Technology has evolved- and with that, so has every industry and its related working methodology.
I put together the above flowchart to help you select the best software based on several criteria. 'Which Architectural Software Should You Be Using?' 12 Best Architecture Software Programs for Beginners 1. Topping our 12 best architecture software programs for beginners, Cedreo is a home designer software that allows you to create 2D and 3D home decor models and floor plans. It's the ideal floor plan software for home builders and contractors, remodelers, and interior designers.
Modern architecture software is capable of performing every task starting from the initial design to interior decoration, building framework and a lot more.
These tools can be used to even detail every component inside a building. Further, it give you a highly accurate idea of what the finished infrastructure will be.
There is plenty of architecture software in the market- but choosing one that offers an intuitive UI along with capabilities for creating sophisticated designs is a challenge.
Build up a strong, dynamic & responsive portal for your architectural business. select the best one from the following post
Best WordPress Themes For Architects & Designers 2020
Construction Company WordPress Themes 2020
In order to help make your job easier, here is a roundup of some of the best architecture software along with what they have to offer.
Check all the services in detail as per your needs and choose service wisely – by the end, you'll know exactly which one is the right option for you.
1. GenieBelt
GenieBelt is architecture software with project management capabilities.
It comes equipped with project overviews, live program management, instant analysis and reporting. Plus, you can share documents as well as an automated drawing utility.
All these tools are geared towards giving the user complete control.
A few features of GenieBelt are as follows:
- Program management in real time
- Automatically constructs a detailed audit trail
- Can be used on a PC, tablet or smartphone
- Fast and simple signup
- Projects can be run on trial plan as well
Price:
- Paid plan begin from $50/month.
- A simple yet highly functional user-interface with numerous capabilities make GenieBelt a very efficient architecture and project management utility.
2. ArchiCAD
ArchiCAD is among the first of BIM or Building Information Management tools launched for architects. It can be used for 2D planning as well as 3D modelling.
It has an efficient client management utility and can be used for drafting, manufacturing design data. Also, it can be used for project & proposal management.
An overview of the features that come with ArchiCAD is as follows:
- Ideal for 2D drawing and 3D modelling
- Intuitive invoicing and billing interface
- Powerful presentation and visualization tools
- Task, project and proposal management capabilities
- Cross-platform integration for the most file-systems
Price:
- Starts from $330
- With a host of features and a history that goes back to 17 years, ArchiCAD continues to be among the most preferred tools among architects, engineers and product managers.
3. progeCAD Professional
progeCAD Professional is a CAD application that can be used for 2D and 3D designs. It works with the DWG files from AutoCAD versions 2.5 to the latest 2020 release.
It has commands like AutoCAD to make usage easier. Plus it comes with the ribbon interface, concept sketch, MultiCore support and a host of editing commands.
progeCAD professional tool is listed ahead:
- Supports all DWG versions from 2.5 to the latest 2020 release
- Compatible with PCG and ISD data files from 3D scanners
- A host of new commands added to the latest release, include XOPEN, VPSYNC and others
- Equipped with DWG converter to work wither other types of CAD software
For those looking to get an architecture software to compare with a range of tools across different versions, this is the best options.
4. SketchUp Pro
SketchUP Pro is a software designed for 2D/3D drafting. It aims to provide better visualization, communication and planning of construction projects.
The software focuses on providing high details in the models, with precision as high as 1/1000th of an inch. This software can be used from the starting stages of the design process to the end of construction.
It encompasses diagramming, programming, design detailing and a number of other features into a single suite.
SketchUP Pro excellent features are:
- Simple to use with an intuitive interface
- It can generate 3D Models with high detailing
- Animated walkthroughs to explore every detail of the tool can be included
- Accurate and scaled diagrams of every design
- Models can be imported from most major formats
Price:
- SketchUp Pro costs $695 USD (Lifetime purchase).
- It offers all the design and project execution tools that architects and product engineers could require. With a lifetime license and great support, SketchUp Pro is a comprehensive architecture suite for all needs.
