Quick Overview
- 1#1: Autodesk Revit - Leading BIM software for collaborative design, modeling, and documentation of complex commercial buildings and floor plans.
- 2#2: Graphisoft Archicad - Comprehensive BIM platform enabling architects to create detailed commercial floor plans with advanced 2D/3D modeling and team collaboration.
- 3#3: Vectorworks Architect - Integrated BIM and CAD tool for designing commercial floor plans with parametric objects, site modeling, and visualization capabilities.
- 4#4: Autodesk AutoCAD - Precision drafting and design software for creating accurate 2D and 3D commercial floor plans with extensive customization.
- 5#5: Trimble SketchUp Pro - Intuitive 3D modeling software for rapid conceptual commercial floor plan development and photorealistic rendering.
- 6#6: Allplan - Open BIM solution for architecture and engineering, specializing in detailed commercial floor plans and structural integration.
- 7#7: Chief Architect Premier - Professional CAD/BIM software for generating commercial floor plans with automated building generation and 3D views.
- 8#8: Bentley MicroStation - Advanced CAD platform for infrastructure and commercial building design, supporting precise floor plan modeling in 2D/3D.
- 9#9: BricsCAD BIM - Affordable DWG-based BIM application for efficient commercial floor plan creation, analysis, and mechanical design.
- 10#10: Floorplanner - User-friendly online tool for designing professional 2D and 3D commercial floor plans with drag-and-drop simplicity.
We ranked these tools by evaluating core capabilities (including modeling precision, BIM integration, and collaboration features), real-world usability, and overall value, ensuring a blend of industry-leading performance and practical versatility for diverse professional needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines key commercial floor plan software tools, including Autodesk Revit, Graphisoft Archicad, Vectorworks Architect, Autodesk AutoCAD, Trimble SketchUp Pro, and more, to assist professionals in evaluating their options. Readers will discover insights into core features, usability, collaboration tools, and industry-specific strengths, enabling informed decisions for their projects.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Autodesk Revit Leading BIM software for collaborative design, modeling, and documentation of complex commercial buildings and floor plans. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Graphisoft Archicad Comprehensive BIM platform enabling architects to create detailed commercial floor plans with advanced 2D/3D modeling and team collaboration. | enterprise | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Vectorworks Architect Integrated BIM and CAD tool for designing commercial floor plans with parametric objects, site modeling, and visualization capabilities. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Autodesk AutoCAD Precision drafting and design software for creating accurate 2D and 3D commercial floor plans with extensive customization. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 5 | Trimble SketchUp Pro Intuitive 3D modeling software for rapid conceptual commercial floor plan development and photorealistic rendering. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 6 | Allplan Open BIM solution for architecture and engineering, specializing in detailed commercial floor plans and structural integration. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Chief Architect Premier Professional CAD/BIM software for generating commercial floor plans with automated building generation and 3D views. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 8 | Bentley MicroStation Advanced CAD platform for infrastructure and commercial building design, supporting precise floor plan modeling in 2D/3D. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 5.9/10 | 6.4/10 |
| 9 | BricsCAD BIM Affordable DWG-based BIM application for efficient commercial floor plan creation, analysis, and mechanical design. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 10 | Floorplanner User-friendly online tool for designing professional 2D and 3D commercial floor plans with drag-and-drop simplicity. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
Leading BIM software for collaborative design, modeling, and documentation of complex commercial buildings and floor plans.
Comprehensive BIM platform enabling architects to create detailed commercial floor plans with advanced 2D/3D modeling and team collaboration.
Integrated BIM and CAD tool for designing commercial floor plans with parametric objects, site modeling, and visualization capabilities.
Precision drafting and design software for creating accurate 2D and 3D commercial floor plans with extensive customization.
Intuitive 3D modeling software for rapid conceptual commercial floor plan development and photorealistic rendering.
Open BIM solution for architecture and engineering, specializing in detailed commercial floor plans and structural integration.
Professional CAD/BIM software for generating commercial floor plans with automated building generation and 3D views.
Advanced CAD platform for infrastructure and commercial building design, supporting precise floor plan modeling in 2D/3D.
