Revit vs Archicad

by Gralio Feb 27, 2025

Revit and Archicad are both powerful BIM software catering to different needs. Revit excels in complex projects and Autodesk ecosystem integration, while Archicad prioritizes ease of use and open standards. Consider project complexity, team size, and software budget when choosing.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 1796 reviews and 60 websites, saving 10 hours, 28 minutes of reading.

Revit

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Archicad

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About

Revit is advanced design software for professionals involved in building projects. It allows architects, engineers, and construction teams to work together on a single, detailed 3D model of a building. This helps everyone stay coordinated, spot problems early, and make better decisions. Any changes made to the model are automatically updated everywhere, keeping documents consistent and reducing errors. Revit is a powerful tool for designing, planning, and constructing better buildings.

Archicad is a building information modeling (BIM) software used by architects, interior designers, and planners to design and manage building projects. This software allows for detailed modeling, automated documentation, and improved collaboration between different teams involved in a project. Archicad is known for its user-friendly interface and powerful tools that cater to projects of all sizes. It also offers features like realistic rendering and mobile model visualization.

Summary

Main difference

Revit is a powerful BIM software best suited for large, complex projects and teams requiring extensive collaboration and interoperability within the Autodesk ecosystem. Archicad is better for smaller to mid-sized firms prioritizing ease of use and a streamlined design process, especially if they value open standards and interoperability with other BIM software.

Relative strengths of Revit (compared to Archicad)

Superior collaboration features, especially within the Autodesk ecosystem.
Extensive library of 3D objects and families, reducing modeling time.
Stronger support for complex projects and large models.

Relative weaknesses of Revit (compared to Archicad)

Steeper learning curve and less intuitive interface compared to Archicad.
Higher cost and subscription-based licensing can be a barrier for smaller firms.
Less emphasis on open standards and interoperability outside the Autodesk ecosystem.

Who should use Revit VS. Archicad

Revit is collaborative design software ideal for architects, engineers, and construction teams. Users praise its collaborative features and seamless integration with other Autodesk products. However, some users find importing external files challenging. Revit shines in streamlining building design, planning, and construction using a shared 3D model. This facilitates early problem detection and improves decision-making.

Archicad is a robust BIM software praised for its user-friendly interface and powerful design tools. Users highlight its seamless 2D and 3D workflows, strong visualization capabilities, and excellent teamwork features. However, some users mention a limited native 3D object library and occasional instability. It's ideal for architects, interior designers, and planners seeking comprehensive project management and streamlined collaboration.

Best for medium to large businesses (101+ employees).
Ideal for architecture, engineering, and construction firms.

Ideal for small to large architectural firms, especially those focused on design collaboration.
Best fit for the real estate and construction industry, enabling BIM workflows for diverse projects.

Revit and Archicad features

Supported

Partially supported

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Revit integration

Supported

Revit integrates with other Autodesk products and third-party applications.

Supported

Archicad integrates with Revit via IFC model exchange and direct import of RFA and RVT files.
3D modeling

Supported

Revit fully supports creation and editing of 3D models.

Supported

Archicad supports creating and editing 3D models.
4D Simulation

Supported

Revit supports 4D construction sequencing simulations.

Supported

Archicad supports 4D construction simulation via its Construction Simulation add-on.
Constructability study

Supported

Revit supports constructability studies by enabling design evaluation and collaboration.

Partially supported

Archicad supports constructability reviews via integration with Solibri.
5D Simulation

Partially supported

Revit supports cost estimation, a part of 5D BIM, but needs additional tools for full construction sequence simulation.

Partially supported

Archicad supports 5D simulation via third-party integrations like the C5D Estimating Pack.
Real-time rendering

Partially supported

Revit supports real-time rendering via third-party plugins like Enscape and D5 Render.

Partially supported

Archicad supports real-time rendering via Enscape, Lumion, and D5 Render plugins.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

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Customer Service

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Ease of Use

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Reliability and Performance

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Ease of Implementation

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Scalability

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Revit and Archicad Pricing

No data

See full Pricing page

Graphisoft offers monthly pricing options for its BIM software, Archicad. The final price may vary based on the billing country.

Plans

See full Pricing page

Revit and Archicad review insights

Users love

Excellent collaboration features.
Workshare feature is excellent.
Seamless integration with other Autodesk products.
Numerous integrations and seamless app connectivity.

