What software does BIM include? What are the commonly used ones? The author has addressed this topic several times in previous articles, yet many beginners still have questions about it. Here, a brief explanation is provided. BIM encompasses a wide range of software—over 70 according to incomplete statistics—because it covers numerous fields such as architecture, structural engineering, plumbing, electrical systems, energy consumption, simulation, GIS, VR, AR, and more. It’s impractical to list every example, but the most commonly recognized software is shown in the image below:
Commonly Used BIM Software These are frequently seen in the market, so here is a brief introduction to each:
1. Revit (Currently the mainstream BIM software in China)
Originally developed by Revit Technology and acquired by Autodesk in 2002, Revit is a leading BIM software centered on Revit Architecture. It integrates seamlessly with Revit Structure and Revit MEP to support structural analysis and piping design. Autodesk, a globally renowned software vendor, offers strong interoperability across its platforms, enabling integration with tools like Autodesk Quantity Takeoff, Autodesk Navisworks, and Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis to achieve comprehensive building information integration.
In Revit Architecture, all model data is stored within a single file. When any component is modified, all related views update automatically and quickly due to strong bidirectional associations. Parametric components (or groups) allow users to design building elements such as doors and windows without requiring any programming skills. Revit also features a flexible user interface with built-in tutorials and documentation. The F1 key enables quick access to software functions, reducing time spent searching for features.
The built-in Interference Check tool detects clashes between selected elements or all model components during the design phase. It helps coordinate major building elements and systems, avoiding conflicts that could lead to costly changes. Examples of elements checked for interference include: structural beams versus parallel beams, structural columns versus building columns, structural supports versus walls, doors versus windows, roofs versus floors, special equipment versus floors, and linked Revit models versus current model elements.
2. Navisworks (also from Autodesk)
Navisworks enables visualization, simulation, and analysis of 3D design models in various formats. It supports all project stakeholders in integrating, sharing, and reviewing detailed 3D models, forming a core part of the BIM workflow. Navisworks combines design data from AutoCAD, Revit, and other tools into a unified 3D project that can be reviewed in real-time across multiple file formats regardless of file size.
The Navisworks product suite includes three editions that help project teams enhance control, thoroughly understand project performance using existing 3D data, and improve efficiency and quality—even for complex projects.
Navisworks Manage integrates precise clash detection with dynamic 4D project scheduling and photorealistic visualization. Navisworks Simulate offers accurate design intent reproduction, detailed 4D construction schedules, and early visualization of construction projects. This allows stakeholders to experience the design in a real environment before construction begins and to verify materials and textures against design intent.
3. Bentley Navigator (MicroStation is another major Bentley BIM software)
Bentley Navigator is a visual BIM model verification and collaboration tool offering functions such as clash detection, navigation preview, annotations, multi-format design file integration, rendering, animation output, and construction progress simulation for 3D models created in Bentley MicroStation and other software.
Using Bentley Navigator throughout the project lifecycle helps make faster, better decisions by providing clearer, more visible 3D model information. It enhances understanding of the overall project and reduces risks. Real-time clash detection during design facilitates coordination, while construction simulation supports collaboration between design teams, site personnel, and construction crews. This enables problem-solving and accelerates project delivery by providing up-to-date information on all devices.
Bentley Navigator’s clash detection features real-time visualization of conflicts, allowing users to navigate the model and understand changes caused by design revisions. It produces detailed, customizable reports including graphical representations of clashes, collision types, involved elements, coordinates, file names, and clash status. This accelerates design, construction, and operation by enabling rapid, reliable issue resolution on-site.
4. Tekla Structures (Steel Structure Specialist)
Tekla Structures, developed by the Finnish company Tekla, is a professional steel structure design software with extensive experience in steel design, detailing, and fabrication. It provides a comprehensive BIM solution covering the entire structural design process—from conceptual design and detailed modeling to manufacturing and assembly.
Tekla Structures supports real-time collaboration across enterprises and project phases, creating a seamless platform for exchanging design information. It is a complete 3D architectural structure design system composed of four main modules sharing a core database, ensuring full data integration without conversion.
5. ArchiCAD (The Pioneer of BIM Software)
Developed by Graphisoft, ArchiCAD is the core of their BIM software suite, which also includes Artlantis Studio, EcoDesigner, and MEP (for piping design and analysis). ArchiCAD automates section and elevation generation, design drawings, and parameter calculations, storing all building information in a centralized database.
Changes made in one view automatically update all other views—including floor plans, elevations, sections, 3D models, and material schedules—and construction drawings are generated simultaneously.
For team collaboration, ArchiCAD’s TeamWork feature allows members to connect over a local network to share design results. Team members log into the project and define their workspace using floors and layers. Project files are created on each member’s computer, enabling design changes to be sent and received in real-time. ArchiCAD also automatically generates reports such as schedules, quantities, and cost estimates.
Combined with other software, ArchiCAD supports structural analysis, clash detection, safety analysis, and code compliance checks to manage data across the building’s lifecycle. Its intuitive and colorful tools are easy to use and can produce virtual reality scenes without additional software or specialized knowledge.
That concludes our overview of What software does BIM include? What are the commonly used ones? We hope this helps you better understand the BIM software landscape!
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