BIM Authoring

Free, open-source native IFC authoring add-on for Blender (formerly named BlenderBIM, renamed Bonsai in 2024). Built on the IfcOpenShell library, it lets users view, author, and enrich IFC BIM models directly inside Blender, covering modeling, drawing generation, and openBIM workflows. Distinct from the catalog's unrelated existing "Bonsai" entry (hellobonsai.com, a freelancer invoicing SaaS).

Fully free, native-IFC, and open source with a full Python scripting API and an active community MCP server for AI-agent control, but the Blender + BIM combination carries a steep learning curve.

A full desktop BIM authoring platform from Graphisoft built specifically for architects to model buildings and produce coordinated drawings and documentation.

C4 5/5 reflects broad open-format coverage across IFC, DWG, DXF, DGN, BCF, SKP, STL, FBX, and PDF, C2 3/5 reflects the Archicad API plus C++ and Python scripting, and firm-size fit is solo to small-team.

A combined CAD-and-BIM design platform from Vectorworks (Nemetschek Group) aimed at architects who want flexible modeling plus documentation in one tool.

C4 4/5 reflects DWG, DXF, IFC, RVT, SKP, PDF, OBJ, and FBX interoperability with documented translator limits, C2 3/5 reflects VectorScript plus Python and C++ SDKs, and C5 4/5 reflects Revit, SketchUp, Speckle, One Click LCA, and Maxon Redshift integrations.

A DWG-native BIM tool (from Bricsys, now under Octave) that adds rule-based BIM modeling and auto-classification on top of a familiar AutoCAD-like drafting environment.

C3 5/5 reflects a DWG-native workflow with Revit RVT import, C2 3/5 reflects Python, LISP, VBA, and BRX APIs, and C4 4/5 reflects IFC, DWG, DXF, RVT, RFA, and PDF coverage.

Open-source "AECOsystem" of JavaScript/TypeScript engine libraries (web-ifc, @thatopen/components, @thatopen/fragments, @thatopen/ui) for building browser-based, native-IFC BIM applications -- a WASM-speed IFC parser, a compact binary "Fragments" format for fast loading of huge models, and Three.js-based UI building blocks (viewers, clipping planes, measurement, DXF export) -- plus an emerging hosted "That Open Platform" (private beta) and a paid custom-BIM-app development service.

C1 4/5 reflects the usable free and open-source core libraries, C2 4/5 reflects the documented TypeScript and JavaScript APIs plus CLI, and C4 5/5 reflects full IFC2X3 and IFC4 support with DXF export. The surface is a developer SDK for BIM applications rather than a turnkey end-user authoring tool.

Cloud-native BIM modeling and coordination platform with IFC-native workflow, real-time multi-user editing, clash detection, issue tracking, and reporting across web, desktop, and mobile.

C1 4/5 reflects the usable free tier and published Team and Professional pricing, C2 4/5 reflects the documented OAuth 2.1 REST API, and C4 4/5 reflects IFC round-trip plus RVT import. Firm-size fit spans solo to growing.

MEP design productivity plugin for Revit and AutoCAD enabling mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers to rapidly design pipe/cable systems, access 30,000+ manufacturer BIM families, and perform integrated heating/cooling calculations.

Autodesk's stripped-down, single-user version of Revit for 3D architectural BIM modeling and documentation without the multidisciplinary and worksharing features of full Revit.

C1 5/5 reflects the lowest-price Revit-branded entry point, C2 2/5 reflects no API, add-ins, or Dynamo in LT, and C4 4/5 reflects RVT, DWG, DXF, DGN, IFC, FBX, PDF, and NWC interoperability.

A free, open-source parametric 3D modeler whose built-in BIM workbench provides architectural elements (walls, windows, structure) and clean IFC export.

C2 4/5 reflects the full Python API and CLI access, C4 4/5 reflects IFC, DWG, DXF, STEP, OBJ, STL, GLTF, SVG, and PDF support, and RF4 marks community-maintained lifecycle risk.

AI-powered generative/schematic design platform for architecture firms that converts a firm's own prior Revit design assemblies into reusable 'Design Catalog' components (puzzle pieces), then arranges and morphs them to fit a new building footprint and unit mix, producing a coordinated, construction-document-ready native Revit BIM model (LOD 300-350) synced bidirectionally back into Revit.

