Archicad vs VisualARQ

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.

VisualARQ is architectural BIM software for Rhino 7 and 8, turning freeform geometry into BIM objects and supporting custom parametric objects. Its tools include walls, curtain walls, doors, windows, beams, columns, stairs, railings, slabs and roofs. It generates linked 2D plans, sections and elevations, real-time vector drawings, and dynamic quantity take-off reports that can be exported to Excel. The software supports IFC 2×3 and IFC 4 exchange and DWG export of page layouts. Grasshopper components and a RhinoCommon API support development with C#, VB.NET or Python. It also works with Rhino-compatible render engines including V-Ray, Enscape, Lumion and Twinmotion. VisualARQ works in Rhino for Windows only; the maker says there is no Mac version. Licenses are permanent, have no subscription fees and include free updates within the same major version. A fully functional 90-day evaluation is available, after which some features are disabled. Floating licenses use Cloud Zoo or Rhino Zoo.