What are BIM Authoring software and BIM tools?
BIM authoring software are capable of producing virtual models created in relation to the various design disciplines involved in the project (architectural modeling, structural, plant engineering, infrastructural, etc).
In other words, BIM authoring software are applications capable of defining the characteristics and properties for a specific design aspect in the 3D virtual model and accordingto their purpose.
BIM tools are operative tools supplied with BIM authoring software (and/or connected to them) that allow the user to implement specialistic analyzes and/or "aspects" that otherwise would have no way to manage (energy analysis, structural calculations, cost management, time management, health and safety management, etc.).
BIM tools can also be defined as utilities that - for each BIM authoring software - are capable of performing specific processing patterns and return their output data to the relevant reference model.