Best Architectural CAD Software

Best architectural CAD software apps are Autodesk architecture, edificius, scan2cad, SmartDraw, and Bentley. Free architectural cad software benefits companies that require 2D and 3D drawings.

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Jainy Patel
Reviewed and Edited by Jainy Patel
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Most Popular Architectural CAD Software

This listing showcases software based on user recommendations and popularity. It also highlights products from our valued client partnerships.

SoftwareSuggest offers verified & unbiased user reviews based on user ratings and feedback. Our ratings and reports do not contain any paid placements. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

List of 20 Best Architectural CAD Software

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Category Champions | 2025

Product Description

Develop higher quality, more innovative projects with tools for design, documentation, visualization, and simulation available in Autodesk architecture software. Improve communication throughout the project lifecycle by more securely managing and sharing data with collaborators and stakeholders. Read More About Autodesk Architecture

Autodesk Architecture Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Customizable Templates
  • Project Management
  • Site Design
  • Architectural Drawing Tools
  • 3d Modeling
  • Structural Engineering
  • Visualization
  • Cloud Services
  • View all Features
4.6
out of 5 (18 Reviews)
Features
4.4
Ease of Use
4.6
Value for Money
4.3
Customer Support
4.4
dai luu
Assistant Manager

Make the work more professional and easier. I like creative people.

Read all 18 Reviews

Autodesk Architecture Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Rating Score 9.2

Rating Score

Out of 10

Review Score 4.0

Review Score

Out of 10

Freshness Score 10.0

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 8.7

Social Score

Out of 10

Visitor Score 6.0

Visitor Score

Out of 10

Contenders | 2025

Product Description

Edificius architecture software allows great freedom with custom Working Drawing layouts and import/export in standard formats such as DXF/DWG for your CAD drawings, OBJ and 3DS for your 3D models, and BMP and JPG for your renders. Read More About Edificius

Edificius Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Landscape Design
  • 3d Rendering
  • Lighting Analysis
  • Bim Modeling
  • Clash Detection
  • Cad Integration
  • Ifc Import/export
  • Material Library
  • View all Features

Monthly Subscription

$ 65

month

Get Pricing

Annual Subscription

$ 662

year

Get Pricing
5.0
out of 5 (1 Review)
Features
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Customer Support
5.0
Snake Bis
Designer

I find this software easy to use and very powerful. You can easily create architectural models and then make renderings, presentations in real-time, photo matches, web publications, etc., in an easy and fast way.

Read Review

Edificius Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Rating Score 10.0

Rating Score

Out of 10

Review Score 1.0

Review Score

Out of 10

Freshness Score 9.5

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 5.0

Social Score

Out of 10

Visitor Score 4.0

Visitor Score

Out of 10

Contenders | 2025

Product Description

With SmartDraw's architectural drawing software, designing architecture plans has never been easier. Whether you are a professional designer or a beginner, the ease of use and broad selection of templates and examples help make you instantly productive. Read More About SmartDraw

SmartDraw Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Cad Compatibility
  • Import Dxf/dwg Files
  • Plumbing Plan Symbols
  • Layer Management
  • Print To Scale
  • Landscape Design
  • Furniture Layouts
  • Cloud Storage
  • View all Features

Starter

$ 297

Onetime

Get Pricing
5.0
out of 5 (1 Review)
Features
4.0
Ease of Use
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
Customer Support
5.0
Mercy

SmartDraw has various features that make your job easier when you don't know how to use Photoshop or Illustrator. From designing a logo to creating a book cover, it has all the templates and features you need, and the user interface is simple to use for a beginner.

Read Review

SmartDraw Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Rating Score 10.0

Rating Score

Out of 10

Review Score 1.0

Review Score

Out of 10

Freshness Score 9.5

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 5.0

Social Score

Out of 10

Visitor Score 4.0

Visitor Score

Out of 10

Emergents | 2025

Product Description

Scan2cad is a premier CAD conversion tool, offering seamless image and PDF to DXF/DWG transformations, batch processing, and automation via Python API. Trusted globally, it enhances efficiency with precise object recognition and 24/7 support, starting at just $89 monthly. Read More About Scan2cad

Scan2cad Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Scale And Calibration
  • Pdf To Cad Conversion
  • Image Cleanup Tools
  • Command Line Interface
  • Arc Recognition
  • Raster To Vector Conversion
  • Batch Processing
  • Layer Management
  • View all Features

