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Construction · head to head

ArchiCAD vs OpenSCAD

ArchiCAD logo

ArchiCAD

Construction

BIM software for architects

From
$177/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OpenSCAD logo

OpenSCAD

CAD

The programmers solid 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only OpenSCAD 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; OpenSCAD script-based workflow, not interactive design interface
  • They diverge on capability: ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ArchiCAD and OpenSCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where ArchiCAD and OpenSCAD differ
AttributeArchiCADOpenSCAD
Starting price$177/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, macOSWindows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly
CategoryConstructionCAD
Founded19822009

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

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 OpenSCAD

  • Script-based modeling
  • CSG operations
  • 2D to 3D extrusion
  • Parameterization
  • STL export
  • Preview
  • 3D printers
  • Slicers

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • MacOS support

What people use each for

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

ArchiCAD

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

OpenSCAD

  • Parametric 3D design for manufacturing and 3D printingnot ArchiCAD
  • Technical design with scripted control over geometrynot ArchiCAD
  • Procedural model generationnot 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

OpenSCAD

  • Script-based workflow, not interactive design interface
  • Limited to constructive solid geometry and 2D extrusion modelling
  • Not suitable for artistic 3D modelling or computer animation
  • Complex build dependencies (Qt, CGAL, Boost)

Pricing, plan by plan

ArchiCAD

$177/month
  • Archicad Studio$177/month
    • Archicad Windows & macOS
    • BIMx Pro
    • BIMcloud Basic
  • Archicad Collaborate$208/month
    • Archicad Windows & macOS
    • MEP Designer
    • BIMx Pro

OpenSCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the OpenSCAD 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 OpenSCAD if

  • You need script-based modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly.
  • You also want csg operations.
OpenSCAD review

Questions people ask

Is ArchiCAD or OpenSCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and OpenSCAD at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ArchiCAD or OpenSCAD?
OpenSCAD has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $177/month for ArchiCAD and Free for OpenSCAD.
Does ArchiCAD or OpenSCAD run on more platforms?
ArchiCAD runs on Windows, macOS. OpenSCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, WebAssembly.
Can I use OpenSCAD for free?
Yes. OpenSCAD 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 OpenSCAD is typically brought in for.
What can ArchiCAD do that OpenSCAD cannot?
ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Design tools, Documentation, Rendering. OpenSCAD covers Script-based modeling, CSG operations, 2D to 3D extrusion, Parameterization. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

ArchiCAD: What is the cost of Archicad's subscription plans?

Archicad Studio starts at $177/month or $2,123 upfront annually. Archicad Collaborate, the most popular tier, is $208/month or $2,497 upfront annually. Both include local and cloud teamworking capabilities.

Source
OpenSCAD: What is the cost of OpenSCAD?

OpenSCAD is free software with no licensing fees, subscriptions, or costs of any kind. The software is available as open-source with no restrictions on commercial or non-commercial use.

Source
ArchiCAD: What is the difference between Archicad Studio and Archicad Collaborate?

Studio includes architectural modeling and BIMcloud Basic for local teamwork. Collaborate adds MEP Designer for MEP modeling and BIMcloud SaaS for cloud-based global teamwork, and costs $31 more per month.

Source
ArchiCAD: Is Archicad free for students?

Yes, Archicad offers free educational licenses for students, educators, and academic institutions. Archicad Studio is available free for 30 days as a trial.

Source
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