Likelihood to Recommend This software is incredibly intuitive and really does provide a great finished product. The software runs relatively quickly and will usually throw an error right away, which is a nice feature. I didn't use the geometry editing parts of the software, but it looks promising to be able to edit files directly in the program.
Read full review ARCHICAD, is well suited in presenting all desired projects in building and construction works more so where the client has just an idea but lacks the actual picture in mind. When doing all commercial buildings where proper records and evidence is record is needed, ARCHICAD should be considered. Projects which involve complex and large volumes of labor require well-presented drawings or representation done with ARCHICAD for proper and easy execution. ARCHICAD is less appropriate for small jobs like shades which are not complex and need less attention.
Read full review Pros Defining the actuators, pin joints, sliding joints is very easy. Defining a motion sequence is straightforward. The UI tends to make you follow a sequence of steps to be successful in doing a motion simulation and finite element analysis study on a design. The motion simulation results are automatically transferred to the FEA solver. Read full review User interface is super cool. It helps you customize any new theme on your architectural objects. Minimalistic approach in the toolkit helps in quick editing. Render realistic images. Collaboration with other team members is an awesome feature. Read full review Cons I think the tools to create CAD are a bit difficult to use. Consequently, it is now easier to develop the part in other software, which is bad since we need to use more than one tool at a time. Read full review ArchiCAD lacks a few feature sets, including an automatic Keynote database extraction system, an expandable Phasing/Options manager, and an easy way to transfer standard details into a project. The Revision/Change Manager, as well as the new Stair and Railing tools, while impressively flexible, are too complex to set up and customize. It is an underdog product. Revit has a market share because it spends more money on marketing, and less on product development. Read full review Support Rating When I needed clarification on how do use a feature or best way to define the constraints for a design problem, the response was quick and solved my needs.
Read full review We have rapid responses from their support team, and they often go the extra mile to pinpoint the root cause of an issue and assist the team in resolving it. They are honest when a problem is down to user error, or a glitch on the version we are on.
Read full review Alternatives Considered Working Model, MathCad, Dynamic Designer, Algor, and Mathlab had poor UI's and poor ways to define actuator and motor motion profiles. The force results and vectors were not easy to input into the FEA software.
SOLIDWORKS Motion does not have an excellent way to define a linear actuator or its motion profile. Altair provides a UI that guides you through defining your linear actuator or motor's motion profile quickly.
Read full review AutoCAD uses line works in actual presentation whiles ARCHICAD uses real structural walls which are easy to use and present compared to line works.
Revit largely and mainly focused on structural design and is more complex to use compared to ARCHICAD which helps one focus on different aspects of drawing and is easy to integrate with rendering software like Lumion 360 panorama.
Read full review Return on Investment In my personal opinion, we think that this product does not have any negative aspect that makes us feel very uncomfortable. Read full review This product allows us to draft on a Mac OS. The tool we use to make our product (Architectural Plans). Helps 3D model and render images for clients. Read full review ScreenShots