AutoCAD vs BricsCAD

by Gralio Mar 07, 2025

AutoCAD and BricsCAD are both robust CAD software solutions, but they cater to different needs. AutoCAD excels in comprehensive features and industry-specific tools, while BricsCAD focuses on affordability and ease of transition for AutoCAD users.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 4016 reviews and 60 websites, saving 22 hours, 48 minutes of reading.

AutoCAD

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BricsCAD

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About

AutoCAD is a design and drafting software to create 2D and 3D models. It offers industry-specific tools for fields like architecture and manufacturing. AutoCAD stands out with its web and mobile apps, enabling work from anywhere. It promises increased productivity through specialized features and a familiar interface.

BricsCAD is a cost-effective computer-aided design (CAD) software that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical design, and building information modeling (BIM). BricsCAD aims to be familiar to users of other CAD software, enabling a quick transition. It boasts innovative features like machine learning to improve drawing accuracy and efficiency. BricsCAD offers both permanent and subscription licensing options to fit various needs and budgets.

Summary

Main difference

AutoCAD is a powerful, industry-standard CAD software known for its comprehensive features and mobile/web access, ideal for businesses needing extensive functionalities and cross-platform compatibility. BricsCAD offers a cost-effective, familiar CAD environment with perpetual licensing, best suited for businesses prioritizing affordability and a smooth transition from other CAD software, particularly AutoCAD.

Relative strengths of AutoCAD (compared to BricsCAD)

Extensive features and functionalities, including specialized toolsets for various industries.
Web and mobile apps provide flexibility and access from anywhere.
Widely recognized industry standard, ensuring compatibility and a large user community.

Relative weaknesses of AutoCAD (compared to BricsCAD)

High cost of licensing can be prohibitive for smaller businesses.
Performance issues and crashes can occur, especially with complex projects.
3D modeling capabilities are not as advanced as dedicated 3D software.

Who should use AutoCAD VS. BricsCAD

AutoCAD is a robust 2D and 3D design software praised for its intuitive interface and extensive customization. Users highlight its industry-standard status and ample online resources. However, some users report performance issues with larger files and find the 3D modeling capabilities limited. It's best suited for architects, engineers, and designers in various industries needing powerful design tools.

BricsCAD is a cost-effective CAD software offering 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and BIM capabilities. Users praise its affordability and familiar interface, enabling easy transition from other CAD software like AutoCAD. While some users note occasional instability and limited customization, many appreciate its DWG compatibility and speed. BricsCAD is ideal for businesses of all sizes seeking a versatile and budget-friendly CAD solution.

Best for medium to large businesses (101+ employees).
Ideal for Manufacturing, Real Estate & Construction, and Media & Entertainment.

Excellent fit for small and medium businesses (1-1000 employees), good fit for large enterprises (1001+).
A good fit for businesses in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction; Manufacturing; and Software/IT.

AutoCAD and BricsCAD features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Drafting

Supported

AutoCAD allows creation of 2D drawings from 3D models using various built-in tools.

Supported

BricsCAD supports creating 2D drawings from 3D models using various tools and commands.
Dimensioning

Supported

AutoCAD supports manual and automatic dimensioning tools for 2D drawings.

Supported

BricsCAD supports automatic and manual 2D dimensioning tools.
DWG support

Supported

AutoCAD fully supports importing and exporting DWG files.

Supported

BricsCAD directly supports importing and exporting DWG files.
2D Sketching

Supported

AutoCAD supports 2D sketching for defining part geometry.

Supported

BricsCAD supports creating 2D sketches to define part geometry.
DWG import

Supported

AutoCAD natively uses DWG files, so importing them is supported.

Supported

BricsCAD supports importing DWG files.
Revit integration

Supported

AutoCAD and Revit integration is supported, enabling seamless data exchange and workflow.

Partially supported

BricsCAD integrates with Revit via IFC and RVT import/export, but with limited metadata transfer.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

-0.56

Rather negative sentiment

+1

Strongly positive sentiment
Customer Service

+0.78

Strongly positive sentiment

No data
Ease of Use

+0.72

Strongly positive sentiment

+1

Strongly positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

+0.26

Neutral sentiment

+1

Strongly positive sentiment
Ease of Implementation

+0.11

Neutral sentiment

No data
Scalability

-0.45

Rather negative sentiment

No data

AutoCAD and BricsCAD Pricing

No data

User sentiment

Rather negative

-0.56

See full Pricing page

No data

User sentiment

Strongly positive

We couldn't find a pricing page for BricsCAD.

AutoCAD and BricsCAD review insights

4016 reviews analysed from and

Users love

Intuitive and user-friendly interface for 2D drafting, praised for its ease of use and familiar commands.
Extensive customization options, including custom commands, shortcuts, and workspaces.
Widely used and recognized as an industry standard, ensuring compatibility and collaboration.
Vast online resources, tutorials, and a large user community provide ample support.
Precise and accurate drawing tools, essential for detailed technical drawings and plans.