Affordable DWG-based BIM application for efficient commercial floor plan creation, analysis, and mechanical design.
User-friendly online tool for designing professional 2D and 3D commercial floor plans with drag-and-drop simplicity.
Autodesk Revit
enterpriseLeading BIM software for collaborative design, modeling, and documentation of complex commercial buildings and floor plans.
Intelligent parametric modeling where changes in floor plans automatically update all linked views, schedules, and 3D models
Autodesk Revit is a premier Building Information Modeling (BIM) software tailored for architects, engineers, and MEP professionals to design, document, and manage commercial building projects. It enables the creation of intelligent 2D floor plans that automatically generate 3D models, sections, and schedules, with parametric components for precise detailing. Revit supports collaborative workflows through Autodesk Construction Cloud, making it ideal for large-scale commercial floor plan development and coordination across disciplines.
Pros
- Comprehensive BIM tools for parametric floor plans, 3D modeling, and automated documentation
- Seamless multi-disciplinary coordination for commercial projects with clash detection
- Robust cloud collaboration via Autodesk Construction Cloud for team workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training for new users
- High subscription cost and resource-intensive performance on complex models
- Overkill for simple 2D-only floor plans without BIM needs
Best For
Professional AEC firms and architects managing complex commercial floor plans in full BIM workflows.
Pricing
Annual subscription starts at $2,545 for Revit standalone; lower per-user cost ($1,090/year) via AEC Collection.
Graphisoft Archicad
enterpriseComprehensive BIM platform enabling architects to create detailed commercial floor plans with advanced 2D/3D modeling and team collaboration.
Morph tool for intuitive freeform 3D modeling of unique commercial spaces
Graphisoft Archicad is a professional BIM (Building Information Modeling) software tailored for architects and designers, excelling in creating detailed 2D floor plans, 3D models, and full construction documentation. For commercial floor plan software, it handles complex multi-story layouts, zoning, MEP coordination, and parametric object placement with high precision. Its collaborative tools and open BIM standards support large-scale projects, from schematic design to facility management.
Pros
- Powerful BIM tools for complex commercial layouts and automation
- Seamless 2D/3D synchronization with real-time updates
- Excellent collaboration via Teamwork and BIMcloud
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-professionals
- High subscription costs
- Resource-intensive, requiring powerful hardware
Best For
Professional architecture firms and teams designing intricate commercial floor plans with BIM requirements.
Pricing
Subscription-based; Solo license ~$2,490/year, Collaborate ~$4,990/year, with educational discounts available.
Vectorworks Architect
enterpriseIntegrated BIM and CAD tool for designing commercial floor plans with parametric objects, site modeling, and visualization capabilities.
Hybrid 2D/3D drafting environment with parametric BIM objects for seamless floor plan to model transitions
Vectorworks Architect is a professional BIM/CAD software tailored for architects, providing advanced 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and floor planning tools ideal for commercial projects like offices, retail spaces, and hospitality venues. It supports detailed site integration, parametric objects, and collaborative workflows with robust rendering and documentation features. The hybrid 2D/3D environment allows seamless transitions between planning stages, making it suitable for complex architectural designs.
Pros
- Powerful hybrid 2D/3D tools for precise commercial floor plans and BIM modeling
- Advanced site design and energy analysis integration
- Marionette scripting for custom automation and flexibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- High cost with resource-intensive performance on large projects
- Subscription model may not suit all budgets
Best For
Professional architecture firms handling complex commercial projects that require integrated BIM, 3D visualization, and customizable workflows.
Pricing
Perpetual license ~$3,795; annual subscription ~$1,835 ($153/month).
Autodesk AutoCAD
enterprisePrecision drafting and design software for creating accurate 2D and 3D commercial floor plans with extensive customization.
Parametric constraints and dynamic blocks for creating intelligent, editable floor plan components that adapt automatically
Autodesk AutoCAD is an industry-standard CAD software renowned for creating precise 2D and 3D designs, including complex commercial floor plans for architecture, engineering, and construction projects. It provides advanced drafting tools, parametric modeling, and annotation features to produce professional-grade plans with high accuracy. AutoCAD supports collaboration via cloud-based AutoCAD Web and Mobile apps, integrating seamlessly with other Autodesk products like Revit.
