ArchiCAD for Mac

The CAD for creative architects and designers

ArchiCAD provides a free and trial version for users to unlock its complete range of features. This trial version comes equipped with tailored functionalities catering to the needs of teachers, students, professionals, and academic institutions. It is a CAD program for construction information modeling, which offers more flexibility and freedom to its users regarding its competition.

Graphisoft, the developer behind ArchiCAD, has created a Building Information Modeling or BIM solution tailored for architects, urban planners, interior designers, and engineers. This software facilitates the design process for the built environment, encompassing interiors, buildings, urban areas, and beyond.

Feature-rich platform for designing

ArchiCAD lets you construct buildings in 2D and 3D visualization designs. Its functions are aimed at architects, designers, and planners.

If you're only interested in technical design, you rely on 2D CAD tools, which have many options and possibilities that guarantee a precise and detailed finish. On the other spectrum side, you count on a 3D modeling interface to create buildings with various shapes and features. For three-dimensional jobs, the Shell function has ArchiCAD's freedom flagship. With the shell, you can create membranes from the parameters you're interested in.

Another feature of this tool is its architectural rendering and visualization. This functionality requires a high performance but offers photo-realistic images and videos from your creations in exchange. The result brings a lot of elements to account—shadows, light distribution, realistic reflexes, and a better presentation of the material's surface.

It is also a tool thought for teamwork. For example, its document management function works as a central storage for many partners to access the same tools or design changes from different access points.

BIM, a kind of 3D modeling software, is an excellent strength regarding group work. This function allows open workflows. The access to projects is fast and intuitive and allows many users to work simultaneously on a design without disrupting other's progress. BIM is a differentiator point from ArchiCAD over AutoCAD.

ArchiCAD vs. AutoCAD

AutoCAD serves as a CAD system, aiding in 3D modeling, drafting, and rendering. It allows for the use of scripts in various languages for further enhancement. AutoCAD is employed by builders, planners, designers, and manufacturers to generate three-dimensional computer-aided models for construction. In contrast, ArchiCAD integrates drawings within the model, while AutoCAD involves the independent creation of drawings by the user.

ArchiCAD allows users to virtually construct buildings using real elements such as roofs, walls, slabs, etc. In contrast, AutoCAD users create drawings based on 2D lines. Although AutoCAD is known for its user-friendly interface, ArchiCAD requires more time for users to become familiar with its extensive array of options and settings due to its rich feature set.

A valuable tool for various design purposes

ArchiCAD offers a comprehensive free trial with specialized features for educators, students, professionals, and academic institutions, emphasizing flexibility and freedom. Developed by Graphisoft, it caters to architects, urban planners, interior designers, and engineers, providing a robust Building Information Modeling solution. This platform excels in 2D and 3D design, with features like Shell for creating diverse structures. Its high-performance rendering produces realistic images, while collaborative tools enhance teamwork, setting it apart from AutoCAD with its efficient BIM functionality for simultaneous collaborative work on designs.