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ArchiCAD vs CMiC

ArchiCAD logo

ArchiCAD

Software

BIM software for architects

From
$177/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
CMiC logo

CMiC

Software

Cloud-based construction management software

From
$300/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: ArchiCAD available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support; CMiC pricing is by quote only, with the site's Pricing link leading to a Get a Quote form and no rate, tier or minimum published
  • They diverge on capability: ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, CMiC covers Project management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ArchiCAD and CMiC actually diverge.

Attributes where ArchiCAD and CMiC differ
AttributeArchiCADCMiC
Starting price$177/month$300/month
PlatformsWindows, macOSWeb, Ios, Android
Founded19821985

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in ArchiCAD

  • BIM modeling
  • Design tools
  • Documentation
  • Rendering
  • Energy analysis
  • IFC support
  • Teamwork collaboration
  • Library parts

Only in CMiC

  • Project management
  • Accounting
  • Document management
  • Job costing
  • Field operations
  • QuickBooks
  • Sage
  • Microsoft 365

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

ArchiCAD

  • Architectural design with BIM capabilitiesnot CMiC
  • Real-time team collaboration via BIMcloudnot CMiC
  • Automated documentation generation from design changesnot CMiC
  • Mixed Windows and macOS team environmentsnot CMiC

CMiC

  • Running construction accounting and financials as an ERP for a contractornot ArchiCAD
  • Managing project documents, workflow and approvals alongside the general ledgernot ArchiCAD
  • Analytics and reporting across a construction firm's projectsnot ArchiCAD

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

ArchiCAD

  • Available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support
  • Subscription-only licensing model with no perpetual licence option
  • Studio tier does not include MEP Designer - requires Collaborate tier at $208/month

CMiC

  • Pricing is by quote only, with the site's Pricing link leading to a Get a Quote form and no rate, tier or minimum published
  • Functionality is split into separately named products including Construction Financials, Project Management, Workflow, Analytics, NEXUS and CONSTRUCT

Pricing, plan by plan

ArchiCAD

$177/month

No published plan breakdown. See the ArchiCAD review.

CMiC

$300/month
  • Core$300/month
    • Project management
    • Accounting
    • Document management
  • EnterpriseFree
    • Mobile field app
    • Advanced analytics
    • API access

Which should you pick?

Choose ArchiCAD if

  • You need bim modeling.
  • You work on Windows, macOS.
  • You also want design tools.
ArchiCAD review

Choose CMiC if

  • You need project management.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want accounting.
CMiC review

Questions people ask

Is ArchiCAD or CMiC better?
Neither clearly leads. ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and CMiC at $300/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ArchiCAD or CMiC?
ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and CMiC at $300/month.
Does ArchiCAD or CMiC run on more platforms?
ArchiCAD runs on Windows, macOS. CMiC runs on Web, Ios, Android.
What is ArchiCAD best used for?
ArchiCAD is most often used for architectural design with bim capabilities, real-time team collaboration via bimcloud, automated documentation generation from design changes, mixed windows and macos team environments. Of those, architectural design with bim capabilities and real-time team collaboration via bimcloud are not what CMiC is typically brought in for.
What can ArchiCAD do that CMiC cannot?
ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Design tools, Documentation, Rendering. CMiC covers Project management, Accounting, Document management, Job costing.
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