ARCHITECTURE

Reimagine how design happens

Autodesk architecture software solutions support the rapid innovation needed to meet today’s design challenges.

AEC Future of Architecture (video: 3:09 min.)

The promise of architecture

We believe in the power of architecture to solve today’s biggest problems. We see it every day. In projects of every size and across the globe, architects are finding bold ways to deliver for their clients and to keep going no matter how great the challenge.  

You are our inspiration, so we’re working by your side to deliver powerful architecture software and solutions that help connect the dots between your vision and a job well done. 

Why architects choose Autodesk

  • “Using BIM for calculation, we reduced the number of panel types from 446 to only 73, a reduction of more than 80%.” 

    Xie Lijie, Project Architect, BIAD 

  • “We can use BIM technology in the design process to coordinate and integrate with other disciplines and experts.”

    Katrina Urbanik, Founder and Principal of Katrina Urbanik AS

  • “Decision-making on the design portion of the project was 10 times faster than a traditional approach.” 

    Esmail Kalaf, Manager of Design Technology, DIALOG

Unlock your best building designs with Autodesk

Integrated design workflows (video: 1:41 min.)

Improve design quality and explore new possibilities

Create more confidently with fluid conceptual design tools, like FormIt Pro and Generative Design in Revit, so that you can move into BIM workflows to complete detailed design work. Explore and refine designs in Revit with integrated collaboration, analysis, automation, and documentation capabilities. 

Revit cloud worksharing (video: 2:15 min.)

Connect teams, processes, and data

When you connect people, workflows, and insights in the cloud, you can co-author in real-time, use project data to make informed decisions, and get teams on the same page.

Work better together with improved project coordination, performance, and streamlined data exchanges for better quality and more constructable designs

Architecture analysis (video: 14 sec.)

Improve design quality

Exceed client expectations with design and analysis software that allows you to tap into your creativity and problem solving.

Create and explore design ideas using conceptual and computational tools that help you understand design tradeoffs for better decision-making and more sustainable design outcomes. 

Dynamo automation (video: 47 sec.)

Accelerate the design process

With intelligent model-based design and process automation, you can reduce the tedious time-consuming tasks to focus on the most important design challenges.  

Automation can help you solve complex geometric problems with precision and speed, freeing up your time to focus on extending services to clients and adding more value to projects.

Architecture documentation (video: 1:01 min.)

Communicate design intent efficiently

Boost efficient and accurate document production with BIM. Improvements to scheduling and annotation within Revit make it easier to capture and communicate design intent. 

Whether you’re generating floor plans, elevations, sections, 3D views, or renderings, Revit can help improve the way you work while embarking on the documentation phase of a new project.  

Explore more

Learn more about architecture solutions. 

  • BIM for architecture

    Using Revit BIM software can help drive efficiency and accuracy across the project lifecycle, from conceptual design, visualization, and analysis to fabrication and construction. 

  • Generative design

    Generative design capabilities help architects and designers rapidly evaluate solutions according to the goals they define, for the design challenges that matter. 

  • OpenBIM

    We’re committed to making the tools you use more interoperable for smoother collaboration, connected workflows, and a more open AEC software ecosystem. 

BIM software for architects

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Explore related architecture topics

Learn more about communicating design intent and improving design quality using Autodesk architecture software. 

  • Example of architectural drawing

    Architectural drawing

    Bring your design ideas to life with technical drawing technology. 

  • Architectural rendering example

    Architectural rendering

    Help clients visualize your designs with realistic renders.  

  • Two people reviewing designs

    Architectural design

    Software from Autodesk empowers you to visualize, design, render, and build. 

Tools of tomorrow (video: 2:09 min.)

Designers of today are embracing the tools of tomorrow

Rising designers are leveraging powerful tools like machine learning, automation, and generative design to move the industry forward.  

Architecture industry resources

  • AEC Future of Design e-book

    E-BOOK

    Generative design and automation are changing the game

    Learn how automation and generative design can empower you to meet design challenges and shape the built environment of the future. 

  • Video: Data interoperability empowers AEC collaboration through collaborative and connected workflows

    VIDEO

    Open, collaborative, and connected workflows

    Data interoperability empowers seamless connections and smooth collaboration to create an open AEC ecosystem.

  • BIM for AEC Project Delivery e-book

    E-BOOK

    Three steps to better project delivery

    Learn about the key features and capabilities through cloud collaboration tools that can help you better deliver projects.  

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Before computer-aided design (CAD) software, architects relied solely on hand drawings and handmade architecture models to communicate their design intent. With greater technology available, architecture software has improved the process for planning and designing buildings.

With the introduction of Building Information Modeling (BIM)  software, architects gained greater control over design decisions, improving efficiencies and collaboration. Autodesk’s Revit BIM software helps architects drive efficiency and accuracy across the project lifecycle, from conceptual design, visualization, and analysis to fabrication and construction.  

  • Use the same software as top professionals around the world with free Autodesk software for students and educators (US Site).

  • Are you a nonprofit or entrepreneur working to create positive impact through design? See if you qualify for our Technology Impact Program (US Site).

Autodesk provides many native Mac products for 3D modeling, CAD, rendering, 2D drafting, and more (US Site).

You can use AutoCAD for Mac and Revit - while Revit does not currently have a native Macintosh version, you can still install Revit on a Mac in virtualized environments including Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion. We also support these products via Boot Camp, part of Mac OS X that lets you install and run Windows (and Windows-based applications) on a Mac. Learn more here.  

CAD software is widely used in the architecture industry. AutoCAD is a 2D and 3D CAD software trusted by millions for precision drafting, design, and documentation. AutoCAD includes seven specialized toolsets, including the Architecture toolset, that boost productivity and speed up the design process through CAD automations and features that improve digital collaboration and streamline the review process. 

Yes, AutoCAD is very useful for architects and designers. With a subscription to AutoCAD, you get the Architecture toolset with time-saving automations, including the ability to generate elevations and sections without the need to project lines from the floor plan. AutoCAD helps to eliminate errors and speed up architectural drawing and documentation with over 8,000 intelligent architectural objects. Gain efficiencies across projects like commercial, residential, multi-family, mixed-use, renovations, and more. 

Yes, with the AutoCAD web and mobile (US Site) apps, included in an AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT subscription, architects get access to their DWG files in the web browser on any computer and on their smartphone or tablet. Architects can collaborate in real time and connect to their CAD drawings at the jobsite, at the office, and everywhere in between.