Quick Overview
- 1#1: Chief Architect - Professional 3D architectural design software with automated framing generation, material lists, and structural detailing for residential construction.
- 2#2: Autodesk Revit - BIM software for creating intelligent 3D models of structural framing systems including walls, floors, and roofs with clash detection and fabrication outputs.
- 3#3: Tekla Structures - Advanced BIM tool for detailed modeling, analysis, and fabrication of steel and concrete framing structures in construction projects.
- 4#4: FrameCAD Structure - Specialized software for designing and detailing cold-formed steel framing systems with automated engineering and CNC outputs.
- 5#5: Vertex BD - BIM platform for automated design and production of wood and light gauge steel framing for walls, floors, and roofs.
- 6#6: SketchUp Pro - 3D modeling software with extensions for creating and visualizing framing layouts in architectural and construction designs.
- 7#7: SoftPlan - Architectural design software featuring precise 3D framing tools, cut lists, and estimating for home and light commercial buildings.
- 8#8: ArchiCAD - BIM authoring tool that supports modeling and documentation of structural framing elements with integrated analysis capabilities.
- 9#9: cadwork - CAD/CAM software optimized for timber framing design, CNC machining, and prefabrication in wood construction.
- 10#10: SEMA - Comprehensive software for designing and producing timber roof, wall, and floor framing with 3D modeling and machine outputs.
We ranked these tools by evaluating feature depth (including automation, detailing, and fabrication outputs), reliability in complex workflows, user accessibility, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse needs from residential to industrial projects.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading framing design software tools—such as Chief Architect, Autodesk Revit, Tekla Structures, FrameCAD Structure, Vertex BD, and more—outlining key features and practical use cases. It helps readers evaluate which solution suits their project requirements, whether for residential, commercial, or specialized structural framing needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Architect Professional 3D architectural design software with automated framing generation, material lists, and structural detailing for residential construction. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Autodesk Revit BIM software for creating intelligent 3D models of structural framing systems including walls, floors, and roofs with clash detection and fabrication outputs. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Tekla Structures Advanced BIM tool for detailed modeling, analysis, and fabrication of steel and concrete framing structures in construction projects. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | FrameCAD Structure Specialized software for designing and detailing cold-formed steel framing systems with automated engineering and CNC outputs. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Vertex BD BIM platform for automated design and production of wood and light gauge steel framing for walls, floors, and roofs. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 6 | SketchUp Pro 3D modeling software with extensions for creating and visualizing framing layouts in architectural and construction designs. | creative_suite | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | SoftPlan Architectural design software featuring precise 3D framing tools, cut lists, and estimating for home and light commercial buildings. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | ArchiCAD BIM authoring tool that supports modeling and documentation of structural framing elements with integrated analysis capabilities. | enterprise | 7.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.2/10 |
| 9 | cadwork CAD/CAM software optimized for timber framing design, CNC machining, and prefabrication in wood construction. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | SEMA Comprehensive software for designing and producing timber roof, wall, and floor framing with 3D modeling and machine outputs. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
Professional 3D architectural design software with automated framing generation, material lists, and structural detailing for residential construction.
BIM software for creating intelligent 3D models of structural framing systems including walls, floors, and roofs with clash detection and fabrication outputs.
Advanced BIM tool for detailed modeling, analysis, and fabrication of steel and concrete framing structures in construction projects.
Specialized software for designing and detailing cold-formed steel framing systems with automated engineering and CNC outputs.
BIM platform for automated design and production of wood and light gauge steel framing for walls, floors, and roofs.
3D modeling software with extensions for creating and visualizing framing layouts in architectural and construction designs.
Architectural design software featuring precise 3D framing tools, cut lists, and estimating for home and light commercial buildings.
BIM authoring tool that supports modeling and documentation of structural framing elements with integrated analysis capabilities.
CAD/CAM software optimized for timber framing design, CNC machining, and prefabrication in wood construction.
Comprehensive software for designing and producing timber roof, wall, and floor framing with 3D modeling and machine outputs.
