Chief Architect vs SoftPlan
Chief Architect
chiefarchitect.comSoftPlan
softplan.comSide by side
| Figure | Chief Architect | SoftPlan |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $166.25/mo | $79/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · Architecture Software | 8.6 (#8) | 7.3 (#30) |
| Spec score · Architectural CAD Software | 8.5 (#6) | 7.3 (#17) |
| Spec score · 3D Architecture Software | 8.4 (#7) | 7.2 (#14) |
| Company | Chief Architect, Inc. is privately held, headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and says its software began in 1992. | SoftPlan Systems, Inc. says it was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee. |
| Founded | 1992 | 1985 |
| Headquarters | Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, United States | Brentwood, Tennessee, United States |
| Integrations | Chief Architect imports and exports AutoCAD DXF and DWG files and imports several 3D formats, including OBJ, SKP, STL, and DAE. | SoftPlan can import and export AutoCAD DWG/DXF files, export models to SketchUp, and export its model to MiTek SAPHIRE. |
| Support | Priority support is available for X17 and X18; versions X14–X16 have paid per-incident support for $125, and X13 and earlier are ineligible. | 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
Chief Architect
- Chief Architect Premier$229 a month
- Chief Architect Premier$1,995 a year
SoftPlan
- SoftPlan+ subscription$79 a month
- SoftPlan new product subscription$169 a month
In their own words
Chief Architect
Chief Architect Premier is 3D design software for residential and light commercial work, including remodeling, kitchens, baths, and interiors. Drawing walls and placing architectural objects builds a 3D model and produces materials lists and construction documents such as site plans, framing plans, sections, and elevations. Materials lists can include quantities, unit and labor costs, markup, and project costs, and update as the design changes. For presentation, the software supports realistic and artistic rendering, 360-degree renderings, virtual tours, and walkthrough videos. Its 3D Library contains objects such as fixtures, appliances, millwork, furnishings, and manufacturer-specific products. It imports and exports AutoCAD DXF and DWG files, and imports OBJ, SKP, STL, and DAE. The As-Built app uses LiDAR on supported iPhones and iPads to create room models for remodeling. The trial does not expire, but saving, printing, exporting, and virtual tours are disabled. Premier costs $229 a month, billed $229/mo.