As an Architect, I have spent approximately 7 years in Archicad and 7 years in Revit. In my opinion, Archicad is geared towards DESIGNERS, whereas Revit is geared towards ENGINEERS. Archicad shines for design conceptualization and visualization. 2D programatic studies with colored fills and zones are quick and easy, the 3D modeling tools and fun and intuitive, and I can create dynamic presentation boards directly on the layouts, without requiring InDesign or other software. However, the documentation tools are more primitive, creating custom objects can be a chore, and somehow it's easy to draw walls off by fractions of an inch. Revit, on the other hand, shines for documentation and coordination. Objects host to one another, dimensioning is more precise and dynamic, and family creation is limitless, so you can customize objects specific to your project with parametric settings. However, the sheet layouts are clunky, the 3D navigation is primitive, and iterative design is challenging, because everything breaks and you get errors everytime you want to "play around" with your design. This is why I believe that smaller firms prefer Archicad, whereas larger firms prefer Revit. Archicad is easier for "one-man-shops" where you just want one software to do everything. Whereas, Revit is better for huge, mega-projects, where all your Engineers are on the Autodesk suite and coordination/precision is paramount. However, for Rthose mega projects, Schematic Design is typically done is Sketchup or Rhino, the presentation boards are done in InDesign or Photoshop, and Revit is just used for coordination and CD's.
Archicad user since 1997 here. I have learned enough Revit to help with collaboration between the different disciplines... If both sides of the US Congress could get along as well as y'all we would have a functioning government... Great conversation, guys!
Great Conversation loved it. As a user of Both software, I have realize one difference that is not commonly mentioned, but for me personally is a big difference in the everyday productivity, the difference is that Revit use the commands in a Linear fashion only (Mostly like autocad), Archicad is kind of circular. For example: In Revit if I have the wall tool open, I can't do anything else other than build a wall, I can't select an element, I can't take a quick measurement or quickly move something out of the way. The same thing with any other tool, I need to esc out of it to do a quick operation and then come back to the tool to continue using it. In Archicad I can have the Wall tool (for example) and I can select any other element, make quick operations like take a measurement, move an element out of the way, do a "Trim", I can even change an element size, etc. all without going out of the tool, to then com back again, Indeed, even in the middle of creating a chain of walls I can take a quick measure and continue where I left. Hopefully I explain myself well. It doesn't look like much, but after a few years using both software to a professional level, and having develop projects in both software, you come to appreciate those small day to day productivities things. PD: Thanks for all your tutorials, I have learn from both you and Jared.
That sounds better than Revit. 3D modeling in Revit is so bad Autodesk includes a FormIt pro license with Revit. And FormIt pro is a bad SketchUp clone. I designed a PEMB in Revit, not a parametric PEMB, with a giant exhaust air system. I had to model that piece of equipment in SketchUp. Same thing happened with a bridge crane inside the building.
The side-by-side comparison would be enjoyable to watch. I’m an ArchiCAD user, much like Jared in that I am on my own doing residential design. I’m 64 and started out in the Parallel Rule Age before moving into AutoCAD (2D). What I really like about BIM - beyond the obvious advantages of built-in coordination and production efficiencies and visualizations and the rest - is how it allows me to remain challenged, provide better service, and create better designs. It allows me to keep learning new things, and keep growing as an architect, 43 years into my career.
wow!! this is so amazing!! happy 65th birthday!! seeing someone so motivated is so inspiring. @therevitkid im waiting on that side by side video !!!!! hahaha
You guys have it all wrong! As an architect that uses both ArchiCAD and Revit you must experience what it is like to work in the other person’s application of choice. I say you need to both start with the same model (say an as-built of a real world house) then agree on a design for an addition. You must link-in the as-built as a reference file, then begin assembling the various components in the other person’s preferred software. All doors and windows must be different and unique. The addition must be multiple stories and stairs need to have open ballisters. You must produce both floor plans, along with three elevations and a 3D render. There must be door and window schedules and type elevations and head, jamb and sill details. You each have a week to produce your set of drawings. Then and only then will you both understand the differences. I am not sure if Autodesk has a trial package, but I do know they don’t offer a version for Apple-based hardware. Then compare the cost of each license. You can’t leave that factor out of the picture. While Graphisoft has perpetual licenses now, they will be jumping on the subscription bandwagon soon.
