Archicad review
A mature OpenBIM platform for architectural teams that need modeling, documentation, and teamwork.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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, quantity takeoffs, schedules, clash detection, issue tracking, visualization, and team collaboration. Native Windows and macOS support makes it suitable for architectural practices working across those desktop platforms, while BIMx provides mobile model viewing. Its feature set is aimed at teams managing connected design and documentation workflows rather than users looking only for basic drafting or isolated 3D modeling.
The published plans show two main commercial tiers. Archicad Studio costs $201 per user per month with annual billing or $345 per user per month with monthly billing, and includes architectural design, local collaboration, BIMcloud Basic, and BIMx Pro. Archicad Collaborate costs $237 per user per month with annual billing or $406 per user per month with monthly billing, adding MEP design and Graphisoft-hosted BIMcloud alongside architectural design and BIMx Pro. The commercial offering includes a 30-day trial. Archicad also connects with Bluebeam, BIMplus, Solibri, Autodesk Forma, Enscape, Twinmotion, and D5, giving teams options for review, coordination, rendering, and connected design workflows.
OpenBIM is a central strength. IFC, BCF, and IDS support helps structure interoperability, while BIMcloud supports real-time teamwork. Quantity takeoffs, coordinated drawings, clash detection, photorealistic rendering, AI Assistant, and AI Visualizer extend the platform beyond core modeling. The choice between Studio and Collaborate depends on whether local collaboration is sufficient or a team needs Graphisoft-hosted BIMcloud and MEP design. Archicad suits practices seeking a broad, multi-discipline BIM environment with established collaboration features. Teams seeking a general free commercial tool, or mobile-first editing rather than viewer access, should consider a different fit.
Archicad pros and cons
- 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
Archicad fact sheet, pricing and score →
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.
Last updated · How we research and update