ARCHICAD vs. Autodesk 3ds Max

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
ARCHICAD
Score 8.7 out of 10
N/A
ARCHICAD is a 3D architectural design application and BIM from Graphisoft, a Nemetschek Group company headquartered in Budapest.
$240
per month
Autodesk 3ds Max
Score 8.8 out of 10
N/A
Autodesk offers 3ds Max, 3D modeling and rendering software for design visualization, games, and animation. The vendor states that users can produce professional-quality 3D animations, renders, and models with an efficient and flexible toolset to help create better 3D content in less time.
$235
per month per user
Pricing
ARCHICADAutodesk 3ds Max
Editions & Modules
Archicad Solo Version
$240
per month
Archicad Full Version
$280
per month
Monthly Subscription
$235
per month per user
Yearly Subscription
$1875
per year per user
3-Year Subscription
$5625
3 years per user
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
ARCHICADAutodesk 3ds Max
Free Trial
YesYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional DetailsFlex pricing available for limited usage. Minimum plan $300 for 100 tokens. 3ds Max costs 6 tokens per day.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
ARCHICADAutodesk 3ds Max
Features
ARCHICADAutodesk 3ds Max
Computer-Aided Design Software
Comparison of Computer-Aided Design Software features of Product A and Product B
ARCHICAD
7.1
1 Ratings
4% below category average
Autodesk 3ds Max
-
Ratings
3D Modeling9.01 Ratings00 Ratings
2D Drafting7.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Rendering and Visualization5.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Parametric Design8.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Collaboration and Sharing6.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Compatibility with other software and formats7.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Assembly Design7.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Simulation and Analysis8.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Documentation and Annotation7.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Customization and Extensions7.01 Ratings00 Ratings
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ARCHICADAutodesk 3ds Max
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User Ratings
ARCHICADAutodesk 3ds Max
Likelihood to Recommend
8.0
(9 ratings)
9.4
(13 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Usability
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(4 ratings)
Support Rating
10.0
(2 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
User Testimonials
ARCHICADAutodesk 3ds Max
Likelihood to Recommend
Graphisoft
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.
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Autodesk
For print media for marketing and for 3d animations for web spots and TV ads/movies/programs. It is less suited for quick 3d graphics or images that you get from AI image programs, but it is much more powerful than most AI image programs.
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Pros
Graphisoft
  • 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.
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Autodesk
  • 3ds Max includes some of the inbuild modifiers which can be very good in the case of beginners.
  • 3rd party Rendering support makes 3ds Max a powerful software for rendering out realistic images.
  • Autodesk 3ds max in comparison to its rivals is lightweight and fast, also the animation case also.
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Cons
Graphisoft
  • 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.
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Autodesk
  • working in 2d is very frustrating and unreliable. It just lacks the precision
  • How scaling affects units (or doesn't) There needs to be a way for modifiers to address a change of scale in the object.
  • Booleans are not intuitive. Especially for architecture, creating an opening and putting a door or a window is an incredibly cumbersome process.
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Likelihood to Renew
Graphisoft
No answers on this topic
Autodesk
It satisfies 95% of my 3d visualization need. The left over 5% is handled by a few other programs. If Max just can't perform a specific task I can do that elsewhere and then bring it back to Max to finish up. But, it's rare that this occurs in my work
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Usability
Graphisoft
No answers on this topic
Autodesk
It is a very difficult program to learn to use and even harder to use well. But once you get to using it it is a great software package to know how to use. Getting to be good at using it takes lots of use.
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Support Rating
Graphisoft
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.
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Autodesk
I have contacted support many times and have had a good experience. They have always been helpful
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Alternatives Considered
Graphisoft
On the first hand, ARCHICHAD offers more versatility in modeling complex geometric shapes and forms. ARCHICHAD also offers greater flexibility for customization and the development of add-ons and extensions. This allows users to tailor the software to their specific needs and workflows, enhancing productivity and efficiency. While both ARCHICHAD and Revit offer rendering capabilities, ARCHICHAD's built-in rendering engine, CineRender, is better for its ease of use and high-quality output.
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Autodesk
Sketch-up week to be vertically integrated to produce concept all the way to high-end render, an animation (effects, particles, soft-body, etc..) All 3 other softwares are fully capable, it just comes down to what software an operator is most familiar with and if it works in the production pipeline for the client.
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Return on Investment
Graphisoft
  • 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.
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Autodesk
  • 3ds Max has one of the best control tools that can help someone to sculpt almost anything. With the vertex tool and polyline edit function we can create almost any complex geometry.
  • Default rendering is equipped with almost everything that is needed for process, V-Ray for 3ds Max is the best 3rd party plugin for getting crisp renders.
  • The four view port tools for viewing the model helps from each and every angle. The moment and selection tools in the 3ds Max are quit easy to operate.
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ScreenShots