ARCHLine.XP vs Chief Architect

ARCHLine.XP8.8Visit Chief Architect8.6Visit

Higher score ARCHLine.XP #6 in Architectural CAD Software 8.8/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 1 of 6 features Visit ARCHLine.XP

vs

Chief Architect #8 in Architectural CAD Software 8.6/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 6 features Try Chief Architect

• ARCHLine.XP fits best

  Architects wanting BIM, rendering, and takeoffs

• Chief Architect fits best

  Residential designers producing construction plans

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Side by side

Feature	ARCHLine.XP 8.8/10 Visit ↗	Chief Architect 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	8.6
Ranking	#6 in Architectural CAD Software	#8 in Architectural CAD Software
Best for	Architects wanting BIM, rendering, and takeoffs	Residential designers producing construction plans
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	€3,010 one-time	$1,995/yr
Free plan	—	—
Free trial	30 days	—
Money-back guarantee	14 days	14 days
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Android	Windows, macOS
Support	Email, Docs, Community	Docs
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features ARCHLine.XP 1/6 · Chief Architect 0/6
BIM support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Parametric modeling	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Integrated rendering	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
IFC interoperability	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Site/terrain tools	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Quantity takeoff	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Deployment model	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Parametric BIM keeps plans, sections, elevations, and schedules coordinated. Rendering, interior design, and point-cloud tools are included. IFC, DWG, RVT, and teamwork workflows support collaboration.	Generates 3D models as walls, windows, and doors are drawn Creates construction drawings, elevations, sections, and CAD details Combines multi-floor design with schedules and cost-estimating tools
Cons	The €3,010 perpetual license excludes VAT, and updates cost extra. macOS use requires Windows through Boot Camp. Android access is through the ARCHLine.XP Viewer application.	Annual access starts at $1,995, with no free plan Desktop software is limited to Windows and macOS The trial disables saving, printing, exporting, and virtual tours
Our verdict	ARCHLine.XP is a desktop CAD/BIM application for architects, interior designers, and construction professionals. Its model-based workflow covers 2D floor plans, 3D building elements, parametric design, construction documents, schedules,… Read the review →	Chief Architect is desktop architectural design software for home builders, remodelers, architects, and interior designers working on residential and light-commercial projects. Its focus is coordinated planning: drawing walls, windows, and… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• ARCHLine.XP — where it wins

  • Parametric BIM keeps plans, sections, elevations, and schedules coordinated.
  • Rendering, interior design, and point-cloud tools are included.
  • IFC, DWG, RVT, and teamwork workflows support collaboration.

  Where it doesn't

  • The €3,010 perpetual license excludes VAT, and updates cost extra.
  • macOS use requires Windows through Boot Camp.
  • Android access is through the ARCHLine.XP Viewer application.

• Chief Architect — where it wins

  • Generates 3D models as walls, windows, and doors are drawn
  • Creates construction drawings, elevations, sections, and CAD details
  • Combines multi-floor design with schedules and cost-estimating tools

  Where it doesn't

  • Annual access starts at $1,995, with no free plan
  • Desktop software is limited to Windows and macOS
  • The trial disables saving, printing, exporting, and virtual tours

• ARCHLine.XP8.8/10 · 30-day trial

  A broad BIM, documentation, rendering, and takeoff package for architecture teams.

  Visit ARCHLine.XPFull verdict →
• Chief Architect8.6/10 · Paid

  A construction-focused design suite for coordinated 2D plans and 3D views.

  Try Chief ArchitectFull verdict →