Archicad vs Arkio

Archicad is building information modeling software for architects, designers, engineers, and other AEC professionals working on building projects. Its tools cover mass modeling, sketches, optioneering, quantity take-offs, building elements, and custom components. The software turns 3D models into coordinated drawings with real-time and automated annotation updates, and supports openBIM workflows through IFC, BCF, and IDS. BIMcloud can host a centralized model with live updates and notifications. Studio includes local teamworking with BIMcloud Basic; 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 costs $201 a month, billed with an upfront $2,414 + tax for a one-year subscription per seat. Collaborate costs $237 a month, with $2,840 + tax upfront for a one-year term per seat. Eligible students and educators can use a free educational license for non-commercial work; EDU files carry an irremovable watermark.

Arkio is a design collaboration tool for architects and other spatial designers. Its solid-modeling tools support boolean operations and parametric volumes, while meeting participants can view and edit the same scene together in real time. For design review, users can save views, add voice-transcribed notes, make AI renders, and collaborate on 2D frames. Plugins connect Arkio with Archicad, Navisworks, Revit, Rhino, and SketchUp for model and related-data import or export. The free Starter plan includes the modeling tools, one-on-one meetings, and OBJ, GLB, and image import and export. Pro allows up to six meeting participants and includes 500 AI credits per month; it costs $35/user/mo with annual billing or $45/user/mo with monthly billing. Enterprise supports up to 24 participants and includes 1,000 monthly AI credits per license. Each AI render uses one credit, and credits renew monthly. Arkio runs on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. A Pro license can be installed on two devices but used on only one at a time.