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Software · head to head

ArchiCAD vs Fieldwire

ArchiCAD logo

ArchiCAD

Software

BIM software for architects

From
$177/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Fieldwire logo

Fieldwire

Software

Field management software for construction teams

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Fieldwire has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: ArchiCAD available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support; Fieldwire free tier limited to 5 team members and 3 projects maximum
  • They diverge on capability: ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Fieldwire covers Task management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ArchiCAD and Fieldwire actually diverge.

Attributes where ArchiCAD and Fieldwire differ
AttributeArchiCADFieldwire
Starting price$177/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, macOSiOS, Android
Founded19822013

Identical on both: 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 Fieldwire

  • Task management
  • Digital blueprints
  • Punch lists
  • Inspections
  • Photo documentation
  • Procore
  • Autodesk BIM 360
  • Box

What people use each for

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

ArchiCAD

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

Fieldwire

  • Construction task tracking and field coordinationnot ArchiCAD
  • Punch list management on mobile devicesnot ArchiCAD
  • Project documentation organisationnot ArchiCAD
  • Field team communicationnot 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

Fieldwire

  • Free tier limited to 5 team members and 3 projects maximum
  • Basic plan limited to 100 sheets
  • Advanced features (RFIs, submittals, change orders, budget management) restricted to higher tiers
  • BIM viewer availability gated to Business tier and above

Pricing, plan by plan

ArchiCAD

$177/month

No published plan breakdown. See the ArchiCAD review.

Fieldwire

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Fieldwire review.

Which should you pick?

Choose ArchiCAD if

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

Choose Fieldwire if

  • You need task management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android.
  • You also want digital blueprints.
Fieldwire review

Questions people ask

Is ArchiCAD or Fieldwire better?
Neither clearly leads. ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and Fieldwire at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ArchiCAD or Fieldwire?
Fieldwire has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $177/month for ArchiCAD and Free for Fieldwire.
Does ArchiCAD or Fieldwire run on more platforms?
ArchiCAD runs on Windows, macOS. Fieldwire runs on iOS, Android.
Can I use Fieldwire for free?
Yes. Fieldwire has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. ArchiCAD starts at $177/month.
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 Fieldwire is typically brought in for.
What can ArchiCAD do that Fieldwire cannot?
ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Design tools, Documentation, Rendering. Fieldwire covers Task management, Digital blueprints, Punch lists, Inspections.
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