Archicad is building information modeling software for architects, designers, engineers, and other AEC professionals working on building projects.
Best Architectural CAD Software in 2026
Architectural CAD software helps plan buildings, develop drawings and coordinate design information. Depending on the tool, work may cover BIM, parametric modeling, rendering, site and terrain work, or quantity takeoff. Compare BIM and modeling features with IFC interoperability, rendering, terrain tools and takeoff support. Check the deployment model and whether an Android app is available; web, Windows, macOS or…
RoomSketcher is floor plan and home design software for creating layouts, furnishing and decorating rooms, and visualizing designs in 3D.
Home Designer is desktop software for creating home plans in 2D and 3D.
- 4

Allplan
ALLPLAN is interdisciplinary BIM software for architecture, engineering and construction, supporting design and construction workflows through project phases.
iOSWebmacOSWindows7.2From €123 a month - 5

Chief Architect
Chief Architect Premier is 3D design software for residential and light commercial projects, including remodeling, kitchens, baths, and interiors.
AndroidiOSWebmacOS7.2From $1,995 a year - 6
Vectorworks Architect
Vectorworks Architect is BIM software for architectural design from pre-design through construction documentation.
AndroidiOSWebmacOS7.2From $1,530 a year - 7

Floorplanner
Floorplanner is a browser-based floor plan editor for laying out rooms and creating architectural visualizations with cloud rendering.
Free planWebAPI6.9$163 one-time - 8

nanoCAD
nanoCAD is Windows software for 2D and 3D engineering drawing and design, using a hybrid modeling approach.
Windows6.8 - 9

ARCHLine.XP
ARCHLine.XP is 3D CAD/BIM software for architectural and interior design, covering concept development, technical documentation, and visualization.
AndroidExtensionmacOSWindows6.7€3,010 one-time - 10
Cedreo
Cedreo is cloud-based 3D home design software for housing professionals, including home builders, contractors, remodelers, and interior designers.
Free planWebmacOSWindows6.7Free plan - 11

DraftSight
DraftSight is a desktop CAD application for creating, editing, viewing and sharing 2D DWG drawings, with 3D design capabilities in some versions.
APImacOSWindows6.6From $299 a year - 12

QCAD Professional
QCAD Professional is 2D CAD software for technical drawings such as building plans, mechanical parts, and diagrams.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.6$48 one-time - 13
6.5 - 14

Bonsai
Bonsai is a free family of open-source apps for creating, reviewing, and sharing IFC models.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.4Free plan - 15
6.3 - 16
SoftPlan
SoftPlan is home design software for residential and light commercial work, aimed at professional users creating detailed drawings, 3D renderings, and material takeoffs.
iOSWindows6.3From $79 a month - 17
SPIRIT
SPIRIT is professional CAD-BIM software for architecture, interior design, specialist planning, construction, and related work.
Windows6.3From €37.50 a month - 18

AllyCAD
Windows5.6 - 19

OpenBuildings Designer
Windows5.5From $3,844 a year - 20
CYPE Architecture
Windows4.8 - 21
ArCADia BIM
Windows4.5 - 22
progeCAD Architecture
Windows4.5
Choosing well
Check where you can work
The listed platforms include Windows, macOS, iOS, web, Android and API access. Confirm the specific product's supported platform before choosing it.
If you need mobile access, look for an Android or iOS app. A web deployment can be useful when a desktop installation is not practical.
Match the design workflow
Compare BIM support with parametric modeling. These features affect how building information and design changes are handled.
Review whether the tool includes integrated rendering if visual output is part of your process.
Check exchange and site tools
IFC interoperability can matter when models move between applications. Confirm the IFC support offered by the product.
Site and terrain tools help with project context, while quantity takeoff support can assist with measuring materials or work.
Compare plans and deployment
The category includes free plans, freemium offerings, paid products and free trials. Check the current plan terms and the listed Paid from price.
Compare desktop, web, mobile and API deployment with your team's needs. If you need to read or change the code, check the tool's licence.
Questions people ask
Is architectural CAD software available on Android?
Android is one of the platforms represented in this category, but support varies by product. Check the specific tool's platform details before choosing it.
What is BIM support?
BIM support concerns building information workflows. Compare it with parametric modeling to see whether a tool fits your design process.
Why does IFC interoperability matter?
IFC support helps models move between compatible applications. Check the product's stated IFC capabilities when coordination is important.
Can I try architectural CAD software for free?
The category includes products with free plans and products offering free trials. Review the individual plan terms before starting work.
What is quantity takeoff support?
Quantity takeoff tools help measure quantities from a project. Check whether the product includes this feature if estimating materials or work matters.

