Software · head to head
OpenSCAD vs BricsCAD
The short version
- Only OpenSCAD has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: OpenSCAD script-based workflow, not interactive design interface; BricsCAD the Lite edition has no 3D modelling, surveying or point cloud support
- They diverge on capability: OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling, BricsCAD covers DWG native.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which OpenSCAD and BricsCAD actually diverge.
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 OpenSCAD
- Script-based modeling
- CSG operations
- 2D to 3D extrusion
- Parameterization
- STL export
- Preview
- 3D printers
- Slicers
Only in BricsCAD
- DWG native
- 2D drafting
- 3D modeling
- BIM
- Sheet metal
- Mechanical
- LISP support
- AutoCAD compatible
Both cover
- Windows support
- MacOS support
- Linux support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
OpenSCAD
- Parametric 3D design for manufacturing and 3D printingnot BricsCAD
- Technical design with scripted control over geometrynot BricsCAD
- Procedural model generationnot BricsCAD
BricsCAD
- 2D drafting as a DWG native alternative to AutoCADnot OpenSCAD
- 3D mechanical design and assembly modellingnot OpenSCAD
- BIM modelling and construction documentationnot OpenSCAD
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
OpenSCAD
- Script-based workflow, not interactive design interface
- Limited to constructive solid geometry and 2D extrusion modelling
- Not suitable for artistic 3D modelling or computer animation
- Complex build dependencies (Qt, CGAL, Boost)
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
OpenSCAD
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the OpenSCAD review.
BricsCAD
$29/month- Lite$550/month
- 2D drafting
- Pro$875/month
- 2D + 3D
- Ultimate$1575/month
- All features
Which should you pick?
Choose OpenSCAD if
- You need script-based modeling.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly.
- You also want csg operations.
Choose BricsCAD if
- You need dwg native.
- You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- You also want 2d drafting.
Questions people ask
- Is OpenSCAD or BricsCAD better?
- Neither clearly leads. OpenSCAD 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, OpenSCAD or BricsCAD?
- OpenSCAD has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for OpenSCAD and $29/month for BricsCAD.
- Does OpenSCAD or BricsCAD run on more platforms?
- OpenSCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly. BricsCAD runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
- Can I use OpenSCAD for free?
- Yes. OpenSCAD has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. BricsCAD starts at $29/month.
- What is OpenSCAD best used for?
- OpenSCAD is most often used for parametric 3d design for manufacturing and 3d printing, technical design with scripted control over geometry, procedural model generation. Of those, parametric 3d design for manufacturing and 3d printing and technical design with scripted control over geometry are not what BricsCAD is typically brought in for.
- What can OpenSCAD do that BricsCAD cannot?
- OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling, CSG operations, 2D to 3D extrusion, Parameterization. BricsCAD covers DWG native, 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support, Linux support.