@@TheRevitKid I know Sketch Up is not BIM. But Sketch-Up is fun to drive and Revit is not. Also, Revit is unnecessarily complicated just to achieve the same simple 3D of a building!
Great chat! I agree that duking it out isnt worth it, but better understanding how we work is highly valuable in building common ground and understanding beyond the tools. I do tend to notice most archicad users tend to work at a more intimate scale, would be great to also see the big BIM side at some point. Look forward to the showcase side by side video in future. And I agree with boo sketchup haha. The bane of BIM. I've found Rhino actually works well with BIM principles once you use it that way (it has a customizable parameter system called 'attributes' - essential for rhino inside), although I would never use it that way without a true BIM platform alongside it to get the best of both worlds in a BIM centric manner.
Jared… always fun to see you standing up for ArchiCad. I just sent this to a colleague that’s also knows you pretty well. Always fun to see this debate. I’ve been using ArchiCad for 12 years but I just accepted an offer at a firm that utilizes Revit… I guess in a years time I’ll have a more robust and clearer opinion.
@@TheRevitKid you got it! Also, very happy to have found your channel.. I’ve watched many of your videos. The integration of Revit with Veras really peaks my interest. Keep up the excellent work!
Just watching this, but I must say…I agree that Sketchup is not a true BIM program, however, I would say that it is the best tool for small interior design firms. Basic modeling, space planning, custom cabinet design, etc. Especially with Layout for easy documentation and annotation, the price point and what it offers for that price point, it’s great. Anything large scale, it shouldn’t be used really…maybe massing and concept development?
The main reason why we changed from Revit to Archicad in 2010 was because of the lack of ready made objects for doors, windows, walls and so on. It was so much work for us to develope our own Revit template. Sure it was possible to buy tools and add on for architects. We didnt have time and resorces to do all the development and went for Archicad.
Hi, Jeff, thanks for the talk, I'm a huge fan of the blog. I would like to suggest a guest that could present a different approach about the whole Revit/Archicad "battle": Greg Schleusner, from HOK. I don't know if you have watched his presentations at the AEC Magazine Nxt Bld Events but what I think is most important right now is to focus on a steadier development of architectural software instead of comparing solutions that still lack a lot of evolution.
Using Archicad since 2000, Revit since 7 months. Archicad is faster, easier, more fun and has an architectural philosophy which guides you along the building design process. Revit is slower, boring, buggy, frustrating, crashes easily, allows you to design blob-architecture and is useless with ifc files.
I would be curious to see how long it takes to generate a door schedule showing door locations, swing directions in both apps. Is the comparison online yet?
What I say about this debate is if I was alone designing and documenting I would us ArchiCAD, hands down. If I need to coordinate staff to do it for me Revit gives top down control on the drawing set based on my template and families I load in. One is a design tool the other is a data entry tool, I love them both for different things.
I've worked for two firms that were Archicad, then switched to Revit. So I've had the opportunity to use both tools comprehensively at a professional level. I did a comparison chart, rated and weighted (just because one platform does something better, doesn't mean it actually matters, right?). This was a while ago, and both platforms have moved on, but I reckon the results would be similar today: and that is that they were more or less equal. Archicad came out marginally in front, but not enough to be decisive. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference, and your company's priorities.
