# Archicad, OpenBuildings Designer vs Vectorworks Architect Comparison | | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **Star Rating** | 4.6 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.3 out of 5 | | **Total Reviews** | 291 | 16 | 235 | | **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (86.7% of reviews) | Small-Business (43.8% of reviews) | Small-Business (84.6% of reviews) | | **Entry Level Price** | $2,810.00 1 Seat Per Year | $2,686 Includes software, support, and installation on up to 3 machines but only for one concurrent user at a time. Local currency pricing available. | $1,530.00 1 license Per Year | --- ## Top Pros & Cons ### Archicad Pros: - Ease of Use (52 reviews) - 3D Modeling (35 reviews) Cons: - Missing Features (30 reviews) - Library Issues (16 reviews) ### OpenBuildings Designer Pros: - Customer Support (1 reviews) - Customization (1 reviews) Cons: - Expensive (1 reviews) ### Vectorworks Architect Pros: - Ease of Use (13 reviews) - Features (12 reviews) Cons: - 3D Modeling Issues (4 reviews) - Difficult Learning (4 reviews) --- ## Ratings Comparison | Rating | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **Meets Requirements** | 8.8 (242 reviews) | 7.9 (14 reviews) | 8.5 (213 reviews) | | **Ease of Use** | 8.4 (244 reviews) | 7.7 (14 reviews) | 8.2 (214 reviews) | | **Ease of Setup** | 8.3 (88 reviews) | 6.7 (5 reviews) | 8.5 (78 reviews) | | **Ease of Admin** | 8.0 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.3 (27 reviews) | | **Quality of Support** | 8.2 (230 reviews) | 8.2 (13 reviews) | 8.5 (203 reviews) | | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.4 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.7 (25 reviews) | | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.2 (228 reviews) | 7.3 (13 reviews) | 7.7 (211 reviews) | --- ## Pricing ### Archicad #### Entry-Level Pricing Plan: 3-Year Archicad Collaborate Subscription Price: $2,810.00 1 Seat Per Year Description: Three year subscription, billed annually. Prices are informational only. Final price depends on your billing country, and may differ from prices shown here. Key Features: - BIMx Pro - Redshift rendering - Surface catalog [Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/archicad/pricing) #### Free Trial Yes ### OpenBuildings Designer #### Entry-Level Pricing Plan: OpenBuildings Designer 12-month subscription Price: $2,686 Includes software, support, and installation on up to 3 machines but only for one concurrent user at a time. Local currency pricing available. [Learn more about OpenBuildings Designer](https://www.g2.com/products/openbuildings-designer/reviews) #### Free Trial Yes ### Vectorworks Architect #### Entry-Level Pricing Plan: Annual Subscription Price: $1,530.00 1 license Per Year Description: Note: All prices listed in USD. Key Features: - Best for frequent use - Unlimited Vectorworks University Courses - 15% off online training [Browse all 2 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/vectorworks-architect/pricing) #### Free Trial Yes --- ## Features Comparison By Category ### Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Archicad** | 7.6/10 | 150 | | **OpenBuildings Designer** | 8.0/10 | 13 | | **Vectorworks Architect** | 7.1/10 | 57 | #### Design | Feature | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **Visualizing** | 9.2 (142 reviews) | 8.3 (11 reviews) | 8.3 (53 reviews) | | **Rendering** | 7.4 (134 reviews) | 8.2 (10 reviews) | 7.4 (48 reviews) | | **Drawing** | 9.1 (142 reviews) | 8.1 (13 reviews) | 8.7 (53 reviews) | | **Editing** | 8.8 (139 reviews) | 8.6 (13 reviews) | 7.8 (47 reviews) | | **Sequence Steps** | 7.5 (117 reviews) | 7.3 (10 reviews) | 6.7 (46 reviews) | | **Dynamic Updating** | 8.7 (110 reviews) | 7.8 (12 reviews) | 7.6 (43 reviews) | #### Collaboration | Feature | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **Multi User** | 8.7 (121 reviews) | 8.9 (12 reviews) | 6.2 (48 reviews) | | **File Import/Export** | 8.5 (140 reviews) | 9.0 (13 reviews) | 7.8 (52 reviews) | | **Annotating ** | 8.2 (138 reviews) | 7.8 (13 reviews) | 8.1 (49 reviews) | | **Document Storage** | 8.4 (136 reviews) | 8.8 (13 reviews) | 7.8 (50 reviews) | #### Construction | Feature | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **Fabrication** | 7.3 (103 reviews) | 7.6 (7 reviews) | 6.6 (47 reviews) | | **Reinforcement Tools** | 6.4 (97 reviews) | 6.1 (6 reviews) | 6.4 (43 reviews) | | **Clash Detection ** | 7.3 (109 reviews) | 7.4 (12 reviews) | 6.0 (44 reviews) | | **Grading** | 6.5 (100 reviews) | 7.6 (7 reviews) | 6.3 (40 reviews) | | **Earthwork** | 6.2 (96 reviews) | Not enough data | 5.9 (39 reviews) | #### Generative AI | Feature | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **AI Text Generation** | 6.1 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | | **AI Text Summarization** | 6.0 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | | **AI Text-to-3D** | 5.9 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | 5.8 (39 reviews) | #### Common Data Environment (CDE) - Building Design and Building Information Modeling | Feature | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **Role-Based Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Centralized Data Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Cost Estimation - Building Design and Building Information Modeling | Feature | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **Lifecycle Cost Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Electrical & Circuit Design - Building Design and Building Information Modeling | Feature | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **Clash Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Electrical System Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **MEP