you'll be
able to exchange DWG files with AutoCAD users without data loss.
This book covers AutoCAD 2007, but almost all the information in it applies
to AutoCAD LT 2007 as well. The icon that you see at the left of this para-
graph highlights significant differences.
It's CAD Heaven with 2007
If you're upgrading from AutoCAD 2006 or another recent version and you work
mostly or entirely in 2D, you're probably already current with system require-
ments. If you want to use AutoCAD 2007's new and enhanced 3D features pro-
ductively, however, it may be time for some new wheels, as we describe next.
16
Part I: AutoCAD 101