# IfcOpenShell vs Vectorworks Architect

**Leader by vioscaleAI score:** IfcOpenShell

| Attribute | IfcOpenShell | Vectorworks Architect |
|---|---|---|
| **vioscaleAI score** | 57.2 (75% (high)) | 28.9 (38% (low)) |
| activity.commits_last_30d | 100 | - |
| adoption.dependent_repos | 73 | - |
| adoption.github_stars | 2,855 | - |
| content.faq | `[{"answer":"IfcOpenShell is an open source library and geometry engine for developing digital platforms in the built environment. It provides comprehensive APIs and tools for IFC data manipulation, geometric analysis, model coordination, and format conversion. It is indexed under Bim Software.","source":"https://ifcopenshell.org/","question":"What is IfcOpenShell?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"IfcOpenShell is open source, so it can be self-hosted and used at no licence cost. It is released under the LGPL-3.0 licence. Pricing changes often, so verify at source before relying on it.","source":"https://ifcopenshell.org/","question":"Is IfcOpenShell free to use?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"IfcOpenShell supports Windows, macOS, Linux and a command-line interface. Platforms we have not confirmed are simply not listed here rather than ruled out.","source":"https://ifcopenshell.org/","question":"What platforms does IfcOpenShell support?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Yes. IfcOpenShell can be deployed cloud / SaaS and self-hosted, so it does not have to run on the vendor's infrastructure.","source":"https://ifcopenshell.org/","question":"Can IfcOpenShell be self-hosted?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"We have confirmed 10 integrations for IfcOpenShell, including Blender, Oracle P6, Microsoft Project, Asta PowerProject, IDS, BCF, bSDD and CityJSON, plus 2 more. This is what we could verify from public sources, so the vendor may support others we have not indexed.","source":"https://ifcopenshell.org/","question":"What does IfcOpenShell integrate with?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Yes. IfcOpenShell is published under the LGPL-3.0 licence, a copyleft licence, so check its terms before embedding it in a closed-source product. Licence terms can change between releases, so verify against the repository for the version you intend to use.","source":"https://github.com/ifcopenshell/IfcOpenShell","question":"Is IfcOpenShell open source?","confidence":0.95}]` | `[{"answer":"Architectural software combining 3D parametric modeling, BIM workflows, cloud collaboration, and rendering capabilities for conceptual design through consultant coordination and cost estimation. It is indexed under Bim Software.","source":"https://www.vectorworks.net/architect","question":"What is Vectorworks Architect?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"We have confirmed browser-based access to Vectorworks Architect. That is the extent of what we could verify from public sources, so it may well offer desktop or mobile clients we have not indexed.","source":"https://www.vectorworks.net/architect","question":"What platforms does Vectorworks Architect support?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Not fully, on what we have confirmed. Vectorworks Architect is offered as cloud / SaaS and hybrid, and a hybrid deployment usually means some components can run on your own infrastructure while the rest stays vendor-hosted. We have not confirmed a completely self-hosted option, so check with the vendor if that is a requirement.","source":"https://www.vectorworks.net/architect","question":"Can Vectorworks Architect be self-hosted?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"We have confirmed 7 integrations for Vectorworks Architect, including Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Photoshop, Cinema4D, IFC and openBIM. This is what we could verify from public sources, so the vendor may support others we have not indexed.","source":"https://www.vectorworks.net/architect","question":"What does Vectorworks Architect integrate with?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Vectorworks Architect is available worldwide. Its primary market is the United States.","source":"https://www.vectorworks.net/architect","question":"Where is Vectorworks Architect available?","confidence":0.5}]` |
| deployment.options | `{"cloud":true,"self_hosted":true}` | `{"cloud":true,"hybrid":true}` |
| description.long | IfcOpenShell is an open source library and geometry engine for developing digital platforms in the built environment. It provides comprehensive APIs and tools for IFC data manipulation, geometric analysis, model coordination, and format conversion. | Architectural software combining 3D parametric modeling, BIM workflows, cloud collaboration, and rendering capabilities for conceptual design through consultant coordination and cost estimation. |
| features.capabilities | `{"pricing_model":"perpetual_license","deployment_model":"cloud_web_viewer","authoring_vs_coordination":"model_authoring","3d_parametric_object_modeling":false,"ifc_openbim_standard_compliance":true,"automated_hard_and_soft_clash_detection":true,"4d_time_scheduling_and_5d_cost_estimation":true,"mep_mechanical_electrical_plumbing_detailing":true}` | `{"iso_27001":false,"soc2_type_ii":false,"pricing_model":"perpetual_license","deployment_model":"windows_desktop_heavy_client","authoring_vs_coordination":"model_authoring","3d_parametric_object_modeling":true,"ifc_openbim_standard_compliance":true,"point_cloud_lidar_scan_ingestion":false,"vr_ar_headset_model_walkthroughs":false,"automated_hard_and_soft_clash_detection":false,"4d_time_scheduling_and_5d_cost_estimation":false,"mep_mechanical_electrical_plumbing_detailing":false,"structural_steel_and_concrete_rebar_detailing":false}` |
