Likelihood to Recommend 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 As an ARCHICAD user, this is almost a no-brainer. BIMx is included (although there are some paying options) and works well out-of-the-box. There is little to setup from the ARCHICAD side. You prepare a set of layouts/views and can publish the model on Ine go. The free version focuses on the 3D-model viewer. You publish an interactive model and can walk through it. With the PRO version, you also can publish the "Hyper-Model" - an integration of 2D and 3D views. If you are looking at tuning your own interactivity, e.g. in precisely defining what can happen and what information to show, you cannot customize BIMx that way. You have to look at alternatives, such as game engines or other 3D visualization software.
Read full review Pros 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 Mix functions together calculate the impact of variables advanced log book Read full review Cons 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 It is an out-of-the-box solution for end-users. There is almost no customization possible (e.g. API for developers) Pricing is a bit confusing with two options for in-app purchase (PRO and Share a Model) and the separate Desktop Viewer Android version takes a long time to get updated to iOS version Only for ARCHICAD users. No other software is supported. Read full review Likelihood to Renew Most people using it are thrilled about it. But our use of ARCHICAD in projects is (alas) a bit limited, especially compared with the attention for
Revit with our clients. And as an ARCHICAD teacher, I have to remember to keep introducing it as it is accepted well with most users.
Read full review Support Rating 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 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 Direct publishing to a 3D model can be done with a few other tools, but if (and only if) you are using ARCHICAD, it is the easiest to use. For
Revit users, there is more choice, including
Revit Live or some online model-viewers and publishers. For full custom interactivity, you have to look at e.g. Unity3D or Unreal where you can include and extend endlessly, but you will lack the ease of BIMx. You'd also have to look for good similar navigation. Especially the link between 2D views and 3D model sections is hard to beat. But in that context, if you want to e.g. allow users to choose design alternatives, select another material or include animations and sound, this is not possible in BIMx.
Read full review Return on Investment 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 increased the efficiency in project management collaboration was improved risk estimation is better viewed Read full review ScreenShots