5. ConceptDraw PRO
ConceptDraw Pro is a tool that comes with a host of tools for drawing, along with templates. Plus it also has custom printing solutions, object libraries and file-export capabilities.
The software is highly versatile and has Live Object technology. This makes presentation and visualization even more effective. Concept Draw has been around since 1993. The only drawback of this tool is that it does not support 3D modelling at present.
Features that ConceptDraw PRO offers:
- 2D Drawing and drafting capabilities
- Project and documentation management
- Presentation and virtualization capabilities along with Live Object Technology
- Several points of integration to provide greater usability
Price:
- ConceptDraw PRO suite license costs $299.
- With a host of integration points, design and reporting tools as well as an intuitive interface. ConceptDraw PRO 10 is a highly versatile tool for design and virtualization.
6. Chief Architect
Chief Architect tool is designed for architects, designers, professionals as well as remodelers. Even those who wish to do a bit of DIY home design can make use of Chief Architect.
It can be used on Mac, Windows as well as Android and iOS. The tool is can be used to make 3D home designs. It is exclusively made for residential home construction and design.
Features that Chief Architect comes with are as follows:
- Made especially for residential home design
- Easy to use for professionals and DIY users alike
- Can be used for remodelling, home design, bath/kitchen design, and interior design
- Training and webinars for easier learning
Price:
- $199/month or $2695 lifetime
- Chief Architect is primarily for home-design and remodelling requirements. The 3D viewer makes it easy to share designs, and the easy-to-use interface makes it the ideal tool for home users.
7. MicroStation
MicroStation is a CAD software that can be used for 2D as well as 3D drafting and design. Complete architectural package that provides capabilities of working with vector graphics elements.
It can be used on all Windows systems from OS NT/2000 and above. It can be used for modelling, visualization, and documentation of projects.
Features that come with MicroStation is given ahead:
- Document, visualize the documented projects with high precision
- 2D and 3D PDF documents can be created with embedded i-models
- Can be used for all types of projects, including industrial, residential and others
- Project and Task management tools embedded
Price:
- $5,234 for a lifetime license
8. SmartDraw
Adobe acrobat pro dc software, free download. SmartDraw is one of the simplest yet effective tools in drawing and creating designs.
You can use it to whip up a highly detailed plan of an office, home or the entire building.
It is very easy to use and comes bundled with several thousand templates for faster design and drawing.
There are also over 70 typesof diagrams, charts and other graphics that can be edited as desired.
A few features that come with the SmartDraw software are as follows:
- Easy and simple alternative to Office and Visio®
- Large variety of templates, designs and formats to choose from
- Formatting tools for better outputs
- Integration with a host of tools including Office tools, Drive storages and SharePoint®
Price:
- The Standard License costs $197, Business License costs $297 and the Enterprise Edition is priced at $497.
- A simple and easy to use tool along with integration options with many commonly used applications, SmartDraw is an effective and efficient way to create all types of designs and drawings.
9. Envisioneer
Envisioneer by Cadsoft is 3D home design software. It can be used by builders, architects, interior designers and even homeowners.
This is an easy-to-use utility that is trying to make the process of home building seamless and simple.
It is equipped with 3D BIM model design capabilities. Also, it has integration partners that allow for working between different tools and platforms.
There are a host of software-types to choose from under Envisioneer to ensure that you get the right one for your requirements.
Envisioneer commendable features are:
- A single unified workspace for all requirements
- Integrate with Autodesk, 2020, Mitek, SketchUp and Mitek among many others
- Choose the package that best fits your needs
- VR Mode lets you immerse in the new space before actually building it
Price:
- $99 for Personal Architect, $895 for Pro Architect, $195 for Building Essentials and $2,495 for Construction Suite.
- With features that will work for everyone ranging from a homeowner to professional architects, Envisioneer is a suite of architecture tools for every design and construction need.
10. Arcon Evo
Arcon Evo is a software that aims to provide developers, & architects with a unified solution for all CAD requirements.
