# AutoCAD LT, Rhinoceros vs Designcenter Solid Edge Comparison

| | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 285 | 191 | 599 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (52.0% of reviews) | Small-Business (56.3% of reviews) | Small-Business (54.2% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $760 every 2 years | $495 | Starting at $90.47 Per Month | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### AutoCAD LT

Pros:
- Ease of Use (7 reviews)
- Easy Learning (4 reviews)

Cons:
- Lack of Features (5 reviews)
- 3D Modeling (4 reviews)

### Rhinoceros

Pros:
- Compatibility (2 reviews)
- Customization (2 reviews)

Cons:
- Lack of Features (2 reviews)
- 3D Modeling (1 reviews)

### Designcenter Solid Edge

Pros:
- Ease of Use (101 reviews)
- 3D Modeling (64 reviews)

Cons:
- Learning Curve (47 reviews)
- Difficult Learning (46 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.6 (244 reviews) | 8.6 (169 reviews) | 8.4 (435 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.5 (247 reviews) | 7.9 (171 reviews) | 8.3 (475 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.9 (57 reviews) | 8.9 (23 reviews) | 8.2 (258 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.6 (37 reviews) | 7.9 (15 reviews) | 8.4 (91 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.2 (210 reviews) | 7.7 (139 reviews) | 8.2 (405 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.7 (38 reviews) | 8.3 (12 reviews) | 8.8 (89 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 7.3 (240 reviews) | 8.5 (167 reviews) | 8.4 (423 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### AutoCAD LT

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: 2 Year Subscription

Price: $760 every 2 years

Description: Ideal for businesses that want consistent long-term pricing.

Key Features:
- Access to the latest software releases
- Enhanced 1-on-1 technical support by phone or chat
- Includes AutoCAD mobile app

[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-lt/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Rhinoceros

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Rhino 5 for Windows Upgrade

Price: $495


[Browse all 2 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/pricing)

#### Free Trial

No

### Designcenter Solid Edge

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Designcenter Solid Edge Design and Drafting XaaS

Price: Starting at $90.47 Per Month

Description: Get started quickly with part & assembly design, automated drawings, basic animation and rendering.

Key Features:
- 2D drafting
- Data import and reuse
- Basic 3D part design

[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD LT** | N/A | N/A |
| **Rhinoceros** | N/A | N/A |
| **Designcenter Solid Edge** | 8.2/10 | 115 |

#### CAD to CAM

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **CAD-CAM Import** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (100 reviews) | 
| **CAM Data Exchange** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (94 reviews) | 
| **CAD/CAM Compatibility** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (95 reviews) | 

#### CNC Programming

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **CNC Workflows** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (85 reviews) | 
| **CNC Feature Recognition** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (83 reviews) | 
| **Programming Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (82 reviews) | 

#### Machining

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Job Set-up** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (93 reviews) | 
| **Operations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (93 reviews) | 
| **Tooling and Toolpaths** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (92 reviews) | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD LT** | 7.9/10 | 151 |
| **Rhinoceros** | 9.6/10 | 7 |
| **Designcenter Solid Edge** | 8.5/10 | 193 |

#### Design

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 9.5 (143 reviews) | 9.7 (5 reviews) | 8.9 (183 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | 6.8 (104 reviews) | 10.0 (5 reviews) | 9.0 (185 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | 7.0 (112 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.7 (179 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | 5.9 (91 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.1 (171 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.9 (138 reviews) | 9.0 (5 reviews) | 8.5 (176 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | 7.4 (98 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.3 (167 reviews) | 
| **Views** | 7.7 (117 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.6 (176 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | 8.3 (119 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.4 (167 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.7 (128 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.5 (170 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | 8.3 (115 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.7 (176 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.1 (112 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.3 (170 reviews) | 

### Additive Manufacturing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD LT** | N/A | N/A |
| **Rhinoceros** | N/A | N/A |
| **Designcenter Solid Edge** | 7.9/10 | 97 |

#### File Support - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **STL Compatible** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (86 reviews) | 
| **3MF Compatible** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (68 reviews) | 
| **OBJ Compatible** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (76 reviews) | 

#### File Editing - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Mesh Repair** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.8 (76 reviews) | 
| **File Editing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (80 reviews) | 

#### Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Standalone Slicer** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.7 (66 reviews) | 
| **Inetgrated 3D Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (83 reviews) | 

#### Software Type - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Cloud-based Platform** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Downloadable Application** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (74 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Image** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.2 (28 reviews) | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.2 (28 reviews) | 

#### Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Material Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Building Simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Slicing Optimization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Simulation & CAE

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD LT** | N/A | N/A |
| **Rhinoceros** | N/A | N/A |
| **Designcenter Solid Edge** | 8.1/10 | 103 |

#### Design

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (98 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (98 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (96 reviews) | 
| **Rendering tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (95 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.7 (81 reviews) | 
| **Finite element analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (87 reviews) | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.8 (83 reviews) | 

#### Work

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.8 (83 reviews) | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.7 (83 reviews) | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.8 (84 reviews) | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.7 (77 reviews) | 
| **Integrate** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (84 reviews) | 

