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CAD · head to head

BricsCAD vs Vectorworks

BricsCAD logo

BricsCAD

CAD

DWG-based CAD platform

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Vectorworks logo

Vectorworks

CAD

Design software for the AEC industry

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: BricsCAD the Lite edition has no 3D modelling, surveying or point cloud support; Vectorworks pricing not visible on homepage; no rate disclosure in cached vendor content
  • They diverge on capability: BricsCAD covers DWG native, Vectorworks covers BIM modeling.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which BricsCAD and Vectorworks actually diverge.

Attributes where BricsCAD and Vectorworks differ
AttributeBricsCADVectorworks
Pricing modelone-timesubscription
PlatformsWindows, MacOS, LinuxWindows, MacOS
Founded20021985

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 BricsCAD

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

Only in Vectorworks

  • BIM modeling
  • 2D/3D design
  • Documentation
  • Rendering
  • GIS integration
  • Entertainment design
  • Landscape tools
  • Lumion

Both cover

  • License management
  • Windows support
  • MacOS 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 Vectorworks
  • 3D mechanical design and assembly modellingnot Vectorworks
  • BIM modelling and construction documentationnot Vectorworks

Vectorworks

  • BIM (Building Information Modeling) design for architecture and constructionnot BricsCAD
  • 3D landscape design and site planning with terrain modelingnot BricsCAD
  • Stage lighting and event production design softwarenot BricsCAD
  • CAD architectural drawing and technical documentationnot BricsCAD
  • 2D/3D drafting for interior design and kitchen/bath layoutsnot 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

Vectorworks

  • Pricing not visible on homepage; no rate disclosure in cached vendor content

Pricing, plan by plan

BricsCAD

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

Vectorworks

$29/month
  • Architect$2495/month
    • BIM
    • Architecture tools
  • Landmark$2495/month
    • Landscape design
    • GIS
  • Design Suite$3295/month
    • All modules combined

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 Vectorworks if

  • You need bim modeling.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS.
  • You also want 2d/3d design.
Vectorworks review

Questions people ask

Is BricsCAD or Vectorworks better?
Neither clearly leads. BricsCAD starts at $29/month and Vectorworks at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, BricsCAD or Vectorworks?
BricsCAD starts at $29/month and Vectorworks at $29/month.
Does BricsCAD or Vectorworks run on more platforms?
BricsCAD runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux. Vectorworks runs on Windows, MacOS.
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 Vectorworks is typically brought in for.
What can BricsCAD do that Vectorworks cannot?
BricsCAD covers DWG native, 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM. Vectorworks covers BIM modeling, 2D/3D design, Documentation, Rendering. Both handle License management, Windows support, MacOS 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
Vectorworks: How much does Vectorworks cost?

Vectorworks pricing is not displayed on its homepage. The vendor directs users to contact a distributor or reseller for subscription rates.

Source
BricsCAD: Is BricsCAD free for any users?

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

Source
Vectorworks: Does Vectorworks offer a free trial?

Vectorworks directs potential users to contact a distributor to inquire about trial versions. Trial availability is not mentioned on the website.

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
Vectorworks: What is the cost of Vectorworks training and education?

Vectorworks University offers customizable training through online seminars, regional classes, and onsite sessions, but pricing is not published on the website.

Source
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