# BIM 360 Layout vs UniversalPlantViewer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: UniversalPlantViewer at 100% against BIM 360 Layout's 0%. UniversalPlantViewer also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.7) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UniversalPlantViewer holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 4 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of BIM 360 Layout's written reviews are positive against 100% of UniversalPlantViewer's.

BIM 360 Layout ships an update every 2 months, UniversalPlantViewer every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BIM 360 Layout | UniversalPlantViewer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bim-360-layout/id920212031/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universalplantviewer/id1095258163/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **4** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 49 MB | 345 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Autodesk Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/295089690) | [CAXperts GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1095258162) |

## What reviewers say

### BIM 360 Layout

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bim-360-layout/id920212031)

This app connects construction models to the field layout process, increasing job site productivity and accuracy. It guides users to exact point locations for staking and verification using compatible total station hardware. Models and point data can be downloaded for offline use.

**Highlights:** Connects model to field layout, Increases job site productivity, Improves accuracy of staked components, Guides users to exact point locations, Supports offline model and point data, Remote total station control

**In-app purchases:** none


### UniversalPlantViewer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/universalplantviewer/id1095258163)

View 3D plant models and their attributes on your mobile device. Supports both online streaming and offline access to locally saved models. Offers identical functionality to its desktop counterpart.

**Highlights:** 3D plant model viewing, Attribute review, Online streaming mode, Offline mode, Cross-platform compatibility (mobile and desktop), Industry standard model conversion

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BIM 360 Layout free?

BIM 360 Layout is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is UniversalPlantViewer free?

UniversalPlantViewer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, BIM 360 Layout or UniversalPlantViewer?

UniversalPlantViewer is rated higher. BIM 360 Layout averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while UniversalPlantViewer averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do BIM 360 Layout or UniversalPlantViewer have ads?

Neither BIM 360 Layout nor UniversalPlantViewer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BIM 360 Layout or UniversalPlantViewer?

BIM 360 Layout ships an update every 2 months, and UniversalPlantViewer every 6 weeks. Most recently, BIM 360 Layout was updated on October 24, 2026 and UniversalPlantViewer on October 11, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*