Revit v/s Revit LT: Which software should you learn in 2024? [Detailed Comparison]

In this article, we will explore Revit vs Revit LT as two popular BIM software choices by architects and designers and see how they stack up against each other.

Key Differences between Revit and Revit LT

Revit v/s Revit LT

Revit

Developed by Autodesk in 2000, Revit software helps architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) teams create high-quality buildings and infrastructure. It also has an extended cloud functionality for rendering and analysis. Revit software includes additional features and functionality such as work sharing, analysis, and in-product rendering.

If you’re new to Revit, Novatr offers a one-of-a-kind BIM Professional Course that features a specialised career-relevant curriculum designed and delivered by BIM experts from leading firms.

To understand the difference between AutoCAD and SketchUp, check out: Revit Vs SketchUp: Which Software is Better & Why?

Revit LT

Revit LT (or Revit Lite), as the name suggests, is a more cost-effective, streamlined BIM software for architecture professionals and studios - a slightly lower version of the full-scale version of Revit.

While Revit includes features for architectural design, MEP, structural engineering, and construction, Revit LT was derived from Revit software as a stepping stone for smaller architectural design firms looking to move towards a BIM workflow.

Unlike Revit, Revit LT only supports less advanced modelling.

Advantages of Revit

Revit is a more robust version of the lighter version, Revit LT. As a result, it has a range of additional features such as work sharing, analysis, and in-product rendering.

Collaboration: One of the more distinct differences between Revit and Revit LT is Revit’s ability to allow multiple users to work in the same Revit model at the same time.

3D Modelling: Revit allows for entire buildings or parts of buildings to be modelled and worked on, which is very useful for all parties involved in construction projects. Features like shaped edited floors and roofs, slanted columns, and conceptual massing are available.

Rendering: The software allows in-product rendering as well as rendering in the cloud.

Analysis tools: Area analysis, Route analysis, MEP systems analysis, Energy Optimization for Revit, Lighting Analysis with Autodesk Rendering, Solar analysis, Sun and shadow studies, and Structural analysis - all are available in Revit.

To know more about Revit plugins, check out: 7 Universally Popular Revit Plugins for Effective BIM Workflows

Limitations of Revit

General
The main advantages of Revit LT are the limitations of Revit. This would be the huge cost of $2,250 per year that professionals have to pay to get the software.

Advantages of Revit LT

The main advantage of using Revit LT are the massive cost savings that are possible with it. Although this comes with the absence of various features, such a cost is good for smaller architectural practices where engineering functions, multidisciplinary working or collaboration are not required.

Cost Savings: Revit LT 2019 licence costs only $420 per year as of December 2018, compared to $2,250 for the full edition of Revit 2019. That is a staggering difference in annual savings of $1,830!

Limitations of Revit LT

General
Revit LT offers limited In-place Families (can only model in-place walls), and no view filter functionality (although they can be applied via View Templates). Moreover, the software offers no plug-ins/extensions, Dynamo, or ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) Connection.

Deployment and Installation
This feature lets you easily install the software on many computers at one time, or install the software unattended. However, if you have a small number of computers to install the software on, this won’t matter much.

3D Modelling
Shaped edited floors and roofs, slanted columns, conceptual massing, adaptive components - none of these features are available in Revit LT.

Mechanical and Structural tools

Revit LT has no MEP tools and limited structural families; it also lacks reinforcement and analytical tools. It has no MEP pipes, ducts or cable trays, limited electrical components, and no MEP systems.

Visualisation
Revit LT does not offer decal creation or in-product rendering. The software does offer cloud rendering capabilities though.

FAQs

What is the basic difference between Revit and Revit LT?

Revit LT (or Revit Lite), is a more cost-effective version of Revit and is derived from Revit software as a stepping stone for smaller architectural design firms.

Can Revit LT open Revit files?

A project can go back and forth between Revit and Revit LT, and can be opened, modified, and saved several times. You can save a Revit LT project using Revit, use Revit to make and save changes, and then open the project in Revit LT again.

What is Revit LT good for?

Revit LT offers a simplified BIM tool for creating 3D architectural designs and documentation. Although the software does not offer features for mechanical consultants, it provides basic structural modelling, interoperability, and data management, as well as presentation and visualisation features.

The software is targeted at the architecture community only. Smaller Architecture firms can subscribe to “Autodesk AutoCAD Revit LT Suite”, which helps them transition to BIM with both, Revit LT and the familiar drafting tools of AutoCAD LT, available together in one suite.

Conclusion

Overall the choice of software depends on the gap in your workflow that you need to fill. Which BIM software is best for you can very much depend on a lot of factors. So consider the following points when choosing the perfect one for you:

Professionals (who work with a small architecture design team and need only architectural features, individual architects, freelancers) = Revit LT
Professionals (who work in a large team with needs of collaboration) = Revit

And if you want…

To do better collaboration = Revit
To do In-product rendering = Revit
To make complex and precise 3D models = Revit
To save cost = Revit LT

I hope this blog gave you the insight you needed to accelerate your career in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry by helping you choose the perfect BIM software.

Novatr offers courses on the two most in-demand skills in the AEC industry– BIM Professional Course and Parametric Modelling Course – both taught by industry experts with years of real-world experience working in the industry. You will also get to work on real-life projects to help you learn Revit in detail.

Go to our Resources page if you want to get more insights on AEC careers, software & tools, and industry trends.

Similar Blogs

A Beginner’s Guide to Revit: Everything you need to know

7 Universally Popular Revit Plugins for Effective BIM Workflows

Revit vs Vectorworks: Which Software is Better for BIM Workflows?