Best Architectural CAD Software Choices in 2023

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Best Architectural CAD Software Choices in 2023

The top six architectural CAD software in 2023 include:

SketchUp

SketchUp Pro User Interface

SketchUp Pro User Interface

Developer: Trimble

Price: $349.00/year (SketchUp Pro package)

SketchUp is a powerful 3D modeling solution that offers intuitive tools to design, document, and communicate ideas in 3D. It is one of the most familiar 3D modeling software programs. That is perhaps because it is quite affordable compared to other options. It also offers powerful tools that let you create 3D models, iterate in 3D, and detail the drawings.

Key Features of SketchUp

  • LayOut, which enables you to present your 3D model using 2D drawings; for instance, it lets you call out materials and include dimensions and details
  • SketchUp inference engine, which promotes accuracy and speed of design
  • Customization tools
  • Report generation tools
  • Extension Warehouse, which provides access to a library of tools

Pros of SketchUp

  • It is user friendly
  • SketchUp has a gentle learning curve, meaning it is easy to use
  • It creates hyper-realistic renders, promoting better visualization, even for houses with complicated roof systems
  • SketchUp supports over 12 languages
  • The software allows you to think and design in 3D, which is advantageous over software whose design workflow involves creating 2D drawings first
  • It allows customization based on your preferences; for instance, you can create settings such as keyboard shortcuts to fit your everyday workflow, tailor settings for a particular workflow or project, and adjust settings to address your computer’s performance issues
  • It is available on both Windows and macOS platforms
  • The software supports numerous file types, including both 2D and 3D CAD formats like SKP, PNG, JPH, STL, DWG, DXF, DAE, KMZ, 3DS, DEM, OBJ, FBX, XSI, VRML, IFC, TIF, PDF, and more
  • SketchUp Pro is affordable

Cons of SketchUp

  • Users report problems when it comes to integrating plug-ins; for instance, the software does not automatically install plug-ins you had added in the previous iteration with every new software update
  • SketchUp’s LayOut, a feature that presents 2D drawings of the 3D model, enabling users to highlight the model’s features, is reportedly slow and can be overwhelmed by larger models
  • The software’s performance lags when working with large models imported from other 3D modeling software

ArchiCAD

ArchiCAD User Interface

ArchiCAD User Interface

Developer: Graphisoft

Price: $225.00/month (price varies from country to country; see our ArchiCAD pricing article)

ArchiCAD is both architectural CAD software and architectural BIM software. It offers an extensive suite of algorithmic design tools that enable architects to create great designs. It also supports the creation of large architectural models. With ArchiCAD, you can design in both 2D and 3D model views. In addition to supporting design work, the software also supports visualization, collaboration, and documentation.

Key Features of ArchiCAD

  • 2D drafting
  • 3D modeling
  • Building information modeling (BIM)
  • Intuitive modeling tools like Curtain Wall and Stair Tools
  • 2D and 3D model views
  • Light and dark modes
  • Sketch Render, which produces 3D models as non-photorealistic renderings, i.e., renderings that have free-hand influences
  • White Render, which renders all the shapes and spaces in white to communicate design intent
  • Photo-realistic rendering using built-in tools such as MAXON’s CineRender or Redshift
  • Model Compare feature that lets you compare two 3D models

Pros of ArchiCAD

  • It supports over 15 languages
  • ArchiCAD adapts its appearance to reduce eye strain in low-light conditions
  • It enables architects to quickly render models to communicate design intent and obtain feedback
  • The software offers a library of intelligent objects that users can configure based on their needs; however, the library is not perfect
  • It offers perfect integration between the 3D model and the creation of 2D documentation
  • ArchiCAD can create complex and large 3D models
  • It offers excellent visualization capabilities

Cons of ArchiCAD

  • It is not always perfect at keeping track of the various geometric objects; for instance, dimensions can disappear depending on the layer settings
  • New releases/versions sometimes ship with plenty of bugs, some of which are never addressed
  • The library, which is beneficial to some users, lacks many of the items that architects and designers use and need
  • Some of its features, such as the search function, do not work as intended
  • ArchiCAD can be expensive, especially for hobbyists and enthusiasts

AutoCAD 

AutoCAD Architecture User Interface

AutoCAD Architecture User Interface 

Developer: Autodesk

Price: $245.00/month, $1,955.00/year, or $5,865.00 every three years (see our AutoCAD pricing article)

AutoCAD is a multidisciplinary CAD software ideal for mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, as well as 3D mapping, plant work, architecture, and more. That said, its developer, Autodesk, offers specialized tools that provide access to industry-specific functionality, transforming AutoCAD into specialized software. To turn AutoCAD into an architectural CAD software, you have to install the architectural toolset. And to do that, you must have an AutoCAD subscription. So, you first have to download and install AutoCAD, whereupon you should download and install the architectural toolset.

