ArchiCAD

ArchiCAD helps you design and implement your architectural projects faster than ever! No more waiting for views to load. GRAPHISOFT has extended its robust 64-bit and multi-processing technologies with background processing - an industry first for BIM. So ArchiCAD now offers lightning-fast response times and this turbo-charged update to The app makes it the undisputed speed leader in the BIM business.

Innovation has been a key differentiator for ARCHICAD since the beginning. The program introduces the highly-anticipated Stair Tool, featuring GRAPHISOFT’s patent-pending Predictive Design™ technology. The app delivers a number of other, important functional improvements in the fields of visualization, OPEN BIM, performance, and productivity making this version one of the strongest in GRAPHISOFT’s history.



Designing stairs is one of the most complex tasks in architecture. The software Stair Tool offers the most optimal stair designs to choose from in the context of the specific building. Complex yet configurable railing systems can be created that are associated with Stairs, Slabs, Walls, Roofs, or Meshes. The program integrated CineRender - based on MAXON’s Cinema 4D v18 rendering engine - offers architects high quality, photo-realistic rendering in the BIM context. An app design model can be described as a central BIM database that stores all project data and makes it accessible to any project stakeholder.

External IFC model content created by consultants - such as Structural or MEP engineers - can be placed as hotlinks into the app design projects as protected reference content. With the evolution of BIM as the de facto workflow, architects increasingly receive consultant information in a BIM format. Uniform Rich Text Format is introduced in all text-related tools: texts, labels, dimensions, interactive schedules.

Features and Highlights

Shadows in Open GL 3D View
The software greatly improves in-model visualization with shadow casting in 3D OpenGL views. Live 3D views of the BIM model in addition to being work-views also become a standard basis for communicating the design intent with clients.

Extended Options for Doors & Windows
This program offers users increased control over model-based sections and details of doors and windows. An extended set of Reveal and Wall Closure setting options make the creation of refined details a fully automatic process.

Dimension Text Prefix & Suffix
Model-based annotation is key to an effective BIM workflow. Custom prefixes & suffixes added to associative dimensions - while keeping their real measured values - can boost documentation productivity by an order of magnitude.

Improved Handling of Schedules
The software introduces standard spreadsheet editing techniques to improve productivity in Schedule and Index windows. Quantity take-offs can now be exported to Excel with graphical information included for WYSIWYG results.

Direct Import of Site-Survey Data
Site survey data coming directly from theodolites can now be imported into the app with a single click. XYZ coordinates automatically convert into an Archi CAD Mesh element providing an accurate 3D model of the environment.

You can use the free trial license to explore the full potential of Archicad. Trial Licenses are available with different functionalities for Professionals and for Students, Teachers, and Academic institutions.

Professional use   

• Anyone can apply with a GRAPHISOFT ID
• Valid for 30 days
• Full modeling capabilities

Educational use

• Available only for Students and Teachers with a valid student or teacher ID
• Valid for 1 year, and can be extended till the end of your studies free of charge.
• Full modeling capabilities

Also Available: Download ArchiCAD for Mac