BricsCAD or AutoCAD - Is it Time for an Alternative?
Since the introduction of computer-aided design to personal computers, many businesses have relied on the well developed general-purpose program, AutoCAD, to meet their design requirements. After a wealth of enhancements and improvements through the years, AutoCAD has been utilised by engineers, architects, and design professionals on both Mac and Windows for decades.
With Autodesk making the decision to no longer offer perpetual licences, and instead drive a push towards subscriptions, some business are looking to move in the hopes of finding similar (or higher) quality, with a more flexible payment model.
While there are plenty of alternatives out there to choose from, we want to find the best. We're here to take a look at BricsCAD by Bricsys.
What is BricsCAD?
BricsCAD is a newer CAD software compared to AutoCAD, but is a mature system that has been developed since 2002. BricsCAD is a solution for both 2D and 3D modelling, and is well regarded for its capabilities, toolset, and cost efficiency. It is based on the commonly used DWG format, and boasts the best compatibility on the market. With access to hundreds of third-party plugins as well, BricsCAD is suitable for all projects including BIM, mechanical design, and much more.
Pricing and Purchase Options
Let's start with a big reason people are looking to move. Autodesk are pushing the subscription model, citing greater access to their tools and technology, with flexible control and insights as justification in removing the perpetual option.
With BricsCAD you have freedom to choose between not only a 1 year or 3 year subscription, there's also the option to buy it once to keep forever. If you would rather pay once, and continue to use the version you purchase, BricsCAD is the option to go with.
Version Choices
Nobody wants to overpay for something they won't use, so as well as being available as a subscription or perpetual licence, BricsCAD is offered as different versions to suit different needs. While AutoCAD offer a single compete-package product, you're free to choose between different tiers of BricsCAD from simple 2D drawing capabilities, up to mechanical drawings and even BIM for architecture.
BricsCAD has 4 main editions - BricsCAD Lite for 2D work with AutoLISP support, BricsCAD Pro for 3D work and access to third-party plugins, BricsCAD BIM for a complete architectural design-to-documentation workflow, and BricsCAD Mechanical for product design and manufacturing.
When you subscribing to AutoCAD, you get access to AutoCAD for Windows and AutoCAD for Mac, plus industry-specific toolsets of AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD Plant 3D and AutoCAD Raster Design (Windows only), and the AutoCAD web and mobile apps.
User Experience
BricsCAD features a user interface and general experience that will be very familair to AutoCAD users which will make transitioning across that much easier. Which software package you prefer here is very much up to personal preference, though in BricsCAD you can expect light mode/dark mode, a more modern and cleaner ribbon, sidepanels, and high-resolution display support.
Third-Party Applications and Plugins
Both Autodesk and BricsCAD offer third-party plugins to enhance and expand the toolset available. Autodesk has an App Store which lets you purchase applications to run on AutoCAD for a specific purpose. Bricsys also offers a mix of free and paid applications, though you will need at least BricsCAD Pro to use them as Lite does not offer plugin support.
File Format Compatibility
While it is true that no program can work with DWG like AutoCAD due to the proprietary nature of the format (even other Autodesk products), BricsCAD is certainly the next best thing.
The behaviour when opening a DWG isn't identical to AutoCAD, but BricsCAD does an excellent job with no major differences. We tested a few DWGs and experienced no issues, but don't take our word for it - there's a link to a free trial below where you can open your existing DWGs to see just how good it really is.
In Summary
BricsCAD positions itself to directly compete with AutoCAD by retaining the same features, providing a more modern interface, and by offering competitive and flexible pricing options. You'll find dockable panels, dynamic arrays, powerful 3D modelling, point cloud visualisation tools, and so much more in a fast and stable software package.
So, is BricsCAD really the alternative to AutoCAD? We think so, but only you can decide if it's right for your business. Try it out for yourself by requesting a Free BricsCAD Trial, and let us know what you think!