ArchiCAD: A Review & Feature Analysis

ArchiCAD is a software that allows you to create professional and accurate 3D architectural designs, drawings, and documentation. It is used by architects, designers, engineers, and builders in various fields, such as residential, commercial, industrial, and urban planning. Whether you want to design a house, a skyscraper, or a city, ArchiCAD can help you achieve your design goals. In this review, we will explore the features, pros and cons, and pricing of this software, and see how it compares to other 3D architecture software in the market.

Overview

ArchiCAD is a professional 3D architecture software developed by Graphisoft. It is used for creating 3D building information models (BIM) that contain all the information and data related to the design, construction, and operation of a building. The software has design capabilities and an open BIM platform that supports collaboration and interoperability with other software and systems. It can be used on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems. It is widely used by architects, designers, engineers, contractors, and owners around the world. It is also used for education and research purposes.

The latest version of ArchiCAD (27) has several new features and improvements that make it even more efficient and user-friendly than previous versions. Some of the key features include parametric modeling, interactive visualization, high-quality rendering, integrated structural analysis, and multiple file format support. These features allow users to create detailed and realistic 3D models and drawings of buildings with ease.

Compared to previous versions, ArchiCAD 27 offers enhanced collaboration tools that help users work together on BIM projects with other stakeholders. The software also includes new design tools that allow users to create complex shapes and forms with parametric profiles and custom geometry modifiers. Other enhancements include performance improvements, user interface updates, data exchange improvements, and more.

Overall, ArchiCAD is a powerful tool that offers a comprehensive solution for 3D architectural design and documentation. Whether you are an architect, designer, engineer, or builder, ArchiCAD has something to offer you.

Who is this Software for?

ArchiCAD is suitable for anyone who wants to create high-quality 3D architectural designs and drawings, whether it is for design development, construction documentation, or facility management. Here are some example use cases that the software is specifically targeting:

Design Development: ArchiCAD allows users to create 3D BIM models that represent the design intent and concept of a building. Users can also explore different design alternatives and scenarios using parametric modeling, interactive visualization, and rendering features.
Construction Documentation: ArchiCAD allows users to generate accurate and consistent 2D drawings and documents from the 3D BIM model. Users can also automate the creation of schedules, reports, specifications, and bills of materials using the integrated data management features.
Facility Management: ArchiCAD allows users to use the 3D BIM model as a digital twin of the building that contains all the information and data related to the operation and maintenance of the building. Users can also access and update the model using mobile devices or web browsers using the cloud-based services.

User Interface (UI)

ArchiCAD has a simple and intuitive user interface that consists of various elements, such as menus, toolbars, palettes, viewports, and dialogs. Users can arrange and resize these elements according to their preferences and workflows. Users can also create and save their own work environments or use the predefined ones for different tasks, such as design, documentation, or collaboration.

The user interface of ArchiCAD is designed to provide users with easy access to the tools and features that they need for their 3D architectural projects. Users can use the menu bar to access the main commands and options of the software, such as file, edit, view, design, document, teamwork, options, window, and help. Users can also use the toolbars to access the most frequently used tools and commands, such as select, zoom, pan, undo, redo, and snap. Users can customize the toolbars by adding or removing buttons or creating their own toolbars.

Users can use the palettes to access the specific tools and settings for different aspects of the 3D model, such as elements, attributes, layers, coordinates, properties, and schedules. Users can dock the palettes to the sides of the screen or float them over the viewports. Users can also hide or show the palettes using keyboard shortcuts or buttons.

Users can use the viewports to display and edit the 3D model from different perspectives and scales, such as floor plan, section, elevation, 3D window, or layout. Users can split the screen into multiple viewports or use tabs to switch between them. Users can also adjust the display settings of each viewport using the navigator or the view menu.

Users can use the dialogs to enter or modify data and parameters for various functions and features of the software, such as project info, preferences, libraries, hotlinks, zones, labels, dimensions, and annotations. Users can open the dialogs using the menu commands or keyboard shortcuts.

