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Head-to-head · Building Information Modeling Software

Allplan vs ideCAD

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Allplan #3 in Building Information Modeling Software 8.0/10 From $140/user/mo (annual) · 14-day trial ✓ 1 of 3 features Visit Allplan
ideCAD #6 in Building Information Modeling Software 7.0/10 From $39/mo · 30-day trial ✓ 2 of 3 features Visit ideCAD

Allplan leads on 1 check, ideCAD on 2, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAllplan · 8.0/10
  • Most featuresideCAD · 2 of 3

Allplan scores higher on our rubric for building information modeling software: 8.0 against 7.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.

ideCAD offers openbim support; Allplan doesn't publish it. Allplan offers cloud collaboration; ideCAD doesn't. ideCAD offers model version history; Allplan doesn't publish it.

Allplan is the better fit for multidiscipline AEC design and engineering teams. ideCAD is the better fit for budget-minded teams needing architecture and structural BIM.

  • Allplan fits best

    Multidiscipline AEC design and engineering teams

  • ideCAD fits best

    Budget-minded teams needing architecture and structural BIM

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. It never changes our verdict. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Allplan 8.0/10 Visit ↗ ideCAD 7.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.0 7.0
Ranking #3 in Building Information Modeling Software #6 in Building Information Modeling Software
Best for Multidiscipline AEC design and engineering teams Budget-minded teams needing architecture and structural BIM
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $140/user/mo Not published
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Free trial length 14 days · no card needed 30 days
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows, iOS Windows
Support Email, Community, Docs Phone, Community, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Allplan 1/3 · ideCAD 2/3
OpenBIM support Not published ✓ (best)
Cloud collaboration ✓ (best) —
Model version history Not published ✓ (best)
Specs
Model authoring Not published Multidiscipline
Platforms Not published Windows 10/11; mobile viewing of exported PDFs
Supported file formats Not published IFC, DWG, DXF, DWF, OBJ, PDF, 3DS, Tekla DMP, SAP2000, CSICOL, XLS
Our review
Pros
  • Supports architecture, structural and civil engineering workflows
  • Combines IFC exchange, BIMPLUS collaboration and clash detection
  • Includes quantity workflows, Python API and visual scripting
  • Combines architectural modeling with structural analysis, design, and detailing
  • Exchanges models through IFC and supports DWG/DXF and other formats
  • Includes automated drawings, reports, visualization, and recoverable backups
Cons
  • No free plan; paid plans start at $140 per user per month annually
  • Advanced tiers reach $404 per user per month annually
  • Mobile access is viewer-focused
  • Windows desktop software; no cloud collaboration
  • Monthly pricing applies to ideCAD Architectural, while other editions differ
  • Permanent-use license costs $2,735 upfront
Our verdict

Allplan brings 2D drafting and 3D BIM modeling together for architecture, structural and civil engineering work, with workflows extending to infrastructure, fabrication and construction. Its scope suits multidisciplinary teams that need to…

Read the review →

ideCAD brings architectural BIM modeling and documentation together with structural modeling, analysis, design, and detailing in a Windows desktop product. It is aimed at architects and structural engineers who want coordinated work in a…

Read the review →
  1. AllplanBuilding Information Modeling Software 8.0From $140/user/mo (annual) · 14-day trial
  2. ideCADBuilding Information Modeling Software 7.0From $39/mo · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Allplan — where it wins

    • Supports architecture, structural and civil engineering workflows
    • Combines IFC exchange, BIMPLUS collaboration and clash detection
    • Includes quantity workflows, Python API and visual scripting

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan; paid plans start at $140 per user per month annually
    • Advanced tiers reach $404 per user per month annually
    • Mobile access is viewer-focused

  • ideCAD — where it wins

    • Combines architectural modeling with structural analysis, design, and detailing
    • Exchanges models through IFC and supports DWG/DXF and other formats
    • Includes automated drawings, reports, visualization, and recoverable backups

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows desktop software; no cloud collaboration
    • Monthly pricing applies to ideCAD Architectural, while other editions differ
    • Permanent-use license costs $2,735 upfront
  • Allplan8.0/10 · From $140/user/mo (annual) · 14-day trial

    A multidisciplinary BIM suite spanning design, coordination and quantity workflows.

    Visit AllplanFull verdict →
  • ideCAD7.0/10 · From $39/mo · 30-day trial

    A broad architecture-and-structure BIM tool with a $39 monthly entry plan.

    Visit ideCADFull verdict →

More comparisons

All building information modeling software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update