The BIM-authoring placement is limited to Revit-based schematic-to-LOD 300-350 output rather than a standalone authoring environment. C4 4/5 reflects RVT round-trip plus IFC export, and C5 4/5 reflects the Revit and Grasshopper integration set.

A professional BIM authoring platform from Allplan (Nemetschek Group) for architectural modeling, detailing, and construction documentation.

C2 3/5 reflects the PythonParts API and visual scripting, C5 4/5 reflects Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Lumion, CINEMA 4D, and Preoptima Concept integrations, and C4 3/5 with RF3 reflects a more constrained interoperability profile despite IFC, DWG, DXF, DGN, PDF, 3DM, SKP, and FBX support.

Autodesk's flagship multidiscipline BIM authoring platform for architecture, structural, and MEP design, documentation, and multi-user worksharing -- distinct from the single-user, feature-limited Revit LT.

C2 4/5 reflects the APS Revit Automation API, the desktop .NET API, and Dynamo scripting; C5 5/5 reflects AutoCAD, Navisworks, Civil 3D, Autodesk Construction Cloud / Forma, Enscape, and Lumion integrations. C4 3/5 reflects native RVT, RFA, RTE, and RFT workflows with certified IFC exchange and partial DWG, DXF, and DGN interoperability.

Web-based medical space-and-equipment planning system for healthcare facilities -- provides a cloud-based BIM platform with 2,100+ MILSTD 1691 medical equipment objects, pre-built room and department templates, and direct links to the Department of Veterans Affairs and DoD Defense Health Agency Space and Equipment Planning System (SEPS) data via APIs; bi-directional sync with Autodesk Revit, Graphisoft ArchiCAD, and SketchUp through the free ONUMA plug-in; exports COBie and IFC; 30-day free trial available with self-serve sign-up; made by ONUMA Inc.

The bim-authoring placement is room-data and equipment synchronization with Revit, ArchiCAD, and SketchUp rather than standalone model authoring. C4 4/5 reflects IFC and COBie export, and C2 2/5 reflects no publicly documented CLI or MCP despite REST and BIMXML APIs.

Constructible structural BIM software from Trimble for steel, concrete, precast, and timber detailing -- produces fabrication-ready shop drawings, rebar detailing, and CNC/DSTV output directly from the 3D model.

C4 4/5 reflects IFC, CIS/2, DSTV, SDNF, DGN, DWG, IGES, and STEP exchange, and C5 4/5 reflects Tekla Structural Designer, Tekla Tedds, Trimble Connect, Robot, SAP2000, and Revit interoperability. RF1 and C1 2/5 reflect quote-only Carbon, Graphite, and Diamond subscriptions, and C3 2/5 reflects a specialist desktop workflow for small-team to growing firms.

Multidiscipline BIM authoring platform built on the MicroStation CAD engine for architectural, structural, and MEP design, with built-in energy analysis and GenerativeComponents parametric modeling -- Bentley's direct Revit competitor.

C2 4/5 reflects the iTwin Platform REST APIs plus MicroStation and OpenBuildings SDK customization, and C5 4/5 reflects ProjectWise, iTwin Platform, OpenBuildings Energy Simulator, GenerativeComponents, LumenRT, Hevacomp, and NBS Chorus integrations. C4 3/5 reflects native DGN workflows with partial DWG and IFC exchange, and firm-size fit is small-team to growing.

Suite of AI design tools for Revit and SketchUp -- AI rendering (Veras), auto-documentation (Glyph), generative design (Morphis), and file interoperability (Helix); now part of the Chaos ecosystem.

The BIM-authoring placement is limited to the Revit add-in surface; C2 3/5 reflects host-app scripting rather than a public API, and C4 3/5 reflects portability through RVT and IFC via host apps.

A browser-based, AI-assisted design platform that takes architects from concept and massing through BIM-ready models with export to Revit and Rhino.

C3 4/5 reflects browser-based onboarding, C5 3/5 reflects Revit, ArchiCAD, Allplan, Vectorworks, and SketchUp connections, and C4 3/5 reflects RVT, IFC, DWG, FBX, PDF, and SKP support.

