ARES Commander
ARES Commander is native DWG CAD software for Windows, macOS, and Linux from Graebert that ties Revit and IFC models to 2D DWG output, with optional ARES Trinity add-ons for browser editing in ARES Kudo and field work in ARES Touch.
Shipped by Graebert GmbH, ARES Commander targets teams that live in DWG yet still need disciplined links to BIM sources. The desktop build covers 2D drafting and 3D modeling with DWG compatibility, dynamic blocks, PDF import and export, and offline commenting, while marketing pages position it next to familiar CAD expectations rather than replacing a full BIM authoring suite.
For BIM-to-CAD documentation, official pages describe importing Revit projects from RVT 2011 through RVT 2025 and IFC releases from 2x3 through 4x3, then browsing models with a BIM navigator, filtering objects, extracting properties into tables or CSV, and refreshing drawings when the linked model changes. Graebert also notes on its DWG-for-BIM pages that many projects still lean on 2D DWG for execution and liability even as BIM use grows, which frames why the tool stresses repeatable drawing extraction instead of one-off exports (Graebert, 2026).
The optional ARES Trinity bundle folds in collaboration workflows inside ARES Commander, cloud storage connectors such as Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, and OneDrive through ARES Kudo, plus mobile DWG editing on Android and iOS through ARES Touch, including picture and voice notes for markups. Licensing pages list standalone perpetual options, Trinity bundles with perpetual, annual, or three-year terms, and network floating pools for cloud or LAN deployment with minimum seat counts on network offers.
Public pricing snapshots on Graebert sites cite starting figures such as about 225 EUR for Trinity-oriented offers, about 595 EUR for a standalone perpetual seat, and about 745 EUR per seat for certain network pools, alongside a 30-day trial and a free training path through the Graebert Academy; confirm every quote, tax rule, and bundle rule on the live configurator before purchase.
Specifications
Pricing
Platforms
Used for
Used by
Tasks
Pros and cons
Pros
- Runs the same DWG core on Windows, macOS, and Linux for mixed-OS offices.
- Imports current Revit and IFC releases for BIM-driven DWG documentation paths.
- Optional Trinity adds browser and mobile DWG without forcing a separate file format.
- Published entry prices appear lower than many flagship CAD suites, subject to region and bundle.
Cons
- Network and enterprise licensing rules include minimum seats and pool types that need careful scoping.
- Full Trinity value assumes adoption of Kudo and Touch, which adds change management overhead.
- Perpetual versus subscription tradeoffs require reading current Graebert terms and renewal policy.
Key features
DWG-native editing: Full 2D and 3D CAD in DWG on Windows, macOS, and Linux with familiar command patterns.
BIM-linked documentation: Import RVT and IFC, navigate BIM trees, filter objects, and push property extracts into tables or spreadsheets.
Drawing refresh: Reload updated BIM files so generated views and layouts track model revisions without rebuilding sheets from scratch.
PDF exchange: Import PDF content and publish DWG deliverables to PDF for issue workflows.
API access: C++, LISP, DCL, COM, and related interfaces for custom commands and automation on desktop builds.
Optional Trinity stack: Add ARES Kudo for browser DWG work and view-only links, plus ARES Touch for mobile DWG on Android and iOS when licensed accordingly.
Pricing
30-day Trinity trial
30-day trial
Free
Includes ARES Commander, ARES Kudo, and ARES Touch during the trial per Graebert; confirm current signup terms.
ARES Commander with Trinity (public list from)
per year
€225.00
Graebert cites from about 225 EUR with perpetual, annual, or three-year choices; verify exact tier on the buy configurator.
ARES Commander standalone perpetual (public list from)
€595.00
Perpetual standalone seat from about 595 EUR on public pages; confirm support renewal rules separately.
Network floating seat (public list from)
per year
€745.00
Cloud or LAN floating pools cite from about 745 EUR per seat with minimum pool sizes; read network licensing details before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
What is ARES Commander used for?
It is a DWG-based CAD application for drafting and modeling on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Teams use it to produce and edit technical drawings, and optional BIM tools import Revit or IFC data to generate and update 2D DWG documentation from those models.
How much does ARES Commander cost?
Graebert publishes indicative starting prices such as about 225 EUR for Trinity-oriented bundles, about 595 EUR for standalone perpetual licenses, and about 745 EUR per seat for certain network offerings. Prices vary by region, tax, currency, and promotion, so use the online Graebert configurator for an exact quote.
Does ARES Commander work with Revit and IFC files?
Yes. Official documentation lists importing Revit files from RVT 2011 through RVT 2025 and IFC versions including 2x3 and IFC4 family releases. After import you can navigate BIM data, extract properties, and refresh drawings when the source model changes.
What is ARES Trinity compared with standalone ARES Commander?
Standalone ARES Commander focuses on desktop DWG editing. ARES Trinity adds collaboration features inside the desktop app, ARES Kudo for cloud-stored DWG work in a browser, and ARES Touch for mobile DWG on Android and iOS, with licensing options that include perpetual, annual, or multi-year plans depending on the bundle.
Is there a free trial for ARES Commander?
Graebert advertises a 30-day trial that covers ARES Trinity components, including ARES Commander, ARES Kudo, and ARES Touch during that evaluation window. Start the trial from the Graebert trial page and verify any account or device limits before installing.
Can ARES Commander replace AutoCAD for DWG teams?
Graebert markets ARES Commander as a DWG editor with a familiar CAD environment and native DWG compatibility. Teams should run pilot projects on their own templates, blocks, and LISP routines to confirm fit, especially where custom AutoCAD-only tools are mandatory.