- BIM software at a glance
- Eleven BIM tools to consider
- Open standards matter more than features
- Architecture, structure or residential design?
- Questions to ask in a demo
- Signs it's time to move to BIM
- Hardware and training
- What changes for a small practice
- My plain advice on choosing BIM software
- Frequently asked questions
The best BIM software depends on your role and your project partners: an architect-led tool suits design practices, a structural tool suits engineers and fabricators, and an open source IFC tool suits teams who want open file formats. Eleven options follow in no particular order.
Building information modelling turns drawings into a shared model that carries data about every wall, beam and door. Pick the wrong tool and you'll spend more time converting files than designing.
The eleven BIM tools below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, from free open source projects to suites used on large projects. Every description comes from the maker's own site, read this week. If you're also making quick concept models, my list of free AI tools for 3D models may help.
BIM software at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the tool's own site names a free plan, a free version, a free app or an open source edition. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the pages I read named neither, even where there's a button inviting you to try it.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archicad | BIM software for architects from Graphisoft | Architect-led BIM | Not stated |
| Autodesk Revit | BIM software from Autodesk | Design, coordination and delivery | Not stated |
| Bonsai | Free and open source native IFC BIM apps | Open IFC authoring in Blender | Yes |
| BricsCAD BIM | Toolset adding BIM to DWG-based CAD | BIM on top of DWG CAD | Trial only |
| Chief Architect | Residential home design software | Home builders and remodelers | Trial only |
| FreeCAD | Open-source parametric 3D modeler | Open source modelling for architecture | Yes |
| OpenBuildings Designer | Building design BIM software from Bentley | Building design in the Bentley family | Not stated |
| Qonic | IFC-native BIM platform | Model, coordinate and deliver | Not stated |
| Snaptrude | AI-powered BIM software for architects | AI-assisted early design | Not stated |
| Tekla Structures | Structural BIM software | Constructible structural models | Trial only |
| Vectorworks Architect | BIM architecture design software | Buildings and landscapes in one family | Trial only |
Eleven BIM tools to consider
Archicad
Best for: Architects who want BIM software from Graphisoft, a tool its maker presents as built specifically for architects.
Autodesk Revit
Best for: Architects, engineers and construction teams who want to design, coordinate and deliver projects in Autodesk's BIM tool.
Bonsai
Best for: OpenBIM fans who want free, open source IFC authoring built on Blender rather than a closed file format.
BricsCAD BIM
Best for: CAD users who live in DWG files and want a BIM toolset for building modelling added to familiar CAD.
Chief Architect
Best for: Home builders, remodelers and residential designers who want roofs, framing and materials lists generated from the model.
FreeCAD
Best for: Hobbyists, students and small practices who want an open source parametric modeller that also covers architecture work.
OpenBuildings Designer
Best for: Building teams already on Bentley software who want a BIM building design application from the same company.
Qonic
Best for: Project teams that want an IFC-native BIM platform to model, coordinate and deliver projects in one shared place.
Snaptrude
Best for: Design-led studios that want AI-assisted BIM for early design and the option to export work to Rhino and Revit.
Tekla Structures
Best for: Structural engineers, detailers and builders who need constructible structural BIM models they can take through to site.
Vectorworks Architect
Best for: Practices that design buildings and outdoor spaces and want BIM in a product family that also covers entertainment design.
Open standards matter more than features
The National Institute of Building Sciences says its National BIM Standard-United States defines BIM uses, requirements, planning and documentation for information exchanges. In other words, BIM is as much about sharing information as drawing it.
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Ask every vendor how its files work with open standards such as IFC. Your models will outlive any one subscription, and your partners may not use the same tool.
Architecture, structure or residential design?
Architect-led BIM tools focus on design, documentation and presentation. Structural tools focus on accurate, buildable models for engineers, detailers and fabricators. Residential design tools focus on homes, generating roofs, framing and material lists quickly. Open source tools give you control over your data but need more confidence to set up.
Questions to ask in a demo
- Which file formats does it import and export without losing data?
- How do several people work on the same model at once?
- Can you produce your local drawing standards without heavy setup?
- Which add-ons do engineers and consultants on your projects use?
- How does it run on the computers you already have?
- What training is available for new starters?
Signs it's time to move to BIM
If drawings keep falling out of step with each other, or every design change means editing plans, sections and schedules by hand, a model-based tool will save time on every project.
Hardware and training
BIM tools ask more of a computer than 2D drawing. Check the system requirements on your current machines and plan time for training before the first live project.
What changes for a small practice
For a small practice, the biggest shift isn't the software, it's the habit of building the model first and letting drawings follow. It's slower for the first project or two. After that, revisions that used to take a day can take minutes, because every view updates from the same model. That's where you'll see the time come back.
Do you make BIM software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on choosing BIM software
Look at who you share models with before you look at features. If most of your partners use one platform, swimming against that tide adds friction to every project. If you work with many different firms, strong open standards support matters more.
Then model a small real project end to end in your top two choices, through to drawings. That's where the gaps show. My piece on AI for customer service in construction firms covers how practices are saving time on the client side too.
Frequently asked questions
What is BIM software?
BIM software creates a shared digital model of a building with data attached to each element, used for design, coordination and construction.
Is there free BIM software?
Yes. Some tools on this list are free and open source. Check the table for each tool's free plan status.
What is IFC in BIM?
IFC is an open file format for exchanging building models between different BIM tools.
What's the difference between BIM and CAD?
CAD draws lines and shapes. BIM builds a model of real building elements with data, from which drawings are produced.
Is BIM only for large projects?
No. Residential designers and small practices use BIM too, especially for drawings and material lists.
Which BIM software do structural engineers use?
Structural engineers often prefer tools built for constructible structural models. Check the type column in the table.