It can be used to create highly detailed plans, cross sections, elevations and a lot more. Equipped with 3D modeling capabilities to provide quick and effective demonstrations.
Arcon Evo superlative features are:
- 2D to 3D conversion interface
- 3D model design with finishing, furniture, decoration as well as lighting
- Virtualization and presentation capabilities
- Training support via online teaching and webinars
Price:
- £550 or USD 685.
- As a highly detailed design tool with 2D to 3D modeling capabilities, Arcon Evo is the ideal choice of architecture software for engineers, architects and building professionals.
Conclusion
Modern architecture software is capable of performing every task starting from the initial design to interior decoration, building framework and a lot more.
These tools can be used to even detail every component inside a building. Further, it give you a highly accurate idea of what the finished infrastructure will be.
There is plenty of architecture software in the market- but choosing one that offers an intuitive UI along with capabilities for creating sophisticated designs is a challenge.
Build up a strong, dynamic & responsive portal for your architectural business. select the best one from the following post
Best WordPress Themes For Architects & Designers 2020
Construction Company WordPress Themes 2020
In order to help make your job easier, here is a roundup of some of the best architecture software along with what they have to offer.
Check all the services in detail as per your needs and choose service wisely – by the end, you'll know exactly which one is the right option for you.
1. GenieBelt
GenieBelt is architecture software with project management capabilities.
It comes equipped with project overviews, live program management, instant analysis and reporting. Plus, you can share documents as well as an automated drawing utility.
All these tools are geared towards giving the user complete control.
A few features of GenieBelt are as follows:
- Program management in real time
- Automatically constructs a detailed audit trail
- Can be used on a PC, tablet or smartphone
- Fast and simple signup
- Projects can be run on trial plan as well
Price:
- Paid plan begin from $50/month.
- A simple yet highly functional user-interface with numerous capabilities make GenieBelt a very efficient architecture and project management utility.
2. ArchiCAD
ArchiCAD is among the first of BIM or Building Information Management tools launched for architects. It can be used for 2D planning as well as 3D modelling.
It has an efficient client management utility and can be used for drafting, manufacturing design data. Also, it can be used for project & proposal management.
An overview of the features that come with ArchiCAD is as follows:
- Ideal for 2D drawing and 3D modelling
- Intuitive invoicing and billing interface
- Powerful presentation and visualization tools
- Task, project and proposal management capabilities
- Cross-platform integration for the most file-systems
Price:
- Starts from $330
- With a host of features and a history that goes back to 17 years, ArchiCAD continues to be among the most preferred tools among architects, engineers and product managers.
3. progeCAD Professional
progeCAD Professional is a CAD application that can be used for 2D and 3D designs. It works with the DWG files from AutoCAD versions 2.5 to the latest 2020 release.
It has commands like AutoCAD to make usage easier. Plus it comes with the ribbon interface, concept sketch, MultiCore support and a host of editing commands.
progeCAD professional tool is listed ahead:
- Supports all DWG versions from 2.5 to the latest 2020 release
- Compatible with PCG and ISD data files from 3D scanners
- A host of new commands added to the latest release, include XOPEN, VPSYNC and others
- Equipped with DWG converter to work wither other types of CAD software
For those looking to get an architecture software to compare with a range of tools across different versions, this is the best options.
4. SketchUp Pro
SketchUP Pro is a software designed for 2D/3D drafting. It aims to provide better visualization, communication and planning of construction projects.
The software focuses on providing high details in the models, with precision as high as 1/1000th of an inch. This software can be used from the starting stages of the design process to the end of construction.
It encompasses diagramming, programming, design detailing and a number of other features into a single suite.
SketchUP Pro excellent features are:
- Simple to use with an intuitive interface
- It can generate 3D Models with high detailing
- Animated walkthroughs to explore every detail of the tool can be included
- Accurate and scaled diagrams of every design
- Models can be imported from most major formats
Price:
- SketchUp Pro costs $695 USD (Lifetime purchase).
- It offers all the design and project execution tools that architects and product engineers could require. With a lifetime license and great support, SketchUp Pro is a comprehensive architecture suite for all needs.
