ArchiCAD
The architect's BIM tool built around a single true 3D model, not layered 2D drawings
What it is
About ArchiCAD
ArchiCAD is one of the original Building Information Modelling (BIM) authoring tools, letting architects design a building as an intelligent 3D model where walls, doors and floors are real building elements rather than abstract lines, automatically keeping plans, sections, elevations and schedules in sync. It's a long-standing alternative to Autodesk Revit, particularly popular with small-to-mid-size architecture practices in Europe.
What you can do with it
Capabilities
Design a building as a coordinated 3D BIM model with intelligent elements
Automatically generate and keep synced plans, sections, elevations and schedules
Collaborate with structural/MEP consultants via open BIM (IFC) exchange
Produce construction documentation and quantity take-offs directly from the model
Visualise designs with built-in rendering and walkthrough tools
How to learn it
Learning Resources
Graphisoft's official ArchiCAD tutorials and Graphisoft Learn platform
Graphisoft-certified training centres and the ArchiCAD certification exam
YouTube channels like ArchiCAD Templates and The BIM Coach
Practise by fully modelling a small existing building (e.g. your own home) from measured drawings
Pro Tip
Invest early in setting up a proper ArchiCAD template (layers, favourites, view/layout structure) — practices that skip this step end up rebuilding the same setup decisions project after project
Skills that use this tool
Roles that use this tool