CalqWorkflows / An Archicad alternative in the browser
An Archicad alternative in the browser
Calq is a BIM modeller that runs in the browser and is free to model with: one model, its drawings and sheets to scale, and IFC out. It exchanges with Archicad through IFC.
- Available
- Free account
Calq next to Archicad
Archicad is Graphisoft's desktop BIM application for Windows and macOS. Calq is a BIM modeller that opens in a browser tab, on those systems and on Linux and ChromeOS, with a free account and nothing to install.
Both are made for architects and both treat IFC as a first-class way out. In Calq the model is kept in your account, so you carry on from any computer by signing in.
What you get in Calq
- Walls, floors, roofs, stairs, rooms, openings, curtain walls, structure and services as BIM elements, each with its IFC class
- Plans, sections, elevations, schedules and sheets to scale, all from the one model
- Parametric components you make yourself, with parameters, formulas and types
- IFC4, IFC 4.3 and IFC2X3 export, with COBie, gbXML, BCF, IDS, DXF and PDF sheet sets, on the free account
- People editing one model live, with comments, on the paid plans
Moving work between Calq and Archicad
A Calq model goes to Archicad as IFC. Work from Archicad comes the other way as an IFC file, which Calq reads into elements you can edit (Beta), or as DWG and DXF.
Calq does not read or write Archicad's own project files or its library objects.
When Archicad is the better choice
Calq is not the right tool for every job. Choose Archicad when:
- Your office already works in Archicad, with its own templates and object libraries
- A contract asks for Archicad's own project files
- You need to model without a connection: Calq needs one to sign in and save
About the name
Archicad is a trademark of Graphisoft. Calq is not affiliated with or endorsed by Graphisoft.
Questions
Is there a free alternative to Archicad?
Calq Build is a free BIM modeller in the browser: a free account models a building, draws its plans, sections and sheets to scale and exports IFC.
Can Calq open an Archicad file?
Not Archicad's own project file. Export IFC from Archicad and Calq reads it into elements you can edit (Beta).
Can I send a Calq model to Archicad?
Yes, as IFC, exported on every plan, Free included.