What are the best ArchiCAD alternatives?

ArchiCAD is described as 'offers computer aided solutions for handling all common aspects of aesthetics and engineering during the whole design process of the built environment — buildings, interiors, urban areas, etc' and is a CAD software in the photos & graphics category. There are more than 50 alternatives to ArchiCAD for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Online / Web-based and BSD. The best alternative is FreeCAD, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like ArchiCAD are Sweet Home 3D, SketchUp, LibreCAD and Autodesk AutoCAD.

ArchiCAD alternatives are mainly CAD Software but may also be 3D Modelers or Interior Design Apps. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of ArchiCAD.

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ArchiCAD

Paid • Proprietary
CAD Software

Mac
Windows

ArchiCAD offers computer aided solutions for handling all common aspects of aesthetics and engineering during the whole...

Learn more about ArchiCAD

FreeCAD
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No
Free • Open Source
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Interior Design App
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
BSD
PortableApps.com
103 alternatives to FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a general purpose parametric 3D CAD modeler. The development is completely Open Source (LGPL License). FreeCAD is aimed directly at mechanical engineering and product design but also fits in a wider range of uses around engineering, such as architecture or other...
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FreeCAD Features
1. Parametric ModelingFreeCAD can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
2. Procedural ModelingFreeCAD can create or modify 3D models and textures based on a sequence of rules.
3. PortableFreeCAD can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Drawing 2D
FEM
DWG support
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
3d Drawing
Windows XP Compatibility
Parametric
Bim
Portable Linux
FreeCAD vs ArchiCAD opinions
Most users think FreeCAD is a great alternative to ArchiCAD.
Sweet Home 3D
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Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Interior Design App
3D Modeler
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Solaris
63 alternatives to Sweet Home 3D
Sweet Home 3D is a free interior design Java application that helps you draw the plan of your house, arrange furniture on it and visit the results in 3D.
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Sweet Home 3D Features
1. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsSweet Home 3D can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
2. PortableSweet Home 3D can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
3. 3D SculptingSweet Home 3D offers tools to push, pull, smooth, grab or pinch to manipulate a 3D model.
Import furniture from web
Customizable
Video rendering
Export to PDF
Java based
Multiple languages
Sweet Home 3D vs ArchiCAD opinions
Most users think Sweet Home 3D is a great alternative to ArchiCAD.
Guest
Sweet Home 3D is a good tool for newbies and people "always in a hurry"
Positive comment•
0
SketchUp
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No
Freemium • Proprietary
3D Modeler
Interior Design App
Mac
Windows
Online
167 alternatives to SketchUp
SketchUp (formerly Google Sketchup) is a 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of drawing applications such as architectural, interior design, civil and mechanical engineering, film, and video game design—and available in a freeware version, SketchUp Make, and a paid...
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SketchUp Features
3d sketching
Built-in 3D model viewer
Pencil
3d Drawing
Cabinet design
Image to 3D
Mechanical Design
Browser-based
SketchUp vs ArchiCAD opinions
Some users think SketchUp is a great alternative to ArchiCAD, some don't.
LibreCAD
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Yes
No
Free • Open Source
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Interior Design App
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
PortableApps.com
110 alternatives to LibreCAD
LibreCAD is an open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux. It is based on Qt, which is a leading cross-platform application and UI development framework.
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LibreCAD Features
1. PortableLibreCAD can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
2. LightweightLibreCAD consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
3. Support for LayersLibreCAD supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
Bim
Construction layers
Customizable
Isometric view
Export to SVG
Export to PDF
QT Based
LibreCAD vs ArchiCAD opinions
This alternative is disputed. LibreCAD is still a legitimate alternative to ArchiCAD, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
Guest
No 3D functionality in LibreCAD.
Negative comment•
0
Autodesk AutoCAD
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Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
120 alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a leading CAD (computer-aided design) software used professionally throughout architectural, electrical, mechanical and other engineering and design industries. It was once available under a perpetual license but is now accessed solely through a subscription.
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Autodesk AutoCAD Features
1. Support for scriptingAutodesk AutoCAD supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
2. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Autodesk AutoCAD simultaneously.
3. Parametric ModelingAutodesk AutoCAD can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
4. Ad-freeAutodesk AutoCAD doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
5. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
DWG support
Drawing 2D
Batch plotting
Autodesk AutoCAD vs ArchiCAD opinions
Most users think Autodesk AutoCAD is a great alternative to ArchiCAD.
BricsCAD
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Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
CAD Software
3D Modeler
Mac
Windows
Linux
86 alternatives to BricsCAD
BricsCAD the first all-in-one CAD design solution in .dwg that answers all your needs; 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical design, and BIM. BricsCAD is a cost-effective, innovative, and familiar CAD solution.
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BricsCAD Features
DWG support
Drawing 2D
Mechanical Simulation
Bim
Mechanical Design
BIM import
Rendering
Shapr3D
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Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
3D Modeler
CAD Software
3D Printing Tool
iPad
Windows
Mac
46 alternatives to Shapr3D
Shapr3D is a revolutionary 3D modeling software created exclusively for your iPad Pro and your Apple Pencil.
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Shapr3D Features
1. Augmented RealityShapr3D makes use of augmented reality to interact with one or more of its services.
2. LightweightShapr3D consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Mechanical Design
Apple Pencil support
Android Sync
Sketching
pCon.planner
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No
Free • Proprietary
Interior Design App
CAD Software
Windows
83 alternatives to pCon.planner
The professional furnishing 2D-/3D-tool for everybody: The pCon.planner is a cost-free application allowing you to comfortably and professionally create complex furnishing concepts and to visualize them in a photo-realistic quality. File Formats: dwg, dxf, 3ds, skp, ... Language.
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pCon.planner Features
1. WYSIWYG SupportpCon.planner integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
2. Support for LayerspCon.planner supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
QCAD
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No
Free Personal • Proprietary
CAD Software
Mac
Windows
Linux
72 alternatives to QCAD
QCAD is an application for computer aided drafting in 2D. With QCAD you can create technical drawings such as plans for buildings, interiors, mechanical parts or schemas and diagrams.
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QCAD Features
1. Support for scriptingQCAD supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
2. Parametric ModelingQCAD can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
Drawing 2D
Assetforge
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No
Paid • Proprietary
3D Modeler
Mac
Windows
Linux
128 alternatives to Assetforge
Asset Forge allows anyone to create 3D models and 2D sprites using building blocks. Finished assets are compatible with most available game engines.
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Assetforge Features
Building blocks
Built-in 3D model viewer