Cost-effective and affordable compared to AutoCAD.
Familiar interface, allowing for easy transition from AutoCAD.
Excellent compatibility with DWG files, facilitating seamless file exchange.
Lightweight and fast, especially for 2D drafting.
Offers perpetual licensing option, eliminating subscription costs.

Users dislike

Performance issues, slowdowns, and crashes are frequently reported, especially with larger files and 3D modeling.
High cost of licensing and subscription model is a major concern for individuals and small businesses.
3D modeling capabilities are considered limited compared to dedicated 3D software.
Steep learning curve and complex interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
Limited file format compatibility and occasional issues with importing/exporting files.

Can be unstable, requiring restarts to resolve issues.
Limited customization options for the start screen.
Right-click functionality differs from AutoCAD, requiring adjustment for experienced AutoCAD users.
Limited layer database, requiring manual import of layers.
Snapshot function produces a specialized file format, limiting compatibility.

AutoCAD and BricsCAD Ratings

G2

4.4/5

(1446)
Capterra

4.7/5

(2449)
Glassdoor

4.3/5

(4861)

G2

4.5/5

(131)
Glassdoor

3.8/5

(2005)

Company health

Employee growth

2% increase in the last year

8% increase in the last year

Web traffic

2% decrease in the last quarter

7% increase in the last quarter

Financing

April 2020 - $0

No data

How important is cross-platform compatibility (Mac, Linux)?

Cross-platform compatibility is moderately important. While AutoCAD is primarily used on Windows, BricsCAD offers compatibility with Mac and Linux. This could be a deciding factor for teams with mixed operating systems or a preference for Mac or Linux environments. If cross-platform use is essential, BricsCAD has a clear advantage.

Which product best supports my transition from AutoCAD?

BricsCAD is the better choice for transitioning from AutoCAD. User reviews highlight its familiar interface and excellent DWG file compatibility, making the switch easier. While both products offer similar core features like 2D sketching, drafting, and dimensioning, BricsCAD is specifically praised for simplifying the transition from AutoCAD.

What are the advantages of AutoCAD?

AutoCAD offers web and mobile apps, enabling users to work from anywhere, while BricsCAD is limited to desktop. AutoCAD provides industry-specific toolsets for a wider range of disciplines, increasing productivity for specialized tasks. It also benefits from a larger user community and more online resources, offering better support and learning opportunities.

What are the disadvantages of AutoCAD?

AutoCAD can suffer from performance issues, especially with large files or complex 3D models, leading to slowdowns and crashes. The cost of licensing can be prohibitive for individuals or small businesses. While capable, AutoCAD's 3D modeling functionality is often considered less powerful than dedicated 3D modeling software. The software can have a steep learning curve for beginners due to its complex interface and extensive feature set. Finally, while supporting the industry-standard DWG format, compatibility issues can still arise when importing or exporting other file types.

Alternatives to AutoCAD and BricsCAD

XTEN-AV

XTEN-AV is a cloud-based software designed for the audiovisual industry. It helps businesses create professional AV designs and proposals with tools like automated drawing generation, a library of over 1.5 million AV products, and proposal templates. XTEN-AV offers collaboration features, integrations with popular business applications, and a virtual reality platform to visualize room designs. Pricing is tiered based on user count and feature access.

SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software that's easy to use, yet powerful enough for professionals in architecture, interior design, and construction. Visualize projects of any size, create detailed 2D drawings from your models, and share your vision with colleagues and clients through presentations and immersive visuals. SketchUp is known for its intuitive interface and is used by individuals and companies worldwide, from small design studios to large architectural firms.

PIPEPHASE

PIPEPHASE is a software used by oil and gas companies to simulate the flow of oil and gas through pipelines. It helps companies design, plan, and optimize their pipeline systems. PIPEPHASE allows companies to model different scenarios, like changing production rates or pipeline diameters, to see how it impacts efficiency and profitability. This helps companies make informed decisions about their pipeline operations, leading to improved performance and reduced costs.

SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS is a popular computer-aided design (CAD) software primarily used by engineers and designers. It offers a range of tools for 3D modeling, design validation, and product data management. SOLIDWORKS is known for its user-friendliness and caters to various industries, with a strong focus on manufacturing. It helps businesses design better products faster by streamlining the design process and improving collaboration.

Inventor

Inventor is a 3D design software for professionals who need to create, simulate, and document mechanical designs. It's used across various industries by engineers and designers to build a digital prototype before physical production. Inventor helps reduce development costs and speed up time to market by letting you test form, fit, and function virtually. It offers powerful tools for 3D modeling, including standard 2D drawings, and can be integrated with existing design data.

IGiS CAD

IGiS CAD is a professional software for 2D and 3D design used across various industries like architecture, engineering, and construction. This robust tool enables users to draft, model, and analyze projects efficiently, from initial planning to execution. IGiS CAD aims to deliver a comprehensive solution for precise and detailed design work.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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