The best design experience

Design projects of any size with Archicad’s powerful built-in tools and user-friendly interface that make it the most efficient and intuitive BIM software on the market.

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Platforms

MJE House, Jacobsen Arquitetura, Brazil, jacobsenarquitetura.com, Photo: ©Leonardo Finotti

Overview

What is Archicad?

Archicad helps architects, designers, engineers and other AEC professionals:

  • Bring their visions to life with intuitive BIM design tools
  • Produce accurate, high-quality construction documentation
  • Collaborate effortlessly with teams through OpenBIM workflows
  • Deliver projects faster with data-driven design intelligence

Capabilities

Best design experience

3D schematic building plan of a stepped high‑rise in a city block, shown in Archicad with surrounding white massing buildings, interface panels visible, and the main building colored by functional zones.

From mass modeling and sketches to optioneering and quantity take-offs, Archicad streamlines early-stage design with intuitive, user-friendly tools.

3D architectural modeling software interface showing a section view of a building’s corner wall, with design tool icons on the left and a wall settings dialog box open on the right.

Enjoy a smooth design experience with familiar, intuitive tools like Walls, Windows, and Roofs—designed to speak your language and deliver a complete Building Information Model.

Archicad’s smart tools, including Stairs, Railings, and Curtain Walls, support creative, precise workflows—making complex projects easier to design.

An isometric diagram of a building floor plan, highlighting one corner unit in orange and showing an exploded view of its interior layout with furniture details above the main plan.

Archicad’s innovative design automation tools let you focus on creativity, build custom components, and streamline workflows effortlessly.

A wooden table holds assorted glassware, ceramic bowls, vases, and trays. Several bottles and vases in blue and brown are arranged on and beside the table, set against a brown brick wall.

Tap into Archicad’s versatile libraries and adaptive toolkit to meet any scale, style, or project need.

3D schematic building plan of a stepped high‑rise in a city block, shown in Archicad with surrounding white massing buildings, interface panels visible, and the main building colored by functional zones.
3D architectural modeling software interface showing a section view of a building’s corner wall, with design tool icons on the left and a wall settings dialog box open on the right.
An isometric diagram of a building floor plan, highlighting one corner unit in orange and showing an exploded view of its interior layout with furniture details above the main plan.
A wooden table against a brick wall holds assorted glassware, bowls, trays, and vases. Additional colorful vases are placed on the floor around the table. The tabletop and shelf display various decorative items.
Illustration of a laptop with chat bubbles above it, showing icons like thumbs up, thumbs down, a globe, and a paper airplane, symbolizing communication and feedback in a digital interface.
A black circular icon with a white four-point star, followed by the text AI Assistant in bold and a gray Beta label inside a rounded rectangle. The background is light gray.

Graphisoft’s AI Assistant (BETA) is a built-in, intelligent design companion aiming to streamline workflows, enhance creativity, and simplify collaboration across the AEC industry.

Explore AI assistant

Design once, document everywhere

Screenshot of architectural software displaying a detailed floor plan with measurements, text annotations, and a pop-up window titled Create Openings for editing building elements. Various toolbars and menus are visible.
Document with precision

Turn your 3D models into accurate, fully coordinated drawings with real-time updates using Archicad’s BIM-based workflows.  

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Maximize automation

Annotate once and let Archicad keep your drawings up to date—ensuring accuracy with every design change.

A computer screen shows architectural design software with a 3D building model on the left and a Wall Selection Settings dialog box open on the right, displaying wall properties and classification options.
Streamline data management

Enrich your BIM models with smart metadata, ensure compliance with standards, and enable smooth data exchange and coordination.

Diagram showing model comparison and change tracking with different file statuses (new, modified, deleted, highlighted) on the left, and export options (BIMx, BCF 3.0, PDF, XLS, BIMcloud, Solibri, Bluebeam) on the right.
Spot issues early

Archicad’s advanced clash detection and integrated issue tracking—across BIMx and Archicad—helps you spot problems fast, ensuring coordinated models and smoother collaboration.

Let AI lighten the load

Graphisoft’s AI Assistant delivers instant guidance and smart documentation support—simplifying complex tasks so you can focus on creativity.

Explore AI Assistant

Work with anyone, anywhere

Work together in a centralized model hosted on BIMcloud, enabling live updates and instant notifications. Share projects seamlessly with stakeholders, wherever they are.

Explore BIMcloud

Use built-in energy analysis and LCA tools to optimize performance, reduce emissions, and make smarter decisions from the start.

