AutoCAD LT

In November 1993, Autodesk announced “AutoCAD LT”, which had been developed under the code-name “Madison.” AutoCAD LT, priced at $495, became the first product in the company's history priced below $1000 to bear the name “AutoCAD.” The specifications of AutoCAD LT invite comparison with the original concept of an “AutoCAD Lite” penned more than nine years earlier (see page ), and the specifications of the “Windows Engineer” envisioned in the “Nightmare Scenario” of Information Letter 14 (see page ).

Press Release

AUTODESK LAUNCHES POWERFUL LOW-COST
WINDOWS CAD PACKAGE

New AutoCAD LT Addresses Market Needs

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.[November 2, 1993] At a press conference today, Autodesk, Inc. introduced AutoCAD LT, a powerful, low-cost, Windows-based computer-aided design (CAD) package, offering a wide range of 2D and basic 3D drafting capabilities. AutoCAD LT software provides full data compatibility and seamless interoperability with AutoCAD software, the world's leading desktop CAD package.

“The advent of Windows makes CAD available to a broad new range of users. AutoCAD LT is ideally suited for architects, designers, engineers, field professionals and managers who need a powerful, standalone CAD tool, but not the advanced features, or robust development platform of a more comprehensive package like AutoCAD,” said John Lynch, vice president, Product Development Group, Autodesk.

“Today Autodesk has more than 900,000 AutoCAD users with over one billion drawings, making AutoCAD and the AutoCAD .DWG file format a worldwide standard.

With AutoCAD LT, designers and engineers across many disciplines can take advantage of CAD and the AutoCAD design community more quickly and easily than ever before. And they can do it cost effectively,” added Lynch.

AutoCAD LT provides a wide range of design and drafting tools, including entity editing and hidden line removal. In addition, with its native .DWG file format, AutoCAD LT conforms to the AutoCAD standard and provides users with a natural migration path to the advanced capabilities of AutoCAD software.

“For new users, the Windows interface and simplified command structure of AutoCAD LT help shorten the learning curve to quickly bring the power of CAD within reach,” said Cary Fulbright, director of Autodesk CAD product marketing.

“With its networking capabilities, AutoCAD LT is also perfect for designers and drafters who support the design process in large installations. For example, at existing AutoCAD sites, drafters using advanced AutoCAD features can easily exchange drawings with engineers and managers who just need a basic, yet fully interoperable CAD product like AutoCAD LT to monitor the design process.”

Key AutoCAD LT Features and Benefits

• Microsoft Windows Environment: Pull-down menus, accelerator keys, dialog boxes and icon-based objects make AutoCAD LT an easy CAD package to learn and use. The new product supports the Windows Clipboard, as well as Object Linking and Embedding (OLE), which allows users to link AutoCAD LT drawings to other Windows applications such as Microsoft Word for Windows or Excel.
• 2D CAD Capabilities: AutoCAD LT offers many of the same 2D design and drafting features in AutoCAD Release 12. These powerful AutoCAD features allow architects, engineers, designers and managers to create accurate 2D drawings.
• Basic 3D CAD Features: AutoCAD LT includes 2D extrusions, 3D line creation, hidden line removal, shade, multiple views (side, elevation) and the ability to view and edit 3D drawings in the AutoCAD .DWG drawing file format.
• Complete AutoCAD Data Compatibility: Since AutoCAD LT and AutoCAD software share the same native .DWG file format, users can exchange drawings inside or outside an organization without losing any drawing data.

In a related announcement today, Autodesk also introduced AutoSketch Release 2 for Windows, an affordable, 2D CAD-based precision drawing package (see separate news release dated 11/2/93).

To meet the varying needs of users in many industries, Autodesk now offers a family of interoperable CAD products, including AutoSketch Release 2, Generic CADD 6.1, AutoCAD LT and AutoCAD Release 12, that range in price and functionality.

Pricing, Availability and Distribution

AutoCAD LT software will be available in early fourth quarter of this year, through Autodesk Resellers and the retail channel. The suggested retail price is US$495. Autodesk is also offering a US$129 promotional transfer price for Generic CADD customers who want to move to a Windows-based product (certain restrictions may apply).

