Comparison
Maquete vs ArchiVinci
Both are AI rendering tools for architects. The differences are in workflow depth: SketchUp plugin, geometry fidelity, video walkthroughs, and client sharing. Here is how they compare.
Overview
ArchiVinci is a browser-based AI rendering tool that accepts image uploads from any 3D modelling tool. It uses diffusion AI to produce photorealistic renders with style controls available through user-written prompts. It serves a general creative audience that includes architects and interior designers.
Maquete is built specifically for architecture firms. A native SketchUp plugin renders directly from your active viewport in one click. Architects don't write prompts and don't pick models — specialised architectural prompts are pre-tuned and the best image model is selected automatically. Geometry-fidelity engineering means your walls, openings, and proportions are preserved exactly as modelled. AI video walkthrough generation and client sharing links with inline feedback complete the professional workflow.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Maquete | ArchiVinci |
|---|---|---|
| SketchUp integration | Native plugin — render inside SketchUp | No native plugin — browser upload only |
| Geometry preservation | Engineered for fidelity — architecture-specific prompts | General AI — some creative reinterpretation |
| Render time | ~30 seconds per 4K still | Varies — typically 30–90 seconds |
| Output resolution | Up to 4K | Up to 4K |
| Video walkthroughs | AI video walkthroughs included | Not available |
| Client sharing | Public share links + inline client feedback | Download and share manually |
| Lighting presets | 15+ named presets | Style / prompt controlled |
| Prompts & model selection | None — specialised architectural prompts pre-tuned by us; best-in-class model picked automatically | User writes prompts to drive each render |
| Pricing (entry) | Free tier; paid from $19/mo | Free tier available; paid from ~$20/mo |
| Target audience | Architects & interior designers | Architects, designers, general users |
When to choose which
Choose Maquete if you use SketchUp
Maquete renders directly from your active SketchUp viewport in one click — no export, no upload, no browser switch. ArchiVinci requires you to leave SketchUp, save an image, and upload it via browser. For SketchUp-first workflows, that friction compounds across dozens of renders per project.
Choose Maquete for client collaboration
Maquete projects come with public share links — clients see a polished gallery, leave comments inline, and don't need an account. ArchiVinci requires downloading files and sharing them via email. The share link workflow changes client communication from email threads to a single URL.
Choose Maquete for video walkthroughs
ArchiVinci produces stills only. Maquete generates AI walkthrough videos from your renders, included on paid plans. For presenting a space in motion — showing flow from room to room, or the approach to a building — video is more compelling than a still.
Choose Maquete if you don't want to write prompts
Architects demand precision but shouldn't have to faff with prompts and model selection to get it. Maquete does the work for you — specialised architectural prompts are pre-tuned in the background, and the best image model is selected automatically per scene. You paste the image and go. ArchiVinci is prompt-driven: you write the instruction yourself and iterate until it lands.
ArchiVinci for casual occasional use
If you're doing occasional renders outside of a SketchUp workflow, ArchiVinci's ~$20/month tier and Maquete's $19/month Pro plan are effectively at the same entry price. For professional studio volumes with a SketchUp workflow, Maquete's feature set is the decisive factor.
Frequently asked questions
Is Maquete better than ArchiVinci?+
For SketchUp-based architectural practices, yes — Maquete has a native SketchUp plugin, geometry-fidelity engineering, AI video walkthroughs, and built-in client sharing links. ArchiVinci is a general-purpose AI rendering upload tool without these features.
Does ArchiVinci have a SketchUp plugin?+
No — ArchiVinci is browser-upload only. You export an image from SketchUp and upload it manually. Maquete has a native SketchUp plugin that renders directly from your current viewport in one click.
Which AI rendering tool preserves geometry better?+
Maquete is specifically engineered for geometry fidelity — architecture-tuned prompts ensure walls, openings, and proportions are preserved exactly as modelled. ArchiVinci uses general diffusion models where creative reinterpretation is more common.
Can I generate video walkthroughs in ArchiVinci?+
No — ArchiVinci generates stills only. Maquete generates AI walkthrough videos from your renders, included on paid plans.
How do the prices compare?+
Both have free tiers. Maquete and ArchiVinci paid plans both start around $19–20/mo. Maquete's $19/mo Pro plan includes the SketchUp plugin, video walkthroughs, and client sharing; for professional studio volumes, the feature set matters more than the negligible price difference.
The rendering tool built for architects.
SketchUp plugin. Video walkthroughs. Client sharing links.
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