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Software · head to head

ArchiCAD vs Linear

ArchiCAD logo

ArchiCAD

Software

BIM software for architects

From
$177/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Linear logo

Linear

Software

The issue tracking tool you'll enjoy using

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Linear 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; Linear no task-level Gantt chart; Timeline view is available for projects only, not individual issues
  • They diverge on capability: ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Linear covers Fast, real-time sync.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ArchiCAD and Linear actually diverge.

Attributes where ArchiCAD and Linear differ
AttributeArchiCADLinear
Starting price$177/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, macOSWeb, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows
Founded19822019

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 Linear

  • Fast, real-time sync
  • Keyboard-first design
  • Automatic issue tracking
  • Cycles (sprints)
  • Projects & milestones
  • Custom workflows
  • API & webhooks
  • Built-in roadmaps

What people use each for

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

ArchiCAD

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

Linear

  • Issue management and triage, converting customer feedback into prioritized issuesnot ArchiCAD
  • Strategic planning via initiatives, roadmaps, and PRDs from idea to launchnot ArchiCAD
  • Agent-assisted development, with agents drafting docs and submitting pull requestsnot ArchiCAD
  • Code review with structural diffs for human and agent outputnot ArchiCAD
  • Progress monitoring via dashboards tracking cycle times and project healthnot 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

Linear

  • No task-level Gantt chart; Timeline view is available for projects only, not individual issues
  • No native time-tracking or hour-logging feature
  • No native Linux desktop app; official FAQ states it 'may come in the future but it's not on the roadmap for now'
  • Free tier capped at 250 issues and 2 teams

Pricing, plan by plan

ArchiCAD

$177/month

No published plan breakdown. See the ArchiCAD review.

Linear

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Unlimited members
    • 2 teams
    • 250 issues
  • Basic$10/month
    • 5 teams
    • Unlimited issues
    • Unlimited file uploads
  • Business$16/month
    • Unlimited teams
    • Private teams/guests
    • Triage Intelligence
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • SAML/SCIM
    • Granular admin controls
    • Invoice/PO billing

Which should you pick?

Choose ArchiCAD if

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

Choose Linear if

  • You need fast, real-time sync.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want keyboard-first design.
Linear review

Questions people ask

Is ArchiCAD or Linear better?
Neither clearly leads. ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and Linear at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ArchiCAD or Linear?
Linear has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $177/month for ArchiCAD and Free for Linear.
Does ArchiCAD or Linear run on more platforms?
ArchiCAD runs on Windows, macOS. Linear runs on Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows.
Can I use Linear for free?
Yes. Linear 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 Linear is typically brought in for.
What can ArchiCAD do that Linear cannot?
ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Design tools, Documentation, Rendering. Linear covers Fast, real-time sync, Keyboard-first design, Automatic issue tracking, Cycles (sprints).
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