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ArchiCAD

BIM software for 2D drawing & 3D building modeling

Professional building information modeling software for architects and AEC teams. Enables 3D design, 2D documentation, and real-time collaboration via cloud-based BIMcloud. Native support for Mac and Windows with open BIM standards (IFC) for multidisciplinary coordination.

Not publicly specified (subsidiary of Nemetschek) raisedEstablished
Founded 1987 · 120,000+ users worldwide in 108 countries, 27 languages; used by major international AEC firms
Website →← All Tools

Why This Tool Exists

The Problem

Architecture and engineering teams waste 10-15 hours per week manually coordinating models between disciplines, managing multiple drawing versions, and synchronizing documentation across distributed teams. IFC model-based coordination requires custom plugins and external tools, delaying project delivery.

The Solution

Integrated BIM environment with native 3D/2D coordination, built-in open BIM (IFC) support for seamless interdisciplinary workflows, and cloud-based collaboration via BIMcloud enabling real-time teamwork across global offices without specialized coordination software.

How You Use It

Delivery Method
DesktopCloud SaaS
Integrations
BluebeamSolibriBIMplusEnscapeTwinmotionD5 RenderApple Vision Pro (via BIMx)IFC/buildingSMART standardRevit (via IFC exchange)
Workflows
Project Phases
Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documentation, Construction Administration
Project Types
Commercial, Residential, Healthcare, Education, Infrastructure, Mixed-Use, Industrial, Hospitality

Data Transparency

Exactly what this tool uses and how

Input
What it needs
Required:Building design intent, Project geometry
Optional:Existing models, Structural data, MEP systems, Site context
Formats:IFC (2x3, 4.0, 4.3), DWG/DXF (AutoCAD 2017 and earlier), PDF, DWF, DGN (MicroStation), SAF (ArchiCAD native), BCF
Output
What you get
Format:Building Information Model with integrated 2D documentation
Fields:3D building model with geometric accuracy, 2D floor plans, sections, elevations (auto-generated from 3D), Building schedules and lists, Material lists and cost estimates, IFC export for coordination, Virtual building visualization, Parametric documentation
Algorithm
How it works
Model:Proprietary BIM modeling engine (geometric analysis and rule-based constraint system)
Accuracy:Geometric accuracy to 1/32" (project-dependent); full parametric consistency between 3D model and 2D documentation
Privacy
How your data is protected
Retention:Project files user-controlled in local or cloud storage; BIMcloud projects retained per subscription
Training:Not publicly specified
Compliance:SOC 2 (Nemetschek group level), GDPR compliant, AES-256 encryption in transit and at rest, Multi-factor authentication (MFA) support
API
Integration
Endpoint:https://archicadapi.graphisoft.com/
Method:C++ Add-On API and Python Automation API

Use Cases

  • ·Integrated architectural design from concept through construction documents
  • ·BIM-based multidisciplinary coordination (IFC model sharing)
  • ·Real-time cloud collaboration for distributed design teams
  • ·Automated 2D documentation generation from 3D models
  • ·Open BIM workflows with Revit, Tekla, and structural/MEP tools
  • ·Virtual building visualization and client presentations (BIMx)
  • ·Asset and facility management data export

Pricing

Free
30-day trial (full features); Free educational licenses for students/educators
Pro
Studio: $201/month ($2,414/year) - Desktop + BIMcloud Basic for local teams; Collaborate: $237/month ($2,840/year) - Desktop + BIMcloud SaaS for global teams
Enterprise
Custom pricing for 3+ seat licenses with SSO, dedicated support, and advanced team management
Sources & Research NotesResearch date: 2026-04-03
Fields Checked (17)
problem, solution, deliveryMethod, integrations, disciplines, projectPhases, projectTypes, yearFounded, maturityStage, customerBase, input-formats, output-structure, algorithm-approach, pricing, control-features, useCases, api-documentation
Not Found (7)
fundingTotal, privacy-policy-specific-document, data-training-practices, exact-soc2-certification-date, data-retention-days, api-rate-limits, algorithm-accuracy-validation-methodology
About this research: This record summarizes the cited sources and fields checked. A research date does not establish hands-on testing. Consult the original sources for current details and limitations.