topic Re: SAF import/export for Archicad in Project data & BIM

SAF import/export for Archicad

vali_metes — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:19:29 GMT

Hi,

I am trying to create a workflow around the SAF translator for Archicad and otehr strutural analysis software that support SAF.

In the first run I've tried out in Model Compare my current model against another .pln model imported for the second slot, everythign works fine.

When tryin to compare my model against a SAF (.xlsx) model exported from an identical Archicad file with the columns modified, it fails to show the second model, I can only see my current model.

I was using the default SAF translator used for Archicad 29.

My model is red, the second mdoel shoould be blue-ish.

What am I missing?

Thank you,

Operating system used: Windows 10

Re: SAF import/export for Archicad

Laszlo Nagy — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 21:08:33 GMT

Are you doing the exact steps described in the Help files:

https://help.graphisoft.com/AC/29/INT/index.htm?rhcsh=1&rhnewwnd=0#t=_AC29_Help%2F081_ModelCompare%2F081_ModelCompare-6.htm

Re: SAF import/export for Archicad

vali_metes — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:10:32 GMT

I've went through the entire step-by-step solution provided in the link provided, I did exactly the same thing before I opened the thread. For some reason nothing seems to work. I mostly used everything by Default.

When using .xslx (SAF) files it doesn't load any model to compare againts, it only works when using .pln file, but this way it defeats the whole purpose of using SAF file formats.

Is there a problem with SAF Translator settings which comes with Archiad?

Re: SAF import/export for Archicad

Laszlo Nagy — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:50:17 GMT

Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the workflow or how to use the SAF file format.

But it seems to me that you should be able to use an SAF exported from the model in Model Compare. (It is not even that it is coming from some other software.)

So, if this issue does not resolve, please report it to your local reseller.