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BricsCAD BIM vs SolidWorks

BricsCAD BIM logo

BricsCAD BIM

Software

Affordable BIM software with DWG compatibility

From
€1060/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SolidWorks logo

SolidWorks

Software

3D CAD design software for engineers and designers

From
$3300/year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: BricsCAD BIM limited multidisciplinary collaboration features compared to Revit; SolidWorks windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support
  • They diverge on capability: BricsCAD BIM covers AI-assisted BIM, SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which BricsCAD BIM and SolidWorks actually diverge.

Attributes where BricsCAD BIM and SolidWorks differ
AttributeBricsCAD BIMSolidWorks
Starting price€1060/year$3300/year
PlatformsWindows, macOS, WebWindows
Founded20021993

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 BricsCAD BIM

  • AI-assisted BIM
  • DWG compatibility
  • 2D drafting
  • 3D modeling
  • Documentation
  • AutoCAD
  • Revit
  • IFC

Only in SolidWorks

  • 3D solid modeling
  • Assembly design
  • Technical drawings
  • Simulation
  • Rendering
  • PDM systems
  • ERP systems
  • CAM software

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

BricsCAD BIM

  • Architectural designnot SolidWorks
  • Construction documentationnot SolidWorks
  • BIM coordinationnot SolidWorks
  • CAD draftingnot SolidWorks

SolidWorks

  • Product designnot BricsCAD BIM
  • Engineering analysisnot BricsCAD BIM
  • Manufacturing documentationnot BricsCAD BIM
  • Prototypingnot BricsCAD BIM
  • Quality controlnot BricsCAD BIM

Where each one falls short

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

BricsCAD BIM

  • Limited multidisciplinary collaboration features compared to Revit
  • Smaller ecosystem of third-party add-ons and integrations
  • Not optimized for complex large-scale projects requiring advanced coordination

SolidWorks

  • Windows-only software with no native macOS or Linux support
  • High perpetual licensing costs compared to cloud-based competitors like Fusion 360
  • Performance can degrade with very large assemblies containing thousands of parts
  • Requires separate licensing for advanced simulation features in Professional and Premium editions

Pricing, plan by plan

BricsCAD BIM

€1060/year

No published plan breakdown. See the BricsCAD BIM review.

SolidWorks

$3300/year
  • Standard$846/year
    • Parametric modeling
    • Assemblies and drawings
    • Basic analysis
  • Professional$4995/year (approx)
    • Advanced simulation
    • Surfacing tools
    • Sheet metal design
  • Premium$7100/year (approx)
    • All Professional features
    • Reverse engineering
    • Advanced analysis

Which should you pick?

Choose BricsCAD BIM if

  • You need ai-assisted bim.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Web.
  • You also want dwg compatibility.
BricsCAD BIM review

Choose SolidWorks if

  • You need 3d solid modeling.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want assembly design.
SolidWorks review

Questions people ask

Is BricsCAD BIM or SolidWorks better?
Neither clearly leads. BricsCAD BIM starts at €1060/year and SolidWorks at $3300/year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, BricsCAD BIM or SolidWorks?
BricsCAD BIM starts at €1060/year and SolidWorks at $3300/year.
Does BricsCAD BIM or SolidWorks run on more platforms?
BricsCAD BIM runs on Windows, macOS, Web. SolidWorks runs on Windows.
What is BricsCAD BIM best used for?
BricsCAD BIM is most often used for architectural design, construction documentation, bim coordination, cad drafting. Of those, architectural design and construction documentation are not what SolidWorks is typically brought in for.
What can BricsCAD BIM do that SolidWorks cannot?
BricsCAD BIM covers AI-assisted BIM, DWG compatibility, 2D drafting, 3D modeling. SolidWorks covers 3D solid modeling, Assembly design, Technical drawings, Simulation. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

BricsCAD BIM: What does BricsCAD BIM cost?

BricsCAD BIM costs 1,060 EUR per year for subscription or approximately 2,616 USD for a perpetual license.

Source
SolidWorks: What is the cost of SolidWorks?

SolidWorks pricing varies by license type. Standard Edition costs approximately $846 on average, while Professional and Premium editions are priced higher depending on reseller and licensing model. Costs typically range from $3,300 to $7,100 depending on features and add-ons.

Source
BricsCAD BIM: Does BricsCAD BIM support DWG files?

Yes. BricsCAD BIM is fully compatible with industry-standard DWG files, enabling seamless transition from 2D drafting.

Source
SolidWorks: What editions of SolidWorks are available?

SolidWorks offers three main editions: Standard (essential CAD with parametric modeling and assemblies), Professional (adds advanced simulation and surfacing), and Premium (comprehensive engineering suite with reverse engineering and complex analysis).

Source
BricsCAD BIM: Can I use BricsCAD BIM for point cloud processing?

Yes. BricsCAD BIM handles scan-to-BIM workflows and can convert building scans into modeled elements.

Source
SolidWorks: Does SolidWorks run on macOS?

SolidWorks is primarily a Windows-only application. While macOS users can run it via virtual machines or Boot Camp, native macOS support is not available.

Source
BricsCAD BIM: Does BricsCAD offer perpetual licenses?

Yes. BricsCAD is one of the few BIM tools offering both perpetual licenses and subscriptions, providing cost control for firms concerned about recurring fees.

Source
SolidWorks: What AI capabilities does SolidWorks 2026 include?

SolidWorks 2026 integrates native AI assistants LEO and AURA directly into the interface. These AI features provide design assistance and automation for tasks like optimization and feature creation.

Source
SolidWorks: Can I create assemblies and complex 3D models in SolidWorks?

Yes. SolidWorks includes unlimited assembly capabilities, parametric modeling for complex designs, detailing and drawing tools, and built-in analysis for stress simulation and dynamic motion.

Source
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