h2x vs MagiCAD
This h2x vs MagiCAD comparison examines how two MEP design platforms handle system layouts, engineering calculations, automatic sizing, BIM and CAD workflows, project outputs, collaboration and onboarding.
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The short answer
h2x is a standalone, cloud-based MEP design platform that connects visual system layouts with engineering calculations, automatic sizing and project outputs.
MagiCAD is an MEP BIM suite that works inside Revit, AutoCAD and BricsCAD, adding discipline-specific modelling, calculations, manufacturer data and documentation tools.
The main difference is where the engineering work takes place. h2x gives engineers a focused browser-based environment that can be used before a detailed BIM model is ready. MagiCAD performs MEP design and calculations inside Revit, AutoCAD or BricsCAD.
Choose h2x if:
You need a focused MEP design and calculation platform without requiring Revit, AutoCAD or BricsCAD for the core workflow.
Choose MagiCAD if:
Your team already works extensively inside Revit, AutoCAD or BricsCAD and needs MEP modelling within that environment.
What is h2x and MagiCAD?
h2x is MEP design software for mechanical, plumbing and fire engineers. Users can trace over PDF drawings, create system layouts, calculate loads, size pipes and ducts, and produce professional project outputs.
- Mechanical, plumbing and fire design
- Heat loss and heat gain calculations
- Heating, cooling and ventilation
- Water, drainage and gas systems
- Automatic pipe and duct sizing
- Pressure loss calculations
- PDF drawings, 3D view, reports and BOMs
- AutoCAD and Revit integrations
MagiCAD is an MEP BIM design suite for Revit, AutoCAD and BricsCAD. It adds discipline-specific modelling, integrated calculations, manufacturer data and documentation tools to the selected host platform.
- Ventilation, piping and electrical design
- Revit, AutoCAD and BricsCAD versions
- Integrated sizing and balancing
- Pressure loss calculations
- Water, drainage and gas calculations
- Manufacturer BIM-object library
- 3D coordination and clash review
- Quantity lists and calculation reports
h2x vs MagiCAD comparison table
| Comparison area | h2x | MagiCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Product overview | ||
| Primary purpose and best fit | Standalone MEP system design, calculations, automatic sizing and project outputs for engineers, consultants and contractors. | Multidisciplinary MEP modelling, calculations and documentation inside Revit, AutoCAD or BricsCAD. |
| MEP design scope | All mechanical, plumbing and fire workflows. | Mechanical, electrical and plumbing workflows, with capabilities varying by product and host platform. |
| Access and workflow | ||
| Platform and access | Cloud-based platform accessed through a supported web browser, without requiring Revit, AutoCAD or BricsCAD for the main engineering workflow. | Desktop software that requires a compatible Revit, AutoCAD or BricsCAD environment. |
| Starting from architectural drawings | Users upload and scale PDF drawings, then develop system layouts, calculations and sizing without waiting for a detailed CAD or BIM model. | Users create MEP systems within Revit, AutoCAD or BricsCAD. Integrated calculations can operate against systems that are partly or fully modelled in the selected host platform. |
| Visual system design | Users draw connected MEP systems while calculations, flows and sizing remain linked to the layout. | Users model intelligent MEP systems directly inside Revit, AutoCAD or BricsCAD. |
| Connected calculations and sizing | Heat loads, flow rates, pressure losses and automatic sizing remain connected to the system layout. | Integrated calculations and sizing operate against systems partly or fully modelled in the host platform. |
| Collaboration and design review | Projects can be shared and reviewed through a browser without every participant using CAD or BIM software. | Collaboration is managed through the selected host platform and project environment. Relevant workflows can also use tools such as Autodesk Construction Cloud dataset sharing and BCF coordination. |
| Calculations and outputs | ||
| Heat load calculations | Includes heat loss and heat gain calculations within the same workflow used for system design and sizing. | Offers thermal load capabilities through relevant products and modules, including MagiCAD Room and Comfort & Energy (available for AutoCAD and BricsCAD, but not Revit). |
| Electrical design | Not currently supported. Electrical functionality is on the product roadmap, but no release date has been announced. | Supports electrical modelling and calculation workflows within the relevant MagiCAD products and host platforms. |
| Supported standards and methods | Supports a range of international standards and methods, including ASHRAE, BS, CIBSE, CIPHE, EN, DIN, AS and NFPA workflows. | Uses country-specific localisation, datasets and regional calculation methods. |
