Revit vs Rhino vs Revizto

Architecture software is a term that encompasses a wide array of software solutions. Furthermore, these solution categories tend to overlap, causing confusion when it comes to software categories such as BIM and CAD. The architecture software market is also highly competitive, with a wide variety of solutions from many companies and platforms.

Given these circumstances, choosing a specific software solution can be rather daunting for both individuals and companies. It is advisable to begin by learning about the fundamental distinctions between BIM and CAD software. Both of these software categories fall under the umbrella term of “architecture software”, and it is essential to understand what they can and cannot do to meaningfully compare them.

CAD, short for Computer-Aided Design, is a methodology that entails the use of workstations to generate or improve designs. It is applicable to both 2D illustrations and 3D models, and coined in the 1960s, it boasts a longer history than the term BIM. CAD solutions have long served as the dominant software for visualizing projects, offering a broader array of specialized customization tools when compared to BIM software.

BIM, short for Building Information Modeling (or Building Information Management), is a methodology that revolves around developing detailed and data-rich models. These models play a crucial role in improving every aspect of the construction project lifecycle, from the design phase to post-construction maintenance or even disassembly.

In the context of BIM (Building Information Modeling), components within a model are referred to as “objects” rather than individual design elements. For example, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software typically constructs sketches using lines of different shapes and sizes. BIM solutions, on the other hand, utilize “objects” such as walls, windows, doors, roofs, and other architectural components as their main design-related elements.

It is important to note that BIM is often confused with CAD due to the presence of basic CAD-like features in many BIM software applications. However, this is not always the case, as there are plenty of BIM solutions that lack modeling capabilities. For example, any software tasked with the management of BIM data can still be categorized as a BIM solution, irrespective of whether it possesses modeling capabilities or not.

It can take a lot of time to research into BIM or CAD solutions, and it’s essential to recognize that a single source will never give you all the answers you are looking for. In response to this, we have collated information pertaining to different architectural and BIM solutions, including presenting. We aim to provide comprehensive insights for each solution, from direct comparisons and user feedback to advantages, limitations, and additional important details.

In this article, we will review the topic of Revit vs Rhino vs Revizto while ascertaining their optimal and suboptimal application scenarios.

Revit

At its core, Revit is a BIM solution, and part of the extensive portfolio of software solutions from the renowned corporation Autodesk. The primary purpose of Revit is to enhance construction project performance across different domains, enabling the creation of structures that are more energy-efficient, produce less waste, and require fewer revisions or reworks down the line. Revit showcases its versatility by seamlessly integrating with architectural design, structural engineering, and MEP systems, among other functionalities.

Functioning as a dedicated BIM solution, Revit operates with information-rich project models that function as a centralized data repository accessible to all project participants. This, in turn, leads to a noticeable enhancement in the overall decision-making process, as well as streamlined collaborative efforts, higher quality construction endeavors, and more. BIM models generated through Revit consistently maintain their integrity and currency, functioning effectively as a “single source of truth” about the current project status. This results in substantially fewer instances of miscommunication and rework, among other benefits.

Revit Main Features

• Enhanced project management efficiency through seamless real-time revisions for schedules, sheets, plans, sections, elevations, and more.
• Impressive accuracy when it comes to modeling structures, shapes, and systems in three dimensions.
• Myriad collaborative capabilities, fostering enhanced communication, heightened efficiency, and a generally positive impact on project outcomes across diverse teams.

Revit Technical Details

• Autodesk Revit supports Windows systems, including two of its latest versions (Windows 10 and Windows 11).
• Autodesk Revit has no mobile version or a mobile app.

Revit Price

• Autodesk Revit can offer two different pricing models – a subscription-based one and Autodesk Flex.
• Autodesk Revit subscription can be purchased in three different packs:
  • $350 for one month
  • $2,805 for one year
  • $8,415 for three years
• Autodesk Flex is a pay-as-you-go pricing model that uses tokens to provide access to some of Autodesk’s features, including Autodesk Revit. Autodesk Revit’s price in tokens is 10 tokens per day, and there are several different token packages that a user can purchase on the Autodesk website:
  • $300 for 300 tokens
  • $1,500 for 1,500 tokens
  • A custom token amount

Revit Customer Ratings

• Capterra – 4.6/5 points rating based on 384 customer reviews.
• TrustRadius – 8.7/10 points rating based on 189 customer reviews.
• G2 – 4.5/5 points rating based on 795 customer reviews.

