Revit is described by many users as the necessary evil of the architectural and BIM industry.
While the value of providing a suite where architecture, structure, and MEP can work in a shared environment is huge, it has fundamental issues that are “killing users’ love of architecture & design”, as one user described it.
If you're looking for a Revit alternative, you might have experienced one or more of these problems yourself:
The worst thing about it is that Autodesk, the company behind Revit, hasn’t done much to address these issues, despite users reporting them for years.
This led to an open letter to Autodesk's CEO, Andrew Agagnost, signed by many major architects and consultants. Although Agagnost responded that Autodesk was listening, the outcome was a series of low-effort fixes that failed to address the core problems.
The good news is that there are many alternatives to Revit that can help optimize your workflow and create a more enjoyable design experience.
While no single tool can fully replace Revit, you can combine the strengths of various applications for the best results.
To help you in your search, we created a list of recommended tools, including free and open-source alternatives, as well as AI-based software that can further enhance your workflow.
Recommended as an affordable, user-friendly alternative, best for small to medium-sized projects.
Archicad is a Revit alternative that’s much more intuitive and easier to use, making your workflow more efficient and enjoyable. It combines the 3D modeling capabilities of SketchUp with BIM features, offering the best of both worlds to architects and interior designers.
While Revit is a popular choice for large-scale projects thanks to its collaboration features between different teams, for small to medium-sized projects, Revit might be an overkill. In such cases, Archicad is a great user-friendly and efficient alternative to Revit, especially for residential projects.
One of Archicad’s strengths is its large library of parametric objects and the ability to create custom objects. This flexibility allows users to realize complex design ideas with ease. However, it's important to note that while Archicad’s integrated rendering is useful, it is slower compared to other tools. There are plenty of Archicad rendering tools out there that can make up for this deficiency though.
In terms of documentation, creating and maintaining it in Archicad is not as strong as in Revit so you may need to use a separate software for that.
Another factor to consider is the regional popularity of Archicad. This tool is more popular in Europe than in the US. If you're learning Archicad for your job, take into account the regional differences in popularity and potential job opportunities.
Pricing starts at $400/year for the Solo version, making Archicad a much more affordable alternative to Revit which costs $2,910/year.
Recommended as an easy-to-use and efficient tool, best for residential projects.
Similarly to Archicad, for small and medium-sized residential projects, Revit might not be the most efficient choice. In such cases, Chief Architect is a fast and nimble Revit alternative that offers an enjoyable and rewarding design experience.
Chief Architect is specifically tailored for residential projects. Users praise it for its extensive library of materials, which allows for a wide range of design options. Additionally, Chief Architect's automatic roofing builds and framing layers make it easy to create detailed and accurate designs.
Another useful feature of Chief Architect is its ability to generate professional print drawings directly from the draft which can be quite a time-saver.
However, it's important to keep in mind that Chief Architect lacks the collaboration features found in Revit. While this might not be a significant concern for smaller projects, it could be a limiting factor for larger-scale projects involving multi-disciplinary teamwork.
Pricing: $199/month or $1,995 with annual billing.
Recommended for users seeking more design freedom and helpful support.
For architects and interior designers seeking greater design freedom and fewer constraints, Vectorworks is a versatile Revit competitor worth considering.
This tool enables architectural firms to handle the entire design process, from schematic design through construction documentation, all within a single tool.
Vectorworks is praised by users for its ability to create graphically appealing and easy-to-read plans, elevations, and details. It offers excellent 2D and graphics tools, such as fonts, drop shadows, gradients, hatches, patterns, and line weights, which are superior to those found in Revit.
Another aspect that sets Vectorworks apart is its helpful support team that’s responsive and genuinely listening to user feedback, which is in stark contrast to the experiences users often have with Revit's support. Additionally, the Vectorworks community is a valuable resource for sharing knowledge and learning from other architects.
However, Vectorworks' 3D modeling tools could be improved. In some cases, users may need to convert 3D objects to other types for 3D commands to work, resulting in too many steps and a less efficient workflow.
Pricing: $153/month or $1,530/year
Recommended as a smooth transition from CAD to BIM.
For those seeking a CAD design software that offers 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical design, and BIM capabilities all under one roof, BricsCAD BIM is a Revit alternative worth exploring.
Users who have made the switch from Revit find BricsCAD BIM to be a breath of fresh air, thanks to its more intuitive workflow and being less resource-intensive.
