Architectural CAD software is used to design buildings of all shapes and sizes. Architects use CAD software to draft plans, elevations, and sections of buildings. With the help of CAD software, architects can visualize building designs, simulate how a building will look after it’s been completed, analyses building layouts, and create 3D models of a building.
There are a variety of CAD software in the market, from general-purpose ones to specialist software for niche projects.
Here are the best architectural CAD software programs to help you with your next project.
The best architecture design software programs
Revit
A popular program by tech giant Autodesk, Revit is the tech giant’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) software for those in the AEC sector.
Autodesk Revit is a 3D CAD BIM software that supports your entire project design and documentation needs. With Revit, you can create documentation including architectural drawings, renderings and more. Its parametric components are based on design patterns, easing the customisation of complex models and assemblies.
Revit offers several features which include:
Building information modelling (BIM), which supports integrated design for architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) teams;
Multicad functionality, which enables users to import other file formats;
Customization with APIs and programming language support;
Rendering capabilities with built-in resources like lighting analysis features in Autodesk FormIt 360 and the ability to import images into Inventor or Fusion 360 CAD CAM software for CNC machining and 3D printing
DraftSight
Created by Dassault Systems, the company behind SolidWorks and CATIA, DraftSight is a professional-grade 2D design and drafting solution that lets users create, edit, view and markup any kind of 2D drawing.
It includes all the standard features you'd expect from an architecture program such as the ability to sketch, modify or alter shapes using basic drawing tools like lines, circles and other geometric shapes.
It supports multiple layers, has a dimension tool so users can easily create scaled drawings, and also has advanced annotation tools such as text notes and hatches to show different materials in a section of your design.
AutoCAD
One of the most popular and well-known architecture software programs, AutoCAD is a CAD program that helps you create blueprints and technical drawings. It’s made to be used by anyone involved in the design and engineering process, from creating plans to visualising a final product.
Notable features include 3D modelling capabilities that allow you to create designs from scratch, or import existing designs as reference models for use with your own project. You can also add textures and materials to your design with the rendering feature, which gives it a more realistic look.
It has interactive documentation tools for creating digital drawings from scratch in real time, while tools for 2D drafting to 3D modelling let you create high quality renderings.
Archicad
Whether you are a professional architect or have never done any architectural design before, Archicad may be the right architecture software for you.
Make use of its free-form tools to create full BIM models and get in deep into the details of your building design to design anything from stairs to curtain walls. Its Sketch Render tool produces high quality renders for when a project is in its early stages, while the MAXON’s CineRender tool is built-in to give extremely realistic renders that give you the best visualisations.
SketchUp
Widely used by industry professionals and hobbyists alike, SketchUp is a simple but powerful CAD program that supports almost any architectural project, from interior design and 3D modelling to creating construction documents.
It can support you with basic tasks like designing a floor plan or adding furniture and fixtures, as well as help you create and edit 3D models with ease. You can also produce photorealistic rendering and create presentations through Animator.
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