Pricing and availability for international (including Canada) and educational products vary. For the name of the Dealer nearest you, call Autodesk at 800-228-3601. Outside the United States and Canada, fax requests for information to 415-491-8303 (Latin America) or 415-491-8398 (Asia/Pacific).

System Requirements

AutoCAD LT is available for 386/486 and Pentium-based PCs with a math coprocessor, MS-DOS 3.31 or higher, Microsoft Windows 3.1 or higher, minimum 4MB RAM, 10MB available hard-disk space, permanent swap file of 2x to 4x RAM, Windows-compatible VGA display, mouse and system printer or plotter.

Company Information

Autodesk is the world's leading supplier of desktop computer-aided design automation software. Autodesk develops, markets and supports a family of computer-aided design automation software products, as well as professional scientific and multimedia software products for use on personal computers and workstations. A global company since its founding in 1982, Autodesk offers products that are now available in 80 countries and 18 languages. Autodesk shares are traded on NASDAQ under the symbol ACAD. For more information on Autodesk, please call 415-332-2344 or type GO ADESK on CompuServe(R).

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Midcourse Corrections

From: Chris Bradshaw
To: Autodesk employees worldwide
Date: Thu, 11 Nov 93 09:05:02 PST
Subject: AutoCAD LT will NOT support AutoLISP LT

AutoCAD LT for Windows will not support AutoLISP LT in the final shipping version. In fact, AutoCAD LT will not support AutoLISP at all.

On November 1, 1993 we sent out a “Pre-Release Guide for Authorized Autodesk Dealers and Sales Representatives.” This Guide included a pre-release version of AutoCAD LT and several sales and marketing documents describing AutoCAD LT. Included in the Features and Benefits section of the Guide was a table containing the AutoLISP commands that were supported in the pre-release version of the software provided in the guide. This subset of AutoLISP was referred to as AutoLISP LT. The decision has been made to remove AutoLISP LT functionality from the final shipping version of AutoCAD LT.

All other feature and product information in the Pre-Release Guide accurately describes the planned final shipping version of AutoCAD LT (i.e. there are no other changes planned).

On November 2, 1993 we announced AutoCAD LT for Windows to the press and stated that AutoCAD LT would ship in Q4 FY94. We are still on schedule to release AutoCAD LT in Q4 FY94.

Additional information on this change will be forthcoming. A final Reseller Launch Kit containing updated Features & Benefits, Q&A, etc. will be sent to everyone who received the Pre-Release Guide in the next several weeks.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email.

Thanks,

Chris

From: Chris Bradshaw
To: Autodesk employees worldwide
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 93 12:56:40 PST
Subject: AutoLISP not in AutoCAD LT

On November 11th, I sent an email to World notifying you that AutoCAD LT would not include AutoLISP support in the final shipping version. That is still the case—AutoCAD LT will not support AutoLISP.

Since then I have received numerous calls and emails on this topic. Many of you want to know what the official position is on this change and how is it being communicated to the press, dealers, distributors, and customers that might have been told that AutoCAD LT would contain AutoLISP LT. Hopefully, this email will help set the record straight.

The official reason AutoCAD LT will not support AutoLISP is:

The target customers for AutoCAD LT for Windows are seeking an easy to learn and use, affordable, design and drafting package that provides 100 percent file compatibility with AutoCAD. Recent market research indicates that AutoLISP functionality is not a requirement for these customers. Therefore, AutoCAD LT customization will include the following easy to use, user-oriented, capabilities: changing toolbar and toolbox icons, modifying pull-down menus, and creating command scripts.

Jim Quanci has already notified US developers about this change. A similar message will be going out to all US dealers shortly. PR will be contacting all members of the US press briefed on AutoCAD LT next week. Finally, a similar message will be posted to CompuServe.

For those of you in countries outside of the US, you need to be sure to notify everyone briefed on AutoCAD LT prior to November 11th about this change to the final shipping version of AutoCAD LT. A Reseller Kit for AutoCAD LT will sent out in mid-December to all who received a copy of the Pre-Release Guide for AutoCAD LT. AutoCAD LT is still on schedule to ship in Q4 FY94.

