What is the most popular BIM software ?

There are multiple types of BIM software to work on your building’s project modeling. Some of the most popular ones include Revit, SketchUp, Autodesk BIM 360, ARCHICAD, Tekla BIMsight, and more.

How to use BIM software?

You can start using BIM software by creating a 3D model for your project. After that, create conceptual design, analysis it, perform simulation, etc. Secondly, you can share this project with your team members for collaboration. Lastly, you can use it to work on your project data and make necessary changes to it.

Who uses BIM software?

BIM software can be used by civil engineers, architects, mechanical engineers, structural engineers to create and manage the building’s infrastructure project.

How much does BIM software cost?

The pricing of any BIM software would depend on the type of features it offers to its users. However, you can buy BIM software for as low as INR 800 per month.

How do different BIM software interact ?

Different BIM design software interacts with other BIM software through integration. Most BIM software offers integration capability to easily migrate data among other software for better project collaboration.

What is BIM software used for?

BIM software is used to develop 3D modeling designs, design projects collaboration in real-time, create photorealistic materials designs, and decide project’s cost.

Top 11 Free Building Information Modelling or BIM Software of 2024

The use of BIM modeling in the construction industry has increased over the years and there are multiple available BIM tools in the market. With BIM virtual reality, 4D imaging, and 3D modeling, BIM software has simplified the design process for building infrastructure. It assists engineers and contractors to improve design decisions, eliminate modeling inefficiencies, perform advanced simulations, and much more.

What is Building Information Modelling Software?

BIM software is a building information modeling software used to create, manage, and document designing work in engineering, architecture, construction, and other industries. The software gathers data and presents a real-life view of a building’s infrastructure before, during, and after construction.

It can be used to design, visualize, and simulate 3D designs for buildings. This software simulates various physical aspects of a building such as electrical components, plumbing fixtures, and ventilation effortlessly.

List of 11 Free Building Information Modelling Software

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In this blog, we will look at some of the best free BIM software along with their pros and cons. This would help you to choose the right solution according to your BIM modeling requirements.

Here is the list of top free BIM modeling software you can consider for your project-

Navisworks

It is a project review and designing software for AEC professionals. Navisworks enables users to identify clash detection, create 3D animated imagery, collaborate with stakeholders, etc. With 5D analysis and simulation, the software analyzes project details and shares it with your team.

Navisworks Features

Supports NWD and 3D DWF files
You can control project schedules
Perform 4D and 5D simulation
Helps perform preconstruction analysis

You can create models in 60+ supported formats.
It comes with reality capture capabilities to scan and identify objects present on the site.
You can use it to render all your 3D projects on the cloud.

No mobile application available

Infurnia

Infurnia software is used to incorporate Building Information Modeling (BIM) in 3D models, collaborate on projects, and manage all the project data easily. It lets you collaborate with stakeholders by sharing the file link.

Further, every changed design is saved as the new version, and you can go back to the previous version easily. It allows you to create your own custom design documentation library with Infurnia.

Infernia Features

Design version control
Real-time pricing quote generation
Design documentation Detailed project management

Save your time and effort by auto-generating design plans and elevation views.
It lets you share and add comments to the design.
You can create parallel design versions with its branching feature.

It takes time to load bigger design files.
You can access it only from the chrome browser

AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a CAD software for creating 2D and 3D designs and models. Its multiple features, such as blocks pallets, text settings, data linking, and model documentation help automate designing tasks. With this software, you can also insert geographical location info in your sketch and display map via an online map service.

AutoCAD Features

Easily export your data to other Autodesk products.
It supports 3D mesh modeling
Count geometrical blocks in your designs with Count command
You can check the drawing history

It lets you create or change the objects in multiple circular and rectangular patterns.
You can complete your project faster with helpful tips through My Insights feature.

