Vectorworks

Vectorworks is another more common program originally used only on the Mac operating system. It has advanced into one of the better CAD programs for architecture recomended for this Blog by an Architect. Like ArchiCAD it also has compatibility with Google Earth. Also uses the same publishing format as AutoCAD in .dwf format while the many other programs use .pdf. This program has an enhanced file referencing system that makes simplify large groups of drawings easy to manage.

Vectorworks User Interface

Cycas 3D

Cycas 3D is German Based program with a very different interface to AutoCAD. From Personal experience it not as fast as AutoCAD and is somewhat limited in the 3D modeling. This isn't a recomended program in any way if your used to using AutoCAD the input is confusing. As you can see by the drawing below it took me about a half a year to be able to get to the point of being able to draw that in 3D. I decided to use this program as an example of what not to look for in a CAD program. The only benefit of this program is that it doesn't slow down as much as AutoCAD when drawings get larger. To say the least this program would be best suited to more simplistic drawings and rendering (requires outside rendering program known as POV-RAY).

Drawing by Josh McNutt

Rendering by Josh McNutt

Academic Sources

Cadalyst Magazine
Ron Lafon, Jan 2006, Low Cost CAD Gets The Job Done
Ron Lafon, Feb 2008, AcceliArch with AcceliCAD
Ron Lafon, Aug 2006, AutoDesk Design Review 2007
Scott Mackenzie, Aug 2007, ArchiCAD 11
Mike Hudspeth, July 2007, Draft It Architecure
Jerry Laiseron, Jan 2008, Vectorworks 2008
Bill Fane, Apr 2006, AutoCAD 2007
Bill Fane, Apr 2007, AutoDesk AutoCAD 2008
Mike Hudspeth, June 2007, AutoCAD for 3D

Revit Architecture

A new Autodesk program that is built for BIM. Revit Architecture is faster than traditional AutoCAD and excels in many more ways.

Currently Missing Information

Revit User Interface

ArchiCAD

One of the Best Architectural Design Programs available, but is matched by very high cost. One of the better features in this program is how it utilizes its BIM (Building Information Modeling). Implemented worksheets in the drawing take information from the model thus saving time in calculations. The program uses virtual trace which helps with the BIM.

http://www.graphisoft.com/products/archicad/ac11/ for a an example of how Visual Trace works.

It also has a high variety of outside file type compatibility. Not to mention the fact that it can take information directly from google earth and have it ready to be used in drawings.

AutoDesk AutoCAD/Architectural Desktop

AutoCAD is one of the most used CAD programs in North America. That is why many other CAD programs are essentially clones of it or at least have the ability to open AutoCAD's .dwg drawing file type and then save it back in the same format.

AutoCAD's high ability to do 3D Design is one of it's better features.

Architectural Desktop user interface

For doing high qualtity drafting AutoCAD gets the job done for it's low price.

AcceliCAD

AcceliCAD is a program that is very much similar to AutoCAD because it was originally made to work with it or in place of it. Many of it's features are comparable to AutoCAD and it has a similar interface.

Accelicad User Interface

It also supports all the AutoCAD LISP programming, SHX fonts, PAT hatches, MNU files, STB and CTB printstyles.

It's own features include layer management, floating prompt menus, dimension driven editing, quick dimensions, block and text tools.

As it is comparable to AutoCAD is it worth using, to purchase this program the cost is between $799-$999 which is close to the same as the AutoCAD pricing of $780-$1200.