ACC vs BIM Collaborate Pro vs Autodesk Docs: Pricing, Features, & Comparison

Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools have transformed the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, enabling teams to collaborate more effectively and manage projects with greater efficiency. Autodesk, widely known for being the company behind the Revit & Autocad products, has introduced the Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) as a Construction Management software to help Architects & Contractors design & build more effectively.

The Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) Explained

As a Construction Management Platform, ACC refers to a suite of applications developed (or acquired) by Autodesk over the years. This includes applications such as Autodesk Docs, Autodesk Build, BIM Collaborate Pro, and the AEC Collection. Unlike most Autodesk offerings which are annual subscriptions, ACC has two pricing models (account or project-based), which allows unlimited user access to the ACC platform. Depending on factors such as the module configuration, project value, company value and duration, this may affect the total cost of your ACC subscription.

What is Autodesk Docs (previously BIM 360)?

The most basic module under the ACC suite of applications would be Autodesk Docs. It is a document sharing platform with basic access control, allowing project administrators to manage view or edit access to specific folders in a project. This module is part of the AEC Collection, which means that most users would already have some degree of access to Autodesk Docs.

By comparison, BIM 360, Autodesk’s legacy document management subscription, continues to serve many AEC professionals but operates outside the ACC ecosystem. While BIM 360 offers document management, coordination, and field collaboration, it lacks some of the advanced automation features that is avialable under Autodesk Platform Services (APS).

What is Autodesk Build?

Autodesk Build is a construction management platform within the ACC ecosystem, designed specifically for general contractors and construction teams. It consolidates field management, quality control, safety tracking, and project coordination into a single unified platform. Unlike BIM Collaborate Pro, which focuses on design collaboration and model coordination, Build targets the construction execution phase.

The platform includes modules for RFIs (Requests for Information), submittals, daily logs, issues tracking, and cost management. Build connects field teams with office staff through mobile apps, ensuring real-time access to drawings, specifications, and project updates. For contractors managing large construction sites, Build provides the tools needed to track progress, manage workflows, and maintain quality standards throughout the build process.

Build integrates seamlessly with other ACC products like Autodesk Docs and BIM Collaborate Pro, allowing information to flow between design and construction teams. This integration reduces data silos and ensures that site teams work from the most current models and documentation.

What is BIM Collaborate Pro?

BIM Collaborate Pro is Autodesk's flagship cloud-based collaboration platform for AEC professionals. It enables real-time co-authoring of BIM models, seamless design coordination, and efficient clash resolution. As a core solution within the Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), it integrates with tools like Revit, Civil 3D, and Plant 3D, making it the go-to solution for managing multi-disciplinary projects.

The platform leverages a centralized, cloud-based system to ensure all team members have access to the latest project data, no matter where they are. Through integration with Autodesk Docs, BIM Collaborate Pro also provides a streamlined environment for managing documents, tracking issues, and maintaining version control.

BIM Collaborate Pro vs Autodesk Docs

Autodesk Docs is included with the AEC Collection and provides document management and model viewing capabilities. Teams needing cloud worksharing and model co-authoring should upgrade to BIM Collaborate Pro.

In our experience, most project users are sufficiently well served with Autodesk Docs, although BIM model authors may require BIM Collaborate Pro to take advantage of model collaboration features. Firms working with BIM Service Providers may also benefit from the model management features available in BIM Collaborate Pro.

Purchase Options

ACC needs to be purchased on a project or account basis, and requires users to select the modules they need for the project. Therefore, reaching out to authorized resellers is the best way to get the price for ACC.

However, for subcontractors who simply need access to Autodesk Docs it is already for just $745 per year. For existing subscribers to the AEC Collection (which includes Revit and Autocad access), there is no need to purchase Autodesk docs as it is included as part of the AEC Collection.

On the other hand, access to BIM Collaborate Pro is an additional subscription that is purchased on a per-user annual basis at approximately $1,284 per year.

For firms beginning their digital transformation journey, working with an experienced BIM service provider ensures smoother implementation and stronger stakeholder buy-in.

Getting Started

BIM Collaborate Pro is the leading solution for real-time collaboration and worksharing on Autodesk BIM models. It is most suitable for design professionals who need live, workshared access to BIM models. For teams focused on document management and model viewing, Autodesk Docs (included with the AEC Collection) is a more cost-effective alternative.

If you're keen on implementing a CDE solution like ACC for your projects, working with experienced BIM service providers like Bimeco can help reduce the time needed to configure and implement ACC.