ARCHICAD vs Lumion

AutoCAD

SketchUp

AutoCAD Architecture

AutoCAD is a design and drafting platform which supports automated design tasks and offers features such as 2D drafting, drawing and annotation, 3D modeling and visualization, and more.

SketchUp is a design and collaboration solution that helps businesses streamline AEC and interior design workflows. Its intuitive 3D modeler allows users to visualize projects, while its 2D documentation and AR/VR viewing applications keep stakeholders aligned throughout the design-build process.

AutoCAD Architecture lets you design and document architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects faster with 2D and 3D modeling tools that are specifically tuned for architectural design.


Design and deliver projects of any size with Archicad’s powerful tools and user-friendly interface that make it the most efficient and intuitive BIM software on the market.  Featuring out-of-the-box design documentation, one-click publishing, photo-realistic rendering, and best-in-class analysis.

2D Drawing

3D Imaging

3D Modeling

Access Controls/Permissions

Activity Tracking

Animation

Annotations

Approval Process Control

Architectural Symbol Library

Bills of Material

BIM Modeling

CAD Tools

Change Management

Collaboration Tools

Comparison View

Component Library

Configurable Workflow

Conflict Tracking

Contact Management

Content Library

Contract/License Management

Customizable Templates

Data Import/Export

Data Visualization

Design Management

Design Modeling

Document Management

Document Storage

Drafting

File Management

For AEC Industry

For Architects

Graphical Data Presentation

Historical Reporting

Issue Tracking

Labeling

Mobile Access

Modeling & Simulation

Multiple Projects

Offline Access

Planning Tools

Presentation Tools

Projections

Project Management

Project Planning

Project Tracking

Project Workflow

Quotes/Estimates

Rendering

Reporting/Analytics

Reporting & Statistics

Role-Based Permissions

Scheduling

Search/Filter

Secure Data Storage

Status Tracking

Subcontractor Management

Template Management

User Management

Version Control

Workflow Management

Some reviewers find ARCHICAD to be a cost-friendly alternative with a reasonable acquisition price and lower investment than competitors. However, some users report high costs for small practices and feel additional fees and licensing are significant drawbacks.

Value for money

By industry, ARCHICAD reviewers are most commonly professionals in architecture & planning (50%). The most frequent use case for ARCHICAD cited by reviewers is 3D architecture (71% of reviewers).

ARCHICAD

Web-based

iPhone

Android

Windows

iPad

Revit

MicroStation

Lumion

RIB SpecLink

Archicad Solo

Information Technology Manager

ARCHICAD creates clean 2D drawing for presentation and the ability to render 3D designs for complex projects is excellent.

Tech

very high level of usability from a Bim standpoint, helpful through the entire building design process.

The price, per seat per month was just more than we were looking to spend as we added more employees.

BIM Executive

it contains lot of functions  including presentation drawings, working drawings, rendering, and etc.

assistant manager

Increasingly, the more advanced what I was trying to learn, the longer it took and the lower the performance compared to other programs.

It is generally satisfactory because it is a program that works well even without a high-spec computer.

Owner

There is a reason why Revit dominates the US market and will continue to do so if they do not make some drastic changes.

this software is very good thanks to its rendering, and with it you don't have to draw the internal elements of a house yourself.

Most robust 3D CAD/ BIM software available.

In my work, I use it to visualize interiors as they would look after renovation or home staging, it is possible because there is a large database of libraries of objects such as windows, doors, furniture, etc.

Researchers' 

ARCHICAD provides a single source of truth for building information, reducing errors, and saving time by eliminating the need to re-enter data in multiple places.

intern

fairly good the only issue I have was that to get good renders you need another app

Bp1204

what I particularly liked in this software is that it allows me as a student to learn the basics of construction by computer modeling but also the license is free  for the rest of us.

Co-Owner

Also the ability to free form design like in Sketchup.

Training assistant 

It offers a wide range of options and essential features for architects and engineers.

ARCHICAD makes it easier for teams to collaborate and share data, allowing more efficient design and construction processes.

ARCHITECT

It's a good BIM software for the price, and good setup for small projects including interior works.

Freelancer

ArchiCAD requires a powerful system and lots of RAM, especially while rendering. When you are opening a file with a lot of data, it does tend to slow down the system a little.

Architech

It is not always compatible with the most used programs and not everyone has access to it, there is a similar program with the company that has the largest number of users dedicated to the 2D sector, therefore fewer users know how to handle it

Architect

BEst way to understand BIM methodology, because is possible to create a architectural project since the feasibility study to the executive project without using any other software.

It is a good software for designing with BIM language.

Architecture

good for cooperation between betwwen all groups in a projects.

Projecteur

What I like least about Archicad is its ability, this software weighs a lot and automatically makes use a little slow when you don't have a machine with good capacity.

Assistant Architect

D modeling in ArchiCAD is amarture friendly and the various tools provide great 3D output making for a superior work.

poor connectivity with other modeling software, internal rendering leaves a lot to be desired in terms of image quality and post production

Job Captain

Having multiple people working on the same file simultaneously allows for fluidity in the modeling and design process.

Architecture Technologist

Rendering this feature missing some feature that why many user they use another program like Atlantis or lumion and 3D max during rendering so must be improved

It can be used to create simple projections, sections, 3D models and fully advanced concepts.

Intern Architect

I find the software easy to learn, there are limitless objects or families, supports most cad softwares, it even supports objects from other cads (love this feature).

It integrates well with how we operate at the office.

Partner

Easy switch between 2d and 3d information.

Drafter

Probably my biggest annoyance isn't with the software itself at this point, more with the fact that I feel sometimes we don't use the software to it's full capacity, often because we aren't aware of a feature / ability it has until someone stumbles upon it.