Split-screen image showing a 3D building model in Graphisoft Archicad (left) and a digital construction model with orange framework in BIMPLUS (right). Both have their logos in the bottom left and top right corners, respectively.

Collaborate across teams using Archicad’s BIM tools and integrations with Bluebeam, BIMplus, and Solibri. Streamline reviews, automate checks, and manage data for faster and smarter project delivery.

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Use Archicad’s visual checks, clash detection, and automated schedules to deliver accurate, coordinated documentation every time.

See how Archicad ensures quality

A circular graphic features the IFC 4.3, buildingSMART International, and OPEN BIM logos on a light blue background with grid patterns in the corners.

Work across disciplines and platforms using buildingSMART-defined open standards, such as IFC, BCF and IDS, to ensure transparency, interoperability, and efficient communication at every stage.

Explore Open BIM

Split-screen image showing a 3D building model in Graphisoft Archicad (left) and a digital construction model with orange framework in BIMPLUS (right). Both have their logos in the bottom left and top right corners, respectively.
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A circular graphic features the IFC 4.3, buildingSMART International, and OPEN BIM logos on a light blue background with grid patterns in the corners.

Visualize what you imagine

Modern, minimalist living room with a gray sofa, coffee tables, and lounge chair under an open staircase. Black-and-white decor, large windows, and a dining area lead to a kitchen in the background. Sunlight brightens the space.
Express your style

Quickly create sketches, white models, or photo-realistic visuals to share your design intent. Present your 3D models with fly-throughs, animations, or any artistic style that suits you.

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Visualize with AI

Instantly transform conceptual models into near-photorealistic images, explore design options, accelerate decision-making, and elevate project presentation with the cloud-powered AI Visualizer.

Explore AI Visualizer

An exploded axonometric diagram of a four-story building, showing labeled floors: ground, first, second, third, and roof levels. Interior spaces, furniture, and walls are visible on each level.
From concept to construction

Showcase your creative vision with Archicad’s visualization workflows. Quickly produce conceptual sketches, dynamic exploded axonometries, and precise technical details to communicate design intent with clarity and impact.

Modern living room with black and white minimalist decor, featuring a black couch, round coffee table, staircase with open risers, wall art, large windows, and a dining area with a plant in the background.
Take your designs anywhere

Turn models into immersive, real-scale experiences, with Apple Vision Pro and BIMx. Explore, present, and collaborate on the go—complete with data, documentation, and seamless navigation.

Explore BIMx

Modern living room with black and white minimalist decor, featuring a black couch, round coffee table, staircase with open risers, wall art, large windows, and a dining area with a plant in the background.
Connect to your favorite softwares

Effortlessly enhance your designs by connecting Archicad with leading external visualization software like Enscape, Twinmotion, and D5, enabling real-time, photorealistic renderings and immersive presentations.

Explore extensions

Archicad works on macOS and Windows

The two versions are fully compatible (file formats, Teamwork) so you can even work in mixed environments.

View system requirements

Case studies

Stories that inspire

Modern living room with black and white minimalist decor, featuring a black couch, round coffee table, staircase with open risers, wall art, large windows, and a dining area with a plant in the background.

United Kingdom

Cultural, Education

Medium

Sherwood Observatory

Anotherkind Architects

© G F Tomlinson

Visit Case Study

Aerial view of a modern observatory with a domed roof and glass walls, surrounded by parked cars, fields, and a road. The building has a green rooftop and pathways circling it.

United States

Residential

Small

Englewood Passive House Duplex

Shape Architecture Studio

© Drew Tooley

Visit Case Study

Aerial view of a modern observatory with a domed roof and glass walls, surrounded by parked cars, fields, and a road. The building has a green rooftop and pathways circling it.

Hungary

Office

Medium

Richter Gedeon Headquarters

ZDA-Zoboki Design & Architecture

© Dániel Dömölky

Visit Case Study

Aerial view of a modern observatory with a domed roof and glass walls, surrounded by parked cars, fields, and a road. The building has a green rooftop and pathways circling it.

Sweden

Hospitality

Medium

Sjöparken

Norm Architects

© Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen/Norm Architects

Visit Case Study

Aerial view of a modern observatory with a domed roof and glass walls, surrounded by parked cars, fields, and a road. The building has a green rooftop and pathways circling it.

Canada

Residential, Retail

Large

Pier 27

architects—Alliance

© James Bombales

Visit Case Study

Explore more inspiring projects

See how teams use Archicad to create impactful projects and achieve great results worldwide.

