Archicad vs Autodesk Forma Build

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.

Autodesk Forma Build is paid construction project software connecting office, trailer, and jobsite teams. It manages documents, costs, quality, safety, collaboration, and workflows including RFIs, submittals, meetings, issues, forms, and schedules. Web, iOS, and Android access are listed, and the Autodesk Forma mobile app can provide project data offline. Forma Build Essentials includes punch lists, issue management, daily reports, forms, current sheets and files, and mobile field access. Autodesk describes Build features including Autodesk Assistant, Construction IQ, photo autotags, automatic sheet extraction, and AI-assisted specification and submittal workflows. Integrations include Forma Design Collaboration, Forma Data Management, TradeTapp, accounting connections, and Forma Construction Connect, which supports custom connections to more than 200 systems. Autodesk also lists an AECO partner ecosystem with more than 400 integrations. A free trial lasts 30 days; users who do not subscribe afterward lose project access. Plans include Forma Build Essentials at $100 per user monthly and Forma Build - per user at $175 per user monthly.