Archicad

Archicad is building information modeling software for architects, designers, engineers, and other AEC professionals. It supports building-project design, documentation, collaboration, and delivery, with tools for mass modeling, sketches, optioneering, quantity take-offs, building elements, and custom components. Its 3D models can produce coordinated drawings with real-time and automated annotation updates. OpenBIM workflows use IFC, BCF, and IDS standards. BIMcloud can host a shared model with live updates and notifications; Studio includes local teamworking with BIMcloud Basic, while Collaborate adds MEP modeling and Graphisoft-hosted BIMcloud for global Teamwork. Visualization options include photorealistic visuals, fly-throughs, animations, and a cloud-powered AI Visualizer. Archicad runs on macOS and Windows, with compatible file formats and Teamwork between versions. Studio is listed at $201/user/mo (annual), and Collaborate at $237 + tax per month with a one-year upfront subscription. Eligible students and educators can use a free educational license for non-commercial work; EDU files carry an irremovable watermark.

Archicad combines building design, documentation, collaboration, and visualization in a BIM workflow. Compare Studio’s local teamworking with Collaborate’s MEP modeling and hosted BIMcloud needs before choosing a plan.

Archicad suits AEC professionals working across building design and documentation, especially teams that need model-based coordination. Eligible students and educators can use the EDU license for non-commercial learning or teaching.

Overview

Archicad is BIM software for designing and delivering building projects, best suited to architecture and AEC teams that need design work tied closely to coordinated documentation. Its model-based approach is compelling for that work, but the per-seat annual commitment makes plan choice consequential.

Key features

Design tools span mass modeling, sketches, option studies, building elements, custom components, and quantity take-offs. That range supports a project from early exploration into detailed building work, while keeping the focus squarely on professional building teams.

Archicad generates coordinated drawings from a 3D model and can update drawings and annotations as the model changes. This is valuable when documentation needs to stay aligned with design revisions. IFC, BCF, and IDS support openBIM workflows; named connections include Bluebeam, BIMplus, Solibri, Autodesk Forma, Enscape, Twinmotion, and D5.

Visualization options include sketches, photorealistic visuals, fly-throughs, animations, and a cloud-powered AI Visualizer. BIMcloud can centralize a model for live updates and notifications. Studio provides local teamworking through BIMcloud Basic; Collaborate adds Graphisoft-hosted BIMcloud for global Teamwork and MEP modeling. Clash detection, quantity takeoff, API access, and cloud collaboration are also supported.

Pricing

Studio includes Archicad, BIMx Pro, and BIMcloud Basic. Collaborate includes Archicad, BIMx Pro, and BIMcloud Software as a Service, as well as MEP design. The $36 monthly difference per seat buys hosted collaboration and MEP modeling; teams that only need local teamworking can avoid that added cost with Studio.

EDU is not a commercial alternative: it is limited to non-commercial educational use, and its files carry an irremovable watermark on views and printouts. The Studio trial offers unlimited access to Archicad, BIMcloud Basic, and BIMx for 30 days, for one free seat. Eligibility requires never having purchased a trial and not having applied for one in the prior 12 months.

Commercial use of Archicad 29 requires a cloud license, CodeMeter software key, or CodeMeter hardware key.

Platforms

Archicad runs on macOS and Windows, and the two versions are compatible for file formats and Teamwork. The broader platform listing also includes Android, iOS, and web; mobile access is viewer-oriented.

Who it's for

Archicad fits architects and multidisciplinary AEC teams producing building models, coordinated drawings, quantities, and visual presentations. Studio makes the most sense for teams collaborating locally; Collaborate is the better match when MEP modeling and Graphisoft-hosted global teamwork are requirements. It is a weaker fit for buyers seeking a low-cost commercial entry point or a general-purpose design tool.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Model-linked drawings and annotation updates help keep documentation coordinated as designs change.
• Pro: IFC, BCF, and IDS support openBIM workflows, alongside connections to named visualization and project tools.
• Pro: The two paid plans distinguish local teamwork from hosted global teamwork and MEP modeling, giving teams a clear choice.
• Con: Paid subscriptions require a one-year term and upfront payment per seat, creating a significant commitment.
• Con: The free EDU license is restricted to educational, non-commercial use and leaves an irremovable watermark.

Alternatives

Choose usBIM.platform if a free basic configuration with 10 GB of cloud storage and online applications is the priority; additional applications are offered through subscriptions.

Trimble Viewpoint Vista is worth considering when a buyer wants cloud-hosted or on-premises deployment options and is prepared to contact sales for pricing.

BIMcollab may suit teams seeking a freemium option; its Basic annual plan is €12.50 a month and includes 10 GB storage per space and one guest access.

Allplan is an alternative for buyers comparing BIM software with 3D modeling, 2D drafting, visualization, and a BIM Easy content package; its Basic plan starts at €123 a month.

Revizto offers an alternative with access to all features in its growing-teams plan, priced per user with dynamic user counts, multiple projects, and standard support; pricing is by request.

Vectorworks Architect may fit buyers comparing an annual option: its Annual plan is $127.50 a year, billed at $1,530.00 annually, with unlimited Vectorworks University courses and 15% off online training.

Autodesk Construction Cloud is another option for teams seeking model management with Model Coordination, Design Collaboration, Forma Data Management, Insight, Assemble, and Autodesk Tandem; pricing is by quote.

Newforma Konekt is an alternative for teams considering a web, iOS, or Android product.

Browse more options in BIM Software, Architectural Design Software, and Architecture Software.

Verdict

Archicad is a strong choice for professional building teams that want design, coordinated documentation, and collaboration centered on a BIM model. Choose Studio for local teamwork; pay more for Collaborate when MEP modeling and hosted global Teamwork justify it. Look elsewhere if the annual per-seat commitment or commercial cost is the deciding constraint.