Side by side
Archicad vs Bonsai
Both stand on architecture software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4
Archicad combines building design, documentation, visualization, and model collaboration with openBIM support. Check the plan distinction and commercial licensing requirements, or use the educational license only for non-commercial work.
Visit Archicad
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.
Visit BonsaiThe facts
| Archicad | Bonsai | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Archicad Studio: $201 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | graphisoft.com | bonsaibim.org |
| On architecture software | #1 of 36 | #3 of 36 |
Archicad: what it does well
- Coordinates drawings and annotation from 3D models.
- Supports IFC, BCF, and IDS openBIM workflows.
- Offers quantity take-offs and clash detection.
- Includes visualization, fly-throughs, and animations.
- Free educational license is available to eligible users.
What to know first
- Studio starts at $201 per user monthly, billed annually.
- EDU files carry an irremovable watermark.
- Commercial use of Archicad 29 requires a license key.
- Studio trial eligibility excludes recent or previous trial applicants.
Bonsai: what it does well
- Free, open-source Studio and Viewer apps.
- Reads and writes native IFC without proprietary formats.
- Viewer includes clash detection and BCF issue management.
- Studio generates linked drawings, schedules, and reports.
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What to know first
- The Studio page labels the software alpha.
- Bonsai Web is described as coming soon.
- No mobile access is listed.
Alternatives to Archicad Alternatives to Bonsai The whole list