Desktop publishing software - with similar features to mainstream DTP software to compose printed materials using technical drawings pixel-based images and texts.Architectural rendering and Visualization software - a high performance rendering tool to produce photo-realistic pictures or videos.3D Modeling software - a 3D CAD interface specially developed for architects capable of creating various kind of building forms.2D CAD software - drawing tools for creating accurate and detailed technical drawings.A wide range of software applications are integrated in Archicad to cover most of the design needs of an architectural office: Today, it has over 120,000 users.Īrchicad is a complete design suite with 2D and 3D drafting, visualization and other building information modeling functions for architects, designers and planners.
ArchiCAD has been recognized as the first CAD product on a personal computer able to create both 2D and 3D geometry, as well as the first commercial BIM product for personal computers and considered "revolutionary" for the ability to store large amounts of information within the 3D model. However, ArchiCAD founder Gábor Bojár has acknowledged to Jonathan Ingram in an open letter that Sonata "was more advanced in 1986 than ArchiCAD at that time", adding that it "surpassed already the matured definition of 'BIM' specified only about one and a half decade later". Following its launch in 1987, with Graphisoft's "Virtual Building" concept, Archicad became regarded by some as the first implementation of BIM. ArchiCAD offers computer aided solutions for handling all common aspects of aesthetics and engineering during the whole design process of the built environment-buildings, interiors, urban areas, etc.ĭevelopment of Archicad started in 1982 for the Apple Lisa, the predecessor of the original Apple Macintosh. A 3D render of a house designed in ArchicadĪrchiCAD is an architectural BIM CAD software for Mac and Windows developed by the Hungarian company Graphisoft.