BricsCAD BIM works in a very similar way to Archicad, but users often find its workflow to be even more logical and efficient.
However, BricsCAD BIM has some areas for improvement. One common concern among users is the limited database of layers. While it's possible to import layers, many users feel that a broader starter kit should be available to cover a more extensive range of design elements.
Another doubt is the performance of BricsCAD BIM on different operating systems. Users have reported that the Linux and Mac versions don’t work as smoothly as the Windows version. Although these are not serious issues, they may be a no-go for some users.
BricsCAD’s pricing is much more affordable than Revit. You can choose between a subscription that starts at $314 for the Lite version and a lifetime license at $708 for the Lite version of the software.
Recommended for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Bentley OpenBuildings Designer stands out as the most customizable BIM model authoring software for extensive multidisciplinary infrastructure projects, such as rail, bridges, airports, industrial plants, roads, offshore, and hydraulic developments.
With a strong focus on collaboration and documentation, this tool is well-equipped to handle the complexities of large-scale projects.
It has its drawbacks though. Bentley OpenBuildings Designer is slower and more expensive than the Revit competitors mentioned before, with a smaller items library compared to Revit. It’s also less intuitive, especially for users moving from tools like Archicad or SketchUp.
Pricing: $3,305/year
Recommended for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Mostly used in Germany, as that's where it originates from, Allplan is an interdisciplinary BIM software that’s made for managing large infrastructure projects.
Similar to Bentley OpenBuildings Designer, Allplan integrates the design and construction processes throughout all project phases, promoting efficient collaboration.
Allplan's versatility extends to specialized tools for specific infrastructure needs. For instance, Allplan Bridge focuses on bridge design, while Allplan Precast caters to precast element projects.
However, Allplan's user experience has room for improvement. Plenty of users find it complicated and not as intuitive as other BIM tools.
Pricing: $571/month or $4,572/year
Recommended as a versatile and easy-to-use modeling software.
Rhino is known for its quick, accurate modeling capabilities and fast 2D drawing, layouts, and exporting features making it a flexible alternative to Revit.
One of Rhino's standout features is its ability to model smoothly changing surfaces, which has made it popular among various design professionals outside of architecture, including jewelry, boat, shoe, furniture, and eyeglass designers.
While Rhino may not have the robust documentation features found in Revit or Archicad, it can be easily integrated if needed. For example, Rhino.Inside.Revit allows users to combine Rhino's modeling capabilities with Revit's documentation features, creating a comprehensive design solution.
Rhino is loved for its ease of use and the large amount of free online resources available to help users get started.
One of its biggest cons is that Rhino doesn’t have native 3D visualization features, so you need a third-party renderer for that.
Pricing: $995 gets you a lifetime commercial license. Updates are not included though and priced at $595 whenever you need a new version. Rhino also offers a very generous 90-day free trial.
Recommended for generating lightning fast, realistic renderings.
MyArchitectAI let you create realistic renderings in literally 10 seconds.
Powered by an AI engine trained on thousands of high-quality renderings, MyArchitectAI facilitates rapid iteration with clients, making it especially valuable during the conceptualization stage of a project.
As it runs in the browser, MyArchitectAI doesn't consume your computer resources, as all processing is performed on its servers.
It’s as intuitive as it gets - simply upload your model, describe the scene, and download the rendering in a matter of seconds.
Pricing: $29/month for unlimited renderings
Recommended for early-stage feasibility design.
Spacio is a tool helping you to design, analyze, and visualize structured building proposals in just minutes, thanks to its unique combination of generative AI and flexible free-form editing.
Spacio is incredibly user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible for professionals at any skill level. Its straightforward user interface enables architects and engineers to quickly get up to speed with early-stage feasibility design.
Pricing: starts at $299/month per user
Recommended as AI-driven design automation tool.
Hypar is an open-source Revit alternative that automates various aspects of the design process, including conceptual design, estimation, building product configuration, and mechanical and structural engineering.
Like Revit, Hypar has robust collaboration features, enabling architects, engineers, and designers to work together seamlessly as a team.
It also integrates with Revit, Excel, Dynamo, and Grasshopper which lets you enhance your existing workflow in a smooth way.
Hypar offers a free version of its software with limited features. For more features and priority support, you can upgrade to a $120/month plan.
