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Goodbye AutoCAD – Why We Are Moving to BricsCAD

Find out the reasons why THS Concepts are moving from AutoCAD to BricsCAD.

Article By: Tom Ayre
Last Update: October 2024

Introduction

In this article, I’ll explain why I’m transitioning my land surveying business, THS Concepts, from Autodesk’s AutoCAD to Bricsys, specifically BricsCAD.

THS Concepts has relied on AutoCAD for years, and I personally have over two decades of experience with it—starting in secondary school, through university, and in various professional roles.

Currently, we use AutoCAD extensively for our core services, such as 3D scanning, measured surveys and topographical surveys. However, this November (2024), we’re finally making the shift away from Autodesk. Here’s what led to this decision:

Table of Contents

Reason #1 – AutoCAD is Very Expensive

Autodesk AutoCAD

AutoCAD is undoubtedly one of the leading CAD software packages in the industry, but it comes at a high price, and we’re not alone in thinking so:

Why AutoCAD is So Expensive

Is AutoCAD Really So Expensive?

AutoCAD Subscription Price Rise

As of 2024, a single standard AutoCAD license costs £1,986 + VAT per year in the UK. Researching past prices using the Wayback Machine shows that in 2018, this was priced at £1,255 + VAT—a significant 58% increase, averaging about 7.95% per year. If these trends continue, we can expect an AutoCAD subscription to reach around £3,100 by 2030.

For a business requiring five licenses over 30 years, the current rate would total approximately £297,900 + VAT. This considerable sum is for a product we don’t own and with no control over future price increases (see Reason #3).

Bricsys BricsCAD

After extensive research and trialing various software options, we settled on BricsCAD, designed with AutoCAD users in mind. It offers an identical command structure and a familiar layout, making it an easy switch.

The cost of BricsCAD is one of its strongest appeals. BricsCAD Pro, comparable to the standard AutoCAD license, is available at £605 + VAT per year.

Although historical subscription prices are harder to find, CADSoftwareDirect.com listed BricsCAD Pro at £910 + VAT in 2020, increasing to £1,356 + VAT in 2024—an annual rise of about 10.5%. Although similar in rate to AutoCAD, by 2030 we anticipate BricsCAD to cost around £2,300, which remains £800 less per license than AutoCAD.

Reason #2 – Easy To Move Across

Transitioning away from AutoCAD involves some initial disruption, which can be a daunting consideration.

The short-term challenges of installing new software, uninstalling the old, and training staff can be off-putting. However, Bricsys recognises this hurdle and provides detailed resources to support a smooth transition. Their 24 Tips for Moving from AutoCAD to BricsCAD guide is particularly useful, addressing practical steps for making the switch as seamless as possible.

Currently, we’re operating a blend of BricsCAD and AutoCAD licences, and the migration process has proven to be relatively straightforward. BricsCAD’s compatibility with AutoCAD features has meant that essential elements like tool palettes, dynamic blocks, and existing templates transfer smoothly, preserving our workflow. Since BricsCAD uses the same standard DWG file format as AutoCAD, file-sharing and collaboration across platforms are effortless.

Bricsys’s approach appears geared towards making the transition from AutoCAD as painless as possible. They provide not only migration guides but also in-depth training materials that mirror AutoCAD’s commands, layout, and workflows, minimising the learning curve. Additionally, the BricsCAD interface and command structure feel familiar to AutoCAD users, reducing training time and increasing productivity.

Here’s a useful feature comparison between the two programs.

Reason #3 – Much Better Licencing Options

In today’s world, the subscription model dominates nearly every industry. From heated seats in cars to printer ink subscriptions, more products are adopting this model. AutoCAD is no exception. Since January 2016, Autodesk discontinued perpetual licenses, requiring all AutoCAD users to adopt a subscription-based plan. While this ensures access to the latest software each year, in practice, AutoCAD’s significant updates come only every few years rather than annually—much like video games with periodic major releases.

This shift means that users must pay Autodesk indefinitely, even if they’re satisfied with their current version. Many long-term users continue to rely on AutoCAD 2016 or older versions because they’re perfectly adequate for their needs; however, upgrading to a more recent release would mean committing to an ongoing, indefinite subscription fee.

BricsCAD offers a refreshing alternative. In 2024, they stand out by still offering both subscription and perpetual licensing options. A BricsCAD Pro subscription in the UK currently costs £1,356 + VAT, which is already more affordable than AutoCAD’s annual £1,986 + VAT. Even more attractively, BricsCAD’s perpetual licence lets users retain full ownership of their software without ongoing fees.

Looking at a 30-year horizon, the cost difference becomes substantial. Suppose you purchase a perpetual BricsCAD Pro licence and opt to upgrade every five years for five users. This would total around £40,680 + VAT. In contrast, maintaining AutoCAD’s subscription over the same period would cost approximately £297,900 + VAT for five users. This difference of over £250,000 demonstrates the long-term savings BricsCAD offers through its flexible licensing.

BricsCAD also includes a maintenance package that allows users with perpetual licences to upgrade at a reduced rate, combining the stability of a perpetual licence with periodic access to new features. This approach not only provides significant cost savings but also offers the freedom to choose when and if you need to upgrade—a unique and customer-focused option in today’s subscription-heavy market.

Reason #4 – Autodesk Audits Are Painful

Autodesk conducts audits on its users every few years, and for small businesses, this process can be quite challenging. These audits are meant to check compliance, but for smaller firms, they often disrupt normal business flow. The process typically involves gathering license records and verifying installation numbers, and providing access to Autodesk’s auditors, which can consume precious time and energy that could otherwise be directed toward projects or growth activities.

For small companies, the experience can feel invasive, as Autodesk checks that the number of installed copies matches the purchased licenses. Even minor inconsistencies, such as a forgotten test install on an old device, can become an issue. With Autodesk’s strict compliance terms, any deviation—intentional or not—can lead to penalties or immediate demands to purchase additional licenses. These sudden costs can create strain, particularly for smaller businesses that rely on predictable budgets.

Additionally, Autodesk’s shift from perpetual licenses to subscription-only models has added layers of complexity for firms that previously purchased permanent licenses. This often makes it harder for businesses to confirm compliance, especially if team members use different software versions. For small businesses, a failed audit can mean substantial financial and operational consequences, prompting some to reconsider using Autodesk products altogether and explore alternatives with more flexible licensing.

Conclusion

Moving from AutoCAD to BricsCAD is a well-considered shift that lets THS Concepts focus on reducing costs, gaining flexibility, and ensuring long-term value. AutoCAD has been a staple in our industry for years, but with its rising subscription fees, rigid licensing, and frequent audits, it has become increasingly challenging for small businesses to manage. BricsCAD, on the other hand, offers a more flexible model with perpetual licensing, smooth compatibility, and a familiar interface, enabling a straightforward transition that won’t disrupt our everyday workflow.

This decision allows us to make significant savings over time while also giving us more control over our software choices. With BricsCAD’s perpetual licensing option, we avoid continuous subscription fees, unexpected audit costs, and forced upgrades. For our team, this means access to the essential tools we need without the ongoing financial strain.

Ultimately, BricsCAD aligns with the way we want to work. As the CAD industry shifts, choosing BricsCAD helps us remain adaptable and cost-effective. It’s a move that supports our commitment to high-quality, reliable surveying services while maintaining a solution that fits our business needs and goals.

Setting out survey using a total station on a roof in central London.

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