CAD · head to head
BricsCAD vs Redshift
The short version
- Each has a real cost: BricsCAD the Lite edition has no 3D modelling, surveying or point cloud support; Redshift no specific pricing amounts published on product page
- They diverge on capability: BricsCAD covers DWG native, Redshift covers GPU rendering.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which BricsCAD and Redshift actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price ($29/month), free tier (No), platforms (Windows, MacOS, Linux), 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 BricsCAD
- DWG native
- 2D drafting
- 3D modeling
- BIM
- Sheet metal
- Mechanical
- LISP support
- AutoCAD compatible
Only in Redshift
- GPU rendering
- Out-of-core rendering
- Proxy system
- AOVs
- Motion blur
- Production shading
- Maya
- 3ds Max
Both cover
- 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 Redshift
- 3D mechanical design and assembly modellingnot Redshift
- BIM modelling and construction documentationnot Redshift
Redshift
- 3D rendering and visualizationnot BricsCAD
- GPU-accelerated ray tracingnot BricsCAD
- Multi-GPU rendering up to 8 GPUs per machinenot 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
Redshift
- No specific pricing amounts published on product page
- Only 14-day free trial duration mentioned; no longer-term free tier
- Must contact sales team for subscription cost details
Pricing, plan by plan
BricsCAD
$29/month- Lite$550/month
- 2D drafting
- Pro$875/month
- 2D + 3D
- Ultimate$1575/month
- All features
Redshift
$29/month- Redshift$45/month
- Full GPU rendering
- Maxon One$149.91/month
- Redshift + C4D + ZBrush
Which should you pick?
Choose BricsCAD if
- You need dwg native.
- You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- You also want 2d drafting.
Choose Redshift if
- You need gpu rendering.
- You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- You also want out-of-core rendering.
Questions people ask
- Is BricsCAD or Redshift better?
- Neither clearly leads. BricsCAD starts at $29/month and Redshift at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, BricsCAD or Redshift?
- BricsCAD starts at $29/month and Redshift at $29/month.
- Does BricsCAD or Redshift run on more platforms?
- Both run on Windows, MacOS, Linux, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- 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 Redshift is typically brought in for.
- What can BricsCAD do that Redshift cannot?
- BricsCAD covers DWG native, 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM. Redshift covers GPU rendering, Out-of-core rendering, Proxy system, AOVs. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support, Linux support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
BricsCAD: Does BricsCAD offer a trial?
Yes, BricsCAD offers a 30-day trial to 'Start designing in BricsCAD today'.
SourceRedshift: What is included with a Redshift subscription?
Redshift Subscription includes all integration plugins and capability for multiple instances up to 8 GPUs on a single computer. Specific features beyond rendering engine not detailed in public pricing documentation.
SourceBricsCAD: Is BricsCAD free for any users?
Yes, BricsCAD is available at no cost for students and schools.
SourceRedshift: How long is the Redshift trial period?
Redshift offers a 14-day free trial for users to evaluate the software before purchase commitment.
SourceBricsCAD: 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.
SourceRedshift: Where can I find Redshift pricing details?
Specific pricing is available through Redshift store access or by contacting the sales team directly. Pricing amounts are not listed on the public product page.
SourceRelated pages
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- Redshift vs FreeCAD
- Redshift vs KeyShot
- Redshift vs Lumion
- Redshift vs Rhino 3D
- Redshift vs Houdini
- Redshift vs Arnold
- Redshift vs D5 Render
- Redshift vs Twinmotion
- Redshift vs LightWave 3D
- Redshift vs OpenSCAD
- Redshift vs PrusaSlicer
- Redshift vs Siemens NX
- Redshift vs ZBrush
- Redshift vs 3D-Coat
- Redshift vs Alibre Design
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