Along with the strong development of BIM technology in the construction industry, more and more software is born to serve the diverse needs of contractors, subcontractors, engineers, designers,… Each BIM software will have its own strengths to serve the process of ideation, design, construction, and operation of the project. However, there is some outstanding software that we will list for you in the content below. (This is just a list, not a ranking)
1. Revit – The most popular BIM software
- Website: https://www.autodesk.com/products/revit/overview
- Developers: Autodesk
If you ask anyone about the best BIM software they’ve ever used, the number 1 answer will definitely be Revit. Released around the turn of the 20th century and developed to date, it is one of Autodesk’s most advanced BIM software.
Revit is extremely interactive software between members, helping to convey your construction ideas in the most detailed and complete way. It supports project tracking from initial concept to construction, maintenance and decommissioning stages.
Overview Revit Feature:
| Parametric Components | Dynamo for Revit |
| Worksharing | Global Parameters |
| Schedules | Architectural Design |
| Interoperability & IFC | Structural Engineering & Fabrication |
| Add-Ins | MEP Engineering & Fabrication |
| Annotation | Construction |
Revit software is also one of the important software that we use to provide BIM services to our clients.
2. ArchiCAD
- Website: https://graphisoft.com/solutions/archicad
- Developers: Graphisoft
ARCHICAD is a software designed by GRAPHISOFT for architects, interior designers, designers and urban planners. This is one of the software that directly interacts between members, supporting the project from ideation to construction and maintenance.
The special feature of this software is that it provides you with a cloud platform that can work both on Mac, Windows and mobile devices through BIMx and EcoDesigner STAR applications. The most special feature of this application is customizing parameters, properties based on expressions to improve productivity and workflow, faster 2d navigation.
Overview ArchiCAD Feature:
| Façade design | Expression-based properties |
| Faster and smoother 2D navigation | Productivity & workflow enhancement |
| Parametric custom profiles |
3. Tekla BIMsight
- Website: https://www.tekla.com/tekla-bimsight/
- Developers: Tekla
Tekla BIMsight is a FREE software that provides a convenient BIM environment. You can merge 3D models, share information, and check for development. This platform enables project participants to pinpoint and remedy problems in the design level prior to construction.
The tool includes a full version designed to work seamlessly on Windows computers and a Tekla BIMsight Note app designed for Android or iOS devices.
Overview Tekla BIMsight Feature:
| Clash detection tool | Conflict checking |
| Clip planes feature | 3D navigation |
| Tekla BIMsight note | Save model view |
| Support for SketchUp | Create and share notes |
| Rebar measurements | BCF support |
4. Allplan – Advanced 3D Models BIM Software
- Website: https://www.allplan.com/
- Developers: Allplan
Allplan is a BIM software that helps architects and engineering and architectural architects create precise and up-to-date drawings from powerful tools and layouts. Helps users apply different approaches to create advanced 3d drawings and models. 3D modeling from Allplan is integrated with Siemens’ Parasolid modeling kernel, which generates renderings that help users visualize their designs and models more realistically.
Last but not least, Allplan easy for users to work on their projects on one platform wherever they are and coordinate with stakeholders.
Overview Allplan Feature:
| Design Freedom | Intuitive User Interface |
| BIM-Aided Design | Facilitate Task and Role-Based Working |
| 3D Modeling Without Compromise | Reliable Quantity Takeoff |
| Visualization at the Highest Level | Smooth Data Exchange |
| The Right Representation for every Screen | Efficient Information Management |
| Precision Down to the Working Drawings | Simplified and Optimized Collaboration |
| Consistent and Correct Labelling Of Objects within Sections and Views |
5. Navisworks
- Website: https://www.autodesk.com/products/navisworks/overview
- Developers: Autodesk
Navisworks is a project management and review BIM software for professionals or AEC teams. It provides an overview and all stakeholder data to improve the pre-construction process.
