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Autodesk Forma Build vs QCAD Professional

Both stand on architectural design software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Autodesk Forma Build

Free trial AndroidAPIiPhone+1

Choose Forma Build if your construction team needs connected project workflows and mobile field access, with Essentials and per-user paid options. Look elsewhere if you need a free plan or cannot subscribe after the trial, since trial users then lose project access.

Visit Autodesk Forma Build

QCAD Professional

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose QCAD Professional for cross-platform 2D drafting with DWG and DXF support, a large parts library, and command-line conversion tools. Its one-time listed download price is 48.00 USD, and the included new-version updates last one year; buyers seeking a free option can consider the Community Edition.

Visit QCAD Professional

The facts

Autodesk Forma BuildQCAD Professional
Free planA free trialYes
Open sourceNot publishedNot published
Runs onAndroid, API, iPhone, WebLinux, Mac, Windows
Lowest paid planForma Build Essentials: $800 per user a yearQCAD Professional (Download): $48, paid once
Plans published52
MakerAutodesk Forma BuildQCAD Professional
Websiteautodesk.comqcad.org
On architectural design software#11 of 29#7 of 29

Autodesk Forma Build: what it does well

  • Supports RFIs, submittals, issues, and schedule tracking.
  • Mobile app can access project data offline.
  • Essentials includes punch lists and daily reports.
  • Forma Construction Connect supports custom connections to 200+ systems.
  • The AECO partner ecosystem offers more than 400 integrations.

What to know first

  • There is no free plan.
  • Essentials costs $100 per user monthly.
  • Trial users lose project access if they do not subscribe afterward.

QCAD Professional: what it does well

  • Reads and writes DWG and DXF through version R32.
  • Includes scaled and multipage printing tools.
  • Offers over 5,000 CAD parts as free add-ons.
  • JavaScript interface supports custom interactive CAD tools.
  • Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

What to know first

  • The listed download costs $48, paid once.
  • New-version updates are included for one year after purchase.
  • Technical questions are directed to the user forum.

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