# Compare ARCHICAD vs Chief Architect 2026 | Capterra > Unsure of what to choose? Check Capterra to compare ARCHICAD and Chief Architect based on pricing, features, product details, and verified reviews. Source: https://www.capterra.com/compare/2018-80035/ArchiCAD-vs-Chief-Architect --- # ARCHICAD vs Chief Architect Features and Cost Comparison Last updated March 13th, 2026 Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team.[Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) Your comparison: ARCHICADChief Architect2/4 selected [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/)[4.4 (279)](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) [Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/)[4.4 (68)](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/reviews/) [## ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/)[4.4 (279)](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) Starting Price $33.33/month Value-for-Money 4.1 Functionality 4.4 Ease of Use 4.2 Customer Service 4.3 Reviews Sentiment Based on [279 reviews](#user-reviews) Positive 249 Neutral 27 Negative 3 [## Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/)[4.4 (68)](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/reviews/) Starting Price $3295.00one time Value-for-Money 4.1 Functionality 4.2 Ease of Use 4 Customer Service 4.3 Reviews Sentiment TS Based on [68 reviews](#user-reviews) Positive 57 Neutral 7 Negative 4 ## Not a match? 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Best for Chief Architect software is designed for professionals, designers, architects, and remodelers. And Home Designer software is designed for the consumer DIY home design market. ## User reviews Pros & cons NK Nayeon K. assistant manager > "Also, the program runs easily even if the computer specification is not good." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6367174) JH Jared H. Owner > "Due to the constantly changing licensing system, you essentially end up purchasing the software new every few..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6568024) CW Christopher W. CEO > "We can seamless work together on bigger projects, as well as manage smaller projects on a one employee level." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4918549) JH Jared H. Owner > "You can not upgrade, but you also lose support." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6568024) KK Krzysztof K. Owner > "It is intuitive, has a large database of libraries that can be expanded and interesting elements for visualization..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4362235) EI Emmanuel I. intern > "its interface is not very appealing to new users" [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6423421) VR Verified Reviewer Data analyst > "ArchiCAD is a modern software for projects related to architecture, ArchiCAD offers you features like 2D and 3D..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4194249) EH Eric H. Tech > "Did not feel like it would grow at our pace." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6433081) VR Verified Reviewer Interior Architect > "Is was able to generate both 2d and 3d at the same time, and it saves time for both customer and the foreman,..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4330948) VR Verified Reviewer BIM Executive > "The software has become so dense with capabilities, not to mention freshly added operations, that it can be hard..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4873724) TC Tara C. Researchers' > "Additionally, it provides robust tools for collaboration, design visualization, and project delivery, making it a..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4579136) MS Malvin S. Architect > "To pricey.the priceing is jut too much affect solo practices who cant afford it" [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6105866) DR David R. Electrical estimator > "I am using it as part of my Diploma Course and having never used CAD before, it is quite intuitive to learn and use" [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4919564) CW Christopher W. CEO > "In our experience the software lacks some features seen in other competitors software." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4918549) EH Eric H. Tech > "Really good, everything was smooth and intuitive, more options than you probably need, but really well done." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6433081) ME Martin E. architect > "The absolute biggest problem though is simply how insanely badly optimized the program is." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___5012315) Souleymane D. Training assistant > "Autocad is the software you need to assist you with your professional designs." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4996850) MG Mateusz G. Architect > "It is too complicated in compare with Revit." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___5098458) EI Emmanuel I. intern > "Its ease of use makes it very easy to pick up" [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6423421) CuF Cláudia F. Architect > "A bit expensive and it tales a while to learn." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___6161440) US Uwe S. Partner > "We recently made the switch from another CAD software to ArchCad and our overall experience is very positive." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___5082751) TW Temesgen W. Civil Engineer > "it has some how limited rendering capabilities," [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4187321) KK Krzysztof K. Owner > "The program works on Mac and Windows, supports many file export formats." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4362235) VR Verified Reviewer Sales and Marketing specialist > "Rendering tool doesn't make your model look like in real life." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3830533) JT John T. Architect > "The use of Archicad and its full range of features including the 3-D window provides intuitive and organizational..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3216549) Maxime T. CEO > "it is not easy to understand it without having had to do some work beforehand, so not being able to have a black..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3851293) ME Mark E. Principal > "We first implemented Archicad with version 4.1 and have seen the development of this product help drive our firm..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3249446) US Uwe S. Partner > "Cost are high." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___5082751) US Uwe S. Partner > "Great for teamwork." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___5082751) OR Okengo R. Assistant Architect > "Only gets exhausted for its timely freeze up and deburg reports" [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4485198) VR Verified Reviewer BIM Executive > "I enjoy Archicad because it is easier to use than most other CAD programmes. " [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4873724) TS Tim S. Sole Proprietor > "I miss arch top windows in the window library in which the corners are not radial but sharp; also miss arched top..