There are two versions: Navisworks Manage and Navisworks Simulate. The Manage version includes tools such as clash detection, advanced coordination, 5D analysis, and simulation tools. And the Simulate version is used to review and communicate project details via 5D analysis and simulation. Each plan has features that meet your unique review and management needs
Overview Navisworks Feature:
| Highlighted Section Cutouts | BIM Coordination |
| Multithread Clash Detection | Model Review |
| IFC File Reader | Model Simulation & Analysis |
| DGN File Reader | Project Viewing |
| BIM 360 Glue Integration | Quantification |
| BIM 360 Shared Views |
6. BIMobject
- Website: https://www.bimobject.com/
- Developers: BIMobject
BIMobject is a comprehensive digital management system for BIM objects. This platform offers modules to help customers in the conversion and publishing of BIM objects on the internet. Include:
The BIMobject Cloud is a cloud platform that securely stores all files and BIM objects.
BIMobject Apps offers extensive BIM tools for beginners as well as advanced professionals.
BIManalytics Core is a lead tool for interacting with people who directly or indirectly influence the project.
The BIMobject Product Site is a site for building and interior product manufacturers.
BIMobject Hercules is a cloud solution for enterprises to organize, structure, standardize and manage BIM objects before syndicating to the web.
BIMobject Properties (BOPC) sets future standards such as parameters, metadata, etc.
BIMsupply generates bills of materials, tenders, bids and orders.
And some other modules.
Overview BIMobject Feature:
| BIMobject Cloud | BIMobject Mosquito |
| BIMobject Apps | BIMscript |
| BIManalytics Core | BIMobject Marketing Campaign |
| BIMobject Product Site | BIMsupply |
| BIMobject Hercules | Object creation & Process |
| BIMobject Properties | BIMobject White Books |
7. BIMx
- Website: https://graphisoft.com/solutions/bimx
- Developers: Graphisoft
BIMx is a free mobile application for collaborating with BIM projects conveniently from handheld devices. This software helps users to access integrated drawings and 3d models of the building. As well as the component data for building construction.
Access anytime, anywhere and connect online with project members, easily interact with clients and contractors.
Overview BIMx Feature:
| BIMx Hyper-model | Photo-realistic mode |
| Superfast 2D documentation viewer | Stereo 3D mode |
| Fly & Walk mode | Google Cloud Print support |
| Gravity & Egress recognition | Finger controls (zoom, pan, rotate) |
| Hyperlinked 2D & 3D | Option to access Hyper-model element outside the app |
| Access to any building component-related BIM information | Location feedback during navigation |
| Real-time 3D cutaway | Google Cardboard VR support on phones |
| Trace 2D drawings on 3D | Measure on 2D drawings or directly in a BIM model |
| Presentation mode |
8. AECOsim Building Designer – A Multi-Discipline BIM Software
AECOsim Building Designer is a multi-discipline BIM software means it helps collaboration among architects, structural engineers, mechanical and electrical use by sharing features and tasks. The technology provides tools to properly communicate an envisioned design and connect barriers between building disciplines and geographically distributed teams.
AECOsim Building Designer provides a tool to help model everything from simple to complex buildings. Help communicate design ideas in the most effective way.
Overview AECOsim Building Designer Feature:
| 2D Drawing | Design Modeling |
| 3D Modeling | Document Management |
9. Trimble Connect
- Website: https://connect.trimble.com/
- Developers: Trimble
Trimble Connect is a powerful collaboration BIM software for architects, engineers, sub-contractors, general contracts, and project owners to collaborate and see a full and detailed picture of the project.
Accessible from website, desktop or mobile devices and share data online anytime, anywhere.
Overview Trimble Connect Feature:
| 3D markup | Exchange to-dos using BCF 1.0 |
| Align models | Export reports |
| Activity Feed | File Explorer |
| Comment on to-dos | Manage permissions and notifications |
| Combine and view selected models | Model object filtering |
| Change the color of some objects | Manage users and groups |
| Control visibility of the entire model | Save views |
| Create a project | Run clash checking |
| Define custom reports | View/comment clashes |
| Create and manage folders | Temporary local offline storage |
| Create and manage releases |
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