FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Business Operations

Free and open first

Best Building Information Modeling Software in 2026

BIM software lets users build and manage digital representations of buildings. This list covers tools with model authoring, OpenBIM, cloud collaboration, version history, and file-format considerations.

  1. 1

    Archicad

    Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4

    Archicad combines building design, documentation, visualization, and model collaboration with openBIM support.

    7.6 From $201/user/mo (annual) · 30-day trial Visit site
  2. 2

    Bonsai

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Bonsai combines IFC authoring and model review in a free, open-source desktop suite. The alpha label for Studio is important to consider, and Bonsai Web is not yet presented as available.

    7.4 Free plan Visit site
  3. 3

    FreeCAD

    by FreeCAD
    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Choose FreeCAD if you need a free, open-source desktop modeler with parametric editing, broad open-format support, and technical simulation tools. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

    7.2 Free plan Visit site
  4. 4

    Allplan

    Free trial iPhoneMacWeb+1

    ALLPLAN covers multiple AEC disciplines and project stages, with cloud collaboration and broad data exchange support.

    6.6 From $140/user/mo (annual) · 14-day trial Visit site
  5. 5

    CYPE Architecture

    Free plan Windows
    6.1 Free plan · paid from €2,200 Visit site
  6. 6

    Vectorworks Architect

    Free trial AndroidiPhoneMac+2

    Choose Vectorworks Architect for architectural BIM work that combines parametric modeling, documentation, assessments, and visualization.

    5.8 Visit site
  7. 7

    IDEA Architecture

    Free trial Windows

    IDEA Architecture combines modeling, documentation, visualization, phasing, costing, and specialist integrations in one Windows BIM package.

    5.6 Pricing on request Visit site
  8. 8

    Edificius

    Free trial Windows
    4.7 From €799/yr · 30-day trial Visit site
  9. 9

    OpenBuildings Designer

    Paid Windows

    OpenBuildings Designer combines multi-discipline building design with IFC, cloud, clash, quantity, and API features.

    4.4 From $3,844/mo (annual) Visit site
  10. 10

    Designcenter for BIM

    Paid Windows
    4.3 Pricing on request Visit site
  11. 11

    ideCAD

    Paid Windows
    4.2 From $39/mo · 30-day trial Visit site
  12. 12

    GRAITEC Advance Design

    Free trial Windows
    4.1 Pricing on request · 30-day trial Visit site
  13. 13

    Tekla Structural Designer

    Paid Windows
    3.8 30-day trial Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare the free plan, paid starting price, trial length, supported platforms, and file formats. Verify that each option supports the operating systems and devices you require, including Windows, macOS, iOS, the web, Linux, or Android. If you need to read or change code, check the tool's licence.

Questions

Is BIM software available with a free plan?

Yes. Bonsai, CYPE Architecture, and Archicad list free plans. FreeCAD is listed as free.

Which BIM tools offer a trial?

Allplan offers a 14-day trial. Archicad, Edificius, GRAITEC Advance Design, and ideCAD each offer 30-day trials.

What is the lowest listed paid starting price?

ideCAD lists a starting price of $39 per user per month. Currencies and billing periods differ, so compare the terms as well as the amount.

Can I use BIM software on Linux or the web?

Linux and web are among the platforms represented in this list. Check the platform entry for the tool you are considering.

What should I compare besides price?

Look at model authoring, OpenBIM support, cloud collaboration, model version history, platforms, supported file formats, free access, and trial terms.

More in Business Operations