Same file format
Both use DWG natively, so drawings move between BricsCAD and AutoCAD users without conversion.
BricsCAD vs AutoCAD
BricsCAD vs AutoCAD
A factual, side-by-side look at the two DWG platforms — features, file compatibility, customisation and licensing — so you can decide what fits your team.
Different licensing
AutoCAD is sold by Autodesk as a subscription. BricsCAD is available as a perpetual licence or as a subscription.
Familiar commands
BricsCAD uses industry-standard commands, aliases and system variables, plus AutoLISP and CUI menu support.
Feature comparison
Side by side
BricsCAD Lite is usually compared with AutoCAD LT, and BricsCAD Pro with AutoCAD. BIM and Mechanical are shown in the Ultimate column.
| Feature | BricsCAD Lite | BricsCAD Pro | BricsCAD Ultimate | AutoCAD LT | AutoCAD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drawings & interface | |||||
| Native DWG file format | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| DWG password protection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Sheet Set Manager | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Layout Manager | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Contextual Quad menu | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Drawing Explorer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| 2D drafting & blocks | |||||
| Multi-lines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| 2D parameters & constraints | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Data extraction | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Dynamic block insert & edit parameters | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dynamic block authoring | Experimental¹ | Experimental¹ | Experimental¹ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blockify (auto-detect repeated geometry) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Smart Blocks² | Smart Blocks² |
| Optimize / Simplify / Drawing Health | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| 3D, visualisation & reality data | |||||
| ACIS solid & surface modelling | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Rendering, materials & lights | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Drawing views from 3D | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| 3D parametric design tables | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Direct link to Twinmotion / Unreal | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Point cloud import (E57, LAS, PTS…) | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | Via ReCap³ |
| TIN surfaces, alignments, corridors | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Industry toolsets | |||||
| IFC import / export | — | — | ✓ | — | — |
| RVT / RFA import | — | — | ✓ | — | — |
| Assemblies, sheet metal & BOM | — | — | ✓ | — | — |
| Mechanical drafting standards (ISO, DIN, JIS, ANSI) | — | — | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Programming | |||||
| Full AutoLISP (vl, vla, vlax, vlr) & DCL | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| VBA | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| .NET API | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| C++ API (BRX / ObjectARX) | — | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| Licensing | |||||
| Perpetual licences | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Subscriptions | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| One licence across Windows, macOS & Linux | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Network multi-user licences | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Academic licences | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Source: “BricsCAD and AutoCAD feature comparison”, Bricsys Help Center (V26), published by the BricsCAD developer; rows selected and summarised by CAD Tools. AutoCAD features and licensing are determined by Autodesk and may change — check autodesk.com for current details.
¹ Creating/editing dynamic block definitions requires BricsCAD Experimental mode and is not available or licensed for purchases in/for use in the U.S. (per Bricsys). Using existing dynamic blocks works normally.
² AutoCAD offers a comparable Smart Blocks feature.
³ Per Bricsys, AutoCAD needs Autodesk ReCap to import non-native point cloud formats.
Be honest with yourself
When to trial first
BricsCAD covers the everyday DWG workflow of most AutoCAD users. If you rely on specific Autodesk vertical toolsets, cloud services or niche plug-ins, check them during the free trial — we’ll help you test.
- Open your heaviest DWGsCheck xrefs, fonts, plot styles and layouts print as expected.
- Run your LISP & menusLoad your routines and CUI files; we help fix any that need tweaks.
- Check third-party appsMany popular add-ons have BricsCAD versions — confirm yours.
- Time a real taskDraft a typical sheet end-to-end and compare.
Free consultation
Ready to switch?
We help Indian design teams move from AutoCAD to BricsCAD with licences, setup, migration and training — all from one local partner.