Recommended as AI-driven generative design tool.
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Delve is a real estate generative design software that uses AI to help developers and architects make informed, data-driven decisions.
By generating thousands of design options and evaluating each scenario for profitability using an integrated financial model, Delve lets users review trade-offs and make real-time decisions about various factors, such as density, daylight, amenities, and infrastructure.
One of Delve's standout features is its ability to assess designs for walkability and quality of life. Its walkability score measures access to nearby amenities and points of interest, enabling developers to prioritize pedestrian-friendly designs. Additionally, Delve lets users measure views, daylight access, and open space to enhance overall placemaking and create more livable, sustainable environments.
Pricing is not displayed on the website so you need to book a demo.
Recommended for AI-supported building design.
Finch is a generative design tool that calls itself as a "generative copilot" for architects.
By using AI, graph technology, and advanced algorithms, Finch generates floor plans based on the constraints of a site, helping architects understand potential limitations in the early stages of the design process.
Finch's generative AI engine enables rapid iterations, allowing architects to explore a wide range of design options quickly and efficiently. This feature makes it easier to identify optimal solutions that balance creativity, functionality, and compliance with various regulations.
Another useful feature of Finch’s AI software is its automatic error prevention system, which ensures that your designs are always compliant with your firm's rules, customer requirements, and municipal regulations. By automating this process, Finch saves architects valuable time and reduces the risk of costly errors and revisions.
Finch also offers integrations with popular design tools such as Revit, Rhino, and Grasshopper, making it easy to incorporate the software into existing workflows.
Pricing is not displayed on the website as Finch is still in early stages in development. You have to sign up to the waitlist.
Recommended for automating the documentation process.
SWAPP is an AI-driven building planning software that helps real estate developers construct more efficiently and accelerate the readiness of their buildings.
SWAPP's planning services include assessment, testing, and feasibility studies for existing buildings or empty lots, as well as schematic designs throughout every project phase. This comprehensive approach enables SWAPP to produce buildouts that serve the needs of all project stakeholders, from developers and architects to end-users and facility managers.
One of SWAPP's key features is its ability to analyze your project portfolio, extract your documentation design habits and annotation practices, and develop custom rule sets and algorithms. These tailored algorithms are then used by SWAPP's AI engine to automate the creation and annotation of architectural documentation for your new projects at the most detailed level. This automation not only saves time and resources but also ensures consistency and accuracy across all your projects.
Pricing is not displayed on their website.
Recommended for users familiar with Blender who need BIM features.
BlenderBIM is an powerful BIM add-on to Blender, the popular open-source 3D modeling software.
It brings BIM capabilities to Blender, making it an attractive choice for architects, engineers, and designers looking for a flexible and cost-effective alternative to Revit.
Some key features of BlenderBIM include:
Pricing: free
Recommended for users getting started with BIM.
FreeCAD is a free and open-source parametric 3D modeling software that serves a variety of purposes, including architecture, product design, and mechanical engineering.
While not solely a BIM application, FreeCAD offers two dedicated BIM workbenches: the Arch Workbench, which comes bundled with every installation and contains a minimal set of BIM tools, and the BIM Workbench, which can be installed through the Addons manager for a more Revit-like environment.
It's important to note that FreeCAD has a learning curve, especially for users new to parametric 3D modeling. The interface may not be as intuitive for beginners, and while it offers a range of features, it’s not comparable to high-end, paid BIM software in terms of usability and functionality.
Pricing: free
Recommended as an entry-level tool for 3D modeling enthusiasts.
SketchUp Free is a lightweight, browser-based version of the popular 3D modeling software, SketchUp. It allows users to dive into the world of 3D modeling without the need for powerful hardware or complex installations. Here are some key features of SketchUp Free:
It's important to note that SketchUp Free does not come with a commercial usage license. So while it's an excellent option for hobbyists and students, professionals looking to use SketchUp Free for commercial projects should upgrade to a paid version.
Pricing: free
Ultimately, the choice of which Revit alternative you should pick comes down to your specific needs.
While you could create 3D surfaces in Autocad, doing it in Rhino is easier. You could also draw up a building in Autocad but Revit is a better choice when change orders start coming in. On the other hand, neither Rhino nor Revit can do 2D drawings like Autocad.
So, it’s important that to understand that there is no best tool overall. There are tools good at specific tasks. And you’re better off using a combination of them.
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