Your Architecture Student Toolkit
Undergraduate • Windows
CAD, BIM, 3D modelling, rendering, image editing and presentation tools for architecture students.
Who this toolkit is for
For architecture students. Schools use different software, so check your studio's requirements and your university's licences before buying anything.
Choose any modules to see the tools for them. Without a module, module tools appear under Specialist / Optional.
Essential (2)
Core tools that are broadly useful.
Research / Citation
ZoteroOpen SourceAlso on iPhone/iPad
Why you may need this: Organise research sources and generate citations for coursework and dissertations.
Visit Official Website
Recommended (8)
Useful for particular parts of the work or course.
CAD
- AutoCAD
Paid
Why you may need this: Commonly used for 2D drawings; Autodesk offers educational access to eligible students.
Visit Official WebsiteCheck your university access
Your university or college may provide this software or a student licence. Check before purchasing.
BIM
- Revit
Paid
Why you may need this: BIM modelling used in many courses and practices.
Visit Official WebsiteCheck your university access
Your university or college may provide this software or a student licence. Check before purchasing.
3D Modelling
- SketchUp
PaidAlso on Web
Why you may need this: Quick 3D massing and design models; a free web version exists.
Visit Official WebsiteCheck your university access
Your university or college may provide this software or a student licence. Check before purchasing.
Image Editing
GIMPOpen Source
Why you may need this: Free image editing for presentation boards.
Winget (verified)winget install --id GIMP.GIMP.3 --exact --source winget
Graphic Design
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
FreemiumAlso on Android, iPhone/iPad
Why you may need this: Review and annotate drawings.
Winget (verified)winget install --id Adobe.Acrobat.Reader.64-bit --exact --source winget
Presentation
LibreOfficeOpen Source
Why you may need this: Free presentations and documents.
Winget (verified)winget install --id TheDocumentFoundation.LibreOffice --exact --source winget
Cloud Storage
- Google Drive
FreemiumAlso on Android, iPhone/iPad, Web
Why you may need this: Keep large project files backed up.
Winget (verified)winget install --id Google.GoogleDrive --exact --source winget
Specialist / Optional · Show specialist tools (3)
Consider these for particular modules, tasks or environments.
3D Modelling
- Rhino
Paid
Why you may need this: Freeform modelling used in some studios.
Visit Official WebsiteCheck your university access
Your university or college may provide this software or a student licence. Check before purchasing.
FreeCADOpen Source
Why you may need this: Free parametric CAD, including BIM tools.
Winget (verified)winget install --id FreeCAD.FreeCAD --exact --source winget
Image Editing
- Adobe Photoshop
PaidAlso on iPhone/iPad
Why you may need this: Industry-standard image editing for boards; check your university access.
Visit Official WebsiteCheck your university access
Your university or college may provide this software or a student licence. Check before purchasing.
Prefer a free option? Krita, GIMP · Compare alternatives
Course requirements vary. Software requirements differ between schools, colleges, universities and modules. Check your course materials before purchasing software.
Build your student setup
Build My Setup lets you add or remove apps, see why each is included and, where verified packages exist, get one install command. Nothing is installed automatically.