Lite

$ 49

Per Month

Get Pricing

Pro

$ 89

Per Month

Get Pricing

Business

$ 149

Per Month

Get Pricing

Scan2cad Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Freshness Score 8.5

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 5.0

Social Score

Out of 10

Contenders | 2025

Product Description

Bentley Construction Management Software is a very efficient tool for increasing visibility and productivity in construction project management. The construction management software eliminates manual data collection with automatic check sheets and straightforward monitoring and automation workflows. Read More About Bentley

Bentley Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Resource Management
  • Collaboration Tools
  • Mobile Access
  • Reporting And Analytics
  • Time Tracking
  • Field Management
  • Document Management
  • Cost Management
  • View all Features
5.0
out of 5 (1 Review)
Features
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Customer Support
5.0
Vikram Singh
Assistant Professor

We have been using Bentley software for the past 6 years, and the service is excellent. There are no flaws in the software. You can trust it completely, and the results are accurate and nearly better than manual calculations.

Read Review

Bentley Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Rating Score 10.0

Rating Score

Out of 10

Review Score 1.0

Review Score

Out of 10

Freshness Score 9.0

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 5.0

Social Score

Out of 10

Visitor Score 4.0

Visitor Score

Out of 10

Emergents | 2025

Product Description

Vectorworks Architect software delivers an exciting suite of capabilities that take you from sketch to BIM. Get inspired and maintain your creative edge as you explore and develop your ideas right in the program. Work with collaborators in the same file. Design in 2D or... Read More About Vectorworks Architect

Vectorworks Architect Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Gis Integration
  • Project Sharing
  • Subdivision Modeling
  • Resource Manager
  • Rendering
  • Site Modeling
  • Clash Detection
  • Bim Modeling
  • View all Features

Vectorworks Architect Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Freshness Score 8.0

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 5.0

Social Score

Out of 10

Contenders | 2025

Product Description

A blessing for architects and engineers, 4MCAD is feature-packed architectural CAD software that is here to make 3D designing easy and affordable. Using its easy drag-and-drop interface, one can create life-like design models. Read More About 4MCAD

4MCAD Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Bim Support
  • Dwg Compatibility
  • Annotation Tools
  • Rendering
  • Layer Management
  • Hatch Patterns
  • 3d Modeling
  • Parametric Design
  • View all Features
5.0
out of 5 (1 Review)
Features
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Customer Support
5.0
Isidoros Siderakis
Product Manager

This application is an excellent low-cost AutoCAD alternative. The cost for a perpetual license is a fraction of the cost of AutoCAD's annual license fees. I strongly recommend this software to every designer, engineer, and architect who wants to migrate to another CAD platform.

Read Review

4MCAD Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Rating Score 10.0

Rating Score

Out of 10

Review Score 1.0

Review Score

Out of 10

Freshness Score 8.5

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 10.0

Social Score

Out of 10

Visitor Score 4.0

Visitor Score

Out of 10

Contenders | 2025

Product Description

Arcon Evo is a versatile design software that empowers architects and designers to create detailed 2D and 3D models effortlessly. Its intuitive interface and robust features streamline the design process, making it easier to bring creative visions to life. Read More About Arcon Evo

Arcon Evo Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Elevation Views
  • Layer Management
  • Interior Design Tools
  • Cad Compatibility
  • Real Time Editing
  • Wall Design Tools
  • Building Information Modeling (bim)
  • Site Planning
  • View all Features
5.0
out of 5 (1 Review)
Features
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Customer Support
5.0
Amjad Hosain

Pros: It quickly constructs models of existing and proposed plans. The elective floor choice is excellent for evaluating ideas as well. Cons: Creating the 2D drawings has been harder than I initially expected, but with the superb help from Tim, it is becoming easier and faster the more time I spend using it.

Read Review

Arcon Evo Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Rating Score 10.0

Rating Score

Out of 10

Review Score 1.0

Review Score

Out of 10

Freshness Score 9.0

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 5.0

Social Score

Out of 10

Visitor Score 4.0

Visitor Score

Out of 10

Emergents | 2025

Product Description

ArchiCAD is a revolutionary BIM software that empowers architects to design and deliver projects of any scale with ease. Its intuitive interface and powerful tools streamline workflows, making it the go-to choice for innovative and efficient building design. Read More About ArchiCAD

ArchiCAD Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Curtain Wall Tool
  • Bimx
  • Teamwork
  • Morph Tool
  • Collision Detection
  • Bim Modeling
  • Parametric Design
  • Library Management
  • View all Features

ArchiCAD Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Freshness Score 7.5

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 5.0

Social Score

Out of 10

Emergents | 2025

Product Description

Chief Architect Software is a leading developer and publisher of 3D architectural home design software for builders, designers, architects, and home DIY enthusiasts. For professionals, we publish the Chief Architect® software product line, the most popular product for residential home design. Read More About Chief Architect

