Archicad vs D5 Render
Archicad
graphisoft.com
D5 Render
d5render.comSide by side
| Figure | Archicad | D5 Render |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $201/mo | $30/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 6 | 6 |
| Spec score · Architecture Software | 9.5 (#1) | 8.9 (#4) |
| Documentation | BIM workflows generate coordinated drawings, sections, elevations and schedules that update with the model. | The Help Center covers installation, getting started, modeling, workflows, materials, rendering, hardware, account management, teams and AI. |
| Integrations | Graphisoft lists Bluebeam, BIMplus, Solibri, Autodesk Forma, Revit, Enscape, Twinmotion and D5 connections or extensions. | Official LiveSync connections are provided for SketchUp, 3ds Max, Rhino, Revit, Archicad, Blender, Cinema 4D and Vectorworks. |
| Purpose | Archicad is BIM software for architects, designers, engineers, and other AEC professionals to design, document, collaborate, and deliver building projects. | D5 Render provides real-time photorealistic architectural visualization using path tracing, AI features, and AEC assets. |
| Rating on G2 | 4.6 out of 5 from 293 reviews | 4.8 out of 5 from 1,091 reviews. |
| Rating on GetApp | 4.4 out of 5 from 280 reviews | 4.8 out of 5 from 416 reviews. |
| Rating on Trustpilot | 3.5 out of 5 from 5 reviews | Rating unavailable because Trustpilot says the company breached its guidelines; the page lists 355 reviews. |
| What it does | Archicad is Graphisoft’s BIM platform for architects, designers, engineers and other AEC professionals, covering design, modeling, visualization, documentation and collaboration. | D5 Render is a real-time 3D renderer for architectural, landscape, interior, engineering and other professional visualization work. |
Plans
Archicad
- Archicad EDUFree
- Archicad Studio$201 a month
- Archicad Studio$201 a month
- Archicad Collaborate$237 a month
- Archicad Collaborate$237 a month
- Archicad Max$475 a month
D5 Render
- CommunityFree
- D5 Pro Monthly$38 a month
- D5 Pro Annual$360 a year
- D5 for Teams$708 a year
- ProPrice not published
- TeamsPrice not published
In their own words
Archicad
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.
D5 Render
D5 Render is a Windows desktop application for real-time architectural visualization. It uses path tracing to recalculate light bounces, global illumination, and caustics as scene conditions change. AI tools provide PBR material generation, atmosphere matching, and SmartPlanting; free accounts receive limited AI credits. The product page lists more than 16,000 models, materials, and particles. Outputs include 4K still images, 60fps videos, interactive panoramas, virtual tours, and VR/XR experiences. Integrations are listed for SketchUp, 3ds Max, Rhino, Revit, Archicad, Cinema 4D, Blender, and Vectorworks. The Community plan costs nothing and is for non-commercial use, with 2,100+ official assets and 50 AI trial credits. Pro is billed yearly for solo professionals, while Teams is billed yearly per seat. Commercial, revenue-generating, or professional work requires D5 Pro. Windows 10 version 1809 or later and a ray-tracing-ready GPU are required. Mobile viewing is supported, and D5 provides help resources, tutorials, webinars, forums, and contact support.