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.
