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BricsCAD vs FreeCAD

BricsCAD logo

BricsCAD

Software

DWG-based CAD platform

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

Software

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only FreeCAD has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: BricsCAD the Lite edition has no 3D modelling, surveying or point cloud support; FreeCAD no vendor support or professional services available; community-driven support only
  • They diverge on capability: BricsCAD covers DWG native, FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which BricsCAD and FreeCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where BricsCAD and FreeCAD differ
AttributeBricsCADFreeCAD
Starting price$29/monthFree
Pricing modelone-timeopen-source
Free tierNoYes

Identical on both: platforms (Windows, MacOS, Linux), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (2002).

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

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

Only in FreeCAD

  • Parametric modeling
  • Part design
  • Assembly
  • Drafting
  • FEM simulation
  • Path/CAM
  • Architecture
  • OpenCASCADE

Both cover

  • BIM
  • Windows support
  • MacOS support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

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

BricsCAD

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

FreeCAD

  • Mechanical engineering designnot BricsCAD
  • Architectural modellingnot BricsCAD
  • Product design and prototypingnot BricsCAD
  • CAM/CNC path generationnot BricsCAD

Where each one falls short

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

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

FreeCAD

  • No vendor support or professional services available; community-driven support only
  • Requires users to self-host and maintain the software; no cloud version available

Pricing, plan by plan

BricsCAD

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

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

Which should you pick?

Choose BricsCAD if

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

Choose FreeCAD if

  • You need parametric modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want part design.
FreeCAD review

Questions people ask

Is BricsCAD or FreeCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. BricsCAD starts at $29/month and FreeCAD at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, BricsCAD or FreeCAD?
FreeCAD has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $29/month for BricsCAD and Free for FreeCAD.
Does BricsCAD or FreeCAD run on more platforms?
BricsCAD runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux. FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use FreeCAD for free?
Yes. FreeCAD has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. BricsCAD starts at $29/month.
What is BricsCAD best used for?
BricsCAD is most often used for 2d drafting as a dwg native alternative to autocad, 3d mechanical design and assembly modelling, bim modelling and construction documentation. Of those, 2d drafting as a dwg native alternative to autocad and 3d mechanical design and assembly modelling are not what FreeCAD is typically brought in for.
What can BricsCAD do that FreeCAD cannot?
BricsCAD covers DWG native, 2D drafting, 3D modeling, Sheet metal. FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. Both handle BIM, Windows support, MacOS support, Linux support.
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