It has the features crucial for our daily work.

The biggest con is that most engineering firms use Revit, so the collaborative element with outside firms is limited.

BACHILLER

The program is very complete, there is a lot to learn to use it and exploit it to the maximum, designing in real time makes the work more complete and more difficult but very useful.

I like the ability to be able to switch from 2D to 3D which shows errors that might not be obvious initially.

very good for cooperating. and can handle big projects.

Sole Proprietor

My strategy to use the shell tool in a curved roof is to build a temporary wall the length and height of the extreme points, click on the wall to make the grey selection appear and freehand draw the curve with the pet pallet curve tools.  

Architect, Interior Designer, Owner

Studend of Architecture and programming

The other thing that is a really awsome feature in this program is the costumisation of every single thing, you dont have to download almost any object to compleate the 3d, even the simplification of objects is excelent, you can for example place a door with a lot of details or just a realy minimalistic door from the same object.

Architecture student

It is a BIM software so it is difficult to learn compared to programs like sketch up, autocad or Rhinoceros, but you can take courses that help you to learn, in addition some tools like photo rendering is a bit sketchy and you can't get high-quality images.

BIM cloud makes it incredibly easy to operate with outside of the workplace.

in my opinion beats all the competion on the market

the creation of a 2D plan is easy and fast because there are predefined walls, you just have to enter the dimensions

Great support from the ArchiCad team too.

technicien

ArchiCAD helped me a lot for the design of architectural plans and also in 2D modeling, it is a very good software, I highly recommend it

The capacity of family creation with fluidity that could be some more like rhinoceros or similar.

Architectural Design

Drawing

Performance and Speed

Features

Integrations

Student Version

Client Support

Small Business

Freelancers

Large Enterprises

Mid-size Business

Some reviewers find ARCHICAD to be a cost-friendly alternative to other drafting programs, appreciating its affordable acquisition price and the ability to avoid high subscription fees. They indicate that it offers comparable functionality to competitors at a lower investment and consider it a reasonably priced option for architectural work. However, some users report that the software is expensive, especially for small practices, and mention that the licensing system and additional costs for plugins or subscriptions make it less accessible. Some reviewers feel the high cost of professional packages is a significant drawback.

GRAPHISOFT

D5 Render

D5 is a real-time, physically accurate rendering and lighting tool for architects and 3D designers. Experience “live” visualization as you create. Create stunning VR experiences with interactive walkthroughs and photorealistic images with ease. Import models and enjoy an instant sense of reality throughout the creation process.

MyArchitectAI

MyArchitectAI is an artificial intelligence rendering tool designed for architects and interior designers that transforms architectural designs into photorealistic renders. The system maintains compatibility with major design applications including SketchUp, Archicad, Revit, Rhino, Chief Architect, and Vectorworks, accepting JPEG, PNG, and GIF file formats for processing.

From early ideas to final visuals, Lumion’s real-time rendering solutions—Lumion View and Lumion Pro—fit naturally into your workflow, making visualization fast, seamless, and intuitive. Designed for architects, designers, and visualizers, Lumion supports every step of the creative process.

3D Design & Modeling

3D Light Rendering

3D Texture Rendering

Building Information Model

Communication Management

Image Editing

Landscape Design

Panoramas

Real Time Comparisons

Real-time Product Visualizations

Real-Time Updates

Video Creation

Reviewers indicate that Lumion delivers strong capabilities, but many feel its high price is a major drawback. Some users report extra costs for upgrades, hardware, and materials, and say competitors offer similar features for less.

The Lumion integrations most frequently cited by reviewers are: SketchUp (a 3D architecture product rated 4.8 out of 5 for its integration with Lumion) and Revit (a 3D architecture product, 4.8).

By industry, Lumion reviewers are most commonly professionals in architecture & planning (60%). The most frequent use case for Lumion cited by reviewers is 3D architecture (88% of reviewers).

Proprietary

Lumion View

Lumion Pro

Lumion Studio

High cost and upgrade fees

very expensive for companies that are starting

The price of the software is relatively high and does not offer a license for students, besides being a little expensive it requires a machine that is very robust which made the use of the software even more expensive.  

89% of reviewers feel negative about Lumion’s pricing. Users frequently mention that the software is expensive compared to competitors and lacks affordable options for students or small businesses. Some reviewers report frustration with the significant price gap between standard and pro versions, as well as the ongoing costs for upgrades and technical support. They indicate that the high system requirements further increase the total investment needed, making it difficult for individuals or startups to justify the expense. Many users feel the pricing structure is inflexible and not budget-friendly.

Enhances client presentations

100% of reviewers feel positive about Lumion’s impact on client support and communication. Reviewers appreciate how the software helps them present design concepts in a visually compelling way, making it easier for clients to understand and engage with projects. Some users say the realistic animations, walkthroughs, and quick rendering turnaround impress clients and facilitate productive discussions. They find that the software’s ease of use allows for rapid revisions and last-minute changes, which is important for maintaining client satisfaction and streamlining the feedback process.

Fast, realistic rendering workflow

92% of reviewers feel positive about Lumion’s rendering capabilities. Users say the software enables them to produce high-quality, realistic renderings quickly, even with minimal prior experience. They find the intuitive interface and extensive library of materials and effects help streamline the visualization process. Reviewers indicate that fast rendering speeds and easy scene setup are crucial for meeting tight deadlines and iterating on designs. Some users report that the ability to add lifelike details and lighting effects without complex setup makes Lumion especially valuable for architectural and design presentations.

ARCHICAD vs Lumion Comparison (2026)

ARCHICAD

Lumion

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives