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Head-to-head · Architectural Design Software

Allplan vs OpenBuildings Designer

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Allplan #3 in Architectural Design Software 9.1/10 14-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Allplan
OpenBuildings Designer #5 in Architectural Design Software 8.8/10 Paid ✓ 1 of 5 features Visit site

Allplan leads on 0 checks, OpenBuildings Designer on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAllplan · 9.1/10
  • Free trialonly Allplan

Allplan scores higher on our rubric for architectural design software: 9.1 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

Allplan is the better fit for multidiscipline firms needing BIM and cost workflows. OpenBuildings Designer is the better fit for large multidisciplinary building-design projects.

  • Allplan fits best

    Multidiscipline firms needing BIM and cost workflows

  • OpenBuildings Designer fits best

    Large multidisciplinary building-design projects

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Allplan 9.1/10 Visit ↗ OpenBuildings Designer 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.8
Ranking #3 in Architectural Design Software #5 in Architectural Design Software
Best for Multidiscipline firms needing BIM and cost workflows Large multidisciplinary building-design projects
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $140/user/mo $3,844/yr
Free plan — —
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile Cloud, Desktop
Platforms Web, Windows, iOS Windows
Support Email, Community, Docs Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7
Integrations 7 integrations 10 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Allplan 1/5 · OpenBuildings Designer 1/5
BIM authoring Not checked yet Not checked yet
Parametric modeling Not checked yet Not checked yet
Construction documents Not checked yet Not checked yet
Rendering tools Not checked yet Not checked yet
IFC support ✓ ✓
Specs
Platform Not checked yet Not checked yet
Project limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Covers architectural, structural and civil engineering workflows
  • Combines BIMPLUS collaboration with IFC interoperability and clash detection
  • Includes quantity takeoff, costing, scripting and detailing tools
  • Models architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines
  • Includes clash detection, energy analysis, and quantity reporting
  • Exchanges IFC, COBie, DWG, RFA, and SketchUp data
Cons
  • Annual-billed plans range from $140 to $404 per user per month
  • The Basic plan focuses on drafting, basic 3D modeling and collaboration
  • Mobile access is provided as a viewer rather than a full modeling workspace
  • Annual licensing is $3,844 per license
  • Runs on Windows rather than across multiple platforms
  • Its broad feature set may exceed focused design workflows
Our verdict

Allplan is BIM software for architecture, structural and civil engineering, infrastructure, fabrication and construction workflows. It supports design and documentation from early concepts through detailed modeling, quantity takeoff,…

Read the review →

OpenBuildings Designer is multidisciplinary BIM software for architects, structural engineers, mechanical and electrical designers, and construction teams. It combines 3D building modeling with coordinated drawings, schedules,…

Read the review →
  1. AllplanArchitectural Design Software 9.114-day trial
  2. OpenBuildings DesignerArchitectural Design Software 8.8Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Allplan — where it wins

    • Covers architectural, structural and civil engineering workflows
    • Combines BIMPLUS collaboration with IFC interoperability and clash detection
    • Includes quantity takeoff, costing, scripting and detailing tools

    Where it doesn't

    • Annual-billed plans range from $140 to $404 per user per month
    • The Basic plan focuses on drafting, basic 3D modeling and collaboration
    • Mobile access is provided as a viewer rather than a full modeling workspace

  • OpenBuildings Designer — where it wins

    • Models architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines
    • Includes clash detection, energy analysis, and quantity reporting
    • Exchanges IFC, COBie, DWG, RFA, and SketchUp data

    Where it doesn't

    • Annual licensing is $3,844 per license
    • Runs on Windows rather than across multiple platforms
    • Its broad feature set may exceed focused design workflows
  • Allplan9.1/10 · 14-day trial

    A broad BIM suite for firms coordinating architecture, engineering, construction and cost workflows.

    Visit AllplanFull verdict →
  • OpenBuildings Designer8.8/10 · Paid

    A broad Windows BIM suite for coordinated architectural and engineering projects.

    Visit siteFull verdict →

More comparisons

All architectural design software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update