Limited files formats
You cannot easily edit lines and locations in the drawings

Autodesk Revit

Autodesk Revit is a BIM software that helps engineers to create high-quality buildings and infrastructure. It accelerates project delivery with built-in automation tools for design documentation. With the work sharing functionality, you can collaborate with your team and ensure the project is on time.

Autodesk Revit Features

3D massing
Interoperability
Parametric components designing
Project scheduling

Easily add annotations, comments, illustrations into your 3D designs.
Control the visibility in your design by highlighting, hiding, or revealing infrastructure elements.
You can customize toolbar, keyboard shortcuts, and ribbons to fit your requirements.

You cannot open the past design version in the latest one
No option to track the changes.

ALLPLAN

ALLPLAN BIM solution caters to different industries such as architecture, structural engineering, MEP and civil engineering. It helps users with building and infrastructure designing, project collaboration, construction planning, design changes management, and more. ALLPLAN helps to manage the entire project cycle from conceptualization till its completion.

ALLPLAN Features

Open BIM project collaboration
Cost estimation
3D precast model
Change management

You can create presentations with rendering tools.
It lets you generate information directly from 3D models for documents creation.
Change your stair sketches into parametric precast stair models with fixtures and reinforcements through converter.

Slow design editing with big data files.
Data recovery is slow when software is used on a different computer.

Trimble Connect

Trimble Connect is a collaboration tool designed for AEC professionals. It helps them to stay connected with all the stakeholders during the pre, during and post project creation. With it, users can share 3D designs and documents, review the project design, define project steps, schedule projects, and more.

Trimble Connect Features

Advanced user-permission management
Unlimited storage space
Real time project collaboration
Project sequencing

It lets you adjust the view of your 3D designs.
You can use various visibility tools such as model transparency, ghost mode, grid selector, etc., to adjust your model visibility.
You can generate or use existing camera, view or select shortcuts to simplify tasks

Steep learning curve
Frequent occurrence of technical glitches

SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software to create intricate 3D models of any building’s infrastructure. It lets you create 2D presentations directly from your 3D models, create content with prebuilt 3D contents, customize the platform with various plugins, etc. Furthermore, you can use the library of render-ready photorealistic 3D objects to create 3D images.

SketchUp Features

3D visualization
Design customization
Texture rendering
2D documentation

You can view and share your project on unlimited cloud storage.
It lets you generate photorealistic renders, panoramas, and animations for VR viewing.
Import and export your designs in various formats such as DWG, DXF, DAE, KMZ, 3DS, etc.

No default rendering options available.
Limited shortcuts to perform key designing functions

Archicad

Archicad is a 3D architectural design software. The software promotes project synchronization among members and engineers via real-time changes tracking. Further, you can use it to create non-photorealistic renderings, construction sequence animations, export the model to VR solution. It also lets you create documents of your model directly from Archicad.

Archicad Features

Algorithmic design tools
Parametric custom profiles
Built in Pro Surface textures
Project collaboration tools
Built-in MEP modeler

It lets you design the complex elements with stair and curtain tools.
You can track changes in the design in real time.
It supports open BIM to promote design interoperability.

Limited options for features customization.
Costly subscription as compared to other software.

Civil 3D

Civil 3D is a design and documentation software to create and manage design for civil infrastructure. It can be used for creating construction documents, pressure network designs, corridor modeling, etc. Moreover, with visual programming, you can create scripts to automate repetitive design tasks.

Civil 3D Features

Site and survey workflows
Terrain modelling
Drainage design and analysis
Geotechnical modelling

It lets you import and export your AutoCAD models to IFC files.
You can create 2D and 3D models of various utility systems.
You can generate models for 3-way or 4-way intersections along with roundabouts with Civil 3D.

Requires strong computer processing power
Window crashes frequently

MicroStation

MicroStation CAD software is used to design, visualize, and document the infrastructure of any scale. With MicroStation, you can create 3D models, visualize and analyze models, automate repetitive tasks with ease. Further, it lets you manage and control permissions for all your 3D designing projects.

