Side by side
OpenBuildings Designer vs Vectorworks Architect
Both stand on building information modeling software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
OpenBuildings Designer combines multi-discipline building design with IFC, cloud, clash, quantity, and API features. The main buying considerations are its Windows platform, unavailable mobile access, and 12-month subscription costing $3,844 a year.
Visit OpenBuildings DesignerChoose Vectorworks Architect for architectural BIM work that combines parametric modeling, documentation, assessments, and visualization. Consider another option if you need a free plan or cannot meet its periodic online authorization requirement.
Visit Vectorworks ArchitectThe facts
| OpenBuildings Designer | Vectorworks Architect | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | OpenBuildings Designer: $3,844 a year | Annual: $1,530 a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | bentley.com | vectorworks.net |
| On building information modeling software | #11 of 13 | #7 of 13 |
OpenBuildings Designer: what it does well
- Supports multi-discipline building design
- Includes IFC support
- Offers cloud collaboration
- Provides clash detection and quantity takeoff
- Includes API access
What to know first
- No free plan
- Windows platform only
- No mobile access listed
- Annual plan costs 3,844.00 USD
Vectorworks Architect: what it does well
- Supports openBIM and IFC workflows.
- Produces construction documents, shop drawings, take-offs, and schedules.
- Includes energy and embodied-carbon assessments.
- Cloud processing supports rendering, animations, and exports.
- Mobile app can create 3D models from photos.
What to know first
- There is no free plan.
- A license is actively usable on one device at a time.
- Active subscribers must connect online within three days of renewal.
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