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CAD · head to head

Inventor vs BricsCAD

Inventor logo

Inventor

CAD

Professional-grade 3D mechanical design

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
BricsCAD logo

BricsCAD

CAD

DWG-based CAD platform

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Inventor pricing shown as template variables on the page, suggesting dynamic or region-specific pricing; BricsCAD the Lite edition has no 3D modelling, surveying or point cloud support
  • They diverge on capability: Inventor covers Parametric modeling, BricsCAD covers DWG native.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Inventor and BricsCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where Inventor and BricsCAD differ
AttributeInventorBricsCAD
Pricing modelsubscriptionone-time
PlatformsWindowsWindows, MacOS, Linux
Founded19822002

Identical on both: starting price ($29/month), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (CAD).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Inventor

  • Parametric modeling
  • Assembly design
  • Simulation
  • Rendering
  • Technical documentation
  • Frame generator
  • AutoCAD
  • Vault

Only in BricsCAD

  • DWG native
  • 2D drafting
  • 3D modeling
  • BIM
  • Mechanical
  • LISP support
  • AutoCAD compatible
  • Revit IFC

Both cover

  • Sheet metal
  • License management
  • Windows support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Inventor

  • Mechanical designnot BricsCAD
  • Product developmentnot BricsCAD
  • Manufacturing documentationnot BricsCAD

BricsCAD

  • 2D drafting as a DWG native alternative to AutoCADnot Inventor
  • 3D mechanical design and assembly modellingnot Inventor
  • BIM modelling and construction documentationnot Inventor

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Inventor

  • Pricing shown as template variables on the page, suggesting dynamic or region-specific pricing
  • No clear pricing information readily available on the overview page

BricsCAD

  • The Lite edition has no 3D modelling, surveying or point cloud support
  • Lite is sold as a network licence only with a 5 seat minimum
  • Mechanical excludes BIM tools and BIM excludes mechanical and surveying tools, so cross discipline work needs Ultimate at 1,176 euro
  • Importing 3D geometry and PMI from other CAD systems requires the Communicator add on at 294 euro per year
  • Network licences require the customer to run their own licence server
  • Maintenance is included for the first year only and renewal is a separate annual charge on perpetual licences
  • Listed prices exclude local taxes
  • Bricsys now trades as Octave and the product site has moved to bricscad.octave.com

Pricing, plan by plan

Inventor

$29/month
  • Inventor$2085/month
    • Full mechanical design
    • Simulation
    • Documentation
  • Product Design & Manufacturing Collection$2475/month
    • Inventor + AutoCAD + more

BricsCAD

$29/month
  • Lite$550/month
    • 2D drafting
  • Pro$875/month
    • 2D + 3D
  • Ultimate$1575/month
    • All features

Which should you pick?

Choose Inventor if

  • You need parametric modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want assembly design.
Inventor review

Choose BricsCAD if

  • You need dwg native.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
  • You also want 2d drafting.
BricsCAD review

Questions people ask

Is Inventor or BricsCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. Inventor starts at $29/month and BricsCAD at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Inventor or BricsCAD?
Inventor starts at $29/month and BricsCAD at $29/month.
Does Inventor or BricsCAD run on more platforms?
Inventor runs on Windows. BricsCAD runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
What is Inventor best used for?
Inventor is most often used for mechanical design, product development, manufacturing documentation. Of those, mechanical design and product development are not what BricsCAD is typically brought in for.
What can Inventor do that BricsCAD cannot?
Inventor covers Parametric modeling, Assembly design, Simulation, Rendering. BricsCAD covers DWG native, 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM. Both handle Sheet metal, License management, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Inventor: How much does Autodesk Inventor cost?

Autodesk Inventor pricing is not displayed on the overview page. Monthly and annual subscription options are available, including single-year and multi-year terms. Customers can access pricing through their Autodesk Account or contact sales.

Source
BricsCAD: Does BricsCAD offer a trial?

Yes, BricsCAD offers a 30-day trial to 'Start designing in BricsCAD today'.

Source
Inventor: Is there a free trial for Autodesk Inventor?

Yes, Autodesk offers a 30-day free trial of Inventor. You can start your project and try the software for free during this period.

Source
BricsCAD: Is BricsCAD free for any users?

Yes, BricsCAD is available at no cost for students and schools.

Source
BricsCAD: What product tiers does BricsCAD offer?

BricsCAD offers five tiers: Lite (essential 2D CAD), Pro (professional 2D & 3D CAD), Mechanical (2D & 3D mechanical CAD), BIM (2D & 3D building modeling), and Ultimate (integrated 2D & 3D for multiple disciplines). Specific pricing for each tier is not disclosed on the website.

Source
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