Both BricsCAD and Diaz Editor are perpetual. Why pick Diaz?

BricsCAD is the DWG-native AutoCAD alternative — command parity, file-format compatibility, general-purpose. Diaz Editor is purpose-built for building-scale trade work — hierarchical building model, trade component library, PDF report export built in. For DWG-heavy ecosystems pick BricsCAD; for trade workflows pick Diaz Editor.

Does Diaz Editor handle .dwg natively like BricsCAD?

No. Diaz Editor reads and writes DXF (the open interchange format). BricsCAD reads .dwg natively because Bricsys is a founding member of the Open Design Alliance. For DWG-heavy shops, BricsCAD is the more compatible choice. For trade workflows where the deliverable is PDF + DXF, Diaz Editor is faster end-to-end.

Is BricsCAD faster at opening files than Diaz Editor?

Bricsys publishes benchmarks showing BricsCAD opens 500+ DWG files 2.7x faster than AutoCAD. Diaz Editor is optimised for single-project workflow at building scale, not for batch-opening large DWG archives. Different optimisation goals.

Does BricsCAD have a trade-specific component library?

BricsCAD is general-purpose CAD — like AutoCAD, you bring your own blocks or buy industry libraries. Diaz Editor ships with 30+ trade components (panels, framing, fixtures, batteries, inverters) out of the box. For solo and small-firm trade work this saves hours of library setup.

Diaz Editor vs BricsCAD V26
Both perpetual one-time. DWG-native vs building-focus.

BricsCAD V26 (launched October 2025) is the DWG-native AutoCAD alternative with perpetual licensing. Diaz Editor is purpose-built for building-scale trade work. Both avoid subscription lock-in; they solve different problems.

Get founding spot — €99 → Read comparison ↓

Last updated: 15 May 2026 · By Juan Diaz, founder Diaz Atlas · 5 min read

TL;DR

BricsCAD V26 is the closest spiritual successor to perpetual AutoCAD — DWG-native, command-parity with AutoCAD, founding member of the Open Design Alliance. Pricing is perpetual (Pro ≈€710, range €314–€1,120 across 5 tiers) or subscription. Diaz Editor is €99 founding / €997 regular, purpose-built for building-scale trade work with hierarchical model and trade library. Pick BricsCAD for DWG-heavy ecosystems; Diaz Editor for trade workflows ending in PDF + DXF.

When BricsCAD is the right choice

Your clients or contractors demand native .dwg delivery without DXF intermediate.
You have a substantial .dwg project archive that needs to remain editable.
You're an AutoCAD power user (LISP routines, .dwg blocks, complex annotation styles) who wants the same workflow at lower cost.
You work in general-purpose drafting across many industries, not specifically building/installation trades.
The €314+ perpetual price fits your margin and you value 2.7x faster DWG file opening for large archives.

When Diaz Editor fits better

Your work is building-scale (carpentry, contracting, installation, work-preparation, solar).
Your deliverables are PDF + DXF — not specifically .dwg.
You want a hierarchical building model (site → building → level → walls → components) instead of free-form .dwg layouts.
You want a built-in trade component library out of the box instead of buying or building one.
You want to spend €99 in beta or €997 regular instead of €314+ perpetual, and you don't need full DWG-native compatibility.

Side-by-side: features that matter

Feature	Diaz Editor	BricsCAD V26
Perpetual one-time pricing	✓ €99 / €997	✓ from €314 (5 tiers)
Subscription option	— (none)	✓ available
.dwg native	— (DXF only)	✓ best-in-class
DXF import + export	✓	✓
Building hierarchy editor	✓ purpose-built	— (general 2D/3D)
Trade component library	30+ items	— (BYO blocks)
PDF report export built-in	✓ + BOM	✓ via Plot
AutoCAD command parity	— (own UI)	✓ near-perfect
LISP / scripting	—	✓ AutoLISP
Multi-language UI	EN/NL/ES	15+ languages
Works offline	✓	✓
No cloud account	✓	✓ (perpetual)

Source: Bricsys.com product pages + BricsCAD V26 launch notes (Oct 2025) + Diaz Editor v0.3 changelog. Updated May 2026.

Pricing — both perpetual one-time

BricsCAD V26 Pro

€314+ (5 tiers)

perpetual · 1 seat · DWG-native

5-year total: €314+ (5 tiers) (+ optional maintenance)

Diaz Editor — Founding Beta€99
perpetual · 100 spots · 3 seats · building-focus
5-year total: €99

Both perpetual, both never expire. Diaz founding is 84% cheaper than BricsCAD Pro and includes 3 seats. Regular Diaz Pro (€997) is comparable. Choice is about fit — DWG depth vs building-and-trade focus.

Honest verdict

For building-and-trade workflows

Diaz Editor wins on fit. Hierarchical building model + trade library + PDF/BOM export saves hours per project versus configuring BricsCAD with your own blocks and templates. €99 vs €314+ is the bonus.

For DWG-heavy general drafting

BricsCAD stays the right tool. Native .dwg, AutoCAD-command-parity, LISP support — these matter when you have legacy projects or downstream clients demanding native DWG. Diaz Editor doesn't compete here, by design.

Frequently asked questions

Both perpetual — why pick Diaz?

BricsCAD = DWG-native AutoCAD alternative, general-purpose. Diaz Editor = purpose-built building-scale trade tool with hierarchical model and trade library. For DWG ecosystems pick BricsCAD; for trade workflows pick Diaz.

How does BricsCAD pricing work in 2026?

BricsCAD V26 (October 2025) offers perpetual (€314+ (5 tiers) Pro, higher Ultimate) or subscription. Diaz Editor founding €99, regular Pro €997. Diaz is typically lower price; BricsCAD has DWG-native depth.

Does Diaz Editor handle .dwg natively?

No. Reads/writes DXF only. BricsCAD reads .dwg natively (Open Design Alliance founding member). For DWG-heavy shops, BricsCAD is more compatible.

Is BricsCAD faster at opening files?

Bricsys publishes benchmarks: 2.7x faster than AutoCAD at opening 500+ DWG files. Different optimisation goal than Diaz Editor.

Does BricsCAD have a trade-specific library?

No. General-purpose like AutoCAD — bring your own blocks. Diaz Editor ships 30+ trade components out of the box.

Try Diaz Editor — €99 lifetime

100 founding spots. Building-scale CAD with trade library and PDF export built in.

Claim founding spot — €99

Other comparisons

What you get for €99

One-time. Lifetime. 3 seats. No subscription.

Diaz Editor Pro — lifetime license for your full workday ~~€997~~
3 seats — you + your foreman + your work-prep ~~+€600~~
All trades in one tool — building, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, solar 4 tools saved
DXF + IFC import — works with any architect, contractor, or installer Included
1-click PDF export — quote, work-drawing, and BOM in one pack Included
DXF + CNC export for the workshop — cut lists, sheet layouts, mill paths Included
All future updates — v0.4, v0.5, v0.6... Included
Founding-member feedback board — your voice on the roadmap Exclusive

Built for self-employed tradespeople + small teams (1-10 people). Not for architects or utility-scale engineering — AutoCAD and Aurora are better at those.

Regular price (after founding):

~~€997~~ €99 today

Become a founding member — €99 →

100 spots total. Stripe checkout. Instant download after payment.