Your Architecture Student Toolkit
Undergraduate • Not sure
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.
Showing tools for every device. Choose your computer to see only compatible software and verified install commands.
Essential (1)
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 (9)
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.
Open web appCheck your university access
Your university or college may provide this software or a student licence. Check before purchasing.
BlenderOpen Source
Why you may need this: Free modelling and rendering. Also useful for Rendering.
Visit Official Website
Image Editing
GIMPOpen Source
Why you may need this: Free image editing for presentation boards.
Visit Official Website
Graphic Design
- Inkscape
Open Source
Why you may need this: Free vector graphics for diagrams.
Visit Official Website
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
FreemiumAlso on Android, iPhone/iPad
Why you may need this: Review and annotate drawings.
Visit Official Website
Presentation
LibreOfficeOpen Source
Why you may need this: Free presentations and documents.
Visit Official Website
Cloud Storage
- Google Drive
FreemiumAlso on Android, iPhone/iPad, Web
Why you may need this: Keep large project files backed up.
Open web app
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.
Visit Official Website
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.