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Software · head to head

SketchUp vs ArchiCAD

SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Software

3D design software for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
ArchiCAD logo

ArchiCAD

Software

BIM software for architects

From
$177/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only SketchUp has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: SketchUp studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux; ArchiCAD available on Windows and macOS only, no native Linux support
  • They diverge on capability: SketchUp covers 3D modeling, ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SketchUp and ArchiCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where SketchUp and ArchiCAD differ
AttributeSketchUpArchiCAD
Starting priceFree$177/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only)Windows, macOS
Founded19781982

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 SketchUp

  • 3D modeling
  • 2D documentation
  • Animation
  • Extension warehouse
  • 3D Warehouse
  • LayOut
  • V-Ray
  • Enscape

Only in ArchiCAD

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

Both cover

  • Rendering
  • Lumion
  • Windows support
  • MacOS support

What people use each for

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

SketchUp

  • 3D architectural design and visualizationnot ArchiCAD
  • Product design and prototypingnot ArchiCAD
  • Interior design planningnot ArchiCAD
  • Real estate visualizationnot ArchiCAD

ArchiCAD

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

Where each one falls short

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

SketchUp

  • Studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux
  • Go tier restricted to iPad and web—no desktop application access
  • LayOut (documentation tool) only available in Pro and Studio tiers
  • 1000+ extensions library only available in Pro and Studio; Go has limited extension access

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

Pricing, plan by plan

SketchUp

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp review.

ArchiCAD

$177/month

No published plan breakdown. See the ArchiCAD review.

Which should you pick?

Choose SketchUp if

  • You need 3d modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only).
  • You also want 2d documentation.
SketchUp review

Choose ArchiCAD if

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

Questions people ask

Is SketchUp or ArchiCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. SketchUp starts at Free and ArchiCAD at $177/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SketchUp or ArchiCAD?
SketchUp has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for SketchUp and $177/month for ArchiCAD.
Does SketchUp or ArchiCAD run on more platforms?
SketchUp runs on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only). ArchiCAD runs on Windows, macOS.
Can I use SketchUp for free?
Yes. SketchUp has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. ArchiCAD starts at $177/month.
What is SketchUp best used for?
SketchUp is most often used for 3d architectural design and visualization, product design and prototyping, interior design planning, real estate visualization. Of those, 3d architectural design and visualization and product design and prototyping are not what ArchiCAD is typically brought in for.
What can SketchUp do that ArchiCAD cannot?
SketchUp covers 3D modeling, 2D documentation, Animation, Extension warehouse. ArchiCAD covers BIM modeling, Design tools, Documentation, Energy analysis. Both handle Rendering, Lumion, Windows support, MacOS support.
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