3D architectural CAD for architects, designers & planners
4.4/5 (98 reviews)ARCHICAD is GRAPHISOFT's architectural BIM (Building Information Modeling) CAD software suite, delivering 2D and 3D drafting and visualization tools specifically for architects, designers and planners. With the software's latest iteration, ARCHICAD 22 builds on legacy features with design tool improvements and the introduction of enhanced design workflow processes. Claiming a greater emphasis on "BIM inside and out", the latest version provides a remastered Façade Design workflow for the design and development of detail, hierarchical curtain wall systems that are both structurally sound and compliant. General performance improvements include GPU-accelerated, 64-bit algorithms for faster 2D panning and zooming, while Parametric Custom Profiles enable greater intelligence to be applied to wall, beam and column profiles within the software's Profile Editor. Expression-based properties allow logical expressions to be used to derive new properties and property values dependent on the element’s own parameters, plus custom graphical labeling and improved IFC import /export are extra update highlights.
In addition, ARCHICAD is then supported by the online BIMcloud collaboration environment. BIMcloud facilitates secured real time work between teams of architects, BIM managers and IT professionals irrespective of office location, internet connection speed and project scale. Compatible with multiple versions of ARCHICAD, platform features include a browser-based management interface, real time messaging, role-based permissions, diagnostic monitoring and automated server backups. Moving over to mobile support, the BIMx viewer app for Android and iOS offers native BIM visualization features for rendering and exploring ARCHICAD models. Key features here include the "BIMx Hyper-model" for navigating the integrated drawing sheet and 3D building model, Google Cardboard VR support, fly and walk mode, split view multitasking and more.
Pros
How to begin this review? This software is so delightful! Actually, this software is my first option on BIM world. The render engine quality is amazing and very likely and customizable. This is an AMAZING OPTION, an AMAZING PRODUCT, the best choose.
In its features, this software it's an adventure, the more you enter the menus and options, the more you get enchanted.
One of the best things on it, it's the fluency on the model management and the views, the control on every level of the model, the customizability on the menus.
Frankly, this is a great option.
Cons
The dislike about this software? Actually i have minimum dislikes, the only thing I'd recommend to the developers of ArchiCAD would be that the document generator could be more friendly, like other drawing CAD applications, that would make more easier the process of finishing the tasks. Oh, and another thing that I don't find very likeable is that the IOS verson of the bimx is more practical than the pc one.
It allowed me to take my business from one where clients never really understood what it was they were getting to one where they knew exactly what they were going to get.
Pros
ArchiCAD is a highly functional 3D CAD / BIM system which will allow you to realise your architectural visions in the best possible manner.
It is relatively intuitive to use and it's use of 3D parametric elements makes modelling a breeze. Once you have mastered the basic 3D CAD capabilities there is also a world of BIM opportunities to discover as well. World class IFC interfaces make it easy to collaborate with other consultants.
Cons
There is not a lot to actually dislike about ArchiCAD, maybe if anything its tendency to crash occassionally. (But generally it is easy enough to recover from near where you left off...)
Pros
This package is feature rich and is well supported. While there are nowhere as many users, at least in the US, as there are for the industry standard, it seems to me gaining in use - probably because of marketing to students. Cost is much more reasonable if you can manage without having the industry standard software.
Cons
It is harder to collaborate with many engineers and other consultants that typically use the industry standard. It does support files created with other CAD packages, but it will never be as seamless as having everyone on the same platform. That said, with limited or no support between versions of the same package from the industry standard, coordination can still be a pain.
Overall, my experience with ArchiCAD was awesome. I would recommend it to designers
Pros
I have used this software for my design needs for the last one year and the value I have gotten from it it insurmountable! The software offers a nice practical 2D and 3D experience when doing the models. It also offers numerous tools which when combined, one is able to bring out an excellent image just like a pro. With proficiency with the software, one is able to maneuver so fast and with so much ease that the software actually reduces the time required for a drawing by more than 70%. It was easy for me to learn the operations as they all are practical and well organized on the screen.
Cons
Some starters may find it challenging to work with the numerous tools the software offers. It also requires some advanced skills and knowledge about designs.
Day by day i'm started feeling more connected to the software without comprising my design, explaining my design to my clients through this medium (ArhiCAD software) is always makes my confidence level up.
It's a good way to start your career.
Thank you Graphisoft
Pros
As an Architect it is important to have a good tool with you & i guess ArchiCAD is the first choice. as a young and aspiring architect i always wanted give a meaning to my design, This software help me to get a more practical approach to my work from the beginning of my design, I can work in more details of my project while managing it's 3-D model effortlessly. More control over model while drawing in 2-D is a plus.
The more you will use it more will connect with the software.
Cons
not much but the document manager is bit more complicated, it could more user friendly it will make our more easier.
Contact ArchiCAD directly for full licensing details.
Below are some frequently asked questions for ARCHICAD.
ARCHICAD offers the following pricing plans:
Pricing model: Freemium, Subscription
Free Trial: Available
Contact ArchiCAD directly for full licensing details.
ARCHICAD offers the following features:
ARCHICAD has the following typical customers:
Mid Size Business, Public Administrations, Small Business
ARCHICAD supports the following languages:
English
ARCHICAD has the following pricing plans:
Freemium, Subscription
ARCHICAD supports the following devices:
Android, iPhone, iPad
We do not have any information about what integrations ARCHICAD has
ARCHICAD offers the following support options:
Online Support, Phone Support
The first hand benefits obtained from using ArchiCAD, are way importants.
The way of getting familiar with the work ambient is so easy, the palletes and menus are very easy to configure, and once you get familiar with it, the worflow is almost intuitive, being this a highlight because it increases the productivity on many levels.
Another thing that is so beneficial is the project management and organization features availables on this software. It allows me to do changes, revisions and modify many things with few clicks.
I can extend on this review explaining on so many levels how this software has helped me to increase my productivity, even with my social networks, because it has helped me increase the amount of likes on my instagram profile given the quality of the renders produced on this application, but the reading could get so extense that I prefer to resume it on few words: you all should definitely try this software, and you'll see how amazing it is.