Comparison

BIM 360 Layout vs ViewCAD

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

BIM 360 Layout

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
Read full description

The Autodesk® BIM 360™ Layout app for iOS and BIM 360™ web service provide vertical construction contractors the ability to connect the coordinated model to the field layout process, helping to increase job site productivity while improving the accuracy of staked or installed building components. The app synchronizes with your BIM 360 account to download and upload project models with point location coordinate detail. Once paired with a total station, BIM 360 Layout on your iPad™ guides the user to the exact location of those points on the job site for field staking and/or location verification activities. NOTE: The BIM 360 Layout app is currently directly compatible with the following positioning hardware: Topcon LN-100 3D Layout Navigator, Topcon DS-200i, Leica iCON robot 60, and Leica iCON robot 50. NOTE: The BIM 360 Layout app is currently compatible with the following positioning hardware when used in conjunction with a compatible BT Bridging device: Topcon LN-150 3D Layout Navigator, Topcon DS-200i/DS-200, Topcon GT and PS series, Sokkia SX and IX series, and Leica iCON robots 50, 60,70, and 80. ______________________ Share and Collaborate ◆ Share and assign layout points from within BIM 360 Glue Web to the BIM 360 Layout app ◆ Models and point data can be downloaded for offline use in the field ◆ Sync and share collected/as-built points from the app in the field with BIM 360 Glue web ◆ Upload models with layout points created in Autodesk Point Layout directly from AutoCAD, Revit and Navisworks into BIM360 Glue and sync with the BIM 360 Layout app Robotic Total Station Controller ◆ Seamless connection to total station hardware ◆ Control the total station remotely utilizing guide and point-turn functionality ◆ Step-by-step, guided total station set-up routine including coach marks for each feature User Interface and Navigation ◆ Select level and location in 2D, navigate directly to that location in 3D model view ◆ First person—immersive view of the building model as the user walks the jobsite ◆ Optimized views to see total station, prism, selected point and auto-zoom 2D & 3D viewing modes when nearing a point ______________________ Autodesk BIM 360 Layout mobile app is licensed under the following License and Services Agreement. Your download and/or use of the Autodesk BIM 360 Layout mobile app shall serve as your acknowledgement to the terms of this License and Services Agreement with respect to your use of the Autodesk BIM 360 Layout mobile app. Requirements: Requires iOS 12 or later.

About

ViewCAD

Features
Read full description

ViewCAD – The Ultimate CAD Viewer for iPhone & iPad ViewCAD by Tensile3D is a powerful CAD model viewer app that empowers engineers, architects, designers, and professionals to view, inspect, and share 2D and 3D CAD files directly from their mobile device. Whether you are on-site, traveling, or in meetings, ViewCAD makes your models accessible anytime, anywhere. Key Features View 40+ CAD Formats 
Supports industry-standard formats including: • AutoCAD (DWG, DXF) • Revit (RVT, RFA) • Navisworks (NWD) • Inventor (IPT, IAM) • SolidWorks (SLDPRT, SLDASM) • CATIA V4/V5/V6 (3DXML) • Rhino (3DM) • STEP, STP, STPX • IGES (IGS, IGES) • STL, OBJ, FBX • IFC, DGN, JT, VRML, U3D, PDF, and many more Open files created in AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, Inventor, SolidWorks, CATIA, Rhino3D, Creo, Microstation, Siemens NX, Solid Edge, and other leading CAD software effortlessly on your mobile device. Explode View
 Disassemble complex assemblies to inspect individual components. Adjust explosion distances with a smooth slider for better understanding. Walk & Fly Mode
 Experience your designs from a first-person perspective. Navigate using on-screen joysticks – ideal for walkthroughs, design reviews, and client presentations. Cut Planes
 Slice models along any axis to reveal internal geometry and hidden details for precise inspection. Offline Access 
Download processed models for reliable offline viewing – essential for field engineers, site supervisors, and traveling professionals. Fast Cloud Processing 
Large and complex files are optimized quickly on our secure cloud engine for smooth performance on your device. How to Use ViewCAD 1 Sign In/Up: Create your free Tensile3D account. 2 Upload: Tap "Upload" in the Library tab to select your CAD file. 3 Process: Our cloud engine optimizes your file for mobile viewing. 4 Download: Save the processed model for offline access. 5 View & Inspect: Explore using Explode, Walk/Fly, Cut Planes, and more. New users receive free credits to process files. Need additional credits? Visit our pricing page anytime. Why Choose ViewCAD? • Supports 40+ CAD file formats • View 2D and 3D CAD models offline • Optimized for large assemblies and complex models • Immersive Walk/Fly mode for design walkthroughs • Intuitive UI with smooth navigation controls • Built for engineers, architects, mechanical designers, civil professionals, and product designers Use Cases • View AutoCAD DWG and DXF files on-site without carrying a laptop • Inspect Revit models (RVT, RFA) during construction meetings • Review Navisworks (NWD) coordination models for clash detection and site planning • Examine Inventor parts and assemblies (IPT, IAM) for mechanical design validation • Analyze SolidWorks models (SLDPRT, SLDASM) during manufacturing reviews • Explore CATIA V4, V5, V6 designs for automotive and aerospace projects • Open Rhino3D (3DM) files for product and architectural concept presentations • Review STEP, IGES, STL, OBJ, FBX files across disciplines • Inspect IFC models for BIM coordination and construction planning • View Microstation DGN files for infrastructure projects • Open Siemens NX and Solid Edge files for mechanical and assembly analysis Download ViewCAD today – your CAD models, anywhere. Subscription Information ViewCAD offers auto-renewable subscriptions to access premium features and additional processing credits. • Subscription duration and pricing are shown at the time of purchase • Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase • Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period • You can manage or cancel your subscription in your Apple ID account settings Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://tensile3d.com/privacy-policy

Screenshots

ViewCAD4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: BIM 360 Layout at none against ViewCAD's 2. BIM 360 Layout also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). ViewCAD's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. ViewCAD sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $35.00 per month. BIM 360 Layout asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
BIM 360 Layout versus ViewCAD: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBIM 360 LayoutViewCAD
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 months—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size49 MB24 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperAutodesk Inc.Sahdev Joshi

In-app purchases

None

BIM 360 Layout

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

ViewCAD

Subscriptions2
  • 35 Credits (30 Days)$35.001 Month
  • 85 Credits (60 Days)$75.002 Months

Questions

Is BIM 360 Layout free?
BIM 360 Layout is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ViewCAD free?
ViewCAD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do BIM 360 Layout or ViewCAD have ads?
Neither BIM 360 Layout nor ViewCAD shows ads.

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