
Archicad
Graphisoft's BIM software for architects, available on both Mac and Windows.
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About Archicad
Archicad from Graphisoft, part of the Nemetschek Group, is one of the original BIM applications and a major rival to Revit, particularly popular with architects in Europe and with firms that work on Macs. You model with familiar building elements such as walls, slabs, roofs, windows and stairs, and plans, sections, elevations, schedules and documentation are generated from that model. Teamwork and BIMcloud handle collaboration, BIMx provides interactive model presentations on mobile, and it exchanges data with consultants through IFC and with other tools via plug-ins. Many architects find its design workflow more intuitive than Revit's, though Revit remains more common among engineers and large contractors. Graphisoft sells Archicad through subscription plans such as Studio and Collaborate, with education licences and a free trial. The macOS and Windows versions share fully compatible files.
Best for: Architects who want BIM with a design-friendly workflow, especially on Mac.
Pros and cons
What works
- Runs on macOS and Windows with compatible files
- Design-oriented BIM workflow many architects prefer
- BIMx for interactive presentations
Why people leave
- Less common than Revit among engineers and contractors
- Expensive subscription
- Learning curve for full documentation sets
Top Archicad alternatives
See all 5- 1
SketchUp62.6Faster, simpler modeling for concept design and smaller projects.
- 2
BricsCAD59.6DWG-based CAD with a BIM toolset and perpetual licences.
- 3RhRhino57.2
Freeform and parametric design for complex geometry, with Grasshopper.
- 4AuAutodesk Revit56.0
The most widely used BIM tool, often required by engineers and contractors.
- 5
FreeCAD55.3Free and open source, with a BIM workbench for smaller projects.
Why people left Archicad
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Archicad: common questions
Is Archicad free?
No, Archicad is a paid product. Plans: Archicad Studio and Collaborate (checked on Archicad's own site).
Is Archicad open source?
No, Archicad is not open source. Open-source alternatives include FreeCAD.
What platforms does Archicad run on?
Archicad is available for Windows and macOS.
What are the best alternatives to Archicad?
The highest-ranked Archicad alternatives right now are SketchUp, BricsCAD and Rhino. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.