Archicad vs Vectorworks Architect

Archicad9.3Visit Vectorworks Architect8.9Visit

Higher score Archicad #2 in Architectural Design Software 9.3/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Archicad

vs

Vectorworks Architect #4 in Architectural Design Software 8.9/10 Paid ✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Vectorworks

• Archicad fits best

  Architectural teams needing mature OpenBIM collaboration

• Vectorworks Architect fits best

  Architectural practices wanting broad platform coverage

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Side by side

Feature	Archicad 9.3/10 Visit ↗	Vectorworks Architect 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	8.9
Ranking	#2 in Architectural Design Software	#4 in Architectural Design Software
Best for	Architectural teams needing mature OpenBIM collaboration	Architectural practices wanting broad platform coverage
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	$201/user/mo	—
Free plan	—	—
Free trial	30 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support	Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs	Email, Phone, Docs
Integrations	7 integrations	12 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Archicad 1/5 · Vectorworks Architect 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	Parametric BIM supports walls, doors, windows, schedules, and documentation. OpenBIM workflows include IFC import/export and consultant coordination. Cloud, web, iOS, and Android services extend sharing and document review.
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	There is no free plan; Vectorworks Architect is paid software. Automated clash detection is handled through Solibri Office, not natively. Mobile access is focused on document review, markup, and reality capture.
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 →	Vectorworks Architect is desktop architectural BIM software for architects and design professionals. It covers conceptual, schematic, and detailed architectural design, with parametric BIM objects for walls, doors, and windows.… Read the review →

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

• Vectorworks Architect — where it wins

  • Parametric BIM supports walls, doors, windows, schedules, and documentation.
  • OpenBIM workflows include IFC import/export and consultant coordination.
  • Cloud, web, iOS, and Android services extend sharing and document review.

  Where it doesn't

  • There is no free plan; Vectorworks Architect is paid software.
  • Automated clash detection is handled through Solibri Office, not natively.
  • Mobile access is focused on document review, markup, and reality capture.

• Archicad9.3/10 · 30-day trial

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

  Visit ArchicadFull verdict →
• Vectorworks Architect8.9/10 · Paid

  A broad architectural BIM platform spanning design, documentation, coordination, and review.

  Visit VectorworksFull verdict →