MicroStation Features

Geospatially 2D and 3D design creation
Project collaboration
Workflow customization
Reality mesh support

You can track and manage all the changes made to a project in real time.
It lets you create real world visualizations through built-in luxology rendering option.
You can create high quality digital design documents with this solution.

Steep learning curve

SolidWorks

SolidWorks is a solid modeling CAD and computer-aided engineering (CAE) application. It can be used to create accurate 3D models and control their design revisions through data management tools. With stress analysis tools, SolidWorks allows you to find errors with the current model and rework on it as per your designing needs.

SolidWorks Features

2D and 3D complex assembly designing
Project cost estimation
Real time project collaboration
Finite element analysis (FEA)

You can share your 3D designs with CAD and non-CAD users
It helps measure the real-life performance of your design through CAD structural analysis.
Analyze and measure the project cost with the cost estimation tools.

Limited 2D functionality
Frequent technical glitches

Suggested Read: 15 Top 3D Modeling Software: Free and Paid

How Does BIM Software Work?

The BIM architecture software works in the following steps-

Planning: Start the project planning by creating contextual models of the natural surroundings by capturing reality and using real-world data.
Designing: The preconstruction procedure begins by creating conceptual design, analyzing it, detailing it, and creating documents.
Building: You can start fabricating your project model. All the documents related to the project are shared with stakeholders, project managers, engineers, etc.
Operating: Work with collaborators on the infrastructure design simultaneously and optimize.

Why Choose Free BIM Architecture Software?

There are several reasons to choose free BIM architecture software, such as-

Improved Collaboration: BIM software comes with various collaboration tools to collaborate and work on the project in real-time. It helps in sharing design updates, reviewing models, detecting clashes in the designing models, perform simulation, and much more.
Preconstruction Project Visualization: These solutions help in simulating and visualizing the entire project during its preconstruction phase. The space-use simulations and 3D visualizations help stakeholders and engineers to know what the building would look like post construction. It can also help in finding possible issues with the current 3D models.
Detection of Project Errors: BIM software lets engineers detect any potential issues with the existing design project during the planning and design process. This eliminates design errors and improves the project.
Safer Construction Sites: BIM solution detects and highlights all the hazards that may occur after the site is constructed through simulation and visual risk analysis. This helps to avoid any physical risks and ensure the building is safe post construction.

Wrapping Up

BIM technology has become popular for creating and designing a building’s infrastructure. It has made the designing and project collaboration much easier for engineers and stakeholders.

This web blog has provided a complete overview of top BIM modeling software available for BIM modeling and designing. If you want to incorporate BIM modeling in your 3D projects, you can choose a reliable BIM software after analyzing your designing needs and features.

FAQs

What is the most popular BIM software ?
There are multiple types of BIM software to work on your building’s project modeling. Some of the most popular ones include Revit, SketchUp, Autodesk BIM 360, ARCHICAD, Tekla BIMsight, and more.
How to use BIM software?
You can start using BIM software by creating a 3D model for your project. After that, create conceptual design, analysis it, perform simulation, etc. Secondly, you can share this project with your team members for collaboration. Lastly, you can use it to work on your project data and make necessary changes to it.
Who uses BIM software?
BIM software can be used by civil engineers, architects, mechanical engineers, structural engineers to create and manage the building’s infrastructure project.
How does BIM software work?
BIM solution works by integrating structured and multi-disciplinary information to create a 3D representation of any building’s infrastructure. It starts from planning the design till its construction and completion.
How much does BIM software cost?
The pricing of any BIM software would depend on the type of features it offers to its users. However, you can buy BIM software for as low as INR 800 per month.
How do different BIM software interact ?
Different BIM design software interacts with other BIM software through integration. Most BIM software offers integration capability to easily migrate data among other software for better project collaboration.
What is BIM software used for?
BIM software is used to develop 3D modeling designs, design projects collaboration in real-time, create photorealistic materials designs, and decide project’s cost.