AutoCAD vs Chief Architect

SketchUp

SolidWorks Premium

Revit

Design Flex

AutoCAD Architecture

FreeCAD

Compare AutoCAD and Chief Architect based on features, pricing, verified reviews, integrations & more on GetApp. Find out which software is best for your business in 2026.

Revit is a BIM (building information modeling) solution for architects, structural engineers, construction companies, & MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) services. The platform facilitates coordinated 3D design & offers tools such as floor plan design, 3D visualizations, & a WYSIWYG editor.

SolidWorks Premium is the leading 3D design solution in the industry. It seamlessly integrates powerful design tools-including industry-leading part, assembly, and drawing capabilities with built-in simulation, rendering, animation, product data management, and cost estimation. 

SolidWorks will help you get work done faster and easier than before, using innovative phases of product creation to achieve a more productive 3D design experience.

FreeCAD is an on-premise open-source paramedic 3D modeler, which helps businesses design objects of all sizes. Programmers can sketch constrained 2D shapes and utilize them as a base to create other objects. It supports several file formats such as IGES, SVG, DXF, DE, IFC, STL, STEP, OBJ, and more.


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.

2D Drawing

3D Design & Modeling

3D Modeling

Access Controls/Permissions

Animation

Annotations

Bills of Material

CAD Tools

Change Management

Civil

Collaboration Tools

Commercial

Compliance Management

Component Library

Configurable Workflow

Content Library

Customizable Fields

Data Import/Export

Design Management

Design Templates

Document Generation

Document Management

Document Storage

Drafting

Drag & Drop

Electrical

Estimating

File Management

Floor Plans & Maps

For 3D Printing

For AEC Industry

For Architects

For Manufacturers

For Residential

Landscape Design

Manufacturing Design Data

Mechanical

Mobile Access

Offline Access

Parts Management

Planning Tools

Product Data Management

Project Management

Project Templates

Project Workflow

Real-Time Updates

Rendering

Reporting/Analytics

Reusable Designs

Rules-Based Workflow

Scheduling

Search

Search/Filter

Secure Data Storage

Sketching and Annotation Tools

Third-Party Integrations

Workflow Management

AutoCAD

Android

Linux

Web-based

Windows

iPad

iPhone

Search Engine Optimization Manager

The biggest disadvantage of AutoCAD is that it comes with a lot of problems, which is to be expected from a tool that can do so much. It seems reasonable to me.

Civil engineer

WOW, all that I can say is that probably this is the most important software to make blueprints in the world.

interior designer 

The AutoCAD is very good to be used for many industries like construction and industrial / manufacturing process as well, good for beginners and professional level as well.

architecture

I use this program all of the time because their Features are awesome powerful tool and easy for professional and beginners.

excellent application

Excellent for architects and engineers, all functions and tools are easy to use, and have an excellent cost benefit.

Co Founder

It is the most accessible CAD software to date with lots of documentation and a great and responsive community. Very user friendly and a well designed interface.

Telecommunications Specialist

I have been using AutoCAD (Mostly 2D) for almost 9 years now and I found it very useful, easy to use, and great platform for drafting anything you like.

Sometimes the user interface becomes annoying, file can get very big and may crash the computer, drawings can get corrupt.

Web Developer 

It was one and still is the best Architectural software they was and will every be. I remember how easy it was to make designs and configure settings to my liking.

Student

Great software with a great user interface that has a ton of functionality to it.

Firstly, I like all the features in AutoCAD which make the software one of the best in engineering designs. Also, it is not complected and that make the software easy to use for any user.

INDEPENDENT BUSINESS CONSULTANT

I love the shortcut keys for various tools, it makes the job a lot quicker. As a Mechanical Engineer , I really love spending time with different drawings in this cool software.

Front-End Web Developer

Overall, I think AutoCAD has been a great addition to our company. We needed a 3D drawing tool and even with the price, I believe AutoCAD was the best software for us.

Landscape Architect

I love how easily other pieces of software can integrate with it and how you can produce quality looking technical drawings within a relatively short time-span.

Planner

It is frustrating when in the AutoCAD updates over the years that the interface has changed so much that it makes it hard to adjust and find things.

Applications Engineer

This is also backed up by AutoDesk's excellent customer service and a very large catalogue of training documentation and tutorials online.

Innovation Manager

The 3d is terrible and right now the 3d is absolutely need for design.

Freelancer

The software keeps improving with update and the integration with other software as well as the online version gives me interest working experience.

AutoCAD screenshot: AutoCAD design models

AutoCAD screenshot: AutoCAD manage model design

AutoCAD screenshot: AutoCAD customize workspace 

Freelancers

Large Enterprises

Mid Size Business

Non Profit

Public Administrations

Small Business

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 Flex is architecture software that helps businesses design kitchen and bathroom spaces by generating photorealistic renders and 360° panoramic views. It gives designers the ability to use real products in designs through the largest selection of manufacturer catalogs in the industry.

Chief Architect is a complete architectural design solution that helps remodeling professionals and interior designers create and share home design plans, 3D models, and renderings via a unified portal. The platform enables users to create floor plans, building elevations and perspectives, dormers, window details, and more.

3D Imaging

BIM Modeling

Presentation Tools

Chief Architect

System Engineer

I have been able to put ideas into the tool and quickly show that to those I am working with. The ability to manipulate the floor plan and surfaces quickly has been a great help.

Owner

This software is easy to use and the render quality is superb. It definitely helps me sell a design.

Estimator & PM

You don’t have to attend their classes because they have a great library of videos to help with the learning curve. They also have a great community of people working to help you solve problems.

Senior Project Manager

This tool is perfectly designed to help the architects of today. An easy and convenient tool with a a affordable pricing.

Business Process Manager

This is a great program, even for users that are beginners (like myself). They have great tutorials and the program is very inexpensive.

Designer

I am talking an entire file was deemed worthless because of corrupted fixtures. Frequent back ups are advised.

This is hands down the most user friendly architecture software I’ve used. It has what’s the perfect balance of features and ease of product use.

Principal Architect

If you are a production architect like me don't buy this program. It is terrible in creating details and its x-ref and layout procedures are absolutely terrible.

I really like that this software is easy to use and pretty intuitive. It provides a very good set of tools for a diy homeowner looking to build as well as a pro bidding jobs and presenting to clients.

It's super software and so much better than using Autocad.

Project Manager

It is a great software with a great many features.

Director of Operations

This should be something inherently basic. Maybe we are missing something.

President 

Very powerful program that we use for modeling l, space planning and design presentations.

The graphic renderings can be difficult to fine tune, especially with respect to rooflines. This is typically just a problem using weird height vaulted ceilings.

Product Development Executive

Chief architecture is best tool to develop complicated designs with detailed drawings and information.

Custom Builder

We can produce cleaner faster construction drawings than any of the local architectural firms we deal with. When I have a problem I submit a concern to the help desk and get an answer the same day.

AutoCAD vs Chief Architect Comparison (2026)

AutoCAD

Chief Architect

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives