BricsCAD
BricsCAD is a professional 2D/3D CAD application from Bricsys (part of Hexagon) — fully compatible with AutoCAD's DWG format at significantly lower cost. Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. Includes a BIM-capable tier. Ideal for organisations seeking cost savings without compromising quality.
Overview
BricsCAD is a professional 2D/3D CAD application developed by Bricsys — now part of Hexagon AB (Sweden), a global measurement and technology group. BricsCAD uses DWG as its native format — not merely compatible, but reading and writing DWG files directly like AutoCAD, with no conversion layer.
BricsCAD's most significant differentiator from AutoCAD is its licensing model: BricsCAD offers both a perpetual (one-time purchase) licence and an annual subscription — whereas AutoCAD moved to subscription-only from 2021. For organisations seeking long-term cost control without ongoing subscription dependency, this is a clear advantage.
BricsCAD comes in four tiers: Classic (2D only), Pro (full 2D/3D), BIM (integrated BIM modelling), and Mechanical (mechanical parts library). BricsCAD is one of the few professional CAD applications available natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Purchasing BricsCAD through Dzo — an official distribution partner in Vietnam — provides a valid electronic VAT invoice, Vietnamese-language installation support, and consultancy for migrating from unlicensed AutoCAD to a licensed BricsCAD installation.
Key features
2D/3D CAD (Pro)
- → 2D drafting — commands and workflow matching AutoCAD for a fast learning curve
- → 3D Solid Modelling — ACIS kernel, boolean operations, shell, loft, sweep
- → Native DWG — read and write AutoCAD DWG 2000–2026 without conversion
- → AutoLISP compatible — run AutoLISP and DCL scripts from AutoCAD
BIM (BricsCAD BIM)
- → BIM 3D — attach BIM information to existing 3D CAD models
- → Walls, floors, roofs — intelligent architectural elements with materials and construction details
- → IFC import/export — fully compatible with open BIM standard ISO 16739
- → Clash Detection — detect conflicts between BIM elements in the model
Mechanical & Integration
- → Mechanical Library — ISO/DIN/ANSI standard mechanical parts library
- → Assembly Modelling — 3D assembly with interference checking between parts
- → Windows + macOS + Linux — native on all three platforms, no virtual machine needed
- → Network Licence — centralised licence management via LAN server
Who it's for?
Small Design Office or Independent Architect
- Ngành
- Small design consultancies, independent architects
- Quy mô
- 1–10 people with a limited budget
- Use case
- Residential and interior design in 2D/3D; DWG file exchange with clients and contractors; need a licensed CAD application at an affordable price
- Vì sao chọn
- BricsCAD Pro delivers full 2D/3D at a lower cost than AutoCAD. Good DWG compatibility — files sent to AutoCAD users open without issues. Also runs natively on macOS for iMac or MacBook users.
Construction Contractor Seeking Cost-Effective Compliance
- Ngành
- Construction contractors, MEP, organisations seeking low-cost CAD compliance
- Quy mô
- 10–50 engineers currently using unlicensed AutoCAD
- Use case
- Migrating from unlicensed AutoCAD to a licensed application at minimum cost; retaining existing workflow and AutoLISP scripts; obtaining a VAT invoice for accounting
- Vì sao chọn
- BricsCAD is the most cost-optimised compliance path: 90%+ interface similarity to AutoCAD, AutoLISP compatible, native DWG — teams migrate in 1–2 days without retraining, saving 50%+ on licence costs compared with AutoCAD.
Tech Startup or Design Studio on macOS / Linux
- Ngành
- Tech startups and design studios on macOS or Linux
- Quy mô
- 5–30 people in a Mac or Linux environment
- Use case
- CAD/BIM in a non-Windows environment; CAD plugin development; product design requiring 3D and STEP export; lightweight BIM without investing in Revit
- Vì sao chọn
- BricsCAD is the only professional CAD application with native support across all three operating systems. For macOS or Linux teams, it is the only fully featured option — no Boot Camp or Windows virtual machine needed to run AutoCAD or Revit.
Strengths
- ✓ Significantly lower cost than AutoCAD — both subscription and perpetual purchase options available
- ✓ Native DWG compatibility — reads and writes DWG directly with no conversion layer
- ✓ Native Windows, macOS, and Linux support — flexible for any work environment
- ✓ AutoLISP compatible — AutoCAD scripts run directly without rewriting
- ✓ BIM included in the BIM tier — no need to purchase Revit separately
Limitations to consider
- ! Smaller third-party plugin ecosystem than AutoCAD — some industry-specific plugins may not be available
- ! Industry Toolsets (AutoCAD Architecture, MEP) are not present in BricsCAD — BricsCAD BIM provides similar functions but with a different workflow
- ! Smaller Vietnamese user community than AutoCAD — fewer Vietnamese-language resources
- ! Some international partners may require original AutoCAD files — verify before deciding
Pricing
BricsCAD Classic
- ✓ Full 2D drafting with DWG compatibility
- ✓ AutoLISP compatible
- ✓ Windows, macOS, Linux
- ✓ No 3D modelling, BIM, or Mechanical features
BricsCAD Pro
- ✓ Everything in Classic
- ✓ Full 3D Solid Modelling
- ✓ Surface and Mesh Modelling
- ✓ AI-assisted Drawing
- ✓ STEP, IGES, SAT import/export
- ✓ Perpetual licence also available
BricsCAD BIM
- ✓ Everything in Pro
- ✓ Integrated BIM 3D — intelligent architectural elements
- ✓ Full IFC 4 import/export
- ✓ In-model clash detection
- ✓ Automatic quantity takeoff
Frequently asked questions
Is BricsCAD fully compatible with AutoCAD DWG files?
BricsCAD uses DWG as its native format — reading and writing AutoCAD DWG from version 2000 to 2026 directly, without a conversion layer. Most DWG files open in BricsCAD without adjustment. Note: complex dynamic blocks and some third-party ARX applications should be tested separately — Dzo can test your files before you decide to purchase.
Will AutoLISP scripts from AutoCAD run in BricsCAD?
Yes. BricsCAD supports AutoLISP, DCL, and a subset of VLISP. The vast majority of AutoLISP scripts from AutoCAD run directly in BricsCAD without modification — a critical migration factor for offices with substantial automation investment. For ObjectARX/ARX applications, compatibility should be verified with the relevant plugin developer.
Can I purchase a perpetual licence instead of a subscription?
Yes. BricsCAD still offers a perpetual (one-time purchase) licence — a distinct advantage over AutoCAD, which has been subscription-only since 2021. A perpetual licence includes one year of maintenance; renewing maintenance continues to provide new version updates. Contact Dzo to compare the 3-year total cost between subscription and perpetual options.
How long does migration from AutoCAD to BricsCAD take?
Users familiar with AutoCAD typically adapt to BricsCAD within 1–2 days, as the interface, commands, and workflow are nearly identical. Dzo provides a migration checklist, guidance for migrating custom settings (templates, hatch patterns, block libraries, AutoLISP scripts), and technical support throughout the transition.
Is a VAT invoice available?
Yes. Dzo issues a valid electronic VAT invoice under Decree 123/2020 and accepts VND payment via business bank transfer. A VAT invoice allows 100% of the software cost to be legitimately recorded as a business expense.
Interested in BricsCAD?
Dzo delivers an exact quote within 24h — e-VAT invoice, VND payment, local training.