Chief Architect
specializedProfessional 3D architectural design software with automated framing generation, material lists, and structural detailing for residential construction.
Patented Automatic Framing technology that intelligently generates editable, code-compliant framing from any 3D model
Chief Architect is a premier 3D architectural design software specializing in residential construction, with robust tools for generating precise framing models. It automatically creates wall, floor, roof, and truss framing from floor plans and elevations, complete with material takeoffs, cut lists, and engineering-ready details. Users can edit framing members individually for custom structural designs, integrating seamlessly with overall building design workflows.
Pros
- Advanced automatic framing generation for walls, floors, roofs, and trusses with high accuracy
- Comprehensive material reports, cut lists, and cost estimating integrated directly from models
- Excellent 3D visualization and CAD detailing for framing inspections and fabrication
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set and complex interface
- High upfront cost for professional licenses
- Less optimized for large commercial or multi-story framing projects
Best For
Professional residential architects, builders, and framing contractors needing end-to-end design-to-construction framing tools.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses from $99 (Home Designer) to $4,295 (Premier X15); annual subscriptions ~$1,000+ for Premier, with free trials available.
Autodesk Revit
enterpriseBIM software for creating intelligent 3D models of structural framing systems including walls, floors, and roofs with clash detection and fabrication outputs.
Parametric family editor and automatic framing systems that dynamically adjust connections and geometry across the entire building model
Autodesk Revit is a comprehensive BIM (Building Information Modeling) platform renowned for its structural framing design capabilities, allowing users to model beams, columns, joists, trusses, and walls in steel, concrete, timber, and composite materials. It features parametric families, automatic beam systems, and joist tools that adapt to geometric changes, enabling precise detailing and fabrication-ready outputs. Revit integrates seamlessly with analysis software and supports clash detection, scheduling, and quantity takeoffs for efficient project coordination.
Pros
- Powerful parametric tools for complex framing systems like beam systems and automatic joists
- Deep BIM integration with clash detection and fabrication workflows (e.g., Advance Steel)
- Accurate material takeoffs, schedules, and multi-disciplinary coordination
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training time
- High subscription costs with resource-intensive performance on large models
- Less intuitive for simple framing tasks compared to specialized tools
Best For
Structural engineers and architects in medium-to-large AEC firms managing integrated BIM workflows for complex building framing.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$2,535/year per user for Revit; often bundled in AEC Collection (~$3,075/year) with additional tools.
Tekla Structures
enterpriseAdvanced BIM tool for detailed modeling, analysis, and fabrication of steel and concrete framing structures in construction projects.
Automated, parametric connection modeling with full constructability checking for error-free fabrication
Tekla Structures is a powerful BIM software from Trimble, specialized in 3D modeling and detailing for steel, concrete, and timber framing in construction projects. It excels in creating clash-free models, automating connection designs, and generating precise fabrication drawings, CNC files, and reports. Widely used in structural engineering, it supports end-to-end workflows from design to fabrication and erection.
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy in structural modeling and connection detailing
- Advanced clash detection and constructability analysis
- Direct integration with fabrication software and CNC machinery
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
- High system resource demands and hardware requirements
- Expensive licensing with complex pricing tiers
Best For
Large structural engineering firms and steel fabricators handling complex, large-scale framing projects.
Pricing
Quote-based annual subscription; typically $10,000-$25,000+ per year depending on modules and user seats.
FrameCAD Structure
specializedSpecialized software for designing and detailing cold-formed steel framing systems with automated engineering and CNC outputs.
Automated engineering optimization and CNC output for cold-formed steel portal frames and shear walls
FrameCAD Structure is a specialized CAD/CAM software for designing, engineering, and detailing cold-formed steel framing systems used in residential, commercial, and industrial construction. It automates the creation of wall panels, floor joists, roof trusses, and portal frames, performing structural analysis and generating fabrication-ready CNC files. The software streamlines the workflow from architectural input to manufacturing output, ensuring code compliance and precision engineering.
