Archicad vs GstarCAD
Archicad
graphisoft.comGstarCAD
gstarcad.netSide by side
| Figure | Archicad | GstarCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $201/mo | $19.92/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 6 | 9 |
| Spec score · Architecture Software | 9.5 (#1) | 8.4 (#11) |
| Spec score · Architectural Design Software | 9.4 (#1) | 8.3 (#9) |
| Company | Graphisoft says it was founded in 1982 and develops Archicad, BIM software for architecture and design. | Gstarsoft Co., Ltd. says it was established in 2001 and provides 2D CAD, 3D CAD, BIM, AI CAD, and cloud-based CAD products. |
| Headquarters | Budapest, Hungary | Beijing, China |
| Trial | Graphisoft offers a 30-day trial with unlimited access for one seat, including Archicad, BIMcloud Basic and BIMx. | The maker advertises a free 30-day GstarCAD trial. |
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
GstarCAD
- Standard$749 a month
- Professional$949 a month
- Premium$1,120 a month
- GstarCAD 2027 Standard$239 a year
- GstarCAD 2027 Professional$319 a year
- GstarCAD 2027 Premium$359 a year
- GstarCAD 2027 Standard$599, paid once
- GstarCAD 2027 Professional$759, paid once
- GstarCAD 2027 Premium$896, paid once
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.
GstarCAD
GstarCAD is 2D and 3D CAD software for working with technical drawings. It supports native DWG and DXF files, and the maker describes it as compatible with AutoCAD data formats. Its toolset includes more than 100 tools, such as Area Table, Auto Layer, Viewport to Layout, and AutoXlsTable. The maker says multi-core processing is designed to handle complex drawings with faster processing and less lag. GstarCAD 2027 adds Dynamic Block Parametric Constraints, Automatic Input Method Switching, and floating drawing windows. The developer environment supports LISP, C/C++, VB/VBA, and.NET, along with COM and GRX APIs; the maker says LISP and VBA applications can run without modification. A perpetual license provides lifetime usage rights, and yearly subscription and upgrade licensing are also offered. Plans listed for GstarCAD 2027 start at $239 a year, with prices excluding VAT and service fees. A free 30-day trial is available, but there is no free plan.