Coordination** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Load Calculation & Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Interoperability with BIM & CAD** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Circuit Design Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | ### Urban Planning and Design | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Archicad** | 7.8/10 | 27 | | **OpenBuildings Designer** | N/A | N/A | | **Vectorworks Architect** | N/A | N/A | #### Plan | Feature | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **Documentation** | 8.4 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Sequence** | 7.4 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Annotate** | 8.3 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Collaborate** | 8.6 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Design | Feature | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **3D Modeling** | 9.2 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **3D Rendering** | 7.6 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **2D Modeling** | 8.6 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Editing** | 8.8 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Analysis | Feature | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **Sustainability** | 7.0 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Liveability** | 5.9 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Movement** | 6.4 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | ### Architectural Rendering | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Archicad** | 7.7/10 | 133 | | **OpenBuildings Designer** | N/A | N/A | | **Vectorworks Architect** | 7.2/10 | 29 | #### Library | Feature | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **Objects** | 7.6 (130 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.4 (29 reviews) | | **Materials** | 7.6 (130 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.6 (29 reviews) | #### Rendering | Feature | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **Textures** | 7.2 (128 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.8 (29 reviews) | | **Shading** | 7.8 (127 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.6 (29 reviews) | | **Lighting** | 7.1 (120 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.4 (29 reviews) | | **Exterior Rendering** | 7.0 (123 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.2 (29 reviews) | | **Aerial Rendering** | 7.0 (117 reviews) | Not enough data | 6.8 (29 reviews) | | **Atmospheric rendering** | 6.1 (108 reviews) | Not enough data | 6.1 (29 reviews) | #### Integrations | Feature | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **BIM Integration** | 8.5 (122 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.4 (29 reviews) | | **3D Rendering Integration** | 8.1 (125 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.5 (28 reviews) | #### Generative AI | Feature | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **AI Text-to-3D** | 6.4 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | 6.2 (27 reviews) | --- ## Categories **Shared Categories (1):** [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim) **Unique to Archicad (2):** [Architectural Rendering Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/architectural-rendering), [Urban Planning and Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/urban-planning-and-design) **Unique to Vectorworks Architect (1):** [Architectural Rendering Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/architectural-rendering) --- ## Reviewer Demographics ### By Company Size | Segment | Archicad | OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |---|---|---|---| | **Small-Business** | 86.7% | 43.8% | 84.6% | | **Mid-Market** | 10.4% | 43.8% | 9.3% | | **Enterprise** | 2.9% | 12.5% | 6.2% | ### By Industry #### Archicad - **Architecture & Planning:** 83.0% - **Construction:** 5.3% - **Design:** 4.3% - **Civil Engineering:** 1.4% - **Marketing and Advertising:** 0.7% - **Information Technology and Services:** 0.7% - **Alternative Dispute Resolution:** 0.4% - **Building Materials:** 0.4% - **Commercial Real Estate:** 0.4% - **Computer Software:** 0.4% - **Other:** 3.2% #### OpenBuildings Designer - **Architecture & Planning:** 25.0% - **Construction:** 18.8% - **Civil Engineering:** 18.8% - **Higher Education:** 12.5% - **Utilities:** 6.3% - **Management Consulting:** 6.3% - **Information Technology and Services:** 6.3% - **Civic & Social Organization:** 6.3% #### Vectorworks Architect - **Architecture & Planning:** 62.3% - **Design:** 9.2% - **Entertainment:** 5.7% - **Construction:** 3.9% - **Marketing and Advertising:** 2.2% - **Higher Education:** 2.2% - **Events Services:** 1.8% - **Broadcast Media:** 1.3% - **Performing Arts:** 1.3% - **Computer Software:** 0.9% - **Other:** 9.2% --- ## Alternatives ### Alternatives to Archicad - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews) - [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (946 reviews) - [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1930 reviews) - [Blender](https://www.g2.com/products/blender/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (315 reviews) - [Civil 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (304 reviews) - [V-Ray](https://www.g2.com/products/v-ray/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (221 reviews) - [Lumion Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/lumion-pro/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (108 reviews) - [AutoCAD MEP](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-mep/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (203 reviews) - [Navisworks](https://www.g2.com/products/navisworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (204 