Archicad

graphisoft.com/solutions/archicad
Construction Management
Weekend Project

The best design experience

How to Replace Archicad

Overview

Archicad is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software platform designed for architects, designers, engineers, and AEC professionals. It enables users to design, model, visualize, document, and collaborate on building projects of any size from concept through construction. Available natively on both Windows and macOS, Archicad streamlines architectural workflows with intuitive BIM tools and real-time collaboration capabilities.

Features

28 features across 14 categories

AI(2)

AI AssistantAIPremium

Built-in intelligent design companion aiming to streamline workflows, enhance creativity, and simplify collaboration across the AEC industry (BETA)

AI VisualizerAIPremium

Cloud-powered AI tool that instantly transforms conceptual models into near-photorealistic images to explore design options and accelerate decision-making

Also in: monday.com, Notion, Airtable

Automation(2)

Automated Documentation

Annotate once and let Archicad keep drawings up to date, ensuring accuracy with every design change

Design Automation

Innovative design automation tools that reduce repetition, allow building custom components, and streamline workflows

Also in: monday.com, Notion, Airtable

Collaboration(4)

BIMcloud

Cloud-based collaboration platform enabling distributed teams to work together, with options for office-based teamwork (BIMcloud Basic) and global distributed collaboration

BIMx Mobile/Immersive Experience

Turn models into immersive, real-scale experiences with Apple Vision Pro and BIMx for exploring, presenting, and collaborating on the go with complete data and documentation

BIMx Pro

Professional mobile and web viewing and collaboration tool for sharing and reviewing BIM models with stakeholders

Real-time Collaboration

Work together in a centralized model hosted on BIMcloud, enabling live updates and instant notifications with seamless project sharing

Also in: Notion, Airtable, Obsidian

Compatibility(1)

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Available natively on both macOS and Windows with full compatibility between versions including file formats and Teamwork functionality for mixed environment work

Data Management(1)

Smart Metadata and Data Management

Enrich BIM models with smart metadata, ensure compliance with standards, and enable smooth data exchange and coordination

Also in: monday.com, Notion, Airtable

Design Tools(6)

Intelligent Objects

Easily customizable Doors, Windows, Stairs, Railings, and Curtain Walls supporting advanced modeling and design flexibility

Mass Modeling and Sketches

Tools for conceptualizing designs from mass modeling and sketches to optioneering and quantity take-offs

MEP Feature Set

Design, model, and document mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems using built-in parametric objects, clash detection, and unified collaboration workflows

Parametric Building Elements

Wall, Slab, Roof, Column, and Beam tools that automatically adjust and maintain relationships between building components for seamless design updates

Parametric Libraries

Versatile libraries and adaptive toolkit with out-of-the-box components to meet any scale, style, or project need

Structural Modeling

Native tools for modeling and analyzing load-bearing elements with real-time updating and automatic creation of Structural Analytical Model for engineer coordination

Also in: Spline, Visme, Zeplin

Documentation(1)

3D to 2D Documentation

Turn 3D models into accurate, fully coordinated drawings with real-time updates using BIM-based workflows

Extensibility(1)

Third-Party Add-ons and Extensions

Extensible ecosystem supporting 3rd party add-ons and partner extensions to enhance functionality

Also in: Labelbox, Obsidian, WordPress.com

Interoperability(1)

OpenBIM Interoperability

Work across disciplines and platforms using buildingSMART-defined open standards such as IFC, BCF, and IDS for transparency and efficient communication

Licensing(2)

Floating Licenses

Support for floating licenses within teams for flexible license management

Portable BIMcloud LicensesPremium

Portable license options for cross-company teamwork and distributed collaboration

Localization(1)

Localized Language Support

Available in localized language versions for international users

Quality Assurance(2)

Clash Detection

Advanced clash detection and integrated issue tracking across BIMx and Archicad to spot problems fast and ensure coordinated models

Visual Checks and Quality Assurance

Use visual checks, clash detection, and automated schedules to deliver accurate, coordinated documentation

Sustainability(2)

Energy Analysis

Built-in energy analysis tools to optimize performance and reduce emissions from the start of design

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

LCA tools to optimize performance, reduce emissions, and make smarter sustainability decisions

Visualization(2)

3D Visualization

Quickly create sketches, white models, or photo-realistic visuals to share design intent with fly-throughs and animations

Built-in Photorealistic Rendering Engine

Integrated rendering engine for creating photo-realistic visualizations directly within Archicad

Pricing

Archicad Studio

$201/mo (annual billing)
  • Archicad
  • BIMx Pro
  • BIMcloud Basic
  • Architectural modeling and documentation
  • AI Assistant
  • OpenBIM interoperability (BCF import, linked modules)
  • Local teamworking with BIMcloud Basic
  • Built-in photorealistic rendering engine
  • Floating licenses within team
  • Archicad AI Visualizer
  • BIMx Pro
  • 3rd party add-ons and partner extensions
  • Localized language version
  • Out-of-the-box object library with custom object creation

Archicad Collaborate

Popular
$237/mo (annual billing)
  • Archicad
  • BIMx Pro
  • BIMcloud Software as a Service
  • Architectural + MEP modeling and documentation
  • AI Assistant
  • OpenBIM interoperability (BCF import, linked modules)
  • Graphisoft-hosted BIMcloud for global Teamwork
  • Built-in photorealistic rendering engine
  • Floating licenses within team
  • Portable BIMcloud licenses for cross-company teamwork
  • Archicad AI Visualizer
  • BIMx Pro with Teamwork functions
  • 3rd party add-ons and partner extensions
  • International and localized language version
  • Out-of-the-box object library with custom object creation

Archicad EDU

Free
  • Full access to complete Archicad software solution
  • For students and educators
  • Non-commercial use
  • Annual renewal for eligible users

Free Trial

Free
  • 30-day free trial
  • Full access to Archicad Studio
  • BIMcloud Basic
  • BIMx
  • Unlimited feature access
  • Single seat license

Cost Calculator

Keep Paying Archicad

Monthly$201/mo
Yearly$2.4k/yr
5-Year Total$12.1k

Build It Yourself

Est. Build Time~2 hrs
Hosting$20/mo
DifficultyVery Easy

Total Cost Comparison

1 YearSave $2.2k
SaaS
$2.4k
DIY
$240
3 YearsSave $6.5k
SaaS
$7.2k
DIY
$720
5 YearsSave $10.9k
SaaS
$12.1k
DIY
$1.2k

DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 28 features at very easy complexity.

Build vs Buy

Should you build a Archicad alternative or buy the subscription? Estimate based on 28 features.

Buy Archicad

Monthly cost$2,010/mo
3-year total$72,360
Time to deployDays

Build Your Own

Better Value
Development cost$12,000
Maintenance$180/mo
3-year total$18,480
Dev time~1 months

Building could save ~$53,880 over 3 years.

Estimates based on 28 features and a BuildScore of 5/5. Actual costs vary.

Integrations

7 known integrations

Apple Vision ProBIMplusBluebeamD5EnscapeSolibriTwinmotion