# ActCAD BIM vs ArcGIS CityEngine Comparison | | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.2 out of 5 | | **Total Reviews** | 50 | 22 | | **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (78.7% of reviews) | Mid-Market (45.0% of reviews) | | **Entry Level Price** | Contact Us With One-Time Purchase | No pricing available | --- ## Top Pros & Cons ### ActCAD BIM Pros: - Affordable (1 reviews) - Efficiency (1 reviews) Cons: - Difficult Learning (1 reviews) - Expensive (1 reviews) ### ArcGIS CityEngine **Not enough data** --- ## Ratings Comparison | Rating | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Meets Requirements** | 9.0 (37 reviews) | 8.9 (16 reviews) | | **Ease of Use** | 8.9 (38 reviews) | 8.8 (16 reviews) | | **Ease of Setup** | 9.4 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Ease of Admin** | 9.3 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Quality of Support** | 8.7 (38 reviews) | 8.4 (16 reviews) | | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 9.0 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.0 (36 reviews) | 7.9 (17 reviews) | --- ## Pricing ### ActCAD BIM #### Entry-Level Pricing Plan: ActCAD 2027 Software Price: Contact Us With One-Time Purchase Description: ActCAD is a 2D & 3D CAD software with functionality of the industry leaders. We offer two product options: - ActCAD Standard for 2D Drafting Power Users - ActCAD Primium for 2D Drafting, 3D Modeling and BIM (Building Information Modeling) functionality ActCAD can be used for applications across domains Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) including Structural, Electrical and Mechanical. We also offer value added products for specific applications based on ActCAD: - ActCAD Nesting - ActCAD Dials & Scales - ActCAD CNC Post Processor ActCAD uses the latest IntelliCAD 14 Engine, Open Design Alliance, dwg/dxf Libraries, ACIS 3D Modeling Kernel, and many other Technologies which ensures file support right from the early R2.5 to the latest 2027 Version of dwg/dxf. It also supports other file formats like .dgn, .step/.stp, .iges/.igs, .stl, .obj, 2D PDF, 3D PDF, .svg, .dae, etc. The interface and commands are designed in a manner that is familiar and easy for migration from any CAD Software. Key Features: - Support for 2027 dwg & dxf files - High Speed and Performance - IntelliCAD 14 Engine & ODA 21.11 Libraries [Learn more about ActCAD BIM](https://www.g2.com/products/actcad-actcad-bim/reviews) #### Free Trial Yes ### ArcGIS CityEngine #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial Yes --- ## Features Comparison By Category ### Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **ActCAD BIM** | N/A | N/A | | **ArcGIS CityEngine** | N/A | N/A | #### Design | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Visualizing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Rendering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Drawing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Editing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Sequence Steps** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Dynamic Updating** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Collaboration | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Multi User** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **File Import/Export** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Annotating ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Document Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Construction | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Fabrication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Reinforcement Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Clash Detection ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Grading** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Earthwork** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Generative AI | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Common Data Environment (CDE) - Building Design and Building Information Modeling | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Role-Based Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Centralized Data Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Cost Estimation - Building Design and Building Information Modeling | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Lifecycle Cost Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Electrical & Circuit Design - Building Design and Building Information Modeling | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Clash Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Electrical System Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **MEP Coordination** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Load Calculation & Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Interoperability with BIM & CAD** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Circuit Design Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | ### 3D Modeling | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **ActCAD BIM** | N/A | N/A | | **ArcGIS CityEngine** | N/A | N/A | #### Design | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Sculpting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Topology** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Drawing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Brush Variety ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Effects** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Move | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Animate** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Render** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Views** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Store & Manage | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Pipeline ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Controls** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Template library ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Generative AI | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **AI Text-to-Image** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | Not enough data | ### Civil Engineering Design | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **ActCAD BIM** | 7.9/10 | 15 | | **ArcGIS CityEngine** | 8.8/10 | 50 | #### Plan | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Documentation ** | 8.8 (12 reviews) | 8.9 (12 reviews) | | **Sequence** | 8.0 (9 reviews) | 8.6 (12 reviews) | | **Annotate** | 8.5 (11 reviews) | 8.8 (12 reviews) | | **Collaborate ** | 8.1 (9 reviews) | 8.3 (11 reviews) | #### Design | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **3D Modeling** | 7.1 (8 reviews) | 9.4 (12 reviews) | | **3D Rendering ** | 6.7 (7 reviews) | 9.4 (12 reviews) | | **Drawing** | 8.6 (12 reviews) | 9.7 (12 reviews) | | **Editing ** | 8.3 (12 reviews) | 8.6 (12 reviews) | #### Construction | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Fabrication** | 7.8 (6 reviews) | 8.2 (12 reviews) | | **Reinforcement** | 7.5 (6 reviews) | 8.8 (11 reviews) | | **Clash Detection** | 6.0 (5 reviews) | 8.3 (11 reviews) | | **Grading** | 8.3 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Earthwork** | 7.