Installation and Setup

ArchiCAD is easy to install and set up on your computer. Here are the steps to install and set up ArchiCAD:

Download ArchiCAD from the official website or use a DVD installer.
Run the installer and follow the instructions on the screen. You may need to accept the license agreement and choose your language and region.
Choose your installation type: standard or custom. The standard installation will install ArchiCAD with all its components and default settings. The custom installation will allow you to choose which components and settings you want to install.
Choose your installation folder and click install. The installation process may take several minutes depending on your system configuration.
After the installation is complete, you may need to activate your license using your serial number or your Graphisoft ID. You can also use a trial version for 30 days without a license.
Launch ArchiCAD from your desktop or start menu. You will see a welcome screen that will guide you through some basic steps to start your first project. You can also access online tutorials, videos, and resources from this screen.

Features and Functionality

The latest version of Archicad (27) has several new features and improvements that make it even more efficient and user-friendly than previous versions. Some of the key features include:

Façade design: Create complex façades with parametric profiles and custom geometry modifiers. Design curtain walls, panels, frames, and patterns with ease.
Structural analysis: Perform integrated structural analysis with the built-in Archicad-Structural Analysis tool. View and manage loads and load data on any model view. Export structural models to various analysis software.
Expression-based properties: Define custom properties for elements using expressions based on parameters, functions, or formulas. Calculate quantities, costs, energy performance, and more.
Faster and smoother 2D navigation: Navigate large floor plans and sections with improved performance and responsiveness. Use the new marquee tool to zoom in or out of any area of the model.
Productivity and workflow enhancements: Enjoy a more streamlined and intuitive user interface with updated icons, dialogs, and palettes. Use the new Stair Tool to create complex stairs with automatic documentation. Use the new Railing Tool to create railings for stairs, slabs, walls, roofs, or meshes.

These features allow users to create detailed and realistic 3D models and drawings of buildings with ease.

Compared to previous versions, Archicad 27 offers enhanced collaboration tools that help users work together on BIM projects with other stakeholders. The software also includes new design tools that allow users to create complex shapes and forms with parametric profiles and custom geometry modifiers. Other enhancements include performance improvements, user interface updates, data exchange improvements, and more.

Overall, Archicad is a powerful tool that offers a comprehensive solution for 3D architectural design and documentation. Whether you are an architect, designer, engineer, or builder, Archicad has something to offer you.

Sketch-Render-Archicad-1-1024x576 — Sketch Render Archicad

Performance

Archicad has a reputation for being a fast and reliable tool for creating 3D architectural designs and drawings. The software is known for its speed, responsiveness, and resource usage. It offers a rich set of features and tools that enable users to create complex designs with ease while maintaining high quality.

In terms of performance improvements, Archicad 27 has made several enhancements to important features for 3D modeling, visualization, and documentation. For example:

Façade design: Create complex façades faster and easier with improved parametric profiles and custom geometry modifiers. Design curtain walls, panels, frames, and patterns with less clicks and more control.
Structural analysis: Perform integrated structural analysis more efficiently with the built-in Archicad-Structural Analysis tool. View and manage loads and load data on any model view faster and easier. Export structural models to various analysis software more smoothly.
Expression-based properties: Define custom properties for elements more flexibly using expressions based on parameters, functions, or formulas. Calculate quantities, costs, energy performance, and more accurately and automatically.
Faster and smoother 2D navigation: Navigate large floor plans and sections more quickly and smoothly with improved performance and responsiveness. Use the new marquee tool to zoom in or out of any area of the model more conveniently.

These performance improvements make Archicad even more efficient and user-friendly than previous versions. The software is now more versatile than ever before and can be used to create stunning designs in various fields such as residential, commercial, industrial, and urban planning.