| Main project outputs | PDF drawings, calculation reports, sizing reports, Bills of Materials, schedules and secure design-sharing links. | BIM or CAD models, quantity lists, calculation reports, schedules and host-platform documentation. |
| CAD and BIM workflow | Designs can be transferred into AutoCAD or Revit for further drawing or BIM development. | Runs directly inside Revit, AutoCAD or BricsCAD, keeping the MEP design within the host environment. |
| Adoption, onboarding and pricing | ||
| Implementation, training and support | Focused browser-based workflow with guided demonstrations, custom training, learning resources and direct technical support. Users do not need advanced CAD or BIM authoring skills for the core engineering process. | Requires installation and familiarity with both MagiCAD's MEP tools and the selected Revit, AutoCAD or BricsCAD environment. Training and support options are available from MagiCAD and its partners. |
| Evaluation and pricing | Free project, demonstration and guided-evaluation options are available. Pricing is based on team size and required capabilities. | Pricing is quotation-based, with purchasing options available through MagiCAD's sales teams and regional partners. See the MagiCAD official website for current purchasing information. Buyers should also consider host-platform licensing, hardware, implementation and training requirements. |
Note: MagiCAD functionality varies according to the selected product, discipline, version and host platform. MagiCAD information was last checked in August 2026.
Where h2x and MagiCAD differ
The clearest differences appear in where the design workflow takes place, how users begin a project, which software licences are required and how engineering information is shared with reviewers.
Cloud MEP platform vs host-based software
h2x lets engineers develop systems in 2D and review the same connected design in 3D, with calculations and sizing kept within one browser-based platform. MagiCAD instead operates inside Revit, AutoCAD or BricsCAD for the wider modelling and documentation workflow.
Starting from PDF plans vs host-platform design
h2x users can begin from scaled PDF drawings and develop heat loads, layouts, calculations and sizing within a browser-based tool. MagiCAD users develop systems inside Revit, AutoCAD or BricsCAD, where calculations operate against systems that are partly or fully modelled.
Focused engineering vs combined BIM skills
h2x gives engineers a focused environment for calculations, layouts and sizing without requiring them to complete the core workflow inside CAD or BIM authoring software. Using MagiCAD requires familiarity with both its MEP tools and the selected Revit, AutoCAD or BricsCAD environment.
Browser sharing vs host-platform access
h2x projects can be shared and reviewed through a browser without every participant using the same CAD or BIM software. MagiCAD collaboration depends on the host platform, project environment, licences and access arrangements available to each engineer, modeller or reviewer.
Should you choose h2x or MagiCAD?
The better option depends on whether your team needs a standalone MEP engineering platform or detailed design tools embedded within an existing CAD or BIM environment.
Verdict: h2x is the stronger fit for teams that want engineers to complete calculations, layouts and system sizing in a focused environment without waiting for or working directly inside a detailed BIM model. MagiCAD is the stronger fit for teams that already combine MEP engineering and CAD or BIM expertise and want the design workflow embedded within Revit, AutoCAD or BricsCAD.
Why teams choose h2x over MagiCAD
MagiCAD provides extensive MEP tools inside Revit, AutoCAD and BricsCAD. However, not every engineer needs to complete calculations, size systems and produce engineering outputs directly inside a full CAD or BIM environment. Its workflow remains tied to the selected host application and project setup.
h2x keeps loads, system layouts, calculations and sizing within a focused browser-based environment. This allows engineers to develop the core engineering design independently before transferring it into AutoCAD or Revit when detailed CAD or BIM development is required.
Automate heat load calcs
Calculate heating and cooling loads from project geometry, room information and design conditions, with results linked to system design and sizing.
Design complete HVAC systems
Create connected pipework and ductwork layouts while flow rates, pressure losses and system sizes remain synchronised with the engineering design.
Share designs through a browser
Give colleagues and project stakeholders access to current design information without requiring the same CAD or BIM application and licence setup.
What teams say about h2x
h2x vs MagiCAD frequently asked questions
Bring MEP design and calculations into the cloud
Book a demo to see how h2x connects heat loads, system layouts, automatic sizing and engineering outputs without requiring Revit, AutoCAD or BricsCAD for the core design workflow.