Computer-aided design software for creating geospatially enabled 2D and 3D infrastructure drawings. Supports multi-discipline BIM authoring workflows across transportation, water, energy, and municipal infrastructure sectors with native support for DGN format and interoperability with DWG, IFC, and point clouds.

RF3 remains attached because DGN is the native format, while C2 4/5 reflects MicroStation OpenAPI plus the MDL/.NET/Python/JavaScript SDK surface. C4 2/5 reflects partial DWG and IFC interoperability around the DGN-native workflow.

Precast detailing and production-planning software for wall and slab fabricators, with Planbar lineage, automated reinforcement workflows, and explicit monthly pricing.

C1 3/5 reflects published pricing from EUR 618.25/month plus a trial, C3 2/5 reflects specialist precast-factory adoption rather than general BIM onboarding, and C5 4/5 reflects ALLPLAN and IFC workflows. C2 2/5 reflects no documented API or scripting surface.

A browser-based, multiplayer BIM platform for early-stage architectural design, combining massing, metrics, boards/presentation, and real-time collaboration.

This placement is limited to early-stage browser authoring; C4 4/5 reflects IFC and DWG import plus OBJ, FBX, STL, GLTF, GLB, and 3DM exchange, while C2 2/5 reflects no public API, CLI, or shipping scripting surface.

AutoCAD-based BIM authoring toolset with architectural objects (walls, doors, windows, stairs), parametric wall systems, schedule generation, and IFC interoperability for single-discipline architectural design and documentation.

Situational for small architectural teams already in AutoCAD ecosystem -- AutoCAD Architecture adds parametric walls, architectural schedules, and IFC read/write for BIM workflows, but the feature set is narrower than Revit (no multi-discipline coordination, no cloud collaboration), and subscription-only bundling (no standalone purchase) restricts adoption; strongest fit for 2D-first practices upgrading from vanilla AutoCAD with minimal Revit interop needs.

Cloud-accessible structural analysis and design software combining model-based design with analysis capabilities, featuring seismic design, portal frame design, and AI-assisted workflows for structural engineers.

AI co-pilot platform for architecture firms that automates construction documentation and BIM modeling inside Revit and ArchiCAD -- generating complete CD sets (dimensions, tags, views, sheets), 2D-to-3D modeling, and ADA compliance checks, grounded in each firm's own annotation standards and QA rules.

RF1 and RF2 reflect quote-only pricing and no public API, CLI, or MCP, while C4 3/5 reflects RVT and PLN round-trip support and C5 4/5 reflects the Revit, ArchiCAD, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Procore, and Trimble integration set. Firm-size fit is growing.

Japan-focused 3D architectural CAD system for residential design, permit drawings, energy-compliance workflows, structural design, estimating, and presentation output, with instant 3D model generation from floor-plan and roof inputs.

The product is squarely in residential BIM/CAD rather than generic drafting: it generates a coordinated 3D building model and drives permit, energy, structural, and estimating outputs from the same data. C3 4/5 reflects the downloadable 30-day trial, C5 3/5 reflects the documented cloud-service links and VR integration, and RF1 keeps C1 at 2/5 because public trial access exists but a real price sheet does not.

Japan-native BIM authoring system for architectural design and construction documentation, optimized for Japanese building methods and code-compliance workflows while generating coordinated drawings from a 3D building model.

C1 4/5 reflects a published Japanese price sheet covering purchase and term-license options, C3 3/5 reflects desktop deployment with vendor-led configuration choices, and C4 2/5 reflects a more closed domestic-BIM workflow despite strong Japanese-code alignment. C2 remains 1/5 because no public API, CLI, or scripting surface was found.

AI homebuilding platform that generates permit-ready construction documents, 3D sales visuals, and plan-based estimates from a single design model -- covers the full design-to-construction lifecycle for production homebuilders, with generative building design, automated estimating, and shoppable 3D showrooms.

The BIM-authoring placement is downstream model and document generation from the same residential workflow rather than a general-purpose authoring environment. PDF import is documented, C5 3/5 reflects the ECI MarkSystems and US LBM integrations, and RF1 plus RF2 keep pricing and agent access constrained.