Pros
- Unparalleled precision with parametric constraints and dynamic blocks
- Vast ecosystem of add-ons and industry-standard DWG compatibility
- Robust 2D-to-3D workflow and cloud collaboration tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High subscription costs unsuitable for small teams
- Resource-heavy, demanding powerful hardware for optimal performance
Best For
Professional architects, engineers, and large firms handling intricate, large-scale commercial floor plan projects.
Pricing
Subscription: $1,890/year or $235/month per user; enterprise volume licensing and free trial available.
Trimble SketchUp Pro
enterpriseIntuitive 3D modeling software for rapid conceptual commercial floor plan development and photorealistic rendering.
Push/Pull tool for instantly extruding 2D floor plan shapes into editable 3D models
Trimble SketchUp Pro is a versatile 3D modeling software used for creating detailed commercial floor plans, architectural designs, and 3D visualizations. It allows users to start with simple 2D layouts and extrude them into complex 3D structures using its intuitive Push/Pull tool. The Extension Warehouse provides add-ons for enhanced floor planning, dimensioning, and BIM workflows, making it suitable for conceptual design in commercial projects.
Pros
- Intuitive Push/Pull tool for rapid 2D-to-3D conversion
- Vast Extension Warehouse for floor plan-specific enhancements
- Excellent for 3D visualization and client presentations
Cons
- Limited native 2D drafting and annotation tools compared to dedicated CAD
- Can become resource-intensive with large commercial models
- Subscription-only model lacks perpetual licensing option
Best For
Architects and designers needing quick 3D prototyping and visualization of commercial floor plans rather than full BIM documentation.
Pricing
$349/year per user for Studio license (includes advanced features); Free web version available with limitations.
Allplan
enterpriseOpen BIM solution for architecture and engineering, specializing in detailed commercial floor plans and structural integration.
Advanced reinforcement design module with automated rebar placement and quantity takeoff directly from floor plans
Allplan is a professional BIM/CAD software developed by Nemetschek for architects, engineers, and construction professionals, specializing in 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and detailed structural design. It excels in creating precise commercial floor plans with parametric objects, smart architecture elements, and seamless integration between 2D plans and 3D BIM models. The software supports the full AEC workflow, including quantity takeoff, reinforcement detailing, and IFC-based collaboration for multidisciplinary projects.
Pros
- Powerful parametric modeling and BIM tools for complex commercial designs
- Superior structural reinforcement and detailing capabilities
- Excellent interoperability with IFC and other Nemetschek software
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to advanced feature set
- High cost unsuitable for small firms or simple projects
- Resource-heavy, requiring high-end hardware for optimal performance
Best For
Architects and civil engineers handling large-scale commercial building projects that demand integrated BIM and structural analysis.
Pricing
Annual subscription starts at ~€2,500 per user; perpetual licenses and volume discounts available for enterprises.
Chief Architect Premier
specializedProfessional CAD/BIM software for generating commercial floor plans with automated building generation and 3D views.
Seamless automatic 3D model generation from 2D floor plans with intelligent framing and systems integration
Chief Architect Premier is a professional 3D architectural design software renowned for residential projects but capable of commercial floor planning with tools for multi-story buildings, custom elevations, and detailed construction documentation. It seamlessly converts 2D floor plans into fully interactive 3D models, including automatic framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. The software provides photorealistic renderings and virtual reality walkthroughs, making it suitable for architects handling light commercial designs like offices, retail spaces, and remodels.
Pros
- Powerful 3D rendering and ray-tracing for photorealistic visuals
- Extensive parametric object library adaptable to commercial elements
- Automatic generation of construction drawings and material lists
Cons
- Limited BIM interoperability compared to enterprise tools like Revit
- Performance can lag on very large-scale commercial projects
- Primarily residential-oriented workflow requires workarounds for complex commercial needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized architecture firms focusing on light commercial projects alongside residential design who prioritize integrated 2D/3D workflows.
Pricing
One-time purchase ~$3,295; optional annual Premier Service Plan ~$595 for updates and support.
