Archicad
BIM design software for architects from Graphisoft in Budapest, sold in Studio and Collaborate subscription plans
Quick Overview
| Company | Graphisoft SE |
|---|---|
| Category | CAD Software |
| Headquarters | Budapest, Hungary |
| Founded | 1982 |
| EU Presence | Yes - Hungary (EU) |
| Data Location | Desktop application; teamwork on BIMcloud you host, or cloud plan |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Yes - BIMcloud Basic on your own server in Studio |
| Main Features | BIM modelling, documentation, design options, BIMcloud teamwork, BIMx walkthroughs, AI Assistant, AI Visualizer, openBIM workflows |
| Pricing | Subscription plans (Studio, Collaborate); see website for prices |
| Best For | Architecture offices that design and document buildings in BIM |
| Replaces | AutoCAD Architecture, Revit |
Detailed Review
Archicad is the BIM application of Graphisoft, founded in 1982 and part of the Nemetschek Group. The vendor says it is used in 108 countries and 27 languages.
Contracting runs through Graphisoft SE in Budapest, listed in the Budapest-Capital Regional Court company registry. Archicad Studio is aimed at solo architects and local teams, and Archicad Collaborate at multidisciplinary cloud teamwork.
Studio and Collaborate
Studio gives the professional Archicad environment for local delivery, with BIMcloud Basic for teamwork on a server you host and control. Collaborate adds cloud teamwork for multidisciplinary projects.
Model-driven documentation
Plans, sections, elevations and schedules update with the model, and design options let users test alternatives inside the application.
Visualisation and AI tools
BIMx Pro presents designs as interactive 3D walkthroughs, and the AI Assistant and AI Visualizer are built into the product, according to the vendor.
Limitations to Consider
Prices are not shown on the plan pages checked, so a quote or the shop is needed. Archicad is a BIM product for building design rather than a general 2D drafting tool, so mechanical users should look at TopSolid or HiCAD. Graphisoft is owned by the Nemetschek Group, and its imprint lists a US company as web hosting provider.
Who Should Use Archicad
Architecture offices that want a Hungarian BIM vendor with a long track record and local-team or cloud plans.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- BIM focus with long vendor history since 1982
- Local-team plan with self-hosted BIMcloud Basic
- BIMx walkthroughs for client presentation
- Educational licences and training offered
- EU contracting entity
Cons
- Prices not published on pages checked
- Not for general 2D drafting or mechanical design
- Owned by the Nemetschek Group
- Website hosting by a US provider per imprint
Alternatives to Archicad
Other European cad software worth comparing before you decide:
BricsCAD
Belgium · DWG-based 2D and 3D CAD from Ghent, with BIM and mechanical toolsets
ARES Commander
Germany · Family-owned Berlin CAD in DWG for Windows, macOS and Linux
Allplan
Germany · BIM platform for architecture, structural and civil engineering
progeCAD
Switzerland · AutoCAD-compatible 2D/3D CAD with a perpetual licence
See all European cad software or compare them directly against AutoCAD Architecture on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Graphisoft SE, based in Budapest, Hungary, part of the Nemetschek Group.
Archicad Studio for solo architects and local teams and Archicad Collaborate for multidisciplinary cloud teamwork.
It replaces AutoCAD for architectural design in BIM. For plain DWG drafting, BricsCAD or ARES Commander are closer.