Graphisoft Archicad review

Archicad is the strongest alternative to Revit for architects, and the clearest pick for practices that work on a Mac. Graphisoft ships native Windows and macOS versions with fully compatible files, and the modeling tools use familiar objects such as walls, windows, roofs, stairs, railings and curtain walls. Drawings come straight from the model and annotation stays current as the design changes, which is the main reason to choose BIM over 2D drafting for construction documents. Clash detection and issue tracking run across Archicad and BIMx, and built-in energy analysis and LCA tools help with early performance checks. Graphisoft leans on openBIM, with IFC, BCF and IDS support, and now shares models natively with Autodesk Forma and Revit users. Archicad Studio starts at $201 a month with $2,414 paid upfront for a 1-year term. Collaborate adds multidisciplinary teamwork at $237 a month, and Max targets AI and data-driven practices at $475 a month.

Who it is for

Architects and design-build teams who want full BIM documentation on a Mac or Windows and work with partners through IFC.

Price

Archicad Studio from $201 a month with $2,414 paid upfront for a 1-year term, plus tax.

Starting from $201 * + tax / month with upfront payment of $2,414
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Walls, windows, roofs, stairs, railings and curtain walls as smart BIM objects
• Drawings that update with the model, with annotation kept current after design changes
• Clash detection and issue tracking across Archicad and BIMx
• Built-in energy analysis and LCA tools
• openBIM exchange through IFC, BCF and IDS, plus a native connection to Autodesk Forma

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Native on both macOS and Windows with fully compatible files
• Strength: Three subscription tiers let solo architects start on Studio
• Strength: Real-time teamwork on BIMcloud for multi-office projects
• Weakness: Price is paid upfront for the year
• Weakness: Fewer structural and MEP users than Revit in many markets
• Weakness: Teamwork features and BIMcloud sit on higher tiers or separate subscriptions

Key facts

• Plans: Archicad Studio, Collaborate and Max
• Price: Studio from $201 a month, $2,414 upfront for 1 year
• Platform: Windows and macOS
• Free trial: 30 days

Where it ranks

Graphisoft Archicad is No. 2 in our Best Construction Design Software verdict.