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Software · head to head

OnShape vs BricsCAD

OnShape logo

OnShape

Software

Full-cloud 3D CAD platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
BricsCAD logo

BricsCAD

Software

DWG-based CAD platform

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only OnShape has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: OnShape the free plan is non commercial only and makes every document publicly accessible, so nothing designed on it can be kept private; BricsCAD the Lite edition has no 3D modelling, surveying or point cloud support
  • They diverge on capability: OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, BricsCAD covers DWG native.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OnShape and BricsCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where OnShape and BricsCAD differ
AttributeOnShapeBricsCAD
Starting priceFree$29/month
Pricing modelsubscriptionone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, IOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, Linux
Founded20122002

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 OnShape

  • Cloud-native CAD
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Version control
  • Part studios
  • Assemblies
  • Drawings
  • FeatureScript
  • Mobile access

Only in BricsCAD

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

What people use each for

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

OnShape

  • Cloud based parametric CAD without local workstation installsnot BricsCAD
  • Collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documentsnot BricsCAD

BricsCAD

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

Where each one falls short

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

OnShape

  • The free plan is non commercial only and makes every document publicly accessible, so nothing designed on it can be kept private
  • The Standard plan is $1,500 per user per year and Professional $2,500
  • Simulation, rendering, CAM and advanced PDM all require the Professional plan
  • SSO, analytics and advanced administration are Enterprise only with no published price

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

OnShape

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited features
    • Public documents
  • Standard$1500/month
    • Private documents
    • Full features
  • Professional$2100/month
    • Advanced simulation
    • Enterprise features

BricsCAD

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

Which should you pick?

Choose OnShape if

  • You need cloud-native cad.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android.
  • You also want real-time collaboration.
OnShape 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 OnShape or BricsCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. OnShape 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, OnShape or BricsCAD?
OnShape has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for OnShape and $29/month for BricsCAD.
Does OnShape or BricsCAD run on more platforms?
OnShape runs on Web, IOS, Android. BricsCAD runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
Can I use OnShape for free?
Yes. OnShape has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. BricsCAD starts at $29/month.
What is OnShape best used for?
OnShape is most often used for cloud based parametric cad without local workstation installs, collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documents. Of those, cloud based parametric cad without local workstation installs and collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documents are not what BricsCAD is typically brought in for.
What can OnShape do that BricsCAD cannot?
OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Real-time collaboration, Version control, Part studios. BricsCAD covers DWG native, 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM.
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