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Software · head to head

PrusaSlicer vs BricsCAD

PrusaSlicer logo

PrusaSlicer

Software

Feature-rich 3D printing slicer

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
BricsCAD logo

BricsCAD

Software

DWG-based CAD platform

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only PrusaSlicer has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: PrusaSlicer limited to slicing workflow only; no interactive 3D design capabilities; BricsCAD the Lite edition has no 3D modelling, surveying or point cloud support
  • They diverge on capability: PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, BricsCAD covers DWG native.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PrusaSlicer and BricsCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where PrusaSlicer and BricsCAD differ
AttributePrusaSlicerBricsCAD
Starting priceFree$29/month
Pricing modelopen-sourceone-time
Free tierYesNo
Founded20122002

Identical on both: platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux), 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 PrusaSlicer

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

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.

PrusaSlicer

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

BricsCAD

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

Where each one falls short

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

PrusaSlicer

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

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

PrusaSlicer

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PrusaSlicer review.

BricsCAD

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

Which should you pick?

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

Choose BricsCAD if

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

Questions people ask

Is PrusaSlicer or BricsCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. PrusaSlicer 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, PrusaSlicer or BricsCAD?
PrusaSlicer has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for PrusaSlicer and $29/month for BricsCAD.
Does PrusaSlicer or BricsCAD run on more platforms?
PrusaSlicer runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. BricsCAD 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 PrusaSlicer best used for?
PrusaSlicer is most often used for preparation of stl models for 3d printing, multi-material printing preparation, g-code generation and customisation via macros. Of those, preparation of stl models for 3d printing and multi-material printing preparation are not what BricsCAD is typically brought in for.
What can PrusaSlicer do that BricsCAD cannot?
PrusaSlicer covers Automatic supports, Multi-material, Variable layer height, Custom G-code. BricsCAD covers DWG native, 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support, Linux support.
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