I prefer designing in rhino then, when concept is done redraw it in bim, obviously an extra step but totally worth it depending on the level of design needed for a project
Yeah… that extra step is what irks me… But, I am not trying to judge other peoples workflows :). Just calling out inefficiency in the process is all hehe
Thanks for a great talk about BIM, architecture and the people behind. You talked about if Archicad or Revit is more suitable for large projects. I think Revit has a problem with speed on larger projects, where you have to handle thousands of objects all the time. I did this video a few years back, that shows a clear speed difference between Archicad and Revit when copying many objects. - Perhaps you could redo the test to see, if this is really true: ua-cam.com/video/m7Tjbkq9obI/v-deo.html
I love ArchiCAD for multiple core use on the other hand if it is good for Structural and MEP however it’s a single core suffer say it will never get wet supposed to be. 😅
You can, however, it’s just better to model the correct dimension from the get go instead of relying on an automated rounding off to avoid errors in other areas
Great thing. Me as a humble Revit fanatic xD all I have to ask anyone that uses Archicad whats the point of IFC informations outside of clash control if the official bureaus need 2D Drawings and everyone knows that IFC isnt made for 2D views. Then the next question is can you work closed BIM with archicad and other planners? ( Plumber, engineers, electrician etc...) And there ends the discussion usualy. :x
@@vanrensburgarchitecturebim1641 this is funny because it's only partially true. Revit is basically non-existant here in Austria and everyone uses Archicad and we always roll into the same old issue. We are forced to input millions of IFC parameters that are for nothing since bureaus don't use a IFC model checker for your information. Basically what we are doing is AutoCAD in 3D with IFCs. When you throw a stone here you hit a Archicad, Allplan or AutoCAD user xD
That is part of the reason I thought it would be great to have Jared on! It’s easy for us Revit users to forget other BIM softwares exist and they may also be just as great! :)
@@TheRevitKid this is true. The issue is sadly (in my opinion only ofc ;) ) the other software require IFC to work with others unlike Revit where you can do Closed BIM. And after a decent chunk of projects I can confidently say that open BIM with the current IFC format and how the world works ( bureaus requiring 2D drawings) is highly ineffective and very time-consuming. And that is contraproductive, since BIM premise is to be more effective than CAD drawing.
Why is Autocad Architecture not included in these conversations? I've used all software discussed in the video and training others to use Autocad Architecture had the easiest learning curve for CAD users.
Because I wouldn’t consider ACAD Architecture “BIM”… Would you? Sure, you can use 3D objects and data within them and take advantage of that… But you are still dealing with a tangled web of xrefs, sheet list management, etc… I guess it could be considered “BIM-ish”…?
@TheRevitKid To me, ACAD Architecture is BIM. I guess it boils down to the proficiency of the user in said program. I do admit Revit has the better PR and support for its adoption industry wide.
@@HectoCADTUBE Sorry, ACAD Architecture is not BIM…. It’s not about proficiency in the program. I used to be very proficient in pulling together a set of documents in ACAD Architecture, myself, that doesn’t make it BIM.
As an Architect, I have spent approximately 7 years in Archicad and 7 years in Revit. In my opinion, Archicad is geared towards DESIGNERS, whereas Revit is geared towards ENGINEERS. Archicad shines for design conceptualization and visualization. 2D programatic studies with colored fills and zones are quick and easy, the 3D modeling tools and fun and intuitive, and I can create dynamic presentation boards directly on the layouts, without requiring InDesign or other software. However, the documentation tools are more primitive, creating custom objects can be a chore, and somehow it's easy to draw walls off by fractions of an inch. Revit, on the other hand, shines for documentation and coordination. Objects host to one another, dimensioning is more precise and dynamic, and family creation is limitless, so you can customize objects specific to your project with parametric settings. However, the sheet layouts are clunky, the 3D navigation is primitive, and iterative design is challenging, because everything breaks and you get errors everytime you want to "play around" with your design. This is why I believe that smaller firms prefer Archicad, whereas larger firms prefer Revit. Archicad is easier for "one-man-shops" where you just want one software to do everything. Whereas, Revit is better for huge, mega-projects, where all your Engineers are on the Autodesk suite and coordination/precision is paramount. However, for Rthose mega projects, Schematic Design is typically done is Sketchup or Rhino, the presentation boards are done in InDesign or Photoshop, and Revit is just used for coordination and CD's.
