Archicad
8.3#1 in architecture softwareFrom $201 a monthFree planAndroidiOSWebAPI
VisitArchicad vs Home Designer
Home Designer
7.8#2 in architecture softwareFrom $495 a yearAndroidiOSmacOSWindows
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | Archicad | Home Designer |
|---|---|---|
| API and SDK | The General API Development Kit lets developers extend Archicad with add-ons and includes API, function, structure, error-code and FAQ documentation. | The public product pages and documentation describe file import/export and viewer sharing but do not provide a public API or SDK. |
| Company size | Graphisoft states that it employs more than 700 people across 21 offices in 13 countries. | LinkedIn lists Chief Architect Software as privately held with 51–200 employees. |
| Documentation and support | Graphisoft provides versioned Help documentation, Graphisoft Learn courses, technical support and a user community. | Documentation includes a reference manual, illustrated user guide, installation guide, update notes, knowledge-base articles, videos, webinars, phone and online support. |
| Headquarters | Budapest, Hungary | LinkedIn lists the headquarters at 6500 N Mineral Drive, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, United States. |
| Licence | Archicad is proprietary software governed by an End User License Agreement; it is licensed rather than sold and is not open source. | The EULA grants an individual, non-transferable proprietary licence and prohibits reverse engineering, redistribution and disabling authentication. |
| Purpose | Archicad is BIM software for architects, designers, engineers, and other AEC professionals to design, document, collaborate, and deliver building projects. | Home Designer is DIY software for home design, remodeling, kitchen and bath design, and cost estimation. |
| Rating on Apple App Store | 4.2 out of 5 from 47 ratings | 3.7 out of 5 from 526 ratings for the companion 3D Viewer app |
| Rating on GetApp | 4.4 out of 5 from 280 reviews | 4.2 out of 5 from 9 reviews |
| Rating on Google Play | 4.2 out of 5 from 6.06K reviews | 3.5 out of 5 from 386 reviews for the companion 3D Viewer app |
Archicad plans
- Archicad EDUFree
- Archicad Studio$201 a month
- Archicad Collaborate$237 a month
- Archicad Max$475 a month
Home Designer plans
- Home Designer$79 a month
- Home Designer$495 a year
- Home Designer Pro Rent (legacy)$59 a month
- Home Designer subscription (monthly)$79 a month
- Home Designer (monthly subscription)$79 a month
- Home Designer Suite (legacy)$129, paid once
Pick Archicad if…
It suits AEC professionals who need BIM tools for building design, documentation, collaboration, and delivery. Eligible students, educators, and educational institutions can use the free EDU license for non-commercial work.
Pick Home Designer if…
It suits people creating home plans on Windows or macOS who need both 2D and 3D work. It may fit users who need to exchange DWG or DXF plans and can work without collaboration tools.