Pros
- Comprehensive automation for steel framing design and engineering
- Direct integration with CNC fabrication machines
- Handles complex geometries and multi-story structures with code-compliant calculations
Cons
- Limited to cold-formed steel; no support for wood or other materials
- Steep learning curve for non-CAD users
- High cost may deter small-scale operations
Best For
Prefabricated steel framing manufacturers and engineering firms needing an end-to-end design-to-production workflow.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $20,000+ annually for full suite with modules, plus hardware integration fees.
Vertex BD
specializedBIM platform for automated design and production of wood and light gauge steel framing for walls, floors, and roofs.
Intelligent auto-framing engine that applies customizable rules to automatically populate and adjust frames from imported architectural models
Vertex BD is a specialized BIM software for structural framing design, primarily targeting wood, steel, and light-gauge metal construction in residential and low-rise commercial buildings. It automates the creation of 3D frame models from 2D CAD imports, generating detailed shop drawings, material takeoffs, cut lists, and CNC machine files. The platform excels in intelligent framing rules, clash detection, and integration with fabrication workflows, streamlining the design-to-manufacturing process.
Pros
- Powerful automation for generating complex framing details and production-ready outputs
- Excellent clash detection and multi-material support (wood, steel, concrete)
- Seamless integration with CAD software and CNC machinery for fabrication
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training for full proficiency
- High cost may deter small firms or solo practitioners
- Limited flexibility for non-standard or highly custom architectural designs
Best For
Mid-sized framing contractors and engineering firms handling repetitive residential projects that require precise, automated detailing and CNC outputs.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing; typically $6,000–$15,000 per user/year depending on modules and seats.
SketchUp Pro
creative_suite3D modeling software with extensions for creating and visualizing framing layouts in architectural and construction designs.
Extension Warehouse providing customizable framing plugins like AutoFrame and OpenCutList
SketchUp Pro is a powerful 3D modeling software used extensively in architecture and construction for designing and visualizing framing systems, including walls, floors, roofs, and structural elements. Its intuitive Push/Pull tool and component-based workflow enable quick creation of detailed 3D framing models. With the Extension Warehouse, users can add specialized plugins for framing-specific tasks like automatic stud generation, material takeoffs, and cut lists, making it adaptable for framing design despite not being a dedicated structural engineering tool.
Pros
- Intuitive 3D modeling interface ideal for rapid framing visualization
- Vast Extension Warehouse with framing plugins for enhanced functionality
- Strong integration with LayOut for 2D plans and construction documents
Cons
- Lacks built-in structural analysis or load calculations
- Performance can lag with complex, large-scale models
- Requires extensions for advanced framing automation
Best For
Architects and builders seeking an intuitive 3D tool for conceptual framing design and visualization integrated with broader building models.
Pricing
Subscription at $349/year for Pro license; free web version available with limitations.
SoftPlan
specializedArchitectural design software featuring precise 3D framing tools, cut lists, and estimating for home and light commercial buildings.
Sophisticated automatic roof framing engine that handles complex geometries, dormers, and custom pitches with precise rafter and joist layouts
SoftPlan is a robust CAD-based architectural design software specializing in residential construction, offering powerful 2D drafting and 3D modeling with automated framing generation for walls, floors, trusses, and roofs. It produces detailed framing plans, elevations, sections, and material takeoffs to support precise construction documentation. Ideal for builders and framers, it integrates framing details directly into comprehensive building designs, reducing manual errors and speeding up workflows.
Pros
- Advanced automatic framing tools for walls, floors, and complex roofs including hips and valleys
- Accurate material lists and cut lists for efficient estimating
- Highly customizable framing members and connections for site-specific needs
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to CAD-style interface and hotkey reliance
- Windows-only, no native Mac support
- Higher upfront cost without a free tier or trial for casual users
Best For
Professional residential framers and builders needing detailed, customizable framing plans and takeoffs integrated with full building design.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $2,995 for Core edition up to $5,995 for Premium, plus $995-$1,495 annual maintenance; modular add-ons available.