Thanks for having me on BIM after Dark. Can't wait for the next conversation!
🤘
Archicad user since 1997 here. I have learned enough Revit to help with collaboration between the different disciplines... If both sides of the US Congress could get along as well as y'all we would have a functioning government... Great conversation, guys!
Haha!!
a comparation of workflow Revit and ArchiCAD will be great. Thank you for this talk.
We will definitely be doing it!!
Great Conversation loved it. As a user of Both software, I have realize one difference that is not commonly mentioned, but for me personally is a big difference in the everyday productivity, the difference is that Revit use the commands in a Linear fashion only (Mostly like autocad), Archicad is kind of circular. For example: In Revit if I have the wall tool open, I can't do anything else other than build a wall, I can't select an element, I can't take a quick measurement or quickly move something out of the way. The same thing with any other tool, I need to esc out of it to do a quick operation and then come back to the tool to continue using it. In Archicad I can have the Wall tool (for example) and I can select any other element, make quick operations like take a measurement, move an element out of the way, do a "Trim", I can even change an element size, etc. all without going out of the tool, to then com back again, Indeed, even in the middle of creating a chain of walls I can take a quick measure and continue where I left.
Hopefully I explain myself well. It doesn't look like much, but after a few years using both software to a professional level, and having develop projects in both software, you come to appreciate those small day to day productivities things.
PD: Thanks for all your tutorials, I have learn from both you and Jared.
That sounds better than Revit. 3D modeling in Revit is so bad Autodesk includes a FormIt pro license with Revit. And FormIt pro is a bad SketchUp clone.
I designed a PEMB in Revit, not a parametric PEMB, with a giant exhaust air system. I had to model that piece of equipment in SketchUp. Same thing happened with a bridge crane inside the building.
The side-by-side comparison would be enjoyable to watch. I’m an ArchiCAD user, much like Jared in that I am on my own doing residential design. I’m 64 and started out in the Parallel Rule Age before moving into AutoCAD (2D). What I really like about BIM - beyond the obvious advantages of built-in coordination and production efficiencies and visualizations and the rest - is how it allows me to remain challenged, provide better service, and create better designs. It allows me to keep learning new things, and keep growing as an architect, 43 years into my career.
wow!! this is so amazing!! happy 65th birthday!! seeing someone so motivated is so inspiring.
@therevitkid im waiting on that side by side video !!!!! hahaha
You guys have it all wrong! As an architect that uses both ArchiCAD and Revit you must experience what it is like to work in the other person’s application of choice. I say you need to both start with the same model (say an as-built of a real world house) then agree on a design for an addition. You must link-in the as-built as a reference file, then begin assembling the various components in the other person’s preferred software. All doors and windows must be different and unique. The addition must be multiple stories and stairs need to have open ballisters. You must produce both floor plans, along with three elevations and a 3D render. There must be door and window schedules and type elevations and head, jamb and sill details. You each have a week to produce your set of drawings. Then and only then will you both understand the differences. I am not sure if Autodesk has a trial package, but I do know they don’t offer a version for Apple-based hardware. Then compare the cost of each license. You can’t leave that factor out of the picture. While Graphisoft has perpetual licenses now, they will be jumping on the subscription bandwagon soon.
Honestly, Sketch-Up has been the sweetest to make 3D of all...
We never said it was bad at making 3D… we said it was not BIM 😉
@@TheRevitKid I know Sketch Up is not BIM. But Sketch-Up is fun to drive and Revit is not. Also, Revit is unnecessarily complicated just to achieve the same simple 3D of a building!
@@mustafizrahman252 Because BIM is technical, you have to do things correctly or else it will not function well just like in real life.
I feel that there is a lot of tools out there for Revit. Also, the rendering is very realistic comprare with ArchiCAD.
Great chat! I agree that duking it out isnt worth it, but better understanding how we work is highly valuable in building common ground and understanding beyond the tools.
I do tend to notice most archicad users tend to work at a more intimate scale, would be great to also see the big BIM side at some point.
