Business Operations·Standings

Building Information Modeling Software

Building Information Modeling (BIM) software helps create and work with digital building models; the right choice depends on the features you need and where the software runs.

Compare model authoring, OpenBIM support, cloud collaboration, version history and supported file formats. The board shows a signal score out of 10, plus marks for a public API, open-source code and a free plan.

  • 13 platforms
  • 1 with a public API on this page
  • 4 with a free tier
  • Checked 28 Sept 2026
  1. 1
    A
    Archicadgraphisoft.com

    BIM software includes tools for building concepts, quantity take-offs, and custom components.

    6.7 APIOpenFree Free tier · from $201/mo
  2. 2
    F
    FreeCADfreecad.org

    Free desktop CAD software supports parametric models and animation.

    6.3 APIOpenFree Free tier
  3. 3
    B
    Bonsaibonsaibim.org

    Free, open-source apps create and share IFC models without proprietary file formats.

    6.2 APIOpenFree Free tier
  4. 4
    A
    Allplanallplan.com

    ALLPLAN is interdisciplinary BIM software for architecture, engineering and construction that supports design and construction throughout project phases.

    6.1 APIOpenFree From €123/mo
  5. 5
    VA
    Vectorworks Architectvectorworks.net

    BIM software supports design through construction documents, details, schedules, and reports.

    6.1 APIOpenFree From $1,530/yr
  6. 6
    CA
    CYPE Architectureinfo.cype.com

    Windows BIM software models building parts such as walls, roofs, stairs, and ramps.

    6.0 APIOpenFree Free tier
  7. 7
    IA
    IDEA Architecture4mbim.com

    IDEA Architecture is 64-bit BIM software for 2D and 3D architectural design, rendering, animation, scheduling, costing, energy sustainability, and as-built…

    5.8 APIOpenFree €1,395 one-time
  8. 8
    E
    Edificiusaccasoftware.com

    Edificius is BIM software for architectural design, supporting the project from concept through final design.

    5.2 APIOpenFree —
  9. 9
    GA
    GRAITEC Advance Designgraitec.com

    Structural analysis software models buildings in 3D and checks static, seismic, and other loads.

    5.1 APIOpenFree —
  10. 10
    DF
    Designcenter for BIMsiemens.com

    Designcenter provides a multidisciplinary solution for designing building elements, steel structures, P&ID, piping, HVAC and electrical systems within one…

    4.7 APIOpenFree —
  11. 11
    OD
    4.4 APIOpenFree From $3,844/yr
  12. 12
    I
    ideCADidecad.com

    Multidiscipline BIM software supports OpenBIM and runs on Windows.

    4.1 APIOpenFree —
  13. 13
    TS
    4.0 APIOpenFree —

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How to choose

Which platforms does the software need to run on?

Choose a tool that supports the operating systems your team uses. Windows is listed for the category, while macOS, iOS, web, Linux and Android are also represented.

Check the platform details for the software you are considering before committing.

Which BIM features should I compare?

Compare model authoring, OpenBIM support, cloud collaboration and model version history against the work you need to do.

Supported file formats matter when models need to work with other software. Check the formats for the tools you are considering.

How should I compare BIM software prices?

Check whether a tool has a free plan, a paid starting price or pricing on request. Prices may be listed per user per month, per year or in another billing period, so compare like with like.

A free plan and a free trial are different: a trial provides temporary access, while a free plan is listed as an ongoing plan.

Should I look for an API or open-source code?

Check the API and open-source marks if connecting software or inspecting its code matters to you. A public API is a way for other software to connect to a tool; open-source code can be reviewed under its license.

Check the license and available connection details for the tool before deciding whether they fit your needs.

Questions

What is BIM software used for?

BIM software is for creating and working with building information models. Compare model authoring, OpenBIM support, collaboration and file formats.

Which platforms support BIM software?

The category includes software for Windows, macOS, iOS, web, Linux and Android. Check the platform support for the specific tool you need.

Is there free BIM software?

Free plans are available for some tools. Bonsai and FreeCAD are listed as free; check a tool's plan details before choosing.

Does BIM software offer a free trial?

Some tools list free trials, with trial periods varying by product. A trial is temporary access, not the same as a free plan.

What should I check before choosing BIM software?

Compare the features you need, supported platforms and file formats, collaboration and version history, and whether pricing is a free plan, trial or paid subscription.

Some top positions on this board can be paid placements, standing where they were sold. The facts on each platform are not for sale. How we rank · Disclosure