If you are looking for a fast and reliable 3D architecture software that can help you achieve your design goals in various fields such as residential, commercial, industrial or urban planning then Archicad is definitely worth considering. Its latest version (27) comes packed with new features and enhancements that make it even more efficient than its previous versions. These features benefit users in many ways:

Façade design allows users to create complex façades faster and easier with improved parametric profiles and custom geometry modifiers.
Structural analysis allows users to perform integrated structural analysis more efficiently with the built-in Archicad-Structural Analysis tool.
Expression-based properties allow users to define custom properties for elements more flexibly using expressions based on parameters, functions, or formulas.
Faster and smoother 2D navigation allows users to navigate large floor plans and sections more quickly and smoothly with improved performance and responsiveness.

Ease of Use

Archicad is a user-friendly and intuitive 3D architecture software that allows users to create professional and accurate 3D building models and drawings. The software is easy to learn and fun to work with, as it provides various tools and features that support the design process from concept to documentation.

Archicad has a simple and customizable user interface that consists of various elements, such as menus, toolbars, palettes, viewports, and dialogs. Users can arrange and resize these elements according to their preferences and workflows. Users can also create and save their own work environments or use the predefined ones for different tasks, such as design, documentation, or collaboration.

Archicad has a graphical input system that enables users to draw and edit elements in 2D or 3D views using the mouse, keyboard, or touch screen. Users can also use on-screen input aids, such as the smart cursor, the magic wand, guidelines, snap guides, and the pet palette to facilitate fast and accurate work.

Archicad has a powerful parametric modeling system that allows users to create complex shapes and forms with ease. Users can also modify and adjust elements using the info box, the element settings dialog, or the tracker. Users can also use expressions to define custom properties for elements based on parameters, functions, or formulas.

Archicad has an interactive visualization system that allows users to display and explore their 3D models in various ways. Users can switch between different views and viewpoints, such as floor plan, section, elevation, 3D window, or layout. Users can also adjust the display settings of each view using the navigator or the view menu.

Archicad has an automatic documentation system that allows users to generate accurate and consistent 2D drawings and documents from the 3D model. Users can also automate the creation of schedules, reports, specifications, and bills of materials using the integrated data management features.

Customization and Settings

Archicad is a flexible and adaptable 3D architecture software that allows users to customize various aspects of the software according to their needs and preferences. Users can customize the following elements:

Work Environment: Users can customize the user interface, the keyboard shortcuts, the mouse settings, the tool schemes, the attribute schemes, and the project preferences using the work environment dialog box. Users can also save and load their customized work environment profiles for different projects or tasks.
Templates: Users can create templates that contain predefined settings and data for new projects. Templates can include project info, attributes, layers, views, layouts, libraries, hotlinks, zones, labels, dimensions, annotations, etc. Users can also use templates from Graphisoft or other sources.
Libraries: Users can use libraries that contain predefined objects and components for their projects. Libraries can include doors, windows, furniture, equipment, lamps, symbols, etc. Users can also create their own library parts using the object tool or the GDL editor.
Add-ons: Users can use add-ons that extend the functionality of Archicad with additional tools and features. Add-ons can include rendering engines, structural analysis tools,

Compatibility

Archicad is compatible with various operating systems, file formats, and software applications. Users can easily import and export files in different formats and work on different platforms. Some of the key aspects of Archicad’s compatibility are:

Operating Systems: Archicad can run on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems. Users can choose the version that suits their system configuration and preferences. Archicad also supports high-resolution displays and touch screens.
File Formats: Archicad can import and export files in various formats, such as DWG, DXF, IFC, PDF, SKP, OBJ, STL, XML, etc. Users can also use plugins or add-ons to extend the file format support of Archicad.
Software Applications: Archicad can work with other software applications and systems that support the open BIM standard. Users can exchange data and information with other BIM tools, such as Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Grasshopper, etc. Users can also use cloud-based services, such as BIMcloud or BIMx, to collaborate and communicate with other stakeholders.

Overall, Archicad is a flexible and adaptable 3D architecture software that allows users to work with various operating systems, file formats, and software applications. Users can easily share their work with others who may be using different tools or platforms.

Support and Documentation

Graphisoft provides several customer support options for Archicad users. Users can contact Graphisoft support via email or phone to get help with their software. There are also online forums where users can ask questions and get help from other users^. Graphisoft also provides extensive documentation for Archicad, including tutorials, FAQs, and user guides. Users can access these resources online or download them for offline use.

