Softwr

CAD · head to head

BricsCAD vs PrusaSlicer

BricsCAD logo

BricsCAD

CAD

DWG-based CAD platform

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PrusaSlicer logo

PrusaSlicer

CAD

Feature-rich 3D printing slicer

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only PrusaSlicer 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; PrusaSlicer limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities
  • They diverge on capability: BricsCAD covers DWG native, PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which BricsCAD and PrusaSlicer actually diverge.

Attributes where BricsCAD and PrusaSlicer differ
AttributeBricsCADPrusaSlicer
Starting price$29/monthFree
Pricing modelone-timefree
Free tierNoYes
Founded20022012

Identical on both: 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 PrusaSlicer

  • Automatic supports
  • Multi-material
  • Variable layer height
  • Custom G-code
  • Paint-on supports
  • Ironing
  • Prusa printers
  • Most FDM printers

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 PrusaSlicer
  • 3D mechanical design and assembly modellingnot PrusaSlicer
  • BIM modelling and construction documentationnot PrusaSlicer

PrusaSlicer

  • Preparation of STL models for 3D printingnot BricsCAD
  • Multi-material printing preparationnot BricsCAD
  • G-code generation and customisation via macrosnot 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

PrusaSlicer

  • Limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities
  • Designed for RepRap-based printers; compatibility with other printer architectures varies

Pricing, plan by plan

BricsCAD

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

PrusaSlicer

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PrusaSlicer 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 PrusaSlicer if

  • You need automatic supports.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want multi-material.
PrusaSlicer review

Questions people ask

Is BricsCAD or PrusaSlicer better?
Neither clearly leads. BricsCAD starts at $29/month and PrusaSlicer at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, BricsCAD or PrusaSlicer?
PrusaSlicer has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $29/month for BricsCAD and Free for PrusaSlicer.
Does BricsCAD or PrusaSlicer run on more platforms?
BricsCAD runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux. PrusaSlicer runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use PrusaSlicer for free?
Yes. PrusaSlicer 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 PrusaSlicer is typically brought in for.
What can BricsCAD do that PrusaSlicer cannot?
BricsCAD covers DWG native, 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM. PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, Multi-material, Variable layer height, Custom G-code. 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'.

Source
PrusaSlicer: How much does PrusaSlicer cost?

PrusaSlicer is completely free and open-source software developed by Prusa Research.

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
Share

Related pages

More on BricsCAD

More on PrusaSlicer

Keep looking

Other head to heads