BricsCAD

bricsys.com/en-us/bricscad
Design & Prototyping
Weekend Project

The true CAD alternative - Combining familiarity, flexibility, and performance to help the design industry break free from current platforms

How to Replace BricsCAD

Overview

BricsCAD is a DWG-based CAD software platform designed for designers, engineers, architects, builders, and manufacturers. It provides unified 2D and 3D design capabilities with native .dwg support, advanced editing tools, and intelligent automation for creating production-ready deliverables. The platform offers flexible licensing options and is built to be compatible with industry standards while providing an open ecosystem for customization.

Features

25 features across 12 categories

Automation(3)

Accurate Detailing and AnnotationsAI

Unique tools that intelligently automate design processes to streamline, simplify, and enhance complex detailing and annotation tasks

AI-Driven Productivity ToolsAI

Unique commands that remove repetition from workflow tasks to maximize productivity

Automated Drawing GenerationAI

Transform any design into production-ready deliverables with smart automations that supercharge productivity

Also in: monday.com, Notion, Airtable

Collaboration(1)

Multi-file Compatibility

Review and edit CAD data with multi-file compatibility for easy collaboration across teams

Also in: Notion, Airtable, Obsidian

Core Design(3)

2D Drafting

Comprehensive set of intelligent drafting tools to create detailed 2D drawings, modify existing data, and annotate files within a unified application

3D Modeling

Unified 3D design platform built to turn concepts into fully working designs with precision and rigor

Advanced Editing and Optimization

Unified 2D and 3D design platform with advanced editing capabilities for turning concepts into fully working designs

Also in: Penpot, UXPin, Canva

Customization(4)

Command Script Compatibility

Bring current command scripts and customizations into BricsCAD

Customization via LISP

Ability to reuse existing or create new LISP routines to bring new power to workflows in BricsCAD

Menu Customization

Bring current menus into BricsCAD for familiar navigation

Template Import

Ability to bring current templates into BricsCAD for familiar workflows

Also in: monday.com, Obsidian, Smartsheet

Data Exchange(1)

Data Import/Export

Seamless integration and comprehensive compatibility to exchange design data freely across all project stakeholders and file formats

Developer APIs(2)

.NET API Support

Build custom workflow automation tools using BricsCAD's compatible .NET API

BRX API Support

Build custom workflow automation tools using BricsCAD's compatible BRX API

Also in: Statamic

Ecosystem(1)

Application Catalog

Customize your package choosing from hundreds of add-ons developed by best-in-class partners to add industry-specific toolsets

File Compatibility(4)

3D & Mechanical File Format SupportPremium

Support for advanced 3D formats including Parasolid, CATIA, Creo, 3D PDF, Solidworks, Inventor, STEP, IGES, Siemens NX, ACIS, STL, and Solid Edge

BIM File Format SupportPremium

Support for BIM file formats including Rhino, Sketchup, Revit, and IFC formats in BricsCAD BIM and Ultimate versions

Multi-Format File Support

Support for multiple file formats including DWG, DXF, DWT, ACIS, SAT, PDF, Microstation Colada, JPEG, TIFF, and Draftsight

Native DWG Support

CAD platform based on industry standards allowing users to work with existing designs and supplier designs in DWG format

Also in: Smartling

Performance(1)

Optimized PerformanceAI

Advanced algorithms and AI-driven technologies to reduce compute times and ensure real-time responsiveness even with large files

Specialized Tools(3)

BIM (Building Information Modeling)Premium

2D & 3D CAD tools for building modeling and documentation

Mechanical CAD ToolsPremium

2D & 3D mechanical CAD tools to document manufacturing processes

Surveying ToolsPremium

Professional surveying toolset for survey-specific workflows

Usability(1)

Familiar User Interface

CAD software with familiar interface enabling proficient CAD users to become skilled with minimal training

Workflow(1)

Design Workflow Pipeline

Structured workflow from initial design concept through design development, detailed design, and production

Pricing

BricsCAD Shape

Free
  • Essential 2D CAD
  • View, edit, and mark up designs
  • DWG file support

BricsCAD Lite

$345/year
  • Essential 2D CAD
  • 2D Drafting
  • DWG compatibility
  • LISP customization

BricsCAD Pro

$780/year
  • Professional 2D & 3D CAD
  • 2D Drafting
  • 3D Modeling
  • Advanced editing

BricsCAD Mechanical

$1,100/year
  • 2D & 3D Mechanical CAD
  • Manufacturing documentation
  • Mechanical toolsets

BricsCAD BIM

$1,166/year
  • 2D & 3D CAD for building modeling
  • Building documentation
  • BIM file format support

BricsCAD Ultimate

$1,298/year
  • Integrated 2D & 3D CAD
  • Mechanical toolset
  • BIM tools
  • Surveying tools
  • All file format support

Cost Calculator

Pricing data not available for BricsCAD. Check their website for current pricing.

Build vs Buy

Should you build a BricsCAD alternative or buy the subscription? Estimate based on 25 features.

Buy BricsCAD

Better Value
Monthly costContact Sales
3-year totalVaries
Time to deployDays

Build Your Own

Development cost$12,000
Maintenance$180/mo
3-year total$18,480
Dev time~1 months

Buying BricsCAD saves ~$18,480 over 3 years vs building.

Estimates based on 25 features and a BuildScore of 5/5. Actual costs vary.

Integrations

10 known integrations

CATIACreoIFCInventorRevitRhinoSiemens NXSketchupSolid EdgeSolidworks