Bentley MicroStation
enterpriseAdvanced CAD platform for infrastructure and commercial building design, supporting precise floor plan modeling in 2D/3D.
Item Types for creating data-rich, parametric elements that link geometry to intelligent attributes beyond standard CAD
Bentley MicroStation is a robust CAD platform designed for 2D and 3D modeling across engineering and architectural disciplines, enabling precise creation of commercial floor plans with parametric tools and standards compliance. It supports complex workflows including BIM integration and large-scale project collaboration. While versatile for infrastructure-heavy commercial designs, it may feel over-engineered for simpler floor planning tasks.
Pros
- Exceptional precision drafting and parametric constraints for accurate floor plans
- Strong interoperability with DWG, IFC, and BIM formats
- Efficient handling of massive datasets for large commercial complexes
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and key-in commands
- Expensive licensing not ideal for small firms
- Overkill for basic 2D floor plans compared to specialized tools
Best For
Large AEC firms managing intricate commercial projects with engineering and BIM requirements.
Pricing
Annual subscription via Bentley SELECT starts at ~$2,500/user, scaling with modules and enterprise licensing.
BricsCAD BIM
specializedAffordable DWG-based BIM application for efficient commercial floor plan creation, analysis, and mechanical design.
PROPAGATE command for instantly copying and adapting floor plan elements across multiple levels
BricsCAD BIM is a CAD-native BIM platform that allows users to create precise 2D commercial floor plans and build intelligent 3D models directly in the DWG format, eliminating file conversion issues common in other BIM tools. It provides robust tools for architectural design, parametric modeling, automated classification, and quantity extraction tailored for commercial projects like offices and retail spaces. The software integrates seamlessly with AutoCAD workflows while adding BIM-specific features such as structural analysis and scan-to-BIM capabilities.
Pros
- Native DWG-based BIM workflow for seamless 2D-to-3D transitions without data loss
- Powerful automation via LISP, .NET, and PROPAGATE commands for repetitive floor plan tasks
- Cost-effective perpetual licensing with strong value for mid-sized firms
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-AutoCAD users due to dense interface
- Smaller ecosystem and fewer third-party plugins compared to Revit
- Limited native cloud collaboration features
Best For
AutoCAD-proficient architects and engineers handling commercial floor plans who want BIM capabilities without switching to proprietary formats.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at ~$2,600; annual subscription ~$1,300 (BIM module add-on to BricsCAD Pro).
Floorplanner
specializedUser-friendly online tool for designing professional 2D and 3D commercial floor plans with drag-and-drop simplicity.
Interactive 3D dollhouse view for instant walkthroughs from any 2D plan
Floorplanner is a web-based floor plan software that allows users to create professional 2D and 3D designs for commercial spaces like offices, retail stores, and restaurants using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It features extensive libraries of furniture, fixtures, and architectural elements tailored for business layouts, with real-time rendering and export options for presentations. While accessible for non-experts, it prioritizes speed and visualization over high-precision CAD capabilities used in large-scale commercial projects.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface accessible to beginners
- Seamless 2D/3D switching with interactive dollhouse views
- Affordable pricing with generous free tier for basic use
Cons
- Lacks advanced CAD precision and BIM integration for complex commercial projects
- Limited customization in object libraries compared to pro tools
- Export watermarks and resolution limits on lower plans
Best For
Small businesses, real estate agents, and interior designers needing quick, visually appealing commercial floor plans without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features; Pro at $5/user/month (annual), Expert at $25/user/month (annual), and custom enterprise options.
Conclusion
The analysis of top commercial floor plan software confirms Autodesk Revit as the leading choice, excelling in collaborative BIM design and handling complex commercial building projects. While Graphisoft Archicad and Vectorworks Architect follow, they provide strong alternatives—Archicad with advanced 2D/3D modeling and team tools, Vectorworks with parametric flexibility and visualization—meeting diverse needs. Each tool offers unique strengths, ensuring there’s a fit for every professional, from entry-level users to seasoned designers.
Begin your commercial floor plan journey with Autodesk Revit to leverage its unmatched collaboration, precision, and reliability, and unlock the potential to create exceptional designs efficiently.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison