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Head-to-head · Architectural Design Software

Archicad vs OpenBuildings Designer

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Archicad #2 in Architectural Design Software 9.3/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Archicad
OpenBuildings Designer #5 in Architectural Design Software 8.8/10 Paid ✓ 1 of 5 features Visit site

Archicad 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 scoreArchicad · 9.3/10
  • Free trialonly Archicad

Archicad scores higher on our rubric for architectural design software: 9.3 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.

Archicad is the better fit for architectural teams needing mature OpenBIM collaboration. OpenBuildings Designer is the better fit for large multidisciplinary building-design projects.

  • Archicad fits best

    Architectural teams needing mature OpenBIM collaboration

  • OpenBuildings Designer fits best

    Large multidisciplinary building-design projects

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Side by side

Feature Archicad 9.3/10 Visit ↗ OpenBuildings Designer 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.8
Ranking #2 in Architectural Design Software #5 in Architectural Design Software
Best for Architectural teams needing mature OpenBIM collaboration Large multidisciplinary building-design projects
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $201/user/mo $3,844/yr
Free plan — —
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop Cloud, Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows
Support Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7
Integrations 7 integrations 10 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Archicad 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
  • OpenBIM support across IFC, BCF, and IDS
  • BIMcloud enables real-time teamwork and coordinated workflows
  • Combines modeling, documentation, takeoffs, and clash detection
  • Models architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines
  • Includes clash detection, energy analysis, and quantity reporting
  • Exchanges IFC, COBie, DWG, RFA, and SketchUp data
Cons
  • Commercial access is paid, with no general free plan
  • Mobile access is limited to model viewing through BIMx
  • Higher collaboration capabilities cost more than the entry tier
  • 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

Archicad is a building information modeling platform from Graphisoft for architects, designers, engineers, and other AEC professionals. It combines parametric architectural modeling with construction documentation, coordinated drawings,…

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. ArchicadArchitectural Design Software 9.330-day trial
  2. OpenBuildings DesignerArchitectural Design Software 8.8Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Archicad — where it wins

    • OpenBIM support across IFC, BCF, and IDS
    • BIMcloud enables real-time teamwork and coordinated workflows
    • Combines modeling, documentation, takeoffs, and clash detection

    Where it doesn't

    • Commercial access is paid, with no general free plan
    • Mobile access is limited to model viewing through BIMx
    • Higher collaboration capabilities cost more than the entry tier

  • 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
  • Archicad9.3/10 · 30-day trial

    A mature OpenBIM platform for architectural teams that need modeling, documentation, and teamwork.

    Visit ArchicadFull 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