FAQ
Faq category: BricsCAD
What you should know about purchasing BricsCAD
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About Bricsys
Bricsys, a part of Hexagon AB, is a global provider of engineering design software founded in 2002 and headquartered in Ghent, Belgium. Bricsys is known for developing BricsCAD, a DWG-compatible CAD platform built for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical design and building information modeling (BIM).
As part of Hexagon’s Geosystems division, Bricsys benefits from strong integration with surveying, construction and geospatial technology.
Click here to learn more about Bricsys
About BricsCAD-Based Software
BricsCAD is a powerful, DWG-native CAD platform that supports 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical design and BIM workflows. Bricsys develops multiple applications built on the BricsCAD platform:
- BricsCAD Lite – 2D drafting
- BricsCAD Professional – 2D and 3D modeling
- BricsCAD BIM
- BricsCAD Mechanical
- BricsCAD Ultimate – all-in-one suite
The applications offer a familiar AutoCAD-like interface and full compatibility with DWG, DXF, DGN, IFC and point cloud formats. BricsCAD runs on Windows, macOS and Linux and includes AI-powered tools such as Blockify, CopyGuided and Parametric Blocks.
Click here for a BricsCAD vs AutoCAD comparison
Supported Operating Systems
- Windows 10 (x86-64), Windows 11 (x86-64)
- macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) or higher
- Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and later
- openSUSE (April 2022+ with glibc ≥ 2.35)
- Fedora (April 2022+ with glibc ≥ 2.35)
Note: Windows 10 support ends October 14, 2025. The Windows and Linux versions of BricsCAD are built and supported for the x86-64 (AMD64) architecture.
Note: macOS compatibility varies by version. BricsCAD V25 and V24 are compatible with macOS 15 (Sequoia).
Click here for more about BricsCAD compatibility with Apple products
System Requirements
- Minimum CPU: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5
- Recommended CPU: Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9
- Minimum Memory: 8 GB
- Recommended Memory: 16 GB
- Disk Space: 3 GB for BricsCAD Ultimate
- Minimum Display: Full HD (1920 x 1080) True Color and 4 GB VRAM
- Recommended Display: 4K Retina or UHD with PCIe graphics and 8 GB VRAM
Click here for information about BricsCAD System Requirements
CAD Platform
All BricsCAD applications (Lite, Pro, BIM, etc) are built on the same BricsCAD core platform.
How and Where to Purchase
BricsCAD is available through Bricsys and authorized dealers. Pricing varies by edition and add-ons.
If you would like a referral from That CAD Girl to one of our trusted partners, please click here to Send Us a Message with your request.
Upgrades and Crossgrades
Perpetual licenses can be upgraded by purchasing maintenance or version upgrades.
Subscription licenses include automatic access to all updates during the subscription term.
Users may crossgrade between editions (e.g. Lite to Pro or Pro to BIM) by paying the difference in cost.
License Options
- Academic License: Free 12-month access for students and faculty, renewable annually with valid academic ID
- Single-User License: One computer, one user, one OS
- Network License: Shared access on LAN (Local Area Network); available for perpetual or subscription licenses with 1-year maintenance
- Volume License: One license key used across a defined user base; includes 1-year maintenance
Click to learn more about BricsCAD license options
License Terms
- Perpetual License
- Subscription License
Click to learn more about BricsCAD license terms
License Levels
- BricsCAD Lite: Best for 2D designs; view, move and copy 3D but not edit; supports LISP routines
- BricsCAD Pro: Adds full 3D modeling, rendering, constraints and 3rd-party application support
- BricsCAD BIM: All Pro features plus streamlined BIM workflow using DWG
- BricsCAD Mechanical: All Pro features plus complete mechanical toolset including sheet metal
- BricsCAD Ultimate: Combines BIM and Mechanical in one platform
Click here to learn more about BricsCAD license levels
Software Trials
You can trial BricsCAD Ultimate for 30 days. All features are enabled during this period. Use the SETLICENSELEVEL command to test other levels. After 30 days, a valid commercial license is required.
If you would like our help requesting a trial of this software from an authorized dealer, please click here to Send Us a Message with your request.
Support and Training Options
Bricsys provides onboarding and learning resources through the Bricsys Learning portal.
Technical support is available via the Bricsys help center, including their knowledge base and ticket system.
What you should know about purchasing MicroSurvey
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About MicroSurvey Software
MicroSurvey Software, based in West Kelowna, British Columbia, has been developing survey and mapping software since 1985. Acquired by Hexagon in 2012, the company serves surveyors, engineers, police departments, seismic professionals and public safety agencies in over 120 countries. Their focus is on delivering intuitive, powerful software backed by responsive technical support and training.
Click here to learn more about MicroSurvey Software
About the MicroSurvey Line of Products
MicroSurvey develops specialized software to support the full workflow of land surveyors, civil engineers and construction professionals—from field data collection through drafting, network adjustments and final deliverables. Each product is designed to streamline productivity and ensure accuracy using industry-standard file formats and tools.
MicroSurvey’s premiere office product offers a comprehensive CAD software solution tailored for surveyors, offering field to finish drafting, COGO, traverse adjustments, surface modeling, volume calculations and alignment tools that can be run on your choice of CAD platforms:
- MicroSurvey CAD runs standalone on an included license of IntelliCAD. Click here to learn more about MicroSurvey CAD
- MicroSurvey embeddedCAD runs standalone on an included license of embedded AutoCAD (OEM). Click here to learn more about MicroSurvey embeddedCAD
- MicroSurvey inCAD is a plugin that installs on top of a separately purchased license of any AutoCAD-based software such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD Map or Civil 3D. Click here to learn more about MicroSurvey inCAD
- SurveyTools for BricsCAD is a plugin that installs on top of a separately purchased license of BricsCAD Professional. Click here to learn more about SurveyTools for BricsCAD
STAR*NET is a powerful least squares adjustment software for refining 2D and 3D survey networks. It supports GNSS vector processing, geoid modeling, error analysis and more. Click here to learn more about STAR*NET
FieldGenius is a field data collection software designed for use with GPS and total stations, including point management, staking, cut sheets and real-time map display. It is available for both Windows and Android platforms, making it versatile for different field environments. Click here to learn more about FieldGenius
FieldGenius Legacy is the legacy version of FieldGenius, available only for Windows, with the same core features as the current version but no longer under active development or updates. Click here to learn more about FieldGenius Legacy
Operating System
- MicroSurvey CAD: Windows 10 & 11 (64-bit only)
- embeddedCAD: Windows 10 & 11 (64-bit only)
- inCAD: Windows 10 & 11 (64-bit only)
- SurveyTools for BricsCAD: Windows 10 & 11 (64-bit only)
- STAR*NET: Windows 10 & 11 (64-bit only)
- FieldGenius: Windows 10 & 11 (64-bit), Android
- FieldGenius Legacy: Windows 10 & 11 (64-bit only)
System Requirements
- 64-bit Windows 10 or 11
- Intel Pentium 4 or better
- 8 GB RAM (minimum)
- 1024×768 resolution or higher
- OpenGL-compatible graphics card
- 10–20 GB of free disk space
Click here to learn more about MicroSurvey System Requirements
CAD Platform
- MicroSurvey CAD: Standalone with IntelliCAD engine
- embeddedCAD: Standalone with embedded AutoCAD OEM engine
- inCAD: Add-on for full AutoCAD (not LT)
- SurveyTools for BricsCAD: Add-on for BricsCAD (V23 or newer)
How and Where to Purchase
MicroSurvey products can be purchased directly from MicroSurvey or through their authorized dealer network. Pricing is subject to change without notice and varies depending on software edition and add-ons.
If you would like a referral from That CAD Girl to one of our trusted partners, please click here to Send Us a Message with your request.
Upgrades to New Versions and Crossgrades to Different License Types or Editions
Upgrades are available for customers on the previous version or with an active CCP. Users can also crossgrade from one edition or platform to another (for example, from embeddedCAD to MicroSurvey CAD).
License Types, License Terms & Editions
Please note that MicroSurvey has recently updated the license types, terms and editions offered for certain products.
The information below outlines all available offerings with regard to license types, terms and editions. Please refer to individual product listings for up-to-date availability.
MicroSurvey License Types
Single or Floating
- Single License (aka Standalone) = This is a license that is authorized online through a MicroSurvey cloud server. A Single license allows one person to use MicroSurvey or BricsCAD on one computer.
- FLT = Floating (aka Network) = This is a license that is authorized online through a MicroSurvey cloud server. A Floating license allows 1 license of MicroSurvey or BricsCAD to be accessed from different computers. The number of “Floating (or Network)” licenses dictates the number of users who can concurrently use the software.
MicroSurvey License Terms
Perpetual or Subscription
- A Perpetual license, generally, includes a lifetime license to use the program. NOTE: Some additional benefits included with the license, such as tech support or upgrades, will typically expire more quickly. Refer to MicroSurvey’s End User License Agreement (EULA) for more information.
- A Subscription license can be considered a short-term, renewable rental use of the program. MicroSurvey Subscription terms are typically 1-year.
MicroSurvey Editions
Some MicroSurvey products are offered in multiple Editions, each providing different levels of functionality. These typically range from Basic to Standard, Premium, Ultimate and Studio.
- Click here for MicroSurvey CAD feature table
- Click here for MicroSurvey embeddedCAD feature table
- Click here for MicroSurvey inCAD feature table
- Click here for SurveyTools for BricsCAD feature table
- Click here for STAR*NET feature table
- Click here for FieldGenius feature table
- Click here for FieldGenius Legacy feature table
Software Trials
Free 30-day trials are available for most MicroSurvey products. Trials are fully functional and do not require reinstallation if converted to a full license.
If you would like our help requesting a trial of this software from an authorized dealer, please click here to Send Us a Message with your request.
Support & Training Options
For most products, MicroSurvey includes a 12 month Customer Care Package
(CCP), which includes:
- Software updates and maintenance builds
- Priority helpdesk access
- Discounted training options
In addition, MicroSurvey offers a variety of self-paced training courses, some of which are FREE.