In the mean time, if you have any questions about AutoCAD LT, please feel free to contact me.

Chris Bradshaw
Product Marketing Manager

AutoCAD LT Questions and Answers

Q: What is AutoCAD LT for Windows?
A: AutoCAD LT for Windows is a new software product from Autodesk. It is a powerful CAD solution for the Windows 3.1 operating system and includes many features that will appeal to both experienced and first time CAD users.

Q: Who should buy AutoCAD LT for Windows?
A: Architects, contractors, designers, engineers, field professionals, managers, and design and drafting students working alone or with others who need powerful 2D and basic 3D CAD at an affordable price should buy AutoCAD LT. Firms using AutoCAD that have designers, engineers, field professionals, and senior reviewers who are part of a design and production process but currently only work with paper, pencils, or printed drawings should buy AutoCAD LT. Also, AutoCAD users who want to work on AutoCAD drawing files (DWG) at home or in the field on a laptop should buy AutoCAD LT.

Q: When will AutoCAD LT for Windows ship?
A: AutoCAD LT for Windows will be available in mid-December 1993 in English. Other language versions of AutoCAD LT for Windows are scheduled to ship in early 1994.

Q: What are some of the features of AutoCAD LT for Windows?
A: AutoCAD LT for Windows includes powerful 2D and basic 3D drafting and designing tools based on the world renowned leader of CAD, AutoCAD. In addition, AutoCAD LT includes the following:

• Windows graphical user interface: pull down menus, dialog boxes, accelerator keys, and icon toolbar and floating toolbox.
• AutoCAD commands and user interface: similar command syntax and user interface to AutoCAD.
• 3D CAD features: 3D extrusions, 3D line creation, hide, shade, paper space, user coordinate system, multiple views (side, elevation, etc.), and the ability to view and modify all 3D drawings in DWG format.
• Perfect AutoCAD drawing file (DWG) compatibility: AutoCAD LT drawings are saved in the native AutoCAD format (DWG) and therefore can be exchanged with AutoCAD users with no data loss or errors.
• Performance: fast redraw, pan and zoom speed, important for large drawings (a display list driver is an integral part of AutoCAD LT).
• Clipboard support: copy and paste AutoCAD LT images and Windows Meta Files (WMF files) into AutoCAD LT drawings through the clipboard. Also, use the clipboard to copy AutoCAD LT drawings for pasting into other applications, and import text to be pasted into AutoCAD LT drawings.
• Customization support:
  • Command scripts: Scripts are ASCII text files containing sequences of AutoCAD LT commands that are used repeatedly.
  • Menus: AutoCAD LT's menus can be customized to suit user needs, and support simple DIESEL expressions.
  • Command aliases: Short aliases are provided for many built-in commands; these can be modified or augmented by the user.
  • Hatch patterns: Libraries of hatch patterns and dash/dot linetypes are supplied in text files that can be modified and augmented by the user. The file formats are the same as used by full AutoCAD; third-party vendors can supply additional patterns and linetypes as well.
  • Symbol libraries: Any AutoCAD LT drawing can be inserted in other drawings, so it's easy to create parts or symbols for re-use. Windows Metafiles (.WMF) can also be imported. Symbol libraries for various disciplines are available from third-party vendors.
  • Text fonts: AutoCAD LT supports the same text fonts (SHX files and Adobe Type-1 PostScript PFB files) as used by full AutoCAD; third-party vendors supply a wide variety of additional fonts. Toolbar and toolbox AutoCAD LT supports an optional toolbar which includes buttons to execute common commands. The commands and button icons can be customized by the user. The optional toolbox has similar customizable buttons, but its layout and screen position can be customized as well.
• Object linking and embedding: link or embed AutoCAD LT drawings into other Windows applications, like Microsoft Word for Windows or Excel.
• Aerial View: a separate, smaller Window within the AutoCAD LT graphics screen that displays a view of the entire drawing or a magnified view of a small portion of the drawing.
• On-line help: hit the F1 key at any time and receive on-line help for the current AutoCAD LT command or pull-down menu. On-line help is also now available for all pull-down menus and commands. This help is context-sensitive, with hypertext links to related topics, and is always available to the user, even in the middle of a command sequence.
• Quick Tour: under Help, the quick tour describes the AutoCAD LT user interface and common AutoCAD LT CAD operations.
• Drag and drop: drag iconized files from the File Manager onto AutoCAD LT to load them automatically. AutoCAD LT will load or execute the following file types when they are dragged and dropped onto the AutoCAD LT graphics window: DWG (insert block), DXF (load drawing), LIN (load line type), SCR (run script), SLD (display slide), and TXT (load text).

Q: What are a few of the benefits of AutoCAD LT for Windows to the new user?
A:

• Familiar user interface: AutoCAD LT's use of the Windows Graphical User Interface (GUI) allows new CAD users to apply their experience and knowledge of other Windows applications to learning AutoCAD LT quickly.
• Abandon the drafting board and enjoy the competitive advantages of CAD: create and update drawings quickly and accurately, reuse old designs over and over, insert common symbols in seconds, and transfer drawings electronically across the room or across the world.
• Access to customers demanding drawings in DWG file format: AutoCAD LT saves drawings in the industry standard AutoCAD DWG file format without any translation or conversion and, therefore, without any data loss. Only Autodesk can deliver a product that fulfills this promise completely.
• Comfort, security, and a broad range of compatible design automation solutions: Autodesk is the world's leading supplier of design automation software with products developed to meet the varying needs of all design professionals. If a user needs more power than is available in AutoCAD LT, they can move up to AutoCAD Release 12 and use the same data and interface immediately.

Q: What are the benefits of AutoCAD LT for Windows to an EXISTING AutoCAD user?
A:

• Work at home: AutoCAD LT for Windows only requires 4MB RAM, a perfect fit for many home PCs. The perfect DWG file compatibility ensures there is no data loss when AutoCAD drawings are edited in AutoCAD LT and vice-versa.
• Work with DWG drawings in the field: take AutoCAD drawings to a work site on a laptop running AutoCAD LT and make updates or new drawings on the spot.

Q: What are the benefits of AutoCAD LT for Windows to firms or organizations currently using AutoCAD?
A:

• Training: AutoCAD LT's ease of use and learning features make it a great training package for non-CAD users moving to AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.
• Extend the power of AutoCAD: bring non-CAD, pencil-based engineers, designers, and managers into the development process by giving them the ability to create and modify drawings prepared by AutoCAD users.
• View/redline/plot: for users who only need to view, redline, or plot AutoCAD drawings, AutoCAD LT is an affordable solution.

Q: What are the major differences between AutoCAD Release 12 for Windows and AutoCAD LT for Windows?
A: AutoCAD LT for Windows is designed to be an out-of-the-box solution for users new to CAD who want an easy to learn yet powerful CAD program. AutoCAD Release 12 for Windows is a comprehensive design and drafting engine. R12 for Windows has many features not available in AutoCAD LT. The following is a partial list of features that are included in R12 Windows and NOT available in AutoCAD LT:

• High end drawing and editing tools (e.g. advanced geometry creation options)
• Full 3D drawing and editing tools
• AutoCAD Development System (ADS) support
• AutoLISP programming language
• Dialog box programming
• Digitizer support (mole mode)
• Plotter and accelerated display driver support (No ADI in AutoCAD LT)
• Extended entity data support
• Region modeling
• Multiple sessions
• Geometry calculator
• Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)
• Advanced Modeling Extension (AME) support
• AutoCAD SQL Extension (ASE)
• Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) support
• AutoCAD Visualization Extension (AVE)
• Render Window and Multiple Document Interface (MDI)
• Raster and PostScript Import

Q: Why should an existing Generic CADD DOS user switch to the Windows operating system?
A: AutoCAD LT for Windows provides important productivity enhancing tools not available in Generic CADD.

