Architecture Software
Alternatives to Archicad
Archicad gives AEC teams a broad BIM workspace for shaping buildings, checking quantities, coordinating drawings, and collaborating around a shared model. Its massing, building elements, custom components, openBIM support, clash detection, and visualization tools connect design through delivery. BIMcloud supports live teamwork, while Archicad runs on macOS and Windows and offers viewer access on mobile. Studio costs $201 per user monthly on an annual subscription; Collaborate costs $237. A free educational license is restricted to non-commercial work and adds an irremovable watermark.
- 01 AutoCAD
AutoCAD suits people who need 2D and 3D drafting, design, or modeling, including users of its specialized industry toolsets.
Free plan Web · Windows · macOS · iOS9.3 Visit Specs - 02 Autodesk Revit From $250.42/mo Free trial Windows · macOS · API · Self-hosted9.2 Visit Specs
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D5 Render It suits architects, engineers, and construction professionals creating real-time visualizations on Windows.
From $30/mo Free plan Web · Windows8.9 Visit Specs - 04
Allplan ALLPLAN suits architecture, engineering and construction teams working across design and delivery, including structural, MEP, civil and bridge disciplines.
From €123/mo Free trial Web · Windows · macOS · iOS8.7 Visit Specs - 05
ARCHLine.XP Free trial Windows · macOS · Android · Browser extension8.7 Visit Specs - 06 Home Designer
It suits homeowners and designers planning or remodeling homes on a Windows or macOS desktop.
From $41.25/mo Free trial Windows · macOS · iOS · Android8.7 Visit Specs - 07
Chief Architect Chief Architect Premier suits people designing residential or light commercial buildings, remodels, kitchens, baths, or interiors.
From $166.25/mo Free trial Web · Windows · macOS · iOS8.6 Visit Specs - 08 Maket From $20/mo Free plan Web · API8.6 Visit Specs
- 09 Arkio
Arkio suits architects and other spatial designers who need to build and review shared 3D scenes.
From $35/mo Free plan Windows · macOS · iOS · Android8.5 Visit Specs - 10 GstarCAD
GstarCAD suits CAD users who need DWG and DXF support, drawing tools, and development interfaces.
From $19.92/mo Free trial Web · Windows · macOS · Linux8.4 Visit Specs - 11
Floorplanner It suits personal users, retailers, real-estate teams, interior designers, and education accounts needing browser-based planning.
Free plan Web · API8.1 Visit Specs - 12
Live Home 3D Live Home 3D suits people planning room or house layouts, from amateur home designers to professional designers.
From $1.67/mo Free plan Windows · macOS · iOS · Android8.1 Visit Specs - 13
Bonsai Bonsai suits teams working with multi-discipline IFC models on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux8.0 Visit Specs - 14
DataCAD Free trial Windows8.0 Visit Specs - 15
Graphisoft BIMx It suits architecture and construction teams, clients, and facility managers who need to explore model information or share project views.
Free plan Web · Windows · macOS · iOS8.0 Visit Specs - 16 IDEA Architecture Free trial Windows8.0 Visit Specs
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Rayon Rayon suits interior designers and architects who need to draw architectural plans in 2D and collaborate with others.
From $21/mo Free plan Web · Windows · macOS8.0 Visit Specs - 18 Maxwell Render Free trial Web · Windows · macOS7.9 Visit Specs
- 19 Vectorworks Architect
It suits architectural teams that need BIM workflows, construction documentation, and visualization across design phases.
From $127.50/mo Free trial Web · Windows · macOS · iOS7.9 Visit Specs - 20 Cedreo
Cedreo suits housing professionals who need to prepare plans and 3D renderings for construction or remodeling projects.
Free plan Web · Windows · macOS7.8 Visit Specs - 21 CYPE Architecture Free plan Windows7.8 Visit Specs
- 22 Envisioneer From $9.58/mo Free trial Web · Windows7.7 Visit Specs
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Lumion From $95.75/mo Free trial Web · Windows7.7 Visit Specs - 24
Renga Architecture From $49.17/mo Free trial Windows · API7.7 Visit Specs - 25 Twinmotion
Twinmotion suits design and visualization work in architecture and real estate, automotive, consumer products, and film and TV.
From $37.08/mo Free plan Web · Windows · macOS7.7 Visit Specs - 26 Edificius Free trial Windows7.5 Visit Specs
- 27 VisualARQ
VisualARQ suits architects and BIM users working in Rhino 7 or 8 on Windows.
Free plan Windows · API · Browser extension7.5 Visit Specs - 28 SPIRIT From €37.50/mo Free trial Windows7.4 Visit Specs
- 29 TAD Designer
It is aimed at small and medium architectural offices, particularly in developing countries.
Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux7.4 Visit Specs - 30 Veras From €15.90/mo Free trial Web7.4 Visit Specs
Choosing instead of Archicad
An alternative may fit better when you need a narrower tool, different devices, or a lower starting cost. Some options concentrate on home layouts, 2D architectural drawings, or early design; others prioritize shared spatial review, rendering, or CAD compatibility. Check whether replacing Archicad would give up coordinated BIM documentation, multi-discipline workflows, IFC exchange, or model-based collaboration. Also compare platform coverage, export formats, visualization requirements, team interaction, and the restrictions attached to free plans or trials before changing tools.