# Bonsai (BlenderBIM Add-on) vs Vectorworks Architect

| Attribute | Bonsai (BlenderBIM Add-on) | Vectorworks Architect |
|---|---|---|
| **Vioscale score** | 60.9 (27% (low)) | 35.5 (25% (low)) |
| activity.commits_last_30d | 100 | - |
| adoption.dependent_repos | 73 | - |
| adoption.github_stars | 2,732 | - |
| deployment.options | `{"self_hosted":true}` | `{"cloud":true,"hybrid":true}` |
| description.long | An open-source platform for creating, auditing, and analyzing IFC-based building information models with support for structural analysis, MEP systems, costing, scheduling, and facility management. | Architectural software combining 3D parametric modeling, BIM workflows, cloud collaboration, and rendering capabilities for conceptual design through consultant coordination and cost estimation. |
| features.capabilities | `{"iso_27001":false,"soc2_type_ii":false,"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":true,"4d_time_scheduling_and_5d_cost_estimation":true,"mep_mechanical_electrical_plumbing_detailing":true,"structural_steel_and_concrete_rebar_detailing":false}` | `{"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 | - | 7 |
| integrations.list | - | `[{"name":"Revit"},{"name":"SketchUp"},{"name":"Rhino"},{"name":"Photoshop"},{"name":"Cinema4D"},{"name":"IFC"},{"name":"openBIM"}]` |
| language.primary | C++ | - |
| license.spdx | LGPL-3.0 | - |
| market.availability | `{"primaryMarkets":[],"availabilityScope":"global","availableCountries":[],"notAvailableCountries":[]}` | `{"primaryMarkets":["US"],"availabilityScope":"global","availableCountries":[],"notAvailableCountries":[]}` |
| platform.support | `{"mac":true,"linux":true,"windows":true}` | `{"web":true}` |
| pricing | `{"type":"open_source","summary":"Free and open source. Donations accepted to support development.","freeTier":true,"sourceUrl":"https://bonsaibim.org/","retrievedAt":"2026-08-22T22:31:50.772Z"}` | `{"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 | yes | no |
| release.cadence_days | 1 | - |
| release.history | `[{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.0-alpha2608261658","date":"2026-08-26T17:02:38Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.0-alpha2608261658"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.0-alpha2608251413","date":"2026-08-25T14:16:34Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.0-alpha2608251413"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.0-alpha2608250302","date":"2026-08-25T03:05:39Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.0-alpha2608250302"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.0-alpha2608250046","date":"2026-08-25T00:49:35Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.0-alpha2608250046"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.0-alpha2608242134","date":"2026-08-24T21:38:01Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.0-alpha2608242134"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608231542","date":"2026-08-23T15:46:04Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608231542"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608231407","date":"2026-08-23T14:10:21Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608231407"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608231326","date":"2026-08-23T13:29:39Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608231326"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608192307","date":"2026-08-19T23:11:32Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608192307"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.0-alpha2608162204","date":"2026-08-16T22:08:22Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.0-alpha2608162204"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608132105","date":"2026-08-13T21:09:42Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608132105"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608122009","date":"2026-08-12T20:12:30Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608122009"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608111531","date":"2026-08-11T15:35:20Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608111531"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608111014","date":"2026-08-11T10:18:04Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608111014"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608090641","date":"2026-08-09T06:44:54Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608090641"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608081735","date":"2026-08-08T17:39:18Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608081735"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608072133","date":"2026-08-07T21:37:06Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608072133"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608051426","date":"2026-08-05T14:30:23Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608051426"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608012327","date":"2026-08-01T23:30:55Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2608012327"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2607311157","date":"2026-07-31T12:01:25Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.8.6-alpha2607311157"}]` | - |
| 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 | Bonsai (BlenderBIM Add-on) | Vectorworks Architect |
|---|:--:|:--:|
| **Capabilities** |  |  |
| Deployment model | Windows desktop heavy client | 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 |

*Source: Vioscale. Generated 2026-09-01T17:41:19.962Z. "-" = undocumented, not absent.*