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Software · head to head

ArchiCAD vs PlanGrid

ArchiCAD logo

ArchiCAD

Software

BIM software for architects

From
$177/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PlanGrid logo

PlanGrid

Software

Construction productivity software for the field

From
$39/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: ArchiCAD available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support; PlanGrid autodesk states PlanGrid is no longer available for purchase by net-new customers, with new buyers directed to Forma Build
  • They diverge on capability: ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, PlanGrid covers Blueprint management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ArchiCAD and PlanGrid actually diverge.

Attributes where ArchiCAD and PlanGrid differ
AttributeArchiCADPlanGrid
Starting price$177/month$39/month
PlatformsWindows, macOSWeb, Ios, Android

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (1982).

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 PlanGrid

  • Blueprint management
  • Issue tracking
  • Photo documentation
  • Punch lists
  • RFI management
  • Autodesk BIM 360
  • Procore
  • Box

What people use each for

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

ArchiCAD

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

PlanGrid

  • Giving field crews real-time access to construction plans, issues and photosnot ArchiCAD
  • Capturing site forms and photos from a tablet on a job sitenot ArchiCAD
  • Managing organization licences for a construction document appnot 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

PlanGrid

  • Autodesk states PlanGrid is no longer available for purchase by net-new customers, with new buyers directed to Forma Build
  • PlanGrid access is now sold only through Forma Build, so pricing is set by the Forma Build subscription rather than PlanGrid itself
  • Mobile users must access PlanGrid projects through the Autodesk Forma mobile app rather than a standalone PlanGrid app
  • The PlanGrid desktop app requires Windows 10 or higher
  • The Admin Console for managing users and licences is a separate site restricted to designated organization admins

Pricing, plan by plan

ArchiCAD

$177/month

No published plan breakdown. See the ArchiCAD review.

PlanGrid

$39/month
  • Build$39/month
    • Sheet management
    • Issue tracking
    • RFIs
  • EnterpriseFree
    • Advanced analytics
    • Custom integrations
    • Priority support

Which should you pick?

Choose ArchiCAD if

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

Choose PlanGrid if

  • You need blueprint management.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want issue tracking.
PlanGrid review

Questions people ask

Is ArchiCAD or PlanGrid better?
Neither clearly leads. ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and PlanGrid at $39/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ArchiCAD or PlanGrid?
ArchiCAD starts at $177/month and PlanGrid at $39/month.
Does ArchiCAD or PlanGrid run on more platforms?
ArchiCAD runs on Windows, macOS. PlanGrid 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 PlanGrid is typically brought in for.
What can ArchiCAD do that PlanGrid cannot?
ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Design tools, Documentation, Rendering. PlanGrid covers Blueprint management, Issue tracking, Photo documentation, Punch lists.
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