| integrations.count | 10 | 6 |
| integrations.list | `[{"name":"Blender"},{"name":"Oracle P6"},{"name":"Microsoft Project"},{"name":"Asta PowerProject"},{"name":"IDS"},{"name":"BCF"},{"name":"bSDD"},{"name":"CityJSON"},{"name":"COBie"},{"name":"Code_Aster"}]` | `[{"name":"Revit"},{"name":"SketchUp"},{"name":"Rhino"},{"name":"Photoshop"},{"name":"Cinema4D"},{"name":"IFC"},{"name":"openBIM"},{"name":"Cinema 4D","native":true,"direction":"bidirectional"},{"name":"Maxon Redshift","native":true}]` |
| language.primary | C++ | - |
| license.spdx | LGPL-3.0 | - |
| market.availability | - | `{"primaryMarkets":["US"],"availabilityScope":"global","availableCountries":[],"notAvailableCountries":[]}` |
| platform.support | `{"cli":true,"mac":true,"linux":true,"windows":true}` | `{"web":true}` |
| pricing | `{"type":"open_source","freeTier":true,"sourceUrl":"https://ifcopenshell.org/","retrievedAt":"2026-08-24T09:46:26.970Z"}` | `{"type":"hybrid","summary":"Perpetual and subscription licenses available; free trial offered","currency":"USD","freeTier":false,"sourceUrl":"https://www.vectorworks.net/architect","retrievedAt":"2026-08-22T22:32:24.034Z"}` |
| pricing.free_tier | yes | no |
| pricing.model | commercial | commercial |
| pricing.price_level | free | unknown |
| pricing.transparent | - | no |
| release.cadence_days | 1 | - |
| release.history | `[{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610141628","date":"2026-10-14T16:30:26Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610141628"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610141217","date":"2026-10-14T12:19:34Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610141217"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610140758","date":"2026-10-14T08:00:22Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610140758"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/ifcsverchok-0.9.1.261013","date":"2026-10-13T12:51:02Z","type":"stable","version":"ifcsverchok-0.9.1.261013"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610131250","date":"2026-10-13T12:52:15Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610131250"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610121536","date":"2026-10-12T15:38:08Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610121536"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610102211","date":"2026-10-10T22:13:30Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610102211"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610101358","date":"2026-10-10T13:59:40Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610101358"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610101354","date":"2026-10-10T13:56:16Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610101354"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610101246","date":"2026-10-10T12:48:29Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610101246"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610101246","date":"2026-10-10T12:48:29Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610101246"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610100615","date":"2026-10-10T06:17:23Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610100615"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610100602","date":"2026-10-10T06:04:23Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610100602"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610100055","date":"2026-10-10T00:57:01Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610100055"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610100043","date":"2026-10-10T00:45:18Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610100043"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610091501","date":"2026-10-09T15:03:07Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610091501"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610091449","date":"2026-10-09T14:51:13Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610091449"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610071432","date":"2026-10-07T14:33:42Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610071432"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610071217","date":"2026-10-07T12:18:52Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610071217"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610062336","date":"2026-10-06T23:38:02Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610062336"}]` | - |
| security.vulnerabilities | `{"count":0,"source":"https://advisories.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/advisories?ecosystem=pypi&package_name=ifcopenshell&per_page=100","last_12m":0,"max_severity":null}` | - |

## Capabilities (Bim Software)

| Capability | IfcOpenShell | Vectorworks Architect |
|---|:--:|:--:|
| **Capabilities** |  |  |
| Deployment model | Cloud web viewer | Windows desktop heavy client |
| Authoring vs coordination | Model authoring | Model authoring |
| 3d parametric object modeling | ✗ | ✓ |
| Automated hard and soft clash detection | ✓ | ✗ |
| 4d time scheduling and 5d cost estimation | ✓ | ✗ |
| Point cloud lidar scan ingestion | - | ✗ |
| Ifc openbim standard compliance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mep mechanical electrical plumbing detailing | ✓ | ✗ |
| Structural steel and concrete rebar detailing | - | ✗ |
| Vr ar headset model walkthroughs | - | ✗ |
| SOC2 type ii | - | ✗ |
| ISO 27001 | - | ✗ |
| Pricing model | Perpetual license | Perpetual license |

*Source: vioscaleAI. Generated 2026-10-17T23:30:26.385Z. "-" = undocumented, not absent.*