AutoCAD LT alternative: what LinceCAD covers and what it doesn’t

AutoCAD LT is the 2D version of AutoCAD and is sold as a yearly subscription. LinceCAD is a 2D and 3D CAD program that works directly with DWG files, is bought once and runs on Windows and Linux. This page sums up where it matches everyday work in LT, what it adds and what it still lacks, so you can decide with your own drawings.

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What it covers of everyday LT work

DWG without conversion. Opens DWG from R14 to 2018 (the format used by AutoCAD 2018 to 2027) and saves to R14, 2000, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2018. Also DXF from R12 to 2018. The open document is the DWG itself: whatever the program does not edit is kept when saving.
A familiar interface. Ribbon or Classic workspace with menus, a command line with autocomplete and aliases, global command names (_LINE), Properties, Layers and Blocks palettes, DesignCenter and external references.
2D drafting and editing. Polylines, splines, associative hatches, associative arrays, trim, extend, fillet, grips, object snaps, polar tracking and dynamic input.
Annotation. SHX and TrueType text, associative and annotative dimensions, multileaders, fields and tables with formulas.
Blocks and references. Dynamic blocks with their parameters, attributes, external references, PDF underlays and raster images.
Layouts and plotting. Viewports, CTB and STB plot styles, vector PDF with layers or PDF/A-2b, multi-sheet publishing and sheet sets.
AutoLISP. Its own interpreter with about 200 functions, commands with defun C:, APPLOAD and loading of acaddoc.lsp, plus SCRIPT files.

What it adds

3D: ACIS solids, Boolean operations, meshes, a 3D viewer, rendering and STEP export.
Linux: the same program, native, with a .deb package and a .tar.gz.
Automation: a Python API and an MCP server to connect AI assistants, with a panel that asks for approval of each change.
Mapping and surveying: WMS, WMTS and WFS services, the Spanish cadastre and PNOA orthophoto, digital terrain models, contour lines and LAS/LAZ point clouds.
PDF to DWG as vectors, raster image vectorization and OCR.

What it doesn’t do yet

It is a beta (version 0.9.8-rc4): work on copies of important drawings.
It does not read DWF or DGN, and does not show AutoLISP DCL dialog boxes.
It uses existing dynamic blocks, but can only create the visibility parameter.
There is no macOS, web or mobile version.
The interface is in English and Spanish.

Comparison

	AutoCAD LT	LinceCAD
License and price	Subscription; about €500 a year	Perpetual: €200 at launch, €400 afterwards, per user (VAT not included)
Platforms	Windows and macOS	Windows x64 and Linux x86_64
DWG	Native	Native: opens R14 to 2018 and saves R14 to 2018; DXF R12 to 2018
3D	2D only	Solids, meshes, 3D viewer, rendering and STEP
Automation	AutoLISP (since version 2024)	AutoLISP, SCRIPT, Python API and MCP server

The AutoCAD LT price is a rough reference: the yearly subscription on Autodesk’s official website, checked in November 2026. It varies by country, taxes and promotions; check it on autodesk.com. AutoCAD LT is mentioned only as a point of comparison.

What it costs over three years

With that reference, three years of subscription add up to about €1,500. The LinceCAD license is paid once: €200 during the launch offer or €400 afterwards. These are rough figures, before taxes.

How to try it with your drawings

The trial lasts 30 days, with every feature and no watermarks. Open the DWG files you use most, plot a sheet, run your LISP routines and save to the DWG version your clients ask for. If you don’t buy when it ends, the program switches to read-only mode: you can still open, measure, export to PDF and print. The blog has a comparison of AutoCAD alternatives and a guide to converting a PDF to DWG.

Frequently asked questions

Does LinceCAD open DWG files made with AutoCAD LT?

Yes. LT saves in the same DWG format as AutoCAD. LinceCAD opens DWG from R14 to 2018, the format used by AutoCAD 2018 to 2027, and saves to R14, 2000, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2018.

Will my AutoLISP routines work?

LinceCAD has its own AutoLISP interpreter with about 200 functions, including command, entget, entmod and ssget with filters. DCL dialog boxes are not supported yet. The best approach is to test your routines during the 30-day trial.

Do I have to pay every year?

No. It is a perpetual license per user: €200 during the launch offer and €400 afterwards, VAT not included. Updates within the series are included during the beta.

Does LinceCAD do 3D?

Yes: solid primitives, extrusion, revolution, Boolean operations, meshes, a 3D viewer with visual styles, rendering and export to STEP, STL and OBJ.

Try LinceCAD for 30 days with every feature. Download · Pricing · All features