Revit Benefits

• A remarkable array of unique features, as well as the ability to enhance basic functionality via a range of add-ons.
• Exceptional precision in animations and renders – Revit stands out as an outstanding visualization tool, faithfully representing projects extremely close to real-world accuracy.
•  Revit also works seamlessly with other Autodesk products, as they are created by the same company – this includes AutoCAD, Navisworks, and many other solutions.

Revit Shortcomings

• Revit is a very powerful solution – but it is also very complex software involving a steep learning curve. It takes a long time to learn all of its capabilities and functions.
• Geared primarily towards large companies, Revit’s pricing model may be far too expensive for the majority of SMBs (small and medium-sized businesses).
• An inherent challenge shared by many standalone BIM/CAD software solutions lies in their system requirements, and Revit is no exception – the intricate complex nature of BIM models necessitates robust hardware specifications for optimal performance.

Rhino

Rhino is an exceptional 3D modeling solution that offers accurate free-moving design and plenty of CAD-centric features. It can work both as a primary CAD tool or as a supplementary drawing solution for designs, renders, illustrations, animation, etc. While most CAD software is primarily oriented towards handling straight lines and basic geometric shapes, Rhino was conceived as a specialized tool focused on manipulating curved lines right from the beginning.

This inherent capability makes Rhino exceptionally useful at crafting objects with unconventional curves, such as supercars, human facial features, and intricate architectural components. Rhino excels in effortlessly managing intricate, non-linear shapes and lines within architectural design. Additionally, its adaptability is further enhanced by the availability of add-ons, enabling users to tailor Rhino to their specific needs, making it a versatile and customizable solution for various purposes.

Rhino Main Features

• The NURBS-based (Non-uniform rational basis spline) approach to the creation of freeform surfaces and curves makes it one of the most accurate solutions in the industry when it comes to unconventional object shapes.
• Rhino’s interface is rather convenient in terms of tool organization – the logic behind all of the positioning is simple yet effective, making it easy to work with Rhino no matter the end goal
• Rhino’s integration capabilities are rather impressive even by the standards of the CAD market.

Rhino Technical Details

• Rhino supports Windows and Mac operating systems.
• Rhino has a dedicated iOS application called iRhino 3D that is capable of opening native Rhino 3DM files on iPhones and iPads.

Rhino Pricing

• Rhino3D’s pricing model is fairly simple – a perpetual license for the software costs $995 for both the Windows and Mac version, there are no maintenance fees, and both newer versions and customer support are included in the package. It should also be possible to upgrade older versions of the software for $595 per user.

Rhino Customer Ratings

• Capterra – 4.6/5 stars based on 82 customer reviews.
• TrustRadius – 9.0/10 stars based on 46 customer reviews.
• G2 – 4.4/5 stars based on 179 customer reviews.

Rhino Benefits

• The fact that Rhino offers perpetual licensing with no additional payments for new updates or customer support is simply staggering, considering how many solutions resort to subscription services and other less transparent pricing models these days.
• Rhino’s interface is surprisingly convenient for CAD software – a software category that is well-known for its complex tools and capabilities with a high entry barrier.
• Rhino is one of the best options for unconventional designs and shapes due to its NURBS-based approach to design as a whole.

Rhino Shortcomings

• The interface is fairly user-friendly, but it also feels rather outdated in plenty of cases, especially when compared with other solutions on the market.
• Problems can arise with overall interface speed and responsiveness when working with large, more complex objects and models.
• Rhino’s rendering capabilities are rather limited, and material selection is substantially weaker than most of the competition, hence it relies heavily on integrations with other solutions.

Revizto

Revizto is another good example of a BIM solution – a versatile data management platform that places a strong emphasis on streamlining collaboration among project participants. It serves as a comprehensive data management solution and a centralized data repository for all project participants. This centralization reduces the need for subsequent reworks, simplifies communication, eliminates conflicts within the team, and so on.

Most notably, Revizto’s focus on Virtual Reality hardware during the design review process simplifies tasks such as design reviews, clash detection, issue tracking, and various other functions. Revizto places great emphasis on seamless integration with numerous architectural solutions, rendering it valuable to engineers, contractors, architects, and myriad other professionals. Revizto also supports multiple different data formats, making it easy to collaborate with other companies running different BIM/CAD software.

Revizto Main Features

• Enhancing communication with project owners at every stage by ensuring continuous access to vital project information, thus keeping owners informed about the project’s current status
• The overarching objective of enhancing project management efficiency is achieved through improved collaboration, simplified clash/issue management, and the enforcement of accountability.
• Comprehensive automation features, encompassing automated reporting, model delivery, version control, and real-time project status monitoring, resulting in higher efficiency across the board

Revizto Technical Details

• Revizto supports both Windows and Mac operating systems.
• Revizto offers its users three mobile apps – an older Android tablet app, a new Android smartphone app, and a dedicated iPad app.