See all case studies

Plans & pricing

Find the right plan for your needs

Ecosystem

Resources to get you started

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Archicad 29 is better than everSee what’s new
Extend the capabilities

services

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Graphisoft CommunityJoin our community
Graphisoft LearnTrainings for everyone
Graphisoft SupportHere to help you

FAQ

Got more questions?

Getting started

Archicad is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software platform developed by Graphisoft. It’s designed for architects, designers, engineers, and other AEC professionals. Archicad is available natively on both Windows and macOS, empowering professionals to design, model, visualize, document, and collaborate on projects of any size—from initial concept through construction.

Archicad is ideal for architects, designers, engineers, and other AEC professionals who want to streamline building design, modeling, documentation, collaboration, and visualization using BIM workflows.

  • Archicad is widely adopted by architectural firms, solo practitioners, construction professionals, and BIM managers seeking efficient design processes and reliable project coordination.​
  • Students and educators also benefit from Archicad’s free educational licensing for learning and teaching BIM principles.​

Whether working independently or as part of a team, Archicad supports projects of all sizes and stages—from initial concept development through construction, making it a preferred solution for anyone looking to excel in digital building design.

For the latest hardware and software requirements for Archicad, please refer to the System Requirements page.

To download Archicad, simply visit the Archicad downloads page on graphisoft.com, where you’ll find the latest installation packages and version details. For step-by-step instructions and tips on getting started, also refer to the dedicated Getting Started guide available on the site.

Trial & Purchase

Yes, you can try Archicad for free with a 30-day trial.

To start your free Archicad trial, visit the Archicad trial page and follow the sign-up steps. The 30-day trial gives you full access to Archicad Studio and its features.

The Archicad Studio trial offers unlimited access to Archicad, BIMcloud Basic (ideal for office-based teams using local servers), and BIMx for a 30-day period. Explore all the features to evaluate how they fit your workflow. The trial is valid for one free seat.

Archicad offers several ways to access its powerful BIM features, tailored to fit your needs:

  • Archicad Studio subscription: Comprehensive BIM solution for individuals or local teams. Choose from monthly, annual, or multi-year terms.​
  • Archicad Collaborate subscription: Provides cloud-based collaboration for distributed project teams, ideal for organizations operating across multiple locations.
  • Educational license: Free, full-featured access for students and educators—ideal for non-commercial learning and teaching.​
  • 30-Day free trial: Try Archicad with unlimited feature access for 30 days before committing.

All new commercial licenses are offered as subscriptions, with perpetual licenses phased out after 2026. You can purchase or subscribe directly on the Graphisoft website or through authorized local resellers.

Yes. Archicad offers a free educational license for students, educators, and academic institutions. If you’re actively enrolled at a recognized school or university, or employed as a teacher or faculty member, you qualify for the educational version.​

  • Access the latest version of Archicad, BIMx, and BIMcloud Basic for the duration of your studies or teaching career.
  • The license is renewable each year as long as you remain eligible.

For full details, step-by-step application instructions, and to apply, visit the Educational license page.

Archicad Capabilities

Archicad provides a comprehensive suite of architectural and MEP toolsets:

  • Parametric building elements: Wall, Slab, Roof, Column, and Beam tools automatically adjust and maintain relationships between building components for seamless design updates.​
  • Intelligent objects: Easily customizable Doors, Windows, Stairs, Railings, and Curtain Walls support advanced modeling and design flexibility.​
  • Structural modeling: Native tools for modeling and analyzing load-bearing elements, plus real-time updating and automatic creation of a Structural Analytical Model for coordination with engineers.​
  • MEP feature set: Design, model, and document mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems using built-in parametric objects, clash detection, and unified collaboration workflows.​

Archicad’s integrated environment enables architects and engineers to collaborate, with automatic documentation and seamless transitions from concept to construction.

Archicad enables efficient team collaboration using BIMcloud:

  • Real-time teamwork: Multiple users can work on the same model simultaneously, with changes synchronized automatically and version management handled in the cloud.​
  • Conflict reduction: Automated sync and smart notifications help minimize conflicts and version issues during design development.​
  • Distributed collaboration: BIMcloud connects teams across offices and disciplines, supporting both internal and cross-company workflows.​

This setup streamlines project delivery and ensures all team members stay up-to-date throughout every project stage.

Get Archicad today

Explore subscription options or try it free for 30 days.

See plans and pricing Try Archicad for free