Revit vs. ArchiCAD : Which is a better BIM Software for your Project?

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Learn about Revit software

Revit is the Building Information Modelling (BIM) software that is owned by Autodesk. The first formal edition of the Revit software has been created in 2002 which aims to improve the digital simulation and representation of the building structure in an efficient manner. The key features of the Revit software include the Autodesk Raytracer (ART) engine, the cloud rendering features and the advanced collaboration tools which have been used by designers, engineers and architects throughout the global market.

Learn about ArchiCAD software

ArchiCAD is another BIM software that has been introduced by the company Graphisoft. The ArchiCAD is the first BIM software that has been available for commercial use. ArchiCAD has been used in smaller projects until 2000. Later, a series of improvements and additions were added to this software which includes the Cinema 4D Render engine and the GDL objects thus ArchiCAD software has become the preferable software for most of the users throughout the world.

Revit Vs ArchiCAD: The ultimate comparison between these two BIM software

Both Revit and ArchiCAD software are highly sophisticated and highly regarded which helps to make innovative design models. Both of these BIM software have been used by architects for designing buildings. Both of these BIM software also help to analyse the structural integrity of the designs. However, there are some key differences between the Revit and ArchiCAD software which are as follows:

Differences based on the availability of plugins or add-ons

In the case of the Revit software, there are customizable plugins on the requirements of the design performances. A wide range of add-ins and plugins for the Revit software has been provided which helps to boost the design workflow.

On the other hand, there are several plugins for the ArchiCAD software. The add-ins of the ArchiCAD software help to provide data management and planning throughout the entire lifecycle of the building. This add-in of the ArchiCAD software is beneficial while designing complex buildings which require detailed requirements and programs.

Comparison on the basis of compatibility

The Revit software has strong interoperability along with all other Autodesk software which helps to make the importing and exporting process easier. The Revit software has also the ability to link with the cloud-based data management, BIM 360, and collaboration platform which influences the live collaboration among the stakeholders. The Revit software is also compatible with other rendering tools which help to make live connections with the Revit design models for visualization.

On the other hand, the work environment of the ArchiCAD software helps to connect with the free-form parametric modelling tools which help to design complex building models and organic forms. The rendering engines of the ArchiCAD software are also compatible with the Twinmotion tool which helps to create high-quality photorealistic visualisations for the users.

Comparison based on the cost factors

In the case of the Revit software, there are three subscription options which are $335 monthly, $2675 annually and $7625 every three years. These subscription options are expensive for new architects who just started design works.

In contrast, the price of the solo version of the ArchiCAD software is about $240 per month or $1800 annually and the price of the full version is about $280 monthly or $2250 annually which is less expensive as compared to the Revit software. Students and educators also get free access to the ArchiCAD software for one year.

Comparison based on the ease of learning and modelling

The Revit software has a more composed process structure and Revit software is less intuitive leading to a steeper learning curve. Tutorials and resources have been provided by the Autodesk Revit software which helps the new users to get used to its design interface easily.

In contrast, the ArchiCAD software is also user-friendly software which is useful for both 2D and 3D documentation along with the camera paths and corresponding views. The intuitive interface of this software helps to make the design learning process easier as compared to the Revit software.

Comparison based on the workflow

The features of the ArchiCAD work seamlessly together as well as the software packages are intuitive. The design content can be exported by the ArchiCAD software to the other programs.

On the other hand, the seamless file-sharing capabilities of the Revit software help to meet the design requirements of the users.

Comparison based on the simulation

The Revit software has more extensive customisation features rather than the ArchiCAD software.

To get online demonstration, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: David Tomic

The more advanced design capabilities are there in the Revit software which is better able to represent real-world simulation as compared to the ArchiCAD software. The ArchiCAD software may be appropriate for those users who do not require much customization as they do not need an extensive amount of simulation.