5. ConceptDraw PRO
ConceptDraw Pro is a tool that comes with a host of tools for drawing, along with templates. Plus it also has custom printing solutions, object libraries and file-export capabilities.
The software is highly versatile and has Live Object technology. This makes presentation and visualization even more effective. Concept Draw has been around since 1993. The only drawback of this tool is that it does not support 3D modelling at present.
Features that ConceptDraw PRO offers:
- 2D Drawing and drafting capabilities
- Project and documentation management
- Presentation and virtualization capabilities along with Live Object Technology
- Several points of integration to provide greater usability
Price:
- ConceptDraw PRO suite license costs $299.
- With a host of integration points, design and reporting tools as well as an intuitive interface. ConceptDraw PRO 10 is a highly versatile tool for design and virtualization.
6. Chief Architect
Chief Architect tool is designed for architects, designers, professionals as well as remodelers. Even those who wish to do a bit of DIY home design can make use of Chief Architect.
It can be used on Mac, Windows as well as Android and iOS. The tool is can be used to make 3D home designs. It is exclusively made for residential home construction and design.
Features that Chief Architect comes with are as follows:
- Made especially for residential home design
- Easy to use for professionals and DIY users alike
- Can be used for remodelling, home design, bath/kitchen design, and interior design
- Training and webinars for easier learning
Price:
- $199/month or $2695 lifetime
- Chief Architect is primarily for home-design and remodelling requirements. The 3D viewer makes it easy to share designs, and the easy-to-use interface makes it the ideal tool for home users.
7. MicroStation
MicroStation is a CAD software that can be used for 2D as well as 3D drafting and design. Complete architectural package that provides capabilities of working with vector graphics elements.
It can be used on all Windows systems from OS NT/2000 and above. It can be used for modelling, visualization, and documentation of projects.
Features that come with MicroStation is given ahead:
- Document, visualize the documented projects with high precision
- 2D and 3D PDF documents can be created with embedded i-models
- Can be used for all types of projects, including industrial, residential and others
- Project and Task management tools embedded
Price:
- $5,234 for a lifetime license
8. SmartDraw
Adobe acrobat pro dc software, free download. SmartDraw is one of the simplest yet effective tools in drawing and creating designs.
You can use it to whip up a highly detailed plan of an office, home or the entire building.
It is very easy to use and comes bundled with several thousand templates for faster design and drawing.
There are also over 70 typesof diagrams, charts and other graphics that can be edited as desired.
A few features that come with the SmartDraw software are as follows:
- Easy and simple alternative to Office and Visio®
- Large variety of templates, designs and formats to choose from
- Formatting tools for better outputs
- Integration with a host of tools including Office tools, Drive storages and SharePoint®
Price:
- The Standard License costs $197, Business License costs $297 and the Enterprise Edition is priced at $497.
- A simple and easy to use tool along with integration options with many commonly used applications, SmartDraw is an effective and efficient way to create all types of designs and drawings.
9. Envisioneer
Envisioneer by Cadsoft is 3D home design software. It can be used by builders, architects, interior designers and even homeowners.
This is an easy-to-use utility that is trying to make the process of home building seamless and simple.
It is equipped with 3D BIM model design capabilities. Also, it has integration partners that allow for working between different tools and platforms.
There are a host of software-types to choose from under Envisioneer to ensure that you get the right one for your requirements.
Envisioneer commendable features are:
- A single unified workspace for all requirements
- Integrate with Autodesk, 2020, Mitek, SketchUp and Mitek among many others
- Choose the package that best fits your needs
- VR Mode lets you immerse in the new space before actually building it
Price:
- $99 for Personal Architect, $895 for Pro Architect, $195 for Building Essentials and $2,495 for Construction Suite.
- With features that will work for everyone ranging from a homeowner to professional architects, Envisioneer is a suite of architecture tools for every design and construction need.
10. Arcon Evo
Arcon Evo is a software that aims to provide developers, & architects with a unified solution for all CAD requirements.