For example, object linking and embedding (OLE) allows AutoCAD LT for Windows drawings to be linked seamlessly with other Windows-based application programs. Compound documents comprised of AutoCAD LT drawings, spreadsheets, and text can all be linked together to ensure the latest revisions from all applications are included in a customer report. Clipboard support (the ability to copy and paste geometry) and the Aerial Viewer are also not available in Generic CADD.

In addition, the AutoCAD LT for Windows graphical user interface (GUI) provides commonly used commands at a single mouse click, and the use of pull-down menus and dialog boxes helps new users in an organization get up to speed easily. Because mastery of one Windows-based application provides a solid foundation for quickly learning other Windows-based applications, non-CAD users familiar with Windows will be able to learn AutoCAD LT quickly.

Moving up to AutoCAD Release 12 is easy once AutoCAD LT has been mastered. AutoCAD LT commands are similar to AutoCAD Release 12 commands.

Q: How much does AutoCAD LT for Windows cost?
A: The suggested new unit price for AutoCAD LT for Windows is SRP US$495. The introductory price for a platform transfer from Generic CADD to AutoCAD LT is SRP US$129. The introductory price for a transfer from AutoSketch to AutoCAD LT is SRP US$199. Prices in other countries will vary.

Q: Where can Generic CADD and AutoSketch users purchase a transfer to AutoCAD LT for Windows?
A: In the U.S. and Canada, transfers from Generic CADD and AutoSketch to AutoCAD LT are only available direct from Autodesk. Customers interested in such transfers should call 1-800-435-7771. Transfer policies and procedures in other countries will vary.

Q: Is there an upgrade policy for customers who wish to move from AutoCAD LT for Windows to AutoCAD Release 12?
A: There is no upgrade policy in the U.S. and Canada at this time. For information on whether there are upgrade policies in other countries, please contact your dealer or distributor.

Q: Will there be a Generic CADD for Windows product in the future?
A: No. AutoCAD LT for Windows and AutoSketch 2.0 for Windows are Autodesk's only planned Windows-based CAD products under SRP US$500.

Q: How does Generic CADD fit into Autodesk's product family?
A: Generic CADD 6.1 provides 2D drafting tools and the ability to read and write AutoCAD DWG drawing files. Autodesk will continue to sell and support Generic CADD for customers who prefer a DOS or Macintosh-based affordable CAD solution.

Q: Will there be a DOS or Macintosh-based version of AutoCAD LT in the future?
A: There are currently no plans to develop a DOS or Macintosh-based version of AutoCAD LT. However, if there is sufficient customer demand, a DOS or Macintosh-based version of AutoCAD LT may be developed in the future.

Q: Will Autodesk provide direct customer product support for AutoCAD LT for Windows?
A: In the U.S. and Canada, AutoCAD LT for Windows users will receive 90 days of free telephone support. After the first 90 days, customers will be able to purchase direct support from Autodesk. Support policies in other countries will vary.

Q: What are the system requirements for AutoCAD LT for Windows?
A:

• IBM 386/486 or 100
• An 80287, 80387 or 80487 (required with an 80486SX) math coprocessor
• Microsoft Windows 3.1 (enhanced mode)
• MS-DOS 3.31 or higher (MS-DOS 5.0 Recommended)
• 4MB RAM (minimum requirement)
• 8MB free hard disk space (2 MB additional required to install all symbol files)
• Permanent swap file 2 to 4 times RAM
• Windows-supported VGA or higher
• Windows pointing device (e.g., mouse)
• Windows system printer or plotter

Q: Is AutoCAD LT for Windows compatible with Microsoft's Windows for Workgroups and Windows NT?
A: Yes. However, AutoCAD LT for Windows does not support any Windows for Workgroups or Windows NT unique functionality. Microsoft claims that all Windows 3.1 applications will run as is with Windows for Workgroups and Windows NT, and our testing has confirmed that AutoCAD LT is compatible with these environments.

Q: Is AutoCAD LT for Windows compatible with OS/2 2.1?
A: Yes. However, AutoCAD LT will only run in a Windows 3.1 compatibility window under OS/2 2.1. IBM claims that all Windows 3.1 applications will run under OS/2 2.1, and our testing has confirmed that AutoCAD LT is compatible with this environment.

