Archicad
Archicad is Graphisoft's native BIM authoring environment for architecture and allied disciplines that connects parametric modeling to drawing and schedule output on Windows and macOS, with Open BIM exchange through IFC, BCF, and IDS and optional BIMcloud teamwork.
Graphisoft Archicad is building information modeling software for designing buildings, producing construction documentation, and coordinating data across teams. On its United States pricing page, Graphisoft lists Archicad Studio at $201 per month when billed as a one-year subscription with $2,414 due upfront per seat before tax, and Archicad Collaborate at $237 per month on the same annual pattern with $2,840 upfront per seat before tax, noting that final amounts depend on billing country (Graphisoft US pricing page, 2026).
Modeling centers on a coordinated 3D building model where walls, slabs, roofs, openings, and building objects keep logical relationships, so plans, sections, elevations, and schedules refresh when the design changes. Libraries and parametric elements cover common construction parts, including stairs, railings, and curtain walls, while schedules and layouts read from the same elements you edit in views.
Open BIM is treated as a first-class path: models move through IFC, issues and viewpoints travel with BCF, and Information Delivery Specification checks help validate incoming deliverables. Graphisoft positions BIMcloud for shared projects and BIMx for exploration on mobile devices and headsets such as Apple Vision Pro on its product pages, and it names integrations with review and checking tools like Bluebeam and Solibri in marketing material.
Visualization can stay in the authoring environment with built-in rendering paths, use the cloud AI Visualizer for image-style studies, or connect to common real-time tools from the partner catalog. Graphisoft advertises a 30-day commercial trial for Archicad Studio, and it runs a separate education program with free licenses for qualified students and educators under published rules.
Specifications
Pricing
Platforms
Used for
Used by
Tasks
Pros and cons
Pros
- Runs natively on both Windows and macOS with the same file and teamwork compatibility
- Strong Open BIM positioning with IFC, BCF, and IDS workflows for multi-party jobs
- Single-model path from early design through drawing and schedule deliverables
- Clear subscription ladder from Studio through Collaborate for cloud teamwork and MEP scope
Cons
- Commercial use is sold on subscription, with Graphisoft phasing out perpetual licenses on its published schedule
- Hosted BIMcloud SaaS and broader MEP capabilities map to higher plans than base Studio
- Published US dollar prices exclude tax and can change by region and reseller
Key features
Cross-platform authoring: Native Windows and macOS builds with compatible files and teamwork between mixed offices
Open BIM exchange: IFC, BCF, and IDS-oriented workflows for handoff and coordination with other tools
Documentation from the model: Drawings and schedules stay tied to building elements as they evolve
BIMcloud options: Shared projects with Graphisoft-hosted or on-premise BIMcloud tiers depending on subscription
BIMx presentation: Packaged models for stakeholders on mobile devices and supported headsets
Integrated visualization: In-product rendering plus AI Visualizer and links to partner real-time engines
Design-quality checks: Clash and issue tooling positioned alongside schedules and visual checks in marketing
Education access: Free non-commercial licenses for qualified academic users per Graphisoft program terms
Pricing
Commercial trial
30-day trial
Free
Graphisoft advertises a 30-day Archicad Studio trial with stated inclusions on the trial page.
BIMcloud SaaS add-on (US list)
per year (12 mo)
$567.00
Listed separately on Graphisoft US pricing for BIMcloud; often bundled via Collaborate. Verify need before buying standalone.
Archicad Studio (1-year, US list)
per year (12 mo)
$2,414.00
Graphisoft US lists $2,414 + tax per seat per year paid upfront ($201/mo equivalent). Verify at checkout for your region.
Archicad Collaborate (1-year, US list)
per year (12 mo)
$2,840.00
Includes Graphisoft-hosted BIMcloud SaaS per plan description. Confirm price and included services locally.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Archicad cost per year in the United States?
Graphisoft's US site lists Archicad Studio at $2,414 plus tax per seat for a one-year term paid upfront, which it also expresses as $201 plus tax per month on that annual plan. Archicad Collaborate is listed at $2,840 plus tax per seat per year paid upfront, or $237 plus tax per month on the same basis. Your invoice can differ by country, currency, promotions, and reseller, so treat these figures as a starting point and confirm at purchase.
Does Archicad run on Mac computers?
Yes. Graphisoft ships Archicad for macOS and Windows, and it states that the two platforms share compatible file formats and teamwork workflows so offices can mix machines. Check the current system requirements page on graphisoft.com before upgrading hardware or the OS.
Can Archicad import and export IFC files?
Archicad supports IFC-based exchange as part of Graphisoft's Open BIM messaging, including workflows for coordinated models and documentation. Typical project uses include sending geometry and data to partners who work in other authoring or checking tools, and bringing consultant models into the Archicad environment for coordination.
Is there a free trial for Archicad?
Graphisoft advertises a 30-day commercial trial that mirrors Archicad Studio capabilities so teams can test modeling, documentation, and collaboration features. Trial terms, included side products such as BIMx, and eligibility details are spelled out on the trial landing page and may change between versions.
What is the difference between Archicad Studio and Archicad Collaborate?
Studio targets architectural modeling and documentation with local BIMcloud Basic teamwork and BIMx Pro according to Graphisoft plan pages. Collaborate adds Graphisoft-hosted BIMcloud software as a service, MEP modeling and documentation emphasis, portable BIMcloud licensing for wider teamwork, and training benefits shown on the vendor comparison. Match the plan to whether your office needs vendor-hosted servers and the broader MEP scope.
Archicad versus Revit: how do teams choose?
Both are full BIM authoring platforms with large user communities, so the choice usually comes down to preferred interface, regional support, library ecosystems, and how much of the workflow must stay inside one vendor stack. Archicad's native macOS support and Graphisoft's Open BIM story matter for many architecture-led teams, while firms standardized on Autodesk construction products often lean toward Revit for adjacent cloud services. Pilot both on a representative project before you commit licenses.