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Engineering | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Hydraulic engineering** | 8.6 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Hydrologic engineering** | 8.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Transportation engineering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Structural engineering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | ### General-Purpose CAD | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **ActCAD BIM** | 8.0/10 | 28 | | **ArcGIS CityEngine** | N/A | N/A | #### Design | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Drawing** | 9.2 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Modeling** | 7.6 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Visualize ** | 7.5 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Rendering** | 7.2 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Edit | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **File Import ** | 8.7 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Push/Pull** | 7.8 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Views** | 8.0 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Grips ** | 7.7 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Collaboration | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Annotate** | 8.3 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Documentation ** | 8.1 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Data Extract** | 8.3 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | ### CAD Libraries | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **ActCAD BIM** | 6.9/10 | 10 | | **ArcGIS CityEngine** | N/A | N/A | #### Library | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Categorize** | 7.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Search** | 7.3 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Deduplication** | 6.7 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Feedback** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### CAD | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Types** | 5.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Models** | 7.5 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Compatibility** | 8.1 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Integration | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Catalogs** | 6.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | | **CAD & PLM** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **ERP** | 6.3 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | ### CAD Viewers | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **ActCAD BIM** | 8.5/10 | 11 | | **ArcGIS CityEngine** | N/A | N/A | #### File Options | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Import files** | 9.3 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Export files** | 9.0 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | | **View 2D files** | 9.8 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | | **View 3D files** | 6.9 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Batch convert files** | 8.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | | **File size** | 9.3 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Tools | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Dimensioning tools** | 9.1 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Change units** | 8.3 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | | **3D/solid modeling tools** | 5.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Design | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Drawing** | 9.8 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | ### Urban Planning and Design | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **ActCAD BIM** | N/A | N/A | | **ArcGIS CityEngine** | N/A | N/A | #### Plan | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Documentation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Sequence** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Annotate** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Collaborate** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Design | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **3D Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **3D Rendering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **2D Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Editing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Analysis | Feature | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Sustainability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Liveability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Movement** | Not enough data | Not enough data | --- ## Categories **Shared Categories (1):** [Civil Engineering Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/civil-engineering-design) **Unique to ActCAD BIM (5):** [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers), [CAD Libraries](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-libraries), [Sketching Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim) **Unique to ArcGIS CityEngine (2):** [Urban Planning and Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/urban-planning-and-design), [3D Modeling Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/3d-modeling) --- ## Reviewer Demographics ### By Company Size | Segment | ActCAD BIM | ArcGIS CityEngine | |---|---|---| | **Small-Business** | 78.7% | 20.0% | | **Mid-Market** | 17.0% | 45.0% | | **Enterprise** | 4.3% | 35.0% | ### By Industry #### ActCAD BIM - **Architecture & Planning:** 25.5% - **Civil Engineering:** 23.4% - **Construction:** 12.8% - **Computer Software:** 4.3% - **Information Technology and Services:** 4.3% - **Oil & Energy:** 4.3% - **Management Consulting:** 