reviews) - [DataCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/datacad/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (64 reviews) ### Alternatives to OpenBuildings Designer - [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (946 reviews) - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews) - [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1930 reviews) - [Civil 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (304 reviews) - [Revit LT](https://www.g2.com/products/revit-lt/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (43 reviews) - [Navisworks](https://www.g2.com/products/navisworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (204 reviews) - [Revizto](https://www.g2.com/products/revizto/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (208 reviews) - [AutoCAD MEP](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-mep/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (203 reviews) - [Tekla Structures](https://www.g2.com/products/tekla-structures/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (64 reviews) - [DataCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/datacad/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (64 reviews) ### Alternatives to Vectorworks Architect - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews) - [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (946 reviews) - [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1930 reviews) - [AutoCAD MEP](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-mep/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (203 reviews) - [V-Ray](https://www.g2.com/products/v-ray/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (221 reviews) - [DataCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/datacad/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (64 reviews) - [ALLPLAN](https://www.g2.com/products/allplan/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (25 reviews) - [Civil 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/civil-3d/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (304 reviews) - [Blender](https://www.g2.com/products/blender/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (315 reviews) - [Enscape 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/enscape-3d/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (415 reviews) --- ## Top Discussions ### Archicad - Title: [Is it necessary to make a new version release every year ?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-it-necessary-to-make-a-new-version-release-every-year) — 2 comments, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "No, you can get away with getting it every couple of years. But they do have a good offer when paying yearly and guarantee a new version every year." - Title: [How best can the newly integrated classifications and properties be used to organize keynotes?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/50662-how-best-can-the-newly-integrated-classifications-and-properties-be-used-to-organize-keynotes) — 2 comments, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Hi Spencer, It is frustrating that there is not a straight forward tool for keynoting, however, it is possible. Our company uses the "Keynote..." - Title: [What is the best way to stop it from overloading my computer?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-best-way-to-stop-it-from-overloading-my-computer) — 2 comments, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Ensure your computer meets the recommended specifications that Graphisoft have published on their website, and otherwise rationalize the way you structure a..." - Title: [Why doesn't Archicad do 3D renderings?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/pourquoi-archicad-ne-fait-pas-des-rendus-3d) — 2 comments, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Archicad does 3d Rendering throughout Cinema Render, a rendering motor that comes within the software installation. " - Title: [How do other people make custom objects for their projects?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/12321-how-do-other-people-make-custom-objects-for-their-projects) — 2 comments, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "you can model your own objects with native Arhicad elements such as Walls, Slabs or any other, and then save them as objects by selecting the entire elements..." ### OpenBuildings Designer - Title: [What is open building software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-open-building-software) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "A user friendly BIM tool for all utility designers." - Title: [Where can I found OpenBuildings training material?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/where-can-i-found-openbuildings-training-material) — 1 comment, 3 upvotes > **Top comment:** "Go to Bentley Learn Server and create a free account learn.bentley.com connect.bentley.com Best Wishes," - Title: [How can I promote OpenBuildings for Mechanical and plumbing firms](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-can-i-promote-openbuildings-for-mechanical-and-plumbing-firms) — 1 comment, 2 upvotes > **Top comment:** "Hi Andy, We are using this LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14056987/ to share experiences with other OpenBuildings user. Please join if you..." - Title: [What is OpenBuildings Designer?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-openbuildings-designer) — 1 comment, 2 upvotes > **Top comment:** "A full explanation of what OpenBuildings Designer is can be found here:..." ### Vectorworks Architect No discussions available for this product. --- **Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/archicad-vs-openbuildings-designer-vs-vectorworks-architect)