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FreeCAD vs BricsCAD

FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

Software

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
BricsCAD logo

BricsCAD

Software

DWG-based CAD platform

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

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

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FreeCAD and BricsCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where FreeCAD and BricsCAD differ
AttributeFreeCADBricsCAD
Starting priceFree$29/month
Pricing modelopen-sourceone-time
Free tierYesNo

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 FreeCAD

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

Only in BricsCAD

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

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.

FreeCAD

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

BricsCAD

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

Where each one falls short

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

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

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

Pricing, plan by plan

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

BricsCAD

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

Which should you pick?

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

Choose BricsCAD if

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

Questions people ask

Is FreeCAD or BricsCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. FreeCAD starts at Free and BricsCAD at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FreeCAD or BricsCAD?
FreeCAD has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for FreeCAD and $29/month for BricsCAD.
Does FreeCAD or BricsCAD run on more platforms?
FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. BricsCAD 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 FreeCAD best used for?
FreeCAD is most often used for mechanical engineering design, architectural modelling, product design and prototyping, cam/cnc path generation. Of those, mechanical engineering design and architectural modelling are not what BricsCAD is typically brought in for.
What can FreeCAD do that BricsCAD cannot?
FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. BricsCAD covers DWG native, 2D drafting, 3D modeling, Sheet metal. Both handle BIM, Windows support, MacOS support, Linux support.
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