But is Archicad actually better? Or is it just “the other BIM software”? After spending significant time in both ecosystems, here is the unvarnished truth about Archicad in 2025.
The rise of openBIM and IFC 4.0 has also helped. Archicad exports clean IFC files that play nicely with Revit. The days of being locked into one ecosystem are fading. archicad
If you’re tired of a clunky, ribbon-filled interface and want to actually enjoy modeling again—and you don’t need to coordinate HVAC ductwork—give the 30-day trial a spin. Just don’t expect to find 500 jobs on LinkedIn afterward. But is Archicad actually better
Archicad Deep Dive: Why This BIM Tool Remains the Architect’s Choice (and Where It Falls Short) The rise of openBIM and IFC 4
Unlike some engineering-first tools, Archicad was created by architects. This shines through in every workflow. The learning curve is noticeably gentler than Revit’s. You can go from installing the software to producing a simple permit set in a weekend.
Why? Because Archicad thinks like you do. You draw a wall, and it’s a wall. You place a window, and it cuts the hole automatically. The “Virtual Building” concept is intuitive—model in plan, section, or 3D simultaneously. There’s no “switching views” to edit geometry. It’s fluid, almost sketch-like in its responsiveness.
Let’s talk about Archicad. For nearly four decades, Graphisoft’s flagship product has been a quiet giant in the world of BIM (Building Information Modeling). While Revit dominates headlines and job listings in North America, Archicad has built a fiercely loyal following—especially in Europe, Asia, and parts of South America.