Key Features of AutoCAD Architectural CAD Software

  • The architecture toolset offers access to a library of over 8,800 architectural components
  • Automatic object generation: AutoCAD can automatically generate sections, elevations, floor plans, and ceiling grids
  • Drawing version management, which helps maintain versioning
  • Architectural renovation, which displays existing, demolished, and new construction within the same drawing, enabling architects or remodelers to design and produce renovations faster
  • Detail Component Manager, which lets you navigate among various detail component databases
  • Built-in object styles for doors, windows, and door/window assemblies
  • Display system, which automatically changes the appearance of an architectural object to meet display requirements of various types of drawings, levels of detail, and view direction

Pros of AutoCAD Architectural CAD Software

  • The drawing version management feature prevents unauthorized drawing modification and ensures drawing integrity
  • An Autodesk study showed that AutoCAD’s architecture toolset boosted overall productivity by 61%, thanks to factors such as the library, automation, and more
  • The architectural renovation feature enables designers to avoid errors associated with editing multiple drawings as it displays existing, demolished, and new construction within the same drawing
  • It is easy to learn if you are familiar with AutoCAD; it has a familiar user interface
  • It supports collaboration, especially if multidisciplinary professionals working on the same project all use AutoCAD
  • AutoCAD offers a wide array of drawing tools

Cons of AutoCAD Architectural CAD Software

  • The architectural toolset is not included with the AutoCAD software package and has to be downloaded and installed separately
  • It has a steep learning curve, especially if you are not familiar with AutoCAD
  • The software has limited file compatibility, mostly outputting DWG and DXF files, with the former being proprietary
  • 3D modeling with the AutoCAD architectural CAD software is not as versatile and advanced as other applications on this list
  • Its rendering capabilities lag behind those of other architectural CAD software

Chief Architect Premier

Chief Architect Premier

Chief Architect Premier User Interface 

Developer: Chief Architect. Inc.

Price: $199/month or $1,995/year

Chief Architect is a professional architectural CAD software suited for residential and light commercial design. It is a powerful and easy-to-use program for architects, designers, and builders.

It is ideal for:

  • Home design
  • Light commercial design
  • Interior design and decorating
  • Floor and space planning

Key Features of Chief Architect

For a complete list, please see the detailed feature list. That said, here are some of the key features included with Chief Architect Premier:

  • Smart design objects that help you create different styles, shapes, and sizes
  • 3D library of architectural objects
  • Advanced 3D rendering with ray tracing, including 360ยบ rendering, virtual tours, live 3D viewer models
  • Support for 3D modeling and editing
  • Automatic building tools
  • Documentation, i.e., the software lets you create professional residential construction drawings
  • A feature that instantly creates material lists and schedules
  • Interior and exterior walkthrough
  • Sky model, which lets you control settings for the horizon, moon, and sun, and how they impact the scene’s lighting
  • Artificial terrain, which extends the ground in the 3D model beyond the boundaries of the terrain perimeter in the plan’s view
  • Grass Region tools, which simulate 3D grass
  • Focal blur to provide photo-realistic images

Pros of Chief Architect

  • Existing customers can purchase additional licenses at a reduced price ($1,295/year vs. $1995/year)
  • The software offers a broad range of features
  • It was developed for residential home design, meaning it is a niche product with specialized tools that facilitate this type of design

Cons of Chief Architect

  • Its use is limited to residential/home design and light commercial design
  • The developer did away with the perpetual license option beginning January 10, 2023, meaning all new software is subscription-based
  • Chief Architect Premier is expensive
  • It has a steep learning curve owing to a clunky user interface

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