ArchiCAD
enterpriseBIM authoring tool that supports modeling and documentation of structural framing elements with integrated analysis capabilities.
Model View Options for discipline-specific framing views and clash detection in a single BIM model
ArchiCAD, developed by Graphisoft, is a comprehensive BIM software primarily focused on architectural design but capable of modeling structural framing elements such as walls, beams, columns, roofs, and slabs within a unified building model. It supports parametric object placement, automatic scheduling, and quantity takeoffs for framing components, enabling basic design and documentation workflows. While not a dedicated framing tool, it integrates framing seamlessly into overall project coordination, with options for 3D visualization and export to fabrication formats via add-ons.
Pros
- Integrated BIM environment for combined architectural and framing modeling
- Parametric elements and automatic updates for efficient design changes
- Strong 2D/3D documentation and quantity takeoff capabilities
Cons
- Lacks native advanced structural analysis or load calculations
- Not specialized for complex steel/wood detailing or connections
- Relies on add-ons for fabrication-level framing exports
Best For
Architects and multidisciplinary firms needing basic framing modeling within full building information models.
Pricing
Subscription-based: Solo license ~$2,400/year, Collaborate ~$4,800/year; perpetual licenses available with maintenance.
cadwork
specializedCAD/CAM software optimized for timber framing design, CNC machining, and prefabrication in wood construction.
Advanced parametric CNC joint generation that automatically creates production-ready timber connections
cadwork is a powerful 3D CAD/CAM/BIM software suite tailored for timber construction, enabling precise modeling of parametric frames, structural engineering, and automated production workflows. It supports everything from architectural design to CNC manufacturing preparation, with tools for generating shop drawings, cut lists, and machine data. Primarily used in Europe, it excels in complex timber framing projects like roofs, walls, and prefabricated elements.
Pros
- Exceptional parametric modeling for complex timber joints and assemblies
- Full integration from design to CNC production with accurate BOMs and cut optimization
- Robust structural analysis and BIM compatibility for timber engineering
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High cost with modular pricing that adds up quickly
- Interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
Best For
Professional timber engineers, architects, and prefabricators handling large-scale framing projects.
Pricing
Modular licensing starts at €5,000+ per module annually; full suites exceed €20,000/year with custom quotes.
SEMA
specializedComprehensive software for designing and producing timber roof, wall, and floor framing with 3D modeling and machine outputs.
Seamless integration of 3D design, structural engineering calculations, and automated CNC machining data generation
SEMA from sema-soft.de is a professional 3D CAD/CAM software tailored for timber construction, specializing in parametric design of roofs, walls, floors, stairs, and framing elements. It integrates structural analysis, optimization for manufacturing, and direct CNC data export, streamlining the workflow from concept to production. With strong BIM compatibility, it's used by timber engineers and framers for precise, code-compliant designs.
Pros
- Comprehensive parametric modeling for complex timber frames and roofs
- Integrated static calculations and CNC export for production efficiency
- Excellent BIM integration and module extensibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- High upfront cost with modular licensing
- Primarily focused on timber, less versatile for other materials
Best For
Professional timber construction firms and framing specialists requiring end-to-end design-to-manufacturing workflows.
Pricing
Modular licensing starts at €4,500 for core modules, with full suites €15,000+ and annual maintenance ~20% of license cost.
Conclusion
The top 10 framing design tools cater to varied needs, with Chief Architect leading as the top choice for its strong automated framing generation, material lists, and residential-focused structural detailing. Autodesk Revit stands out as a leading BIM solution with intelligent 3D modeling and clash detection, while Tekla Structures excels in advanced steel and concrete framing analysis, offering tailored performance for specific projects. For those prioritizing niche needs like cold-formed steel or timber, alternatives provide precision without compromising functionality.
Don’t miss out on leveraging Chief Architect’s intuitive tools—start exploring its automated outputs, material lists, and structural detailing to elevate your framing design process and bring projects to life efficiently.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison