Switching from Autodesk AutoCAD® to BricsCAD is easier than you might think. BricsCAD is a powerful, DWG-based CAD platform that feels instantly familiar to AutoCAD® users, but with the added benefits of flexible licensing and lower costs. Best of all, the transition can be completed in just a handful of steps – without disrupting your workflow.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to switch from AutoCAD® to BricsCAD in four easy steps, and why BricsCAD is the smarter alternative for CAD professionals.
The first step is to install BricsCAD. You don’t need to uninstall AutoCAD® – both can run side-by-side.
Download: Head to the Bricsys website, create a free account, and download the latest installer. A 30-day full trial is available.
Install: Double-click the installer and follow the prompts. The process is quick and similar to AutoCAD’s®.
Launch: Open BricsCAD from your Start menu. By default, you’ll start with the Ultimate edition trial, which includes all features.
BricsCAD’s installer is all-in-one, so you can try different editions (Lite, Pro, BIM, Mechanical) without reinstalling.
One of the biggest concerns when moving CAD platforms is learning a new interface. BricsCAD makes this transition seamless.
Ribbon & Toolbars: The BricsCAD interface is almost identical to AutoCAD’s®, complete with ribbon tabs, tool palettes, and the command line.
Commands & Shortcuts: Over 1,700 AutoCAD® commands and aliases (e.g. L, C, M) work exactly the same in BricsCAD.
Workspaces: Whether you need 2D drafting, 3D modelling, or BIM, BricsCAD provides familiar workspaces.
In short, you’ll feel at home immediately – your AutoCAD muscle memory carries over directly.
Migrating from AutoCAD® to BricsCAD is straightforward because both use the native DWG format. Your files open directly in BricsCAD with no conversion required.
Here’s what you can bring across:
DWG Files & Templates: Open your existing drawings (.dwg) and templates (.dwt) instantly.
Blocks & Libraries: Reuse your block libraries, hatch patterns (.pat), and linetypes (.lin).
Plot Styles & Printers: Copy your plot style tables (.ctb/.stb) and printer configs (.pc3) into BricsCAD’s support folders.
CUI Menus & Shortcuts: Import your AutoCAD® CUIx menus and transfer aliases from your acad.pgp file.
LISP & Automation: BricsCAD runs AutoLISP routines and most VBA/.NET scripts with little or no modification.
Tool Palettes: Export your palettes from AutoCAD® (.xtp) and import them directly into BricsCAD.
Tip: Migrate only what you actually use. This is a great chance to clean up outdated settings and streamline your CAD environment.
Once your setup is complete, it’s time to validate the migration. Open a recent project in BricsCAD and test your everyday workflows:
Editing & Drawing: Use familiar commands to modify geometry – everything should feel the same.
Plotting: Test-print with your imported CTB/STB files to confirm outputs match AutoCAD’s®.
External References: Check that Xrefs, images, and PDFs attach correctly.
Blocks: If you used AutoCAD® Dynamic Blocks, convert them with BricsCAD’s Block Converter into powerful Parametric Blocks.
Most users find they can start real work in BricsCAD on day one. In fact, many report completing a full migration in less than a week.
For AutoCAD® users considering a switch, here are some key advantages of BricsCAD:
Full DWG compatibility – no file conversion needed.
Near-identical interface and commands – minimal learning curve.
Flexible licensing – choose perpetual or subscription.
Lower total cost – BricsCAD is typically far more affordable than AutoCAD®.
Extra productivity tools – AI-powered features like Blockify and parametric modelling.
Migrating from AutoCAD® to BricsCAD can be done in just four easy steps: install, explore the interface, migrate your files, and test a project. With its familiar environment and complete DWG compatibility, BricsCAD makes the transition quick and painless.
If you’re ready to make the move, start with the official guides:
Switching to BricsCAD could be the smartest step you take for your CAD workflow this year – giving you the same productivity at a fraction of the cost.