Chief Architect Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Annotation Tools
  • Roof Design
  • Stair And Railing Design
  • Cad Tools
  • Room Layouts
  • Door And Window Tools
  • Terrain Modeling
  • 2d Drafting
  • View all Features
5.0
out of 5 (1 Review)
Features
5.0
Ease of Use
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
Customer Support
4.0

Chief Architect Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Rating Score 10.0

Rating Score

Out of 10

Review Score 1.0

Review Score

Out of 10

Freshness Score 9.0

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 5.0

Social Score

Out of 10

Visitor Score 2.0

Visitor Score

Out of 10

Emergents | 2025

Product Description

progeCAD Professional is a cost-effective, AutoCAD®-compatible 2D/3D CAD software offering perpetual licensing and extensive DWG support. It includes advanced features like PDF to DWG conversion, BIM support, and a vast library of CAD blocks. Read More About progeCAD Professional

progeCAD Professional Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Dwg Compatibility
  • External References
  • Layer Management
  • Ifc Import/export
  • Lisp Support
  • Dynamic Input
  • Raster To Vector
  • Rendering
  • View all Features

progeCAD Professional Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Freshness Score 7.5

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 5.0

Social Score

Out of 10

Emergents | 2025

Product Description

This information is provided by vendor.

Cedreo is a fully-featured, web-based, 3D home design software that enables home builders and remodelers to create construction drawings and realistic 3D renderings for their home projects in a matter of minutes, even without any skills or training in 3D design! Read More About Cedreo

Cedreo Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • 3d Floor Plans
  • Export Options
  • Photorealistic Renderings
  • Landscape Design
  • Material Library
  • Lighting Effects
  • Furniture Library
  • Wall Customization
  • View all Features

Pro

$ 79

Per Month

Get Offer

Cedreo Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Freshness Score 8.0

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 5.0

Social Score

Out of 10

Visitor Score 2.0

Visitor Score

Out of 10

Category Champions | 2025

Product Description

This information is provided by vendor.

ActCAD is one of the best CAD software for creating DWG & DXF 2D Drafting and 3D modeling designs. Simple to use, ASCII and other PNG files are also edited and uploaded, and it is low in cost. Free technical services are also provided. Read More About ActCAD

ActCAD Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Image Attach
  • Raster To Vector Conversion
  • Table Creation
  • Block Library
  • Xref Manager
  • 2d Drafting
  • Viewport Management
  • Dynamic Blocks
  • View all Features

Life time Validity.

$ 199

One Time

Get Offer
4.9
out of 5 (26 Reviews)
Features
4.8
Ease of Use
4.8
Value for Money
5.0
Customer Support
4.7
miriyampalli bhavani
marketing executive

ActCAD offers powerful 2D/3D tools, is user-friendly, and DWG compatible for all professionals.

Read all 26 Reviews

ActCAD Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Rating Score 9.8

Rating Score

Out of 10

Review Score 6.0

Review Score

Out of 10

Freshness Score 10.0

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 9.7

Social Score

Out of 10

Visitor Score 8.0

Visitor Score

Out of 10

Most Reviewed

Contenders | 2025

Product Description

DraftSight is a powerful, user-friendly CAD software designed for professional and personal use, enabling precise 2D drafting and 3D design. It offers robust tools, seamless integration, and an intuitive interface to streamline your design process and boost productivity. Read More About DraftSight

DraftSight Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Dynamic Blocks
  • 2d Drafting
  • Reference Manager
  • Dwg File Support
  • Design Resources
  • Dimensioning
  • Pdf Import/export
  • Annotation Tools
  • View all Features
5.0
out of 5 (1 Review)
Features
4.0
Ease of Use
3.0
Value for Money
4.0
Customer Support
5.0
vunguyen anhuco
DevOps Engineer

DraftSight is good. It's a pretty good software, supporting the design work of design engineers and, at the same time, creating satisfactory products for customers.

Read Review

DraftSight Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Rating Score 10.0

Rating Score

Out of 10

Review Score 1.0

Review Score

Out of 10

Freshness Score 9.5

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 8.0

Social Score

Out of 10

Visitor Score 6.0

Visitor Score

Out of 10

Contenders | 2025

Product Description

AutoCAD is a widely used computer-aided design (CAD) software developed by Autodesk. It enables professionals in fields such as architecture, engineering, and construction to create precise 2D and 3D drawings and models. Read More About AutoCAD

AutoCAD Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • 2d Drafting
  • Customizable User Interface
  • 3d Modeling
  • Dwg File Format
  • Parametric Constraints
  • Sheet Set Manager
  • Mobile And Web Access
  • Point Cloud Support
  • View all Features
4.5
out of 5 (2 Reviews)
Features
4.5
Ease of Use
3.5
Value for Money
4.0
Customer Support
3.5
mohamed kotb
Electrical and Instruments Engineer

The most impressive aspect of AutoCAD is its precision, vast array of design tools, and the ability to handle complex projects with ease.

Read all 2 Reviews

AutoCAD Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Rating Score 9.0

Rating Score

Out of 10

Review Score 1.0

Review Score

Out of 10

Freshness Score 10.0

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 9.5

Social Score

Out of 10

Visitor Score 4.0

Visitor Score

Out of 10

Contenders | 2025

Product Description

This information is provided by vendor.

Newton AutoScan not only reads the drawing but also reads the RCC & door window schedules which are written on the Architects CAD drawing. It extracts the entities from within the drawing as well as those on the schedule. Read More About Newton AutoScan

Newton AutoScan Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Measurement Tools
  • Energy Analysis
  • Parametric Design
  • User Support
  • 2d Drafting
  • Real Time Updates
  • Material Library
  • Annotation Tools
  • View all Features
5.0
out of 5 (1 Review)
Features
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Customer Support
5.0
AVISHEK RAKSHIT
Engineer

It is a very good software. It works excellently and is very useful. However, one thing I want to mention is that it needs to be faster.

Read Review

Newton AutoScan Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Rating Score 10.0

Rating Score

Out of 10

Review Score 1.0

Review Score

Out of 10

Freshness Score 8.5

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 5.0

Social Score

Out of 10

Visitor Score 6.0

Visitor Score

Out of 10

Emergents | 2025

Product Description

Glasshouse is a user-friendly tool that enhances construction project planning by integrating BIM models, specifications, and tender lists. It streamlines workflows, ensures consistency, and provides real-time updates, making project management more efficient and transparent for all stakeholders. Read More About Glasshouse

Glasshouse Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • 3d Modeling
  • User Permissions
  • Change Management
  • Document Management
  • Reporting/analytics
  • Version Control
  • Data Import/export
  • Integration With Other Software
  • View all Features

Glasshouse Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Freshness Score 8.0

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 5.0

Social Score

Out of 10

Emergents | 2025

Product Description

This information is provided by vendor.

ALCAD Professional 2D/3D with all 2D & 3D MEP Plugins is an advanced software solution designed for architects, engineers, and contractors. It integrates powerful 2D and 3D modeling tools with comprehensive Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) functionalities. Read More About ALCAD Professional 2D/3D

ALCAD Professional 2D/3D Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Material Library
  • Dynamic Blocks
  • Dimensioning Tools
  • Rendering Engine
  • Lighting Simulation
  • File Import/export
  • Viewports
  • Wall Design Tools
  • View all Features

MEP Plugins

$ 518

Annual License

Get Offer

ALCAD Professional 2D/3D Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Freshness Score 7.5

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 5.0

Social Score

Out of 10

Visitor Score 2.0

Visitor Score

Out of 10

Emergents | 2025

Product Description

This information is provided by vendor.

ArchCode is an AI-driven platform for architects, engineers, and construction professionals in Spain. It simplifies access to national and regional building codes, provides instant answers to technical questions. Read More About ArchCode

ArchCode Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Structural Analysis
  • Project Management
  • Material Library
  • Vr Support
  • Import/export Options
  • Version Control
  • Customizable Interface
  • Cloud Storage
  • View all Features

ArchCode Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Freshness Score 7.0

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 5.0

Social Score

Out of 10

Visitor Score 2.0

Visitor Score

Out of 10

Emergents | 2025

Product Description

Autodesk DWG TrueView makes it easy to open, view, and share DWG files, no AutoCAD required. Whether you need to check measurements, convert files, or ensure compatibility across different AutoCAD versions, this free tool has you covered. Perfect for architects, engineers, and designers, it keeps... Read More About Autodesk DWG TrueView

Autodesk DWG TrueView Is Tailored For

StartUps

SMBs

Mid-Market

Enterprises

Features

  • Xref Support
  • Zoom And Pan
  • View Cube
  • Paper Space
  • Measurement Tools
  • Block Management
  • Plotting And Printing
  • Navigation Tools
  • View all Features

Autodesk DWG TrueView Features and Usability-Based User Satisfaction Score

Freshness Score 7.0

Freshness Score

Out of 10

Social Score 5.0

Social Score

Out of 10

FAQs

What is Architectural CAD Software?

Architectural CAD software allows users to create designs in 2D or 3D to envision buildings. CAD enables the development, modification, and optimization of the design process.

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Last Updated: August 20, 2024