COMPAS
Open-source Python framework for computational design, analysis, fabrication, and BIM workflows in AEC, with dedicated Rhino, Grasshopper, and Blender integrations plus headless scripting, RPC bridging, and extension packages such as compas_ifc and compas_fab.
4.0 /5 composite score
C1 5/5 reflects the MIT-licensed open-source distribution, C2 4/5 reflects the headless Python API plus Rhino/Grasshopper/Blender integrations and RPC bridging, and C4 5/5 reflects source-level portability with IFC support through the documented compas_ifc package. C3 2/5 remains honest about the developer-heavy setup and Python-first learning curve.
Worth it
Rubric Scorecard
| Criterion | Score | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Value for the price | 5/5 | free / open source (MIT), from $0, free tier Source → |
| Agent Friendliness | 4/5 | CLI, API: Full Python framework API with dedicated Rhino, Grasshopper, and Blender packages plus RPC proxy support for calling CPython code from Rhino/GH Source → |
| Ease of adoption | 2/5 | desktop-install, steep learning curve |
| Portability & lock-in | 5/5 | 1 file formats, export: bulk Source → |
| Interoperability | 4/5 | 3 integrations Source → |
Pricing
Modelfree / open source (MIT)
Entry price$0
Free tieryes
Free vieweryes
Trialno
Free tier scopeusable
How we verified this: we checked COMPAS against its live site and an independent source — ita.arch.ethz.ch. Nothing on this page is listed from memory. See how we grade. Verified 2026-07-29.
Evidence
File formats
| Format | Direction | Support |
|---|---|---|
| IFC (via plugin) | both | partial -- The core docs list compas_ifc as the BIM package in the COMPAS ecosystem. |
Integrations
Rhino Grasshopper Blender
Adoption
Deploymentdesktop-install
Self-serve signupyes
Implementation requirednone
Training requiredtutorials
Learning curvesteep
Data export
Export mechanismbulk
Export scopeall-data
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