The Archicad Learning Center is a great resource for users who want to learn more about the software. It provides access to tutorials, videos, webinars, and other resources that can help users improve their skills and knowledge of Archicad. The Learning Center also includes a community forum where users can ask questions and get help from other users.

Overall, Graphisoft provides excellent customer support and documentation for Archicad users. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, there are many resources available to help you get the most out of this powerful software.

Price and Licensing

Graphisoft offers several pricing and licensing options for Archicad users. Users can choose from different plans depending on their needs and budgets. Here are some of the pricing and licensing options for Archicad:

Subscription License: Users can pay a monthly or annual fee to access the latest version of Archicad and all its features. This option is suitable for users who need the software for a short-term or long-term project or want to try it out before committing to a perpetual license. The subscription license also includes access to technical support, discounts on training courses, and cloud-based services such as BIMcloud and BIMx.
Perpetual License: Users can pay a one-time fee to access the software without time limit. This option is suitable for users who want peace of mind from knowing they have unlimited access to the software. The perpetual license also includes access to technical support, discounts on training courses, and cloud-based services such as BIMcloud and BIMx.
Educational License: Students and educators can get free access to Archicad for educational purposes. This option is suitable for users who want to learn or teach 3D architectural concepts and skills using Archicad. The educational license also includes access to technical support, discounts on training courses, and cloud-based services such as BIMcloud and BIMx.
Trial License: Users can get a free trial of Archicad for 30 days. This option is suitable for users who want to test the software before buying it. The trial license also includes access to technical support, discounts on training courses, and cloud-based services such as BIMcloud and BIMx.

The exact prices of the subscription and perpetual licenses may vary depending on the region and the version of Archicad. Users can contact their local partner or request a callback from Graphisoft to get a quote or pricing information.

Overall, Graphisoft provides several pricing and licensing options for Archicad users that cater to different needs and budgets. Users can choose the option that best suits their requirements and budget.

Pros and Cons

Archicad has many advantages and disadvantages that users should consider before choosing this software. Here are some of the pros and cons of Archicad:

Pros:

It has a simple and intuitive user interface that allows users to create and edit 3D models in 2D or 3D views using graphical input or expressions.
It has a powerful parametric modeling system that allows users to create complex shapes and forms with ease. Users can also modify and adjust elements using the info box, the element settings dialog, or the tracker.
It has an interactive visualization system that allows users to display and explore their 3D models in various ways. Users can switch between different views and viewpoints, such as floor plan, section, elevation, 3D window, or layout.
It has an automatic documentation system that allows users to generate accurate and consistent 2D drawings and documents from the 3D model. Users can also automate the creation of schedules, reports, specifications, and bills of materials using the integrated data management features.
It has an open BIM platform that supports collaboration and interoperability with other software and systems that support the open BIM standard. Users can exchange data and information with other BIM tools, such as Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Grasshopper, etc.

Cons:

It has a steep learning curve that requires users to invest time and effort to master the software. Users may also need to learn additional software or plugins to achieve certain effects or functions.
It has a high system requirement that demands users to have a powerful computer and graphics card to run the software smoothly and efficiently.
It has a high price tag that may not be affordable for some users, especially students, hobbyists, or freelancers. Users may also need to pay extra for updates, subscriptions, or licenses.

Conclusion

Archicad has many advantages and disadvantages that users should consider before choosing this software. Some of the advantages are its simple and intuitive user interface, its powerful parametric modeling system, its interactive visualization system, its automatic documentation system, and its open BIM platform. Some of the disadvantages are its steep learning curve, its high system requirement, and its high price tag.

Overall, I recommend Archicad to anyone who wants to create high-quality 3D architectural designs and drawings. The software is user-friendly and accessible to beginners, with many resources available online to help users learn how to use it. Graphisoft provides excellent customer support and documentation for Archicad users. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, there are many resources available to help you get the most out of this powerful software.