AutoCAD LT 2010 is here! (Well, almost.)

Okay, so AutoCAD LT 2010 hasn't been shipped yet. (Expect it sometime around the middle of March.) But we've been released from our NDA, so we're allowed to talk about it now!

You may have seen that the big new features of AutoCAD 2010 are parametric drawing and free-form modeling. If you want to see them in action, check out the demo videos that Heidi Hewett has posted on her blog. Now, I have to tell you, those two features won't be in LT 2010. (There has to be a reason it costs less, remember?)

HOWEVER, despite that, I think that this is the best release of AutoCAD LT to hit the streets in a long time. And I've been using LT since release 2000! There are so many new, improved, and imported features that you won't believe your eyes.

Over the next few weeks, I'll have more detailed posts on all the new stuff mixed in with the regular tips & tricks. For today, here's a quick hit list of my favorite features in AutoCAD LT 2010:

• Improved User Interface: The ribbon, Quick Access toolbar, and Application Menu are even more flexible and intuitive.
• PDF Tools: Output has been dramatically improved, with searchable text and smaller file sizes. PDF files can now be used as snappable underlays too, just like DWG, DWF, and DGN files.
• Block Attribute Tools: Easily add or remove attributes from block definitions.
• External Reference Tools: Clip, open, and edit external references.
• Align: You asked, we answered.

If you just can't wait for the blog posts on all these features (and many more), check out the demo videos on YouTube.

Until next time!

Comments

[Robert]

Do you know if block constraints will be available in LT 2010?

[Kate Morrical]

Yes and no. LT cannot *create* constraints, but it can use blocks or files that have had constraints already added by AutoCAD.