It can be used to create highly detailed plans, cross sections, elevations and a lot more. Equipped with 3D modeling capabilities to provide quick and effective demonstrations.
Arcon Evo superlative features are:
- 2D to 3D conversion interface
- 3D model design with finishing, furniture, decoration as well as lighting
- Virtualization and presentation capabilities
- Training support via online teaching and webinars
Price:
- £550 or USD 685.
- As a highly detailed design tool with 2D to 3D modeling capabilities, Arcon Evo is the ideal choice of architecture software for engineers, architects and building professionals.
Conclusion
There is a large variety in terms of the capabilities of architecture software. The above list of the 10 best architecture software covers almost all the aspects of construction and architecture. And from this, you can surely find the right software to fit your specific design and construction requirements.
With tools designed for all types of users- right from homeowners to building professionals, there is little that this list does not cover.
You can easily find the tool that meets your needs and helps you create the best designs with utmost sophistication. Start by matching your requirement set to what the tool offers, and you will be on the right path in no time.
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Top 5 architecture software: – There can be various reasons for a person to look for architecture and plan designing software. You may a student of architecture looking to enhance your skills by practising virtually- it saves material as well as money. You may be a layman seeking to chalk out a floor plan for a new house, or simply interested in juxtaposing room positions and walls to get an idea as to how they would look in actuality if built.
Architecture software can be really useful in preventing regretful experiences later when the home has been constructed a wrong way, which is costly as well as a huge headache for the persons the house belongs to. If you are clear about how you want your house to be built, it is less likely that there will be mistakes in construction, and this can only be guaranteed by the use of a good architectural software.
Also see: –Top free animation software for windows PC
For whichever purpose you require architecture software, the internet offers a wide range of such software, and a lot of them come free of cost, which is the most desirable to all of us. This article will list the top 5 free architecture software so all you have to do if you are confused is, pick one of these, and just download it online.
5. DesignWorkshop Lite
This free software offers 3D design for home and floor plans as well as any landscape you wish to see a realistic model of. The interface is really user-friendly and allows features such as elevation, projection, lengthening, zoom in and out, adding names to objects and materials and a visual walkthrough experience for the user. Text messages can be added, and the user is free to make drawings with a virtual pencil. Shapes like circles and rectangles are also available, and so are the cut-copy options. Users are free to import backdrop images in JPG, GIF, PICT and a few other common formats.
This software is not ideal for floor plans, though you can attempt to use it to create one. Users have complained of more than necessary mouse control, and lack of sophisticated designing tools. This software is great for you if you mainly want to view 3D images of a given space, and are not looking for advanced architecture tools. The simple UI is ideal for a user who is not very experienced in editing and designing online.
4. My Virtual Home
This is great software specifically for those who want to envision and plan what their home will look like, as it shows the user an actual rendering of the effect certain type of construction of say, walls, doors, bathrooms; will have on the layout and structure of the home. This software offers highly creative and interactive models of objects, surfaces, materials and also determines what the lighting will look like in different parts of the layout. For those who don't wish to hire an architect, or just want to get an idea of what they want their home to look like so they can instruct the architect likewise; this software is perfect. Moreover its free of cost and it includes details of material and service suppliers alongside- how to contact them, the rates charged etc- so you don't have to go hunting for a supplier separately once you've selected and liked a material. Not only building supplies, also home decoration and garden supplies are provided.
A drawback of this seemingly perfect software, though, is that it was created to target a vastly Australian audience. So unless you're staying in Australia, the cost of materials offered, as well as the suppliers, won't be of any good to you. For the designing purpose, this software is wonderful, but it is not designed to adapt and cater worldwide, so that's a big con for us.