2.1% - **Investment Management:** 2.1% - **Internet:** 2.1% - **Maritime:** 2.1% - **Other:** 17.0% #### ArcGIS CityEngine - **Information Technology and Services:** 15.0% - **Higher Education:** 15.0% - **Government Administration:** 15.0% - **Architecture & Planning:** 15.0% - **Construction:** 10.0% - **Transportation/Trucking/Railroad:** 5.0% - **Mining & Metals:** 5.0% - **Internet:** 5.0% - **Design:** 5.0% - **Consumer Services:** 5.0% - **Other:** 5.0% --- ## Alternatives ### Alternatives to ActCAD BIM - [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1934 reviews) - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews) - [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews) - [AutoCAD LT](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-lt/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (285 reviews) - [DraftSight](https://www.g2.com/products/draftsight/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (208 reviews) - [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (349 reviews) - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews) - [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (413 reviews) - [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews) - [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (947 reviews) ### Alternatives to ArcGIS CityEngine - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews) - [Civil 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (304 reviews) - [Autodesk InfraWorks](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-infraworks/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (42 reviews) - [Blender](https://www.g2.com/products/blender/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (316 reviews) - [Unity](https://www.g2.com/products/unity/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (364 reviews) - [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (413 reviews) - [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (349 reviews) - [GeoHECRAS](https://www.g2.com/products/geohecras/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (348 reviews) - [Meshy](https://www.g2.com/products/meshy/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (2683 reviews) - [Recraft](https://www.g2.com/products/recraft/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (455 reviews) --- ## Top Discussions ### ActCAD BIM - Title: [How can I get some of my old lisp routines to work. They don't work well with ActCAD.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/24142-how-can-i-get-some-of-my-old-lisp-routines-to-work-they-don-t-work-well-with-actcad) — 3 comments, 1 upvote *(includes official response)* > **Top comment:** "Hi David, thank you for your valuable inputs. Please share the details of your programs we will try to improve them and add to ActCAD package. Please note..." - Title: [Is ActCAD legit?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-actcad-legit) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "I don’t have any problem with ActCad. It’s more affordable than any competitors. The quality might come out on top when you facilitate the team effort. ..." - Title: [What is ActCAD used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-actcad-used-for) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "I think, because I am not an expert in Computer Data Storage Structures, I don't know. It seems to be highly capable in allocating Data Space, such that the..." - Title: ["Not opened for read" error](https://www.g2.com/discussions/34302-not-opened-for-read-error) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Update: It is not a "trial" problem. I am able to use all commands when I create a new drawing (and I imagine when I open the drawing that was created in..." - Title: [I am trying to convert over to LINUX from Windows and wonder if a LINUX version will be available? I have tried using Wine to run ActCAD on LINUX Ubuntu but it doesn't seem to work (would appreciate any help with this).](https://www.g2.com/discussions/24491-i-am-trying-to-convert-over-to-linux-from-windows-and-wonder-if-a-linux-version-will-be-available-i-have-tried-using-wine-to-run-actcad-on-linux-ubuntu-but-it-doesn-t-seem-to-work-would-appreciate-any-help-with-this) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "If your system is robust enough, you could run VirtualBox https://www.virtualbox.org/ and then run a windows virtual system to use ActCAD. I've run my older..." ### ArcGIS CityEngine - Title: [What are the system requirements for CityEngine?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/system-requirements-7bd7ef04-09ae-4da9-9b4d-06eb8f244811) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)* > **Top comment:** "See CityEngine system requirements here: http://desktop.arcgis.com/en/cityengine/latest/get-started/esri-cityengine-system-requirements.htm " - Title: [What exactly is procedural modeling?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/procedural-modeling-2bf52bf5-0cb9-4a42-abd9-f000a3c5b23c) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)* > **Top comment:** "Procedural modeling means that 3D geometries and textures are constructed using rules (procedures) instead of labor-intensive manual modeling. A single..." - Title: [What is CGA?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/procedural-modeling) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)* > **Top comment:** "CGA (Computer Generated Architecture) is a unique programming language specified to generate architectural 3D content. The idea of grammar-based modeling is..." - Title: [Can I use CityEngine to generate 3D buildings out of LiDAR data?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/capabilities-c46c9eee-74ae-4628-aefe-479010904657) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)* > **Top comment:** "No. CityEngine does not support LiDAR data nor are tools provided for the automatic extraction of surfaces out of point clouds. However, based on ArcGIS Pro..." - Title: [Does CityEngine support the creation of 3D KML files?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/capabilities-4b2d36fd-4c4d-4ff6-852e-3a74e63e5630) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)* > **Top comment:** "Yes. The ability to import and export KML is available in CityEngine. Industry-standard 3D object properties such as advanced materials and multiple textures..." --- **Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/actcad-actcad-bim-vs-arcgis-cityengine)