Look forward to the showcase side by side video in future.
And I agree with boo sketchup haha. The bane of BIM. I've found Rhino actually works well with BIM principles once you use it that way (it has a customizable parameter system called 'attributes' - essential for rhino inside), although I would never use it that way without a true BIM platform alongside it to get the best of both worlds in a BIM centric manner.
Cheers Gavin! Thanks for watching! :)
@@TheRevitKid always do! Havent made a live one for a while as life is busy, but will try to make the next one.
@@AussieBIMGuru and here I thought the 9PM was perfect timing for you aussies !! 😝
Jared… always fun to see you standing up for ArchiCad. I just sent this to a colleague that’s also knows you pretty well. Always fun to see this debate. I’ve been using ArchiCad for 12 years but I just accepted an offer at a firm that utilizes Revit… I guess in a years time I’ll have a more robust and clearer opinion.
You’ll get to compare both processes well!!
@@TheRevitKid you got it! Also, very happy to have found your channel.. I’ve watched many of your videos. The integration of Revit with Veras really peaks my interest. Keep up the excellent work!
@@brendanleadbeater9400 Cheers! Thanks! I look forward to hearing how your ArchiCAD to Revit journey pans out! haha
That's going to be a big transition!
its been 1 year, so how is it?😂 Ive been waiting
Just watching this, but I must say…I agree that Sketchup is not a true BIM program, however, I would say that it is the best tool for small interior design firms. Basic modeling, space planning, custom cabinet design, etc. Especially with Layout for easy documentation and annotation, the price point and what it offers for that price point, it’s great. Anything large scale, it shouldn’t be used really…maybe massing and concept development?
Can you do in Archicad halftone object or transparent object , make certain lines invisible ?
The main reason why we changed from Revit to Archicad in 2010 was because of the lack of ready made objects for doors, windows, walls and so on. It was so much work for us to develope our own Revit template. Sure it was possible to buy tools and add on for architects. We didnt have time and resorces to do all the development and went for Archicad.
Tomato, tomato. As long as you're using BIM and the solution works for you! :)
Hi, Jeff, thanks for the talk, I'm a huge fan of the blog. I would like to suggest a guest that could present a different approach about the whole Revit/Archicad "battle": Greg Schleusner, from HOK. I don't know if you have watched his presentations at the AEC Magazine Nxt Bld Events but what I think is most important right now is to focus on a steadier development of architectural software instead of comparing solutions that still lack a lot of evolution.
Using Archicad since 2000, Revit since 7 months. Archicad is faster, easier, more fun and has an architectural philosophy which guides you along the building design process. Revit is slower, boring, buggy, frustrating, crashes easily, allows you to design blob-architecture and is useless with ifc files.
Thanks for tuning in and your thoughts on the matter! Even if I, personally, disagree … hehe
I would be curious to see how long it takes to generate a door schedule showing door locations, swing directions in both apps. Is the comparison online yet?
I’ve been using ArchiCAD since 1992, it takes, I think, no longer tan 5 minutes to generate what you’re asking with ArchiCAD
I work in timber frame and its pretty common for the timber frame builder or manufacturer to redo the frame drawings.
You mean redo the arch framing drawings or redo your own framing drawings based on arch coordination?
@@TheRevitKid can be either, just depends on the situation and coordinating with the architect or designer.
What I say about this debate is if I was alone designing and documenting I would us ArchiCAD, hands down. If I need to coordinate staff to do it for me Revit gives top down control on the drawing set based on my template and families I load in. One is a design tool the other is a data entry tool, I love them both for different things.
All valid reasons to use either! I would argue Revit is also a great design tool.. But I get your points. ;)
I've worked for two firms that were Archicad, then switched to Revit. So I've had the opportunity to use both tools comprehensively at a professional level. I did a comparison chart, rated and weighted (just because one platform does something better, doesn't mean it actually matters, right?). This was a while ago, and both platforms have moved on, but I reckon the results would be similar today: and that is that they were more or less equal. Archicad came out marginally in front, but not enough to be decisive. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference, and your company's priorities.
