# AutoCAD LT, Octave BricsCAD vs SOLIDWORKS Comparison

| | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 285 | 135 | 643 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (52.0% of reviews) | Small-Business (72.1% of reviews) | Small-Business (44.3% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $760 every 2 years | €314.00 1 User Per Year | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### AutoCAD LT

Pros:
- Ease of Use (7 reviews)
- Easy Learning (4 reviews)

Cons:
- Lack of Features (5 reviews)
- 3D Modeling (4 reviews)

### Octave BricsCAD

Pros:
- 3D Modeling (2 reviews)
- CAD Compatibility (2 reviews)

Cons:
- 3D Modeling (1 reviews)
- Difficult Configuration (1 reviews)

### SOLIDWORKS

Pros:
- Ease of Use (34 reviews)
- Features (28 reviews)

Cons:
- Performance Issues (16 reviews)
- Slow Performance (15 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.6 (244 reviews) | 9.0 (105 reviews) | 8.8 (535 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.5 (247 reviews) | 8.8 (107 reviews) | 8.6 (540 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.9 (57 reviews) | 8.9 (34 reviews) | 8.3 (112 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.6 (37 reviews) | 8.8 (27 reviews) | 8.0 (47 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.2 (210 reviews) | 9.0 (87 reviews) | 8.2 (475 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.7 (38 reviews) | 9.0 (25 reviews) | 8.3 (47 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 7.3 (240 reviews) | 8.8 (99 reviews) | 8.6 (529 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### AutoCAD LT

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: 2 Year Subscription

Price: $760 every 2 years

Description: Ideal for businesses that want consistent long-term pricing.

Key Features:
- Access to the latest software releases
- Enhanced 1-on-1 technical support by phone or chat
- Includes AutoCAD mobile app

[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-lt/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Octave BricsCAD

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: BricsCAD® Lite

Price: €314.00 1 User Per Year

Description: Familiar CAD drafting functionality

Key Features:
- All familiar CAD functions in .dwg
- Full LISP support (vl, vlr, vla and vlax)
- 2D Constraint Management

[Browse all 5 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/octave-bricscad/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### SOLIDWORKS

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD LT** | N/A | N/A |
| **Octave BricsCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.7/10 | 53 |

#### CAD to CAM

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **CAD-CAM Import** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.0 (42 reviews) | 
| **CAM Data Exchange** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (42 reviews) | 
| **CAD/CAM Compatibility** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.9 (43 reviews) | 

#### CNC Programming

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **CNC Workflows** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (39 reviews) | 
| **CNC Feature Recognition** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (38 reviews) | 
| **Programming Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (37 reviews) | 

#### Machining

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Job Set-up** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (39 reviews) | 
| **Operations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (39 reviews) | 
| **Tooling and Toolpaths** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (39 reviews) | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD LT** | 7.9/10 | 151 |
| **Octave BricsCAD** | 8.6/10 | 86 |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 112 |

#### Design

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 9.5 (143 reviews) | 9.3 (78 reviews) | 9.5 (107 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | 6.8 (104 reviews) | 8.8 (55 reviews) | 9.4 (107 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | 7.0 (112 reviews) | 8.8 (55 reviews) | 9.2 (103 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | 5.9 (91 reviews) | 7.8 (38 reviews) | 8.1 (100 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.9 (138 reviews) | 8.5 (75 reviews) | 8.5 (98 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | 7.4 (98 reviews) | 8.6 (53 reviews) | 8.4 (90 reviews) | 
| **Views** | 7.7 (117 reviews) | 8.6 (66 reviews) | 9.3 (101 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | 8.3 (119 reviews) | 8.5 (67 reviews) | 8.3 (85 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.7 (128 reviews) | 8.8 (61 reviews) | 8.6 (94 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | 8.3 (115 reviews) | 8.3 (53 reviews) | 9.0 (96 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.1 (112 reviews) | 8.2 (44 reviews) | 8.4 (90 reviews) | 

### CAD Libraries

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD LT** | N/A | N/A |
| **Octave BricsCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.9/10 | 35 |

#### Library

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Categorize** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.9 (29 reviews) | 
| **Search** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (28 reviews) | 
| **Deduplication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (28 reviews) | 
| **Feedback** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (23 reviews) | 

#### CAD

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Types** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (24 reviews) | 
| **Models** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.4 (30 reviews) | 
| **Compatibility** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.1 (29 reviews) | 

#### Integration

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Catalogs** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (26 reviews) | 
| **CAD & PLM** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.6 (29 reviews) | 
| **ERP** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (25 reviews) | 

### CAD Data Exchange

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD LT** | N/A | N/A |
| **Octave BricsCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 34 |

#### Data

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D Format** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.3 (29 reviews) | 
| **Data Quality** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (27 reviews) | 
| **Extra Information** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (26 reviews) | 
| **Standard Format** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.0 (27 reviews) | 
| **Translate** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (24 reviews) | 
| **Validation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (25 reviews) | 

#### Logistics

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Integrate** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.1 (25 reviews) | 

### Additive Manufacturing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD LT** | N/A | N/A |
| **Octave BricsCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 7.9/10 | 66 |

#### File Support - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **STL Compatible** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (61 reviews) | 
| **3MF Compatible** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (47 reviews) | 
| **OBJ Compatible** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (52 reviews) | 

#### File Editing - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Mesh Repair** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.5 (55 reviews) | 
| **File Editing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (60 reviews) | 

#### Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Standalone Slicer** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.6 (49 reviews) | 
| **Inetgrated 3D Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (58 reviews) | 

#### Software Type - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Cloud-based Platform** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.7 (48 reviews) | 
| **Downloadable Application** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (53 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Image** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.0 (20 reviews) | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 6.1 (20 reviews) | 

#### Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Material Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Building Simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Slicing Optimization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### CAD Viewers

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD LT** | N/A | N/A |
| **Octave BricsCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 9.0/10 | 49 |

#### File Options

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Import files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.9 (44 reviews) | 
| **Export files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.1 (43 reviews) | 
| **View 2D files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.1 (43 reviews) | 
| **View 3D files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.3 (44 reviews) | 
| **Batch convert files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (35 reviews) | 
| **File size** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (41 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Dimensioning tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.5 (43 reviews) | 
| **Change units** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.1 (41 reviews) | 
| **3D/solid modeling tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.2 (43 reviews) | 

#### Design

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.4 (43 reviews) | 

### PCB Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD LT** | N/A | N/A |
| **Octave BricsCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 15 |

#### Design

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **PCB layout editing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (12 reviews) | 
| **Schematic editor** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.8 (12 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D modeling tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.2 (13 reviews) | 
| **Component placement** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (13 reviews) | 

#### Library

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Component libraries** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (13 reviews) | 

#### Platform

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Board size** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (13 reviews) | 
| **Layers** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (12 reviews) | 

#### Customization

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Custom commands** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.8 (12 reviews) | 
| **Custom interface** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (12 reviews) | 

### Simulation & CAE

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD LT** | N/A | N/A |
| **Octave BricsCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 64 |

#### Design

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.2 (62 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.0 (62 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (62 reviews) | 
| **Rendering tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.7 (60 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (54 reviews) | 
| **Finite element analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (56 reviews) | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.4 (49 reviews) | 

#### Work

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.6 (41 reviews) | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.8 (42 reviews) | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (51 reviews) | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (44 reviews) | 
| **Integrate** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (47 reviews) | 

#### Environment

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (53 reviews) | 
| **Task** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (51 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (49 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (53 reviews) | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD LT** | N/A | N/A |
| **Octave BricsCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.4/10 | 45 |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.4 (36 reviews) | 
| **Rendering Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (28 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.2 (30 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.1 (26 reviews) | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.7 (25 reviews) | 

#### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (31 reviews) | 
| **Import Files** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (27 reviews) | 
| **File Interoperability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (29 reviews) | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (26 reviews) | 
| **File size** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.3 (32 reviews) | 

#### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (23 reviews) | 
| **Custom Scripts** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (24 reviews) | 
| **Custom Menus** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.6 (24 reviews) | 
| **Custom Interface** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (24 reviews) | 

#### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (27 reviews) | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (23 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (23 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.0 (27 reviews) | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad)



**Unique to SOLIDWORKS (9):** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers), [Sketching Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching), [PCB Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pcb-design), [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam), [CAD Libraries](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-libraries), [CAD Data Exchange Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-data-exchange), [Additive Manufacturing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | AutoCAD LT | Octave BricsCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 52.0% | 72.1% | 44.3% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 35.4% | 24.8% | 33.8% | 
| **Enterprise** | 12.6% | 3.1% | 21.9% | 

### By Industry

#### AutoCAD LT

- **Architecture & Planning:** 19.6%
- **Construction:** 12.0%
- **Civil Engineering:** 10.9%
- **Design:** 10.2%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 7.6%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 4.4%
- **Industrial Automation:** 3.3%
- **Renewables & Environment:** 2.9%
- **Oil & Energy:** 1.8%
- **Automotive:** 1.5%
- **Other:** 25.8%

#### Octave BricsCAD

- **Construction:** 20.0%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 16.2%
- **Civil Engineering:** 16.2%
- **Design:** 6.9%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 6.9%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.1%
- **Machinery:** 3.1%
- **Building Materials:** 2.3%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 2.3%
- **Industrial Automation:** 2.3%
- **Other:** 20.8%

#### SOLIDWORKS

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 23.2%
- **Design:** 11.7%
- **Automotive:** 6.6%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 5.9%
- **Medical Devices:** 5.8%
- **Machinery:** 5.6%
- **Higher Education:** 4.6%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 4.5%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.0%
- **Consumer Goods:** 2.2%
- **Other:** 26.8%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to AutoCAD LT

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [DraftSight](https://www.g2.com/products/draftsight/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (208 reviews)
- [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (413 reviews)
- [ActCAD BIM](https://www.g2.com/products/actcad-actcad-bim/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (50 reviews)
- [TurboCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/turbocad/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (31 reviews)
- [LibreCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/librecad/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (25 reviews)
- [QCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/qcad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (13 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (599 reviews)
- [nanoCAD Free](https://www.g2.com/products/nanocad-free/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (23 reviews)
- [Shapr3D](https://www.g2.com/products/shapr3d/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (172 reviews)

### Alternatives to Octave BricsCAD

- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1934 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (349 reviews)
- [DraftSight](https://www.g2.com/products/draftsight/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (208 reviews)
- [CMS IntelliCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/cms-intellicad/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (97 reviews)
- [TurboCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/turbocad/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (31 reviews)
- [nanoCAD Free](https://www.g2.com/products/nanocad-free/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (23 reviews)
- [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (413 reviews)

### Alternatives to SOLIDWORKS

- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (599 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (200 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1934 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (527 reviews)
- [IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/ironcad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (43 reviews)
- [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (255 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### AutoCAD LT

- Title: [Is AutoCAD LT free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-autocad-lt-free) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Unless you have an student version, it is not free."
- Title: [What is AutoCAD LT used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-autocad-lt-used-for) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "To produce all drawings, documents needed for Electrical Engineering Design for Machines and Electrical panels. "
- Title: [What is LT version of AutoCAD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-lt-version-of-autocad) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "I use AUTOCAD 2018 LT, 2022 LT also, C3D 2018 and 2022."
- Title: [Would it be possible to create and save symbols in AutoCAD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/would-it-be-possible-to-create-and-save-symbols-in-autocad) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "yes"
- Title: [What is AutoCAD LT used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/autocad-lt-what-is-autocad-lt-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "2D Drafting and design"

### Octave BricsCAD

- Title: [Is BricsCAD free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-bricscad-free) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "for the working version it is better to use a licensed version"
- Title: [What is BricsCAD used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-bricscad-used-for) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Mechanical design, Piping, P&ID's, Machines, food processing"
- Title: [Are there any courses](https://www.g2.com/discussions/are-there-any-courses) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Hi Pedro, at the moment we have the BIM academy on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc7lZG3eA1E&list=PLONdQc9bizsfzuES9MrwxUEH9M4PPfyRm. We are also..."
- Title: [BricsCAD seems to loose edges when taking flat shots. Is there a setting that needs to be adjusted to clean up the flat shot block?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/27852-bricscad-seems-to-loose-edges-when-taking-flat-shots-is-there-a-setting-that-needs-to-be-adjusted-to-clean-up-the-flat-shot-block) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Hi there, 

Thank you for your question!

We would advise creating a ticket on this matter. Be sure to add a scenario and sample file in order for our..."
- Title: [Is it possible to do simulation and animation using BricsCAD ?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/24249-is-it-possible-to-do-simulation-and-animation-using-bricscad) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "You can indeed animate objects in BricsCAD. There is a dedicated animation panel.
There is also an anipath command to control camera movement."

### SOLIDWORKS

- Title: [What is SOLIDWORKS used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-solidworks-used-for) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "A person can use SolidWorks for many things, Part modeling, Assembly Testing, rendering, Creating working animation of any machine or product. Start..."
- Title: [How to stop or cancel a ongoing command.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-to-stop-or-cancel-a-ongoing-command) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "By pressing escape key."
- Title: [best use o this software](https://www.g2.com/discussions/35425-best-use-o-this-software) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Making 2D sketches and extruding them to make 3d sketches."
- Title: [Where is the Features toolbar in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/where-is-the-features-toolbar-in-solidworks) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Right-click in the window border, click Toolbars, and select or clear a toolbar name.
Click Tools > Customize. On the Toolbars tab, select the toolbars to..."
- Title: [What are features in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-features-in-solidworks) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Solidworks have so many feature like sketch tool, Part modeling, Assembly modeling, Drawing Tool, Sheet metal, weldments, Surface modeling, Rendering Tool,..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-lt-vs-octave-bricscad-vs-solidworks)