#### Environment

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (89 reviews) | 
| **Task** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (90 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (85 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (92 reviews) | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD LT** | N/A | N/A |
| **Rhinoceros** | N/A | N/A |
| **Designcenter Solid Edge** | 7.8/10 | 125 |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (105 reviews) | 
| **Rendering Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.7 (94 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (97 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (95 reviews) | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.5 (91 reviews) | 

#### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (96 reviews) | 
| **Import Files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (96 reviews) | 
| **File Interoperability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.8 (99 reviews) | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.3 (91 reviews) | 
| **File size** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.4 (100 reviews) | 

#### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.8 (91 reviews) | 
| **Custom Scripts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.4 (89 reviews) | 
| **Custom Menus** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.6 (90 reviews) | 
| **Custom Interface** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.6 (97 reviews) | 

#### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.8 (94 reviews) | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (91 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.7 (91 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (104 reviews) | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad)


**Unique to Rhinoceros (1):** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)

**Unique to Designcenter Solid Edge (4):** [Additive Manufacturing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing), [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam), [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | AutoCAD LT | Rhinoceros | Designcenter Solid Edge | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 52.0% | 56.3% | 54.2% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 35.4% | 25.1% | 30.4% | 
| **Enterprise** | 12.6% | 18.6% | 15.4% | 

### By Industry

#### AutoCAD LT

- **Architecture & Planning:** 19.6%
- **Construction:** 12.0%
- **Civil Engineering:** 10.9%
- **Design:** 10.2%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 7.6%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 4.4%
- **Industrial Automation:** 3.3%
- **Renewables & Environment:** 2.9%
- **Oil & Energy:** 1.8%
- **Automotive:** 1.5%
- **Other:** 25.8%

#### Rhinoceros

- **Architecture & Planning:** 37.3%
- **Design:** 25.4%
- **Higher Education:** 4.9%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 2.7%
- **Construction:** 2.2%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 2.2%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 1.6%
- **Luxury Goods & Jewelry:** 1.6%
- **Consumer Goods:** 1.6%
- **Arts and Crafts:** 1.1%
- **Other:** 19.5%

#### Designcenter Solid Edge

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 21.4%
- **Automotive:** 12.6%
- **Design:** 9.0%
- **Machinery:** 5.8%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 3.8%
- **Computer Software:** 3.8%
- **Manufacturing:** 3.6%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 3.1%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 2.3%
- **Higher Education:** 2.2%
- **Other:** 32.6%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to AutoCAD LT

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [DraftSight](https://www.g2.com/products/draftsight/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (208 reviews)
- [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (413 reviews)
- [Octave BricsCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/octave-bricscad/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (135 reviews)
- [ActCAD BIM](https://www.g2.com/products/actcad-actcad-bim/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (50 reviews)
- [TurboCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/turbocad/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (31 reviews)
- [LibreCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/librecad/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (25 reviews)
- [QCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/qcad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (13 reviews)
- [nanoCAD Free](https://www.g2.com/products/nanocad-free/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (23 reviews)
- [Shapr3D](https://www.g2.com/products/shapr3d/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (172 reviews)

### Alternatives to Rhinoceros

- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1934 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (200 reviews)
- [FreeCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/freecad/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (61 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (527 reviews)
- [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (413 reviews)

### Alternatives to Designcenter Solid Edge

- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (200 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (255 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1934 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Blender](https://www.g2.com/products/blender/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (316 reviews)
- [FreeCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/freecad/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (61 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### AutoCAD LT

- Title: [Is AutoCAD LT free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-autocad-lt-free) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Unless you have an student version, it is not free."
- Title: [What is AutoCAD LT used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-autocad-lt-used-for) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "To produce all drawings, documents needed for Electrical Engineering Design for Machines and Electrical panels. "
- Title: [What is LT version of AutoCAD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-lt-version-of-autocad) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "I use AUTOCAD 2018 LT, 2022 LT also, C3D 2018 and 2022."
- Title: [Would it be possible to create and save symbols in AutoCAD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/would-it-be-possible-to-create-and-save-symbols-in-autocad) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "yes"
- Title: [What is AutoCAD LT used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/autocad-lt-what-is-autocad-lt-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "2D Drafting and design"

### Rhinoceros

- Title: [How do I change command line auto-fill shortcuts](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-i-change-command-line-auto-fill-shortcuts) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Select the setting in Options > Appearance > ‘Use fuzzy autocomplete’ checked 

"

### Designcenter Solid Edge

- Title: [Is Solidworks or Solid Edge better?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-solidworks-or-solid-edge-better) — 4 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Solidworks"
- Title: [Is Solid Edge free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-solid-edge-free) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "No"
- Title: [What is Solid Edge used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-solid-edge-used-for) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "It is used for 3D modeling as well as drafting."
- Title: [What file type does Solid Edge use?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-file-type-does-solid-edge-use) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Solid Edge uses proprietary file formats with specific extensions similar to other 3D CAD systems.  Those are:
.ASM = Assemblies
.PAR = Parts
.PSM = Sheet..."
- Title: [Is Solid Edge good?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-solid-edge-good) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Very Good"

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-lt-vs-rhinoceros-vs-designcenter-solid-edge)