306 different comparisons in 16 different categories.
Cheers, Bruce! Thanks for tuning in and for the feedback!
I prefer designing in rhino then, when concept is done redraw it in bim, obviously an extra step but totally worth it depending on the level of design needed for a project
Yeah… that extra step is what irks me… But, I am not trying to judge other peoples workflows :). Just calling out inefficiency in the process is all hehe
Thanks for a great talk about BIM, architecture and the people behind. You talked about if Archicad or Revit is more suitable for large projects. I think Revit has a problem with speed on larger projects, where you have to handle thousands of objects all the time. I did this video a few years back, that shows a clear speed difference between Archicad and Revit when copying many objects. - Perhaps you could redo the test to see, if this is really true: ua-cam.com/video/m7Tjbkq9obI/v-deo.html
Huh... I'll have to see!
I love ArchiCAD for multiple core use on the other hand if it is good for Structural and MEP however it’s a single core suffer say it will never get wet supposed to be. 😅
I solely do residential design and after experimenting with Autocad Chief Architect and Archicad I finally settled with Revit. It feels more intuitive
Chief Architect!! I forgot about that one!! I also played with that way back when I started Revit!
Revit, intuitive?
You need to adjust your perception. :)
The only annoying thing about archicad is you cant round off dimensions in mm. So you end up with wierd 1246 as dimensions
You can, however, it’s just better to model the correct dimension from the get go instead of relying on an automated rounding off to avoid errors in other areas
Great thing. Me as a humble Revit fanatic xD all I have to ask anyone that uses Archicad whats the point of IFC informations outside of clash control if the official bureaus need 2D Drawings and everyone knows that IFC isnt made for 2D views. Then the next question is can you work closed BIM with archicad and other planners? ( Plumber, engineers, electrician etc...) And there ends the discussion usualy. :x
@@vanrensburgarchitecturebim1641 this is funny because it's only partially true. Revit is basically non-existant here in Austria and everyone uses Archicad and we always roll into the same old issue. We are forced to input millions of IFC parameters that are for nothing since bureaus don't use a IFC model checker for your information. Basically what we are doing is AutoCAD in 3D with IFCs.
When you throw a stone here you hit a Archicad, Allplan or AutoCAD user xD
That is part of the reason I thought it would be great to have Jared on! It’s easy for us Revit users to forget other BIM softwares exist and they may also be just as great! :)
@@TheRevitKid this is true. The issue is sadly (in my opinion only ofc ;) ) the other software require IFC to work with others unlike Revit where you can do Closed BIM. And after a decent chunk of projects I can confidently say that open BIM with the current IFC format and how the world works ( bureaus requiring 2D drawings) is highly ineffective and very time-consuming. And that is contraproductive, since BIM premise is to be more effective than CAD drawing.
Why is Autocad Architecture not included in these conversations? I've used all software discussed in the video and training others to use Autocad Architecture had the easiest learning curve for CAD users.
Because I wouldn’t consider ACAD Architecture “BIM”… Would you? Sure, you can use 3D objects and data within them and take advantage of that… But you are still dealing with a tangled web of xrefs, sheet list management, etc… I guess it could be considered “BIM-ish”…?
@TheRevitKid To me, ACAD Architecture is BIM. I guess it boils down to the proficiency of the user in said program. I do admit Revit has the better PR and support for its adoption industry wide.
Coz it’s 2023 and dinosaurs are dead
@@HectoCADTUBE Sorry, ACAD Architecture is not BIM…. It’s not about proficiency in the program. I used to be very proficient in pulling together a set of documents in ACAD Architecture, myself, that doesn’t make it BIM.
No this doesn't matter alot but damn, Revit has a very Ugly UI
It’s pretty awful… I don’t disagree with that…
Archicad is the worst
You don't know how to us archicad that's the only reason you could say this
SketchUp > Revit & Archicad