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3242683) DR David R. Electrical estimator > "Great for a beginner to use" [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4919564) JB Jacob B. Architect > "This program is not the industry standard in the United States." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3934183) Pedro G. Architecture student > "Archicad is a software in which you can solve an entire project, from views to render, it has a intuitive and..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___2967670) CC Cate C. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER > "D imaging is not the most advanced or intuitive, and there is a little lack of freedom in 3D modeling." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3380597) HTF Henrique Thomas F. Architect > "Icons, simplicity, organization of the project browser and 3D modeling." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3820104) PG Pascal G. Bp1204 > "not all computers can enjoy archicad." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3798664) KK Krzysztof K. Owner > "I also like that you can import plans from other programs and use them in Archicad." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4362235) Favio R. Project Manager > "Sometimes it makes it hard to work." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3895987) KK Krzysztof K. Owner > "Before the meeting, customers review the plans and more specifically interested people come to the meetings, which..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4362235) TS Tim S. Sole Proprietor > "I do not know how to make precise 3D points within the line. " [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3242683) TC Tara C. Researchers' > "ARCHICAD is known for its user-friendly interface, intuitive navigation, and efficient workflows." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___4579136) ME Mark E. Principal > "We also had problems with excessive crashes in AC 21, 23, and 24." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3249446) Laurel L. civil engineer > "It is possible to make more elaborate presentations and convince partners and collaborators more easily." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3749549) HRJ Heliseth Ranse J. Architec > "Poor and complicated tools, takes longer than the competition." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___2858923) KL Kelvin L. Architect > "I have been using Archicad since the CAD 18 VERSION and I have been able to grow with it." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3544450) BB Benonius B. Building Plan Consultant > "sometimes i forget how to use the comment as well, because there is no a such preferring comment bellow guide me..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___2771761) Sofia B. Studend of Architecture and programming > "For my experience its a program that can run smothly in an ordinary PC, also has an amazing backup, the times that..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___2939955) MK Michelle K. owner > "It is very expensive." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#Capterra___3208283) [View Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) TS Teresa S. Kitchen and Bath Designer > "Notes, dimensions, and materials are all easily accessible in the program." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___4777747) DW Donna W. Owner > "Not being able to bring outside furniture from companies an place inside the drawings." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___5097653) KR Kristin R. Kitchen Designer > "Renderings are nice, its nice to have control over sizing, colors, etc." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___3985692) KR Kristin R. Kitchen Designer > "So time consuming and challenging compared to other programs specifically when you are using for Kitchen design, which it is..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___3985692) Tejshree B. Manager > "My clients are really very happy after having a picture real view of their dreams" [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___4636490) SW Simon W. Project Manager > "While great for a homeowner, the ease of creating a drawing also is the downfall as the resultant drawing is not accurate when..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___3028534) JG John G. Principal > "It has delivered very good, if not photo-realistic renderings when using the raytrace feature, and I can go through the design and..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2273955) Tejshree B. Manager > "Overall chief architect is not the best and easy to use software that I’ve ever use." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___4636490) CL Charlie L. Custom Builder > "We are a design build firm and it helps us communicate in clear and concise detail with our clients." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2774806) ML Mark L. Principal Architect > "People developing the software should be people that actually produce drawings for a living not some software geek that has no clue..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2480679) TR Tony R. Senior Designer > "I love that these isn't a lighting issue like with other software." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2843956) JG John G. Principal > "Seems like every issue I have isn't in the index or table of contents, and I very much dislike being scooted to a webpage of issues..." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2273955) JP Jeanette P. owner > "Consequently, I don't have too many problems." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2966492) LM Luis M. Owner > "You have very little room for customization, no phasing, the layout process is completely atrocious." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2712398) JP Jeanette P. owner > "It's easy to use and relatively quick." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2966492) ML Mark L. Principal Architect > "It is terrible in creating details and its x-ref and layout procedures are absolutely terrible. " [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2480679) SB Suzi B. Designer/Owner > "The graphics are good, better than hand drawing." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2692266) AP Allee P. Designer > "Some catalogs unavailable and "free" modeling was not as simple as other programs." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2424629) CA Corry A. Drafter > "Unlike the Auto cad program, Chief Architect is a user friendly program that is easy to use." [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2222940) VR Verified Reviewer Owner > "Even when I upgraded I found they changed some simple things and made it harder to accomplish which was disappointing. " [See full review](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#Capterra___2460056) [View Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/reviews/) ## User interface [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/) 4.44 (279) [Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/) 4.37 (68) ### Features ARCHICAD Top features 18/32 - 360-Site Stream - 3D Modeling - AI Copilot - Animation - BIM Modeling - CAD Tools - Collaboration Tools - Component Library - Content Library - Data Import/Export - Design Management - Document Management - Drafting - Drag & Drop - File Management - Floor Plans & Maps - For AEC Industry - Generative AI - Image Editing - Landscape Design - Multiple File Format Support - Offline Access - Panoramas - Pre-built Templates - Project Management - Real-time Product Visualizations - Rendering - Secure Data Storage - Sketching and Annotation Tools - Template Management - Third-Party Integrations - Video Creation [See all features](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/#features) Chief Architect 6/32 - 360-Site Stream - 3D Modeling - AI Copilot - Animation - BIM Modeling - CAD Tools - Collaboration Tools - Component Library - Content Library - Data Import/Export - Design Management - Document Management - Drafting - Drag & Drop - File Management - Floor Plans & Maps - For AEC Industry - Generative AI - Image Editing - Landscape Design - Multiple File Format Support - Offline Access - Panoramas - Pre-built Templates - Project Management - Real-time Product Visualizations - Rendering - Secure Data Storage - Sketching and Annotation Tools - Template Management - Third-Party Integrations - Video Creation [See all features](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/#features) ### Recognition No recognitions have been awarded to ARCHICAD No recognitions have been awarded to Chief Architect ### Deployment & support ARCHICAD Deployment - Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based - Desktop Mac - Desktop Windows - Desktop Linux - On-Premise Windows - On-Premise Linux - Desktop Chromebook - Mobile Android - Mobile iPhone - Mobile iPad Support - Email/Help Desk - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - Phone Support - 24/7 (Live rep) - Chat Training - In Person - Live Online - Webinars - Documentation - Videos Chief Architect Deployment - Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based - Desktop Mac - Desktop Windows - Desktop Linux - On-Premise Windows - On-Premise Linux - Desktop Chromebook - Mobile Android - Mobile iPhone - Mobile iPad Support - Email/Help Desk - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - Phone Support - 24/7 (Live rep) - Chat Training - In Person - Live Online - Webinars - Documentation - Videos ### Company Details ARCHICAD - By GRAPHISOFT - Located in Hungary - Founded in 1984 Chief Architect - By Chief Architect - Located in United States - Founded in 1992 ## Popular Comparisons [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/)[4.44 (279)](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) vs [Design Flex](https://www.capterra.com/p/218525/2020-Design-Live/)[4.31 (355)](https://www.capterra.com/p/218525/2020-Design-Live/reviews/) $33.33/month Price Contact vendor for pricing 4.4 Features 4.2 4.2 Ease of Use 4.1 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/2018-218525/ArchiCAD-vs-2020-Design-Live) [Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/)[4.37 (68)](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/reviews/) vs [D5 Render](https://www.capterra.com/p/10005615/D5-Render/)[4.82 (392)](https://www.capterra.com/p/10005615/D5-Render/reviews/) $3295one time Price $0/month 4.2 Features 4.7 4.0 Ease of Use 4.8 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/80035-10005615/Chief-Architect-vs-D5-Render) [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/)[4.44 (279)](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) vs [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/)[4.65 (3,207)](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/reviews/) $33.33/month Price $250/month 4.4 Features 4.6 4.2 Ease of Use 4.1 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/2018-265024/ArchiCAD-vs-AutoCAD) [Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/)[4.37 (68)](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/reviews/) vs [SketchUp](https://www.capterra.com/p/211798/SketchUp/)[4.49 (1,046)](https://www.capterra.com/p/211798/SketchUp/reviews/) $3295one time Price $19.99/month 4.2 Features 4.3 4.0 Ease of Use 4.4 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/80035-211798/Chief-Architect-vs-SketchUp) [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/)[4.44 (279)](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) vs [Revit](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/)[4.61 (482)](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/reviews/) $33.33/month Price $365/month 4.4 Features 4.6 4.2 Ease of Use 4.0 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/2018-265023/ArchiCAD-vs-Revit) [Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/)[4.37 (68)](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/reviews/) vs [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/)[4.65 (3,207)](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/reviews/) $3295one time Price $250/month 4.2 Features 4.6 4.0 Ease of Use 4.1 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/80035-265024/Chief-Architect-vs-AutoCAD) [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/)[4.44 (279)](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) vs [RIB SpecLink](https://www.capterra.com/p/267349/SpecLink/)[4.47 (118)](https://www.capterra.com/p/267349/SpecLink/reviews/) $33.33/month Price Contact vendor for pricing 4.4 Features 4.2 4.2 Ease of Use 4.3 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/2018-267349/ArchiCAD-vs-SpecLink) [Chief Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/)[4.37 (68)](https://www.capterra.com/p/80035/Chief-Architect/reviews/) vs [Revit](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/)[4.61 (482)](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/reviews/) $3295one time Price $365/month 4.2 Features 4.6 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/80035-265023/Chief-Architect-vs-Revit) [ARCHICAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/)[4.44 (279)](https://www.capterra.com/p/2018/ArchiCAD/reviews/) vs [Vectorworks Architect](https://www.capterra.com/p/29995/Vectorworks-Architect/)[4.28 (53)](https://www.capterra.com/p/29995/Vectorworks-Architect/reviews/) $33.33/month Price $127.5/month 4.4 Features 4.4 4.2 Ease of Use 4.0 [View full comparison](https://www.capterra.com/compare/2018-29995/ArchiCAD-vs-Vectorworks-Architect)