Q: Can AutoCAD LT for Windows be run on a network?
A: Yes. AutoCAD LT for Windows will run on all networks that support and run Windows 3.1.

Q: Is a multiple-copy network license available for AutoCAD LT for Windows?
A: No. Only single-use copies of AutoCAD LT for Windows are available.

Q: Can AutoCAD LT for Windows be run in multiple, simultaneous sessions on one PC?
A: No. AutoCAD LT for Windows does not support multiple sessions.

Q: Are AutoCAD LT for Windows drawings compatible with AutoCAD Release 12 386, Release 12 for Windows, Release 11 386, and Release 11 AutoCAD Extension for Windows (AEW)?
A: Yes. The AutoCAD LT for Windows drawing format is identical to the format for AutoCAD Release 12 386, Release 12 for Windows, Release 11, and AEW, and AutoCAD Release 12 and Release 11 on any other platform.

Q: What happens to complex 3D drawings created in AutoCAD when they are brought into and back out of AutoCAD LT for Windows?
A: There is no data loss. The drawings are displayed perfectly in AutoCAD LT and all extended entity data is retained. AutoCAD LT users can zoom in and out, change the view, or perform limited editing on the 3D drawings (e.g., attach grips and stretch, add 3D polylines, dimension, snap and trim, or perform a shade). AutoCAD LT can not create new complex 3D entities (e.g., no surfaces or solids).

Q: Can extended entity data be created, attached to an entity, modified, or viewed in AutoCAD LT for Windows?
A: No. AutoCAD LT for Windows can not access extended entity information at all. However, drawings created in AutoCAD with extended entity information can be imported and exported from AutoCAD LT without the loss of any extended entity data (i.e. AutoCAD LT retains extended entity information when the file is read in and writes it back to the file when saved, if it is present in a drawing file).

Q: Will custom menus designed for AutoCAD Release 12 or Release 11 run with AutoCAD LT for Windows?
A: Yes, with the following limitation. The AutoCAD LT for Windows' menu file must be named ACLT.MNU (for short menu) or ACLT2.MNU (for long menu). Existing menus may be renamed ACLT(2).MNU. However, existing menus may contain commands not available in AutoCAD LT and those commands will not run. The default ACLT(2).MNU file can also be modified and AutoCAD LT will automatically load and recompile the menus each time it is started up.

Q: Will existing AutoLISP routines run under AutoCAD LT for Windows?
A: No. AutoCAD LT does not support AutoLISP.

Q: Will existing AutoCAD Development System (ADS) applications run under AutoCAD LT for Windows?
A: No. AutoCAD LT does not support ADS.

Q: Is there a third party developer support program for AutoCAD LT for Windows?
A: No. AutoCAD LT's customization capabilities are limited and intended to let users customize AutoCAD LT to meet their needs. AutoCAD LT is not designed to support full featured, integrated applications that have been developed for AutoCAD using AutoLISP or ADS.

Q: Which device drivers are included in the box with AutoCAD LT for Windows?
A: AutoCAD LT for Windows supports Windows-supported video display of VGA or greater resolution (at least 640-by-480 pixels), output to the Windows system printer or plotter, and input from Windows pointing devices (e.g., a mouse). AutoCAD LT should be compatible with all graphics cards, display drivers, printers, plotters, and point devices which are Windows 3.1 compatible. Because of the large number of these devices, we were unable to test all Windows 3.1 compatible devices with AutoCAD LT.

Q: Will AutoCAD Release 12 386, Release 12 for Windows, or R11 AEW specific device drivers (for printers, plotters, and displays) work with AutoCAD LT for Windows?
A: No. AutoCAD LT does not support the Autodesk Device Interface (ADI) that AutoCAD specific device drivers require.

Q: Does AutoCAD LT for Windows support digitizers?
A: No. AutoCAD LT does not support digitizers as absolute pointing devices (i.e. AutoCAD LT does not include “mole mode” support).