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AutoCAD Arch VS SolveSpace

Compare AutoCAD Arch VS SolveSpace and see what are their differences

AutoCAD Arch logo AutoCAD Arch

Design and document more efficiently with the AutoCAD Architecture toolset, created specifically for architects.

SolveSpace logo SolveSpace

SOLVESPACE is a parametric 3D CAD program with extrude, revolve, union and difference functions.
  • AutoCAD Arch Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-22
  • SolveSpace Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-07-20

AutoCAD Arch features and specs

  • Efficient Workflows
    AutoCAD Architecture includes specialized tools and features that streamline architectural design processes, reducing time and effort spent on tasks.
  • Industry-Specific Features
    The software offers industry-specific capabilities, such as wall, door, and window design tools, making it easier for architects to create detailed and accurate architectural drawings.
  • Interoperability
    AutoCAD Architecture is compatible with other Autodesk products and supports various file formats, facilitating easier collaboration with engineers and other stakeholders.
  • Visualization
    The toolset provides robust visualization features like realistic 3D rendering to help architects and clients better understand the design intent.
  • Customization
    Users can tailor the software environment to suit their specific needs, including the creation of custom elements and automation of repetitive tasks.

Possible disadvantages of AutoCAD Arch

  • Cost
    AutoCAD Architecture is a premium software solution with substantial licensing fees, which may be a barrier for small firms or individual practitioners.
  • Complexity
    The software has a steep learning curve, requiring significant training and practice for users to become proficient.
  • Resource Intensive
    AutoCAD Architecture requires a powerful computer with ample processing power and memory, which can be an additional expense.
  • Over-Engineering
    For simpler projects, the extensive feature set can be overkill, leading to unnecessary time spent navigating through advanced tools and options.
  • Dependence on Updates
    Frequent software updates could disrupt workflow, and staying current with updates and patches is necessary to maintain software performance and security.

SolveSpace features and specs

  • Open Source
    SolveSpace is open-source software, which means it is free to use, modify, and distribute. This encourages community contributions and allows users to customize the software to their needs.
  • Lightweight
    The software is relatively lightweight compared to other CAD programs, making it suitable for older systems or for users who prefer a minimal footprint.
  • Parametric Modeling
    SolveSpace offers parametric modeling, allowing users to define geometric constraints and dimensions that can easily be adjusted to alter the design.
  • Cross-Platform
    SolveSpace is available on multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, and macOS, enhancing accessibility for users on different operating systems.
  • 2D and 3D Design
    The software supports both 2D and 3D design capabilities, making it versatile for various design projects ranging from basic sketches to complex 3D models.

Possible disadvantages of SolveSpace

  • Limited Features
    Compared to more advanced and commercial CAD software, SolveSpace has limited features that might be insufficient for complex engineering projects.
  • User Interface
    The user interface of SolveSpace might seem outdated or less intuitive to users accustomed to more modern design environments.
  • Learning Curve
    New users may face a steep learning curve due to the program's unconventional approach and lack of comprehensive documentation or tutorials.
  • Performance
    While lightweight, SolveSpace can struggle with performance issues when handling complex or large 3D models, which may affect users working on detailed projects.
  • Limited Community Support
    As a lesser-known tool, the community around SolveSpace is smaller, which could lead to challenges in finding help or resources for troubleshooting.

Analysis of AutoCAD Arch

Overall verdict

  • AutoCAD Architecture is a strong choice for professionals in the field of architecture due to its robust set of tools specifically designed for architectural drafting and design. While it is a powerful platform, users should consider their specific requirements and compare them with other available software to ensure it meets their needs. Overall, it receives positive feedback for its functionality and integration capabilities.

Why this product is good

  • AutoCAD Architecture is considered good for its specialized tools and features tailored for architectural design. It offers an intuitive environment that aligns with architectural workflows, enabling professionals to efficiently draft, annotate, and design building components. The seamless integration with other Autodesk products enhances collaboration and allows for a more comprehensive approach to design and documentation.

Recommended for

  • Architects
  • Draftsmen
  • Construction professionals
  • Students studying architecture or related fields
  • Design teams that require collaboration across multiple Autodesk platforms

AutoCAD Arch videos

#1 - AUTOCAD 2020 VS AUTOCAD ARCHITECTURE 2020 - The Basics!

SolveSpace videos

Solvespace Tutorial 0: Basics and User Interface

More videos:

  • Demo - SOLVESPACE 2.0 demo
  • Tutorial - Solvespace Tutorial 1 - a Simple Plate

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to AutoCAD Arch and SolveSpace)
3D
75 75%
25% 25
CAD
87 87%
13% 13
Architecture
49 49%
51% 51
Project Management
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare AutoCAD Arch and SolveSpace

AutoCAD Arch Reviews

Top 10 of the best 3D modeling software for architecture
Developed by AutoDesk, AutoCAD Architecture can be very useful for your architectural projects as it allows you to do both 3D and 2D design. It is a complete tool, practical for 3D modeling and for visualization thanks to its good rendering. You will be able to create realistic models with its combination of solid, surface and mesh modeling tools. AutoCAD Architecture is...

SolveSpace Reviews

We have no reviews of SolveSpace yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SolveSpace seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 23 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

AutoCAD Arch mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of AutoCAD Arch yet. Tracking of AutoCAD Arch recommendations started around Mar 2021.

SolveSpace mentions (23)

  • Ink and Switch Constraint System (2023)
    The comment on constraints which still blows me away is the footnote on the readme for Dune 3D: https://github.com/dune3d/dune3d Probably a bit more approachable for folks is: https://www.cadsketcher.com/ which adds the Solvespace constraint solver to Blender. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • Show HN: A playable game of Tetris inside a PDF
    >> I do wish I did pay some attention to CAD now. I want a 3D printer and have no idea how to design objects for it. Get Solvespace: https://solvespace.com/index.pl Do the tutorials. If/when you outgrow it, the concepts will carry over to FreeCAD which otherwise has a steeper learning curve but has more capabilities. - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • I Revived 3-Axis CNC Mill G-Code Simulator
    > - Solvespace --- limited to 2D last I checked According to https://solvespace.com/index.pl "SOLVESPACE -- parametric 2d/3d CAD" "SOLVESPACE is a free (GPLv3) parametric 3d CAD tool. Applications include: - modeling 3d parts — draw with extrudes, revolves, helixes and Boolean (union / difference / intersection) operations [...] - 3d-printed parts — export the STL or other triangle mesh expected by most 3d printers". - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • Herbgrind analyzes binaries to find inaccurate floating point expressions
    Is it feasible to run this on something large like Solvespace[1] (CAD) which is ~5MB executable? Or would we just get an insanely long list of issues? [1] https://solvespace.com/index.pl There are hundreds of numerical algorithms in there, and we have some bugs that might be related to this kind of implementation error. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Math and Motion: A Look at Chebyshev’s Works on Linkages
    If you want to quickly sketch and simulate the motion of linkages, I can recommend using Solvespace: https://solvespace.com/index.pl. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing AutoCAD Arch and SolveSpace, you can also consider the following products

AutoCAD MEP - AutoCAD MEP software helps you draft, design, and document building systems.

OpenSCAD - OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects.

DataCAD - DataCAD is a computer-aided design and drafting software for 2D and 3D architectural design and drafting

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

AutoCAD Plant 3D - AutoCAD Plant 3D is a BIM software that lets you create, modify, and manage schematic piping and instrumentation diagrams.

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone