Work with Fields

AutoCAD includes fields, which are text strings that update when their value changes. When a drawing with fields is opened in AutoCAD LT, the fields are updated based on the value of the FIELDEVAL system variable. If FIELDEVAL is set to 0, or if the DST file for an AutoCAD sheet set is not available, the last values cached in the drawing are displayed. If the file is subsequently opened in AutoCAD, the fields are updated as usual. FIELDEVAL cannot be set in AutoCAD LT.

The FIELDDISPLAY system variable, which is available in AutoCAD LT, controls the display of fields in the drawing. You can delete a field in AutoCAD LT, but you cannot edit it. If you manually enter field code syntax, it is evaluated but converted to a text string that does not update.

Edit Nonrectangular Layout Viewports

In AutoCAD, you can create a layout viewport with irregular boundaries by converting an object drawn in paper space into a viewport. When you open a drawing that contains these nonrectangular viewports in AutoCAD LT, you can edit the viewports. For example, you can move, copy, or rotate a nonrectangular viewport. You can also dimension, pan, or scale the model shown in a viewport. However, you cannot create nonrectangular viewports in AutoCAD LT.

Work with Multiple User Coordinate Systems

In AutoCAD, you can choose to use a different user coordinate system (UCS) in each viewport in a single drawing file. In AutoCAD LT, you can use only one UCS in each drawing file. The AutoCAD LT behavior is the same as it was in previous releases.

When you open an AutoCAD drawing file in AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD LT uses only the UCS from the current viewport. If you edit the drawing in AutoCAD LT, and then save it and reopen it in AutoCAD, you may notice some discrepancies in UCS usage. User coordinate systems that were set individually in AutoCAD will probably change if the viewports that use them were activated in the AutoCAD LT session.

Work with AutoCAD 2D and 3D Solid Object Shading

In AutoCAD, visual styles provide shading and wireframe options for objects in the current viewport. AutoCAD LT does not support visual styles. The SHADEMODE command in AutoCAD LT provides only the 2D Wireframe and Hidden options. You can use SHADEMODE in AutoCAD LT to turn off visual styles in viewports that were created in AutoCAD. This exposes the underlying geometry so you can easily edit drawings and use the geometry with precision drawing tools such as object snaps.