Alternatives to BricsCAD
Native-DWG CAD software with 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM, and mechanical variants. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
BricsCAD
Native-DWG CAD software with 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM, and mechanical variants.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as BricsCAD.
FreeCAD
A parametric 3D modeller for real objects: design by sketching constrained 2D shapes, then change the parameters later.
FreeCAD is free and open source with parametric modeling, drawings and architecture workbenches, but lacks native DWG handling.
SolidWorks
Industry-standard parametric CAD software for 3D design and product development.
SolidWorks is Windows-only paid parametric CAD with a larger plugin ecosystem, focused on mechanical design rather than DWG drafting and BIM.
Autodesk Fusion 360
Cloud-connected parametric CAD, CAM, and CAE platform with a free personal tier.
Autodesk Fusion 360 adds CAM and simulation with a free personal tier, runs on Windows and macOS, and depends on a cloud connection.
QCAD
A 2D CAD program for technical drawings: floor plans, mechanical parts, schematics and diagrams, with DXF and DWG in and out.
QCAD covers only 2D drafting, is GPL-3.0 open source, and keeps DWG support in its paid Professional edition.
LibreCAD
A 2D CAD program for DXF and DWG drawings, built from the free edition of QCAD.
LibreCAD is free open-source 2D-only CAD that reads DWG and writes DXF, DWG, PDF and SVG, with no 3D or BIM.
AutoCAD
Autodesk's 2D drafting and 3D CAD application, available on the desktop and in the browser.
AutoCAD is the Autodesk product behind the DWG format with desktop and web versions and a larger plugin ecosystem, but requires an Autodesk account and costly licensing.
ZWCAD
Commercial 2D drafting and 3D CAD software with native DWG compatibility, offered as an AutoCAD alternative.
ZWCAD offers native DWG compatibility with a perpetual licence option and add-on development, but runs only on Windows rather than macOS and Linux.
DraftSight
A commercial 2D CAD desktop application for drafting and editing DWG drawings, from Dassault Systèmes.
DraftSight from Dassault Systèmes handles DWG drawings with a familiar interface, focuses mainly on 2D drafting and runs on Windows only.
Also worth comparing
These listings name BricsCAD as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
ALLPLAN
A commercial BIM and CAD platform for architecture, structural and civil engineering, and construction.
BricsCAD is native-DWG CAD with a BIM variant running on Windows, macOS and Linux, paid after a 30-day trial, with a smaller plugin ecosystem.
Archicad
Graphisoft's BIM software for architectural design, construction documentation and team collaboration.
BricsCAD offers a BIM variant built on native DWG, runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and needs a paid licence after a 30-day trial.
Autodesk Revit
Commercial BIM software for designing, documenting and coordinating architectural, structural and MEP building projects.
BricsCAD has a BIM variant built on native DWG, runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and requires a paid licence after a 30-day trial.
GstarCAD
Commercial CAD software for 2D drafting and 3D design that works natively with DWG files.
BricsCAD keeps native DWG support and adds BIM and mechanical variants, and it runs on macOS and Linux as well as Windows, with a paid licence after a 30-day trial.
nanoCAD
A DWG-compatible 2D drafting and 3D modelling CAD platform for Windows with optional modules.
BricsCAD offers native DWG with 2D, 3D, BIM and mechanical variants, and runs on macOS and Linux as well as Windows, with a paid licence after a trial.
progeCAD Professional
AutoCAD-compatible 2D and 3D DWG CAD software for Windows sold with a perpetual licence.
BricsCAD brings native DWG CAD to macOS and Linux as well as Windows, with BIM and mechanical variants, under a paid licence after a 30-day trial.
Sweet Home 3D
Interior design software for drawing a floor plan, arranging furniture on it, and walking through the result in 3D.
BricsCAD is a paid native-DWG CAD package with BIM variants on Windows, macOS and Linux, far more technical than Sweet Home 3D's furniture-layout workflow.
TurboCAD
Commercial 2D and 3D CAD software for drafting and mechanical and architectural design on Windows and Mac.
BricsCAD is paid native-DWG CAD with 2D, 3D, BIM and mechanical variants, and adds a Linux build alongside Windows and macOS.
Vectorworks
Commercial CAD and BIM software for architecture, landscape design and entertainment lighting and stage design.
BricsCAD is paid native-DWG CAD with 2D, 3D and BIM variants that also runs on Linux alongside Windows and macOS.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
SketchUp Free
Browser-based 3D modeler that offers an easy start into 3D design.
Solid Edge
Mainstream parametric CAD software with a free Community edition.
Drawboard PDF
A pen-friendly PDF markup app with live-synced annotations across desktop, mobile and web.
