Is BricsCAD BIM for Linux ready for production work?

Conham
Conham
edited December 10 in Linux

After testing BricsCAD BIM for a few days in Linux Mint, I find that the Linux version still has several critical shortcomings: dialog boxes that do not function properly, search and input fields that cannot be used, slow-loading windows, and an interface that feels unfinished.

I originally chose BricsCAD because it promised a truly cross-platform CAD/BIM solution, especially since Vectorworks is not available on Linux. It is therefore disappointing that the Linux version does not meet the standard that has been advertised, particularly when there are no other serious alternatives on the platform.

At the same time, interest in Linux is growing rapidly among younger users who both play and create on the platform. Many move on to technical and creative professions and want to continue working in a free and independent environment. This represents a significant opportunity for BricsCAD, but the quality must meet professional expectations.

Linux Mint with Cinnamon functions excellently on my Lenovo Legion 5 (Ryzen 7 5800H, RTX 3070, 64 GB RAM). CAD/BIM is the only remaining gap.

I still hope BricsCAD will promptly update the Linux version so that it matches the Windows version.

Comments

  • zoomer
    zoomer

    Similar situation for the Mac version.
    (Windows version is a noticeably better experience)

    GUI isn't as bad as for Linux (like miss sized Windows hiding the Cancel/OK buttons and such) but always losing visibilities of toolbars like Access 3D or Structure panel.

    Some features missing like Datasmith or Rhino exports.

    And lots of totally unexpected crashes, freezing or not closing properly with release versions since I started with V17. Strange but I had not any issues during the Beta phase.

    At least until V26.06. So far it looks a bit better/stable with V26.1.07

  • Conham
    Conham

    I installed V26.1.07, and the stability and visual quality have indeed improved noticeably. I can now enter text in fields such as “Add rule” in the BIM Typed Plan Editor, and the plus symbol in the BIM Typed Plans dialogue is more visible and approximately 70% of the blue icon now appears, so we may be getting close.

    I was not aware that the Linux version does not support Datasmith export. Even if Twinmotion is not available on Linux, Unreal Engine is https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/download, so export functionality should still be possible.

    I am currently evaluating alternatives or complements to Twinmotion to gain better control over assets, since many of them feel locked into TM, and I have found that Blender can be a strong option for visualizations. With a few tutorials, it is straightforward to understand the workflow and set up a standard scene with HDRI, model structuring, terrain, material management, lighting (HDRI and a few lamps), cameras and composition, and render settings. With asset libraries for objects, trees, and people, it is possible to achieve something very similar to Twinmotion, but with increased control and likely higher rendering quality.

    So far, I have successfully exported an FBX model from BricsCAD Linux and imported it correctly into Blender. The next step is to study Blender a bit more to complete the workflow.

  • zoomer
    zoomer

    Yes, no more Enscape (ok, Subscription-only and Chaos now), no Datasmith, no Speckle Connector, no Exchange to 3D Apps.

    For me, basically not really useful to use Bricscad as a BIM Modeler for Viszualisation

    I also am preparing to use Blender as my 3D App.

    I have to look into FBX again.
    But AFAIR it was pretty useless for me, as I lost all BIM hierarchy, naming and other issues.

    So far for Bricscad to Blender I use IFC format with Bonsai Extension.