3. AutoCAD Architecture
This is oriented specifically towards all those budding architects, and the already established architects as well. Filled with advanced tools that every architecture student comes to be familiar with, this software offers precision in detail, easy drafting and creation of designs smoothly. AutoCAD Architecture comes in two versions: free trial and paid. The reason this software features at number 3 on this list is because it offers professional architectural tools, and although the free version is only a trial, any architect or aspiring architect who uses this is guaranteed to fall in love with it- the paid version is then totally worth the one-time expense. Fully compatible with Windows ( both 32 bit and 64 bit), this software is unique in the fact that the drawings you create will demonstrate real life behavior- smooth material displayed as smooth, rougher material shown as grainy, and so on. This is extra cool for the architects out there as they would like to see their creation taking form. Sadly, though, if you don't want to shell out the minimal price for the full version of this software, this may not be the one for you.
2. SketchUp
This software is quickly gaining popularity among users after Google gave its name to SketchUp. SketchUp comes in various versions such as SketchUp Make and SketchUp Pro- users can choose whichever version they feel suitable to their requirements. SketchUp has faced a lot of criticism for its limitations- that it cannot recognize a shape that is not straight cut like rectangles or circles but has a unique shape of its own; that performance issues slow down the speed and functioning of the software and similar complaints.
But it provides many add-ons and a forum where help is provided freely and timely, not to mention some of the really good features it offers- it is very easy to learn, generates clear 3D images, allows you to take charge of flooring, woodworking, creating additional fixtures such as garage, shed, deck, etc. Every object, surface, and material come with its own unique texture, which is definitely a plus. Lack of accuracy is a problem, but with the developers working hard to fix that, SketchUp should soon become even more popular. Its biggest pro remains till date its user-friendly interface.
1.Revit Architecture
This one if free for all students and education-related professionals, and Revit also offers a free three-year license to use the software to all other users, which is really great. The free membership makes this software ideal for architecture students. Highly structured and professional, this software will save any changes you make as soon as you make them, and will continue modifying the landscape/plan you're working on to give you an ideal experience. Accuracy is a major plus point with this software- it guarantees and provides designs neat and free of errors. Users can design any structure and view it in 3D form, draft swiftly, and oversee the building process right from the beginning of construction to demolition of parts the user wants to remove.
Though well defined and clear cut in approach, Revit is not for new learners and laymen planning their homes- only a person with experience in architectural study and design can utilize Revit to create buildings, fixtures, and additional detailing.
If you don't mind paying, ArchiCAD is also a really good architectural software that provides high-quality designing and efficient performance. Though ArchiCAD provides a free trial just like AutoCAD, users have voted the paid full version to be the only version worth trying or using; the trial does not offer many features to try.
A lot of users don't want to straight away pay for using software they're not sure they'll like, and rely on a trial version to help them decide- but if the trial is not reflective of the features promised in the paid version, customers are not very keen on using such software.
DreamPlan Home Design is another free software that nearly made it to our list, similar to SketchUp in its simplicity and basic rendering, but while DreamPlan offers an extremely limited and unsophisticated range of objects, materials, and tools, SketchUp is far more creative in the options it provides. SketchUp is also extremely user-friendly, which gives it another advantage over DreamPlan.
MicroStation is an architecture software used by many because it provides a stable interface to work with. While that sounds promising, users complain that the software lags a lot and leads to performance issues for the computer. Software that lags frequently and causes disruption in workflow is not at all preferable; hence that's a no for MicroStation from us.
Best Architecture Software 2020
It is tough to choose the suitable software from all the architecture software options offered on the internet, but cost, reliability, performance and suitability to one's needs are the biggest and most important factors one has to remember. While it may feel great not having to pay for using software, paid software is sometimes better in functioning and service. But if one does not want to spend any money, they can easily use any of the software mentioned in the list above, and bear whatever flaws it comes with as long as they are reasonable.
A word of caution:
Whichever software you choose to download, always make sure that it is a trustworthy website and not some shady lesser known unaffiliated site that looks even remotely as if it may contain malware. Several unknown sites may look innocent enough, but just one click on the download link can infect your system with viruses. Sites such as CNET download, softpedia and official websites are trustworthy.
Best Architectural Software 2019
Saurav is associated with IT industry and computers for more than a decade and is writing on The Geek Page on topics revolving on windows 10 and softwares.
