Bonsai vs SoftPlan
Bonsai
bonsaibim.orgSoftPlan
softplan.comSide by side
| Figure | Bonsai | SoftPlan |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $79/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Architecture Software | 8.0 (#14) | 7.3 (#30) |
| Spec score · Architectural CAD Software | 8.0 (#9) | 7.3 (#17) |
| Spec score · 3D Architecture Software | 7.9 (#10) | 7.2 (#14) |
| Integrations | Studio is built on Blender and powered by IfcOpenShell; its workflows include Python scripting and an API. | SoftPlan can import and export AutoCAD DWG/DXF files, export models to SketchUp, and export its model to MiTek SAPHIRE. |
| Product | Bonsai is a family of open source apps for authoring, reviewing, and sharing IFC models. | SoftPlan is home design software for residential and light commercial design work. |
| Support | The documentation directs users to live chat, community forums, and GitHub bug reports for help. | SoftPlan lists email and telephone technical support from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern and directs subscribers to an in-app support ticket system. |
Plans
SoftPlan
- SoftPlan+ subscription$79 a month
- SoftPlan new product subscription$169 a month
In their own words
Bonsai
Bonsai is a free, open-source family of applications for creating, reviewing, and sharing IFC models. Bonsai Studio is an IFC authoring platform built on Blender. It supports modeling, documentation, coordination, and BIM data management across disciplines. Studio can generate and annotate linked 2D drawings, then produce schedules and reports from model data. Bonsai Viewer is a separate free desktop application for reviewing IFC models, drawings, and data without the authoring environment. Viewer includes model search and filtering, clash detection, BCF issue management, federation of multiple models, and cloud synchronization for models and issues. Bonsai reads and writes native IFC and states that it has no proprietary formats or lock-in. Studio is powered by IfcOpenShell and includes Python scripting and an API. Listed workflows cover structural-analysis solver connections, MEP systems, 4D scheduling, 5D cost estimation, and COBie facility-management data. Studio and Viewer support Windows, macOS, and Linux. The Studio page labels the software alpha.