User-friendly interface praised for ease of use and intuitive design
Seamless integration between 2D and 3D workflows
Powerful visualization and rendering capabilities, particularly with CineRender and Twinmotion integration
Excellent Teamwork feature for multi-user collaboration
Comprehensive project management capabilities, including schedules and quantity takeoffs

Users dislike

Importing and working with external non-Revit tools needs improvement.
Importing geometry from non-Revit formats needs improvement, even from AutoCAD.
Revit doesn\'t allow you to open newer files if you are using an older version.
No option for downgrading Revit files.

Limited library of native 3D objects, especially compared to Revit
Limited site modification tools; often requires plugins for tasks like road and sidewalk creation
Occasional instability and bugs, particularly in the 3D window
Dimension strings lack precision and cannot adjust element locations like in Revit
Steep learning curve for advanced features like Morph and GDL scripting
Some tools, like stairs and railings, are not as intuitive as they could be

Revit and Archicad Ratings

Glassdoor

4.3/5

(4861)

Company health

Employee growth

3% increase in the last year

Web traffic

2% increase in the last quarter

12% increase in the last quarter

Financing

May 2020 - $0

No data

How do Revit's native object libraries compare to Archicad's?

Archicad users often point out that its native object libraries are more limited than Revit's. While Archicad offers a good selection of objects, Revit is generally considered to have a more extensive and robust library, particularly for specialized components and detailed elements.

Which product offers better integration with other BIM software besides Revit?

Archicad offers better integration with other BIM software besides Revit. While both products offer IFC model exchange, Archicad specifically mentions direct import of Revit files (RFA and RVT). This suggests a more seamless workflow between the two platforms compared to Revit's more generic mention of third-party integrations.

What are the advantages of Revit?

Revit's advantages include seamless integration with other Autodesk products and numerous third-party applications, enabling streamlined workflows. Its robust workshare feature facilitates excellent collaboration amongst team members. Revit excels in 4D construction sequencing simulations and constructability studies, allowing for better project planning and risk mitigation.

What are the disadvantages of Revit?

Revit's interoperability with non-Autodesk products can be challenging, particularly when importing geometry from other 3D modeling software. Users have reported difficulties with importing and exporting files, even with common formats like DWG. Additionally, using older versions of Revit restricts access to newer file formats, lacking a downgrade compatibility feature which can hinder collaboration across teams with varying software versions.

Alternatives to Revit and Archicad

SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software that's easy to use, yet powerful enough for professionals in architecture, interior design, and construction. Visualize projects of any size, create detailed 2D drawings from your models, and share your vision with colleagues and clients through presentations and immersive visuals. SketchUp is known for its intuitive interface and is used by individuals and companies worldwide, from small design studios to large architectural firms.

BricsCAD

BricsCAD is a cost-effective computer-aided design (CAD) software that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical design, and building information modeling (BIM). BricsCAD aims to be familiar to users of other CAD software, enabling a quick transition. It boasts innovative features like machine learning to improve drawing accuracy and efficiency. BricsCAD offers both permanent and subscription licensing options to fit various needs and budgets.

Arc+ BIM

Arc+ BIM is 3D modeling software designed for building information modeling (BIM) projects. Developed by a company with roots in 3D modeling since the 1990s, it aims to be a comprehensive tool for creating and managing BIM workflows.

Foxit eSign

Foxit eSign is a cloud-based electronic signature service designed for businesses of all sizes. It allows you to prepare, send, sign, track, and manage legally-binding documents electronically. You can automate your document workflow with features like reusable templates, bulk sending, and integrations with popular business apps. Foxit eSign prioritizes security and compliance, providing audit trails and tamper-proof archiving for your signed documents.

Site3D

Site3D is engineering design software for planning roads, drainage systems and residential areas. It allows users to create complex road layouts, calculate volumes of earth moved during construction, and design drainage systems. The software can generate 3D models and export them to other industry-standard formats. Site3D is designed for civil engineers and related professionals involved in infrastructure projects. It simplifies the design process, improves accuracy, and enables collaboration.

Tekla Structural Designer

Tekla Structural Designer is advanced software designed for construction professionals to plan and design buildings. This software allows users to create detailed 3D models of structures and analyze their stability and strength. Tekla Structural Designer helps improve collaboration between different teams on a project, minimizes costly errors, and increases overall efficiency.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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