Revizto Price

• There is no official pricing information available on the official Revizto website, with the only possible option being a demo request.

Revizto Customer Ratings

• Capterra – 4.3/5 points rating based on 31 customer reviews.
• G2 – 4.2/5 points rating based on 21 customer reviews.

Revizto Benefits

• Fast and precise 3D rendering capabilities, capable of swiftly generating remarkably accurate environments.
• An incredibly convenient cloud-based issue tracking feature that boosts overall project performance and streamlines collaboration between stakeholders.
• Effective assignment of clashes and issues to specific individuals not only enforces accountability but also helps with efficient workload distribution, improving overall performance.

Revizto Shortcomings

• While Revizto boasts several integrations with third-party BIM/CAD software, some of these integrations offer rather basic functionalities with limited capabilities.
• The solution may experience a degree of slowdown when processing complex and highly detailed project files.
• Given Revizto’s primary focus on 3D visualization and virtual reality, it’s not surprising that its 2D interface is not the most user-friendly.

Revit vs Rhino vs Revizto

Now that we have looked at the features of these three solutions, it is time to compare them to see which works best for specific use cases.

Why Revit?

Autodesk Revit is a sophisticated Building Information Modeling (BIM) solution, boasting an extensive array of features for a diverse range of applications. Its extensive capabilities streamline collaboration, generate data-rich models, enhance teamwork, mitigate conflicts and misunderstandings, and enhance overall project efficiency. While the solution in question may look quite expensive at first, the overall feature set, coupled with its numerous integrations and add-on options, justifies its price tag for industry professionals.

Why Rhino?

Rhino is an impressive CAD software solution that uses a NURBS-based design model to provide some of the best architectural capabilities in the industry when it comes to unusual shapes and models. It is also heavy on integration with other architecture solutions, one of the reasons being its rather limited feature set in anything that is not directly related to CAD modeling. It is also impressive that Rhino still operates using a perpetual licensing model with no additional fees for updates or technical support.

Why Revizto?

Revizto serves as a highly effective BIM solution, tailored for a very specific objective – enhancing collaboration and teamwork through the streamlining and automation of issue tracking and clash detection processes. However, Revizto’s capabilities also extend beyond this core function. It also provides a unique feature in the industry – virtual walkthroughs using VR hardware. This flexibility and abundance of features make it a seamless fit for its intended role with little to no shortcomings.

Use cases for each solution

Revit is a solution created and distributed by one of the most popular software providers in the industry. It is extremely sophisticated presenting a wide range of features that cater to proficient users. Not only does Revit offer an extensive core functionality, but it also boasts expandability through an add-on system, with the possibility of integration with other Autodesk products like AutoCAD, Navisworks, and more. Revit is one of the most comprehensive solutions in this market, making it the optimal choice for companies seeking a fully-fledged BIM solution with a wide range of capabilities.

Rhino is an impressive CAD software solution that is well-known for its impeccable accuracy of non-standard shapes in project models. It is a solution that’s relatively easy to work with, making it an appealing option for architects and other specialists within the same field. It is fairly reliant on integrations with other architecture software in order to compensate for its own rather limited feature set.

Revizto‘s feature range may appear more specialized when compared with solutions such as Revit, and yet this does not diminish Revizto’s usefulness or versatility. On the contrary, it serves as a valuable data management solution augmented by BIM functionalities, including clash detection and issue tracking, among other attributes. Revizto can be a valuable asset for virtually any company operating within the architecture industry. This solution facilitates enhanced teamwork and collaboration among project stakeholders by presenting a centralized data model that consolidates all project information into a single repository.

Once again, it is not easy to source a solution tailored for a very specific use case, and sourcing one that meets all of your needs is downright impossible. This means that the priority for potential customers should be to identify the key features they need from architecture software.

Here is a good example – if a company is looking for software to manage clash detection or issue tracking, Revizto would be the optimal choice, all while enhancing collaborative efforts and augmenting overall project efficiency.

There is also the fact that these solutions can sometimes work together – for example, Rhino 7 officially supports integration with Revit, making data transfer a lot easier while boosting the overall quality of a typical construction project. With all of that in mind, it should be easy to understand how architecture software often has a rather narrow set of benefits and use cases it works best in, so a thorough understanding of your individual preferences and needs is vital if you are to choose the optimal architecture software solution for your business.