topic Re: Reducing File Sizes in Archicad in Modeling

Reducing File Sizes in Archicad

griggadee — Tue, 09 May 2023 12:00:51 GMT

Hi Everyone,

Does anybody know how to reduce the size of Archicad files? For each new project I undertake, I typically copy and paste my file from a previous project, and then delete the 3d model and drawing sheets, and then start building a new 3d model in that file. This allows me to use all of the previous line types, and surfaces etc. that I am used to using. I know that I could spend the time to create a drawing template that I could use for all new projects, but I just don't seem to find the time to do this! Unfortunately, my file sizes are now hovering around 500mb!! Ouch! Is there any way to pge the cache or unused layers / info from files?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Re: Reducing File Sizes in Archicad

Algimantas Kuprenas — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 15:20:46 GMT

These are mine 3 tips of reducing file size:
1. Make Open and Repair file function, this might clean up some space;

2. 3D documents use up much space in files - delete them if not needed;

3. Layouts also use up space in files - delete them if not needed.

Re: Reducing File Sizes in Archicad

Karl Ottenstein — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 23:33:47 GMT

Also, do not check the box to store drawings in the file. This can consume a huge amount of space. The can speed up the display of a layout, but typically the drawing will be updated anyway.

Re: Reducing File Sizes in Archicad

Lee Hankins — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 07:29:01 GMT

That seems to be a huge file size for what is essentially a blank ‘template’ file. Our actual Archicad Template is only 85mb and has a lot of layers, line types and over 600 favourites stored in it. Do you have a lot of embedded images retained in the file or a lot of embedded library objects?

Re: Reducing File Sizes in Archicad

Lee Hankins — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 07:33:35 GMT

Hi @Karl Ottenstein , I always wondered what that option actually means for the drawing and can’t find anything in the help documentation that explains it. What does it actually do?

Re: Reducing File Sizes in Archicad

Fabian Keller — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 11:41:31 GMT

My guess is the Embedded Library. This article helped me with the topic. There is a point for the file size:

https://community.Graphisoft.com/t5/Project-Management-articles/How-to-Optimize-Your-Project-Performance/ta-p/304104

Re: Reducing File Sizes in Archicad

griggadee — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 16:44:57 GMT

Thanks Algimantas.

How do I access 'Open and Repair'? I can't seem to find out how to do this. In AutoCAD, you can use a purge function to remove all of the unused layers, line types, images etc. Does this not exist in Archicad?

Re: Reducing File Sizes in Archicad

griggadee — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 16:46:53 GMT

Thanks Karl. This box is never checked on my projects. No idea what it does, or how it would affect my file sizes, but it's currently unchecked throughout, so I can rule that out as the reason for the huge file sizes. Cheers.

Re: Reducing File Sizes in Archicad

griggadee — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 16:53:16 GMT

They really are huge files! I have no idea why they are so big. As I say, I just clear out the model and drawings from the previous project and use that file as my template. I no doubt have a huge amount of embedded material in the file from previous projects, hence the size. I think I'll try starting new drawings from now on, as the files will very quickly use up all of my harddrive space at this rate! Are you aware of a purge function in Archicad? AutoCAD has this option to remove all unused layers, linetypes, objects etc. Great way of reducing file sizes. Be good if Graphisoft added this, unless it already exists? Thanks Lee

Re: Reducing File Sizes in Archicad

Lee Hankins — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 17:54:27 GMT

There is a Purge function. If you open the Attribute Manager from the 'Options', 'Element Attributes', 'Attribute Manager' menu you will see all of the files attributes including layers, line types, building materials, surfaces etc in separate tabs. you can purge each individual tab. There is also an 'All' tab where you can click Purge and it purges all attributes. you often have to do it multiple times as certain attributes are released for purging after others are removed due to links between fills and surfaces in building materials. All that said, I would recommend not doing this to start a new file. This is more to archive a file or tidy it up during work on that particular project and remove any redundant attributes from the archived file.

I personally would start a fresh with the out of the box template file and then gradually add the attributes you want to retain from your bloated project file that you feel you will use on projects moving forwards. The best way to add them is to work through the Attribute Manager tab by tab from left to right as each tab to the left has an impact on the tab to the right. You can load in your current project to the right hand side of the Attribute manager and transfer the individual attributes across. I always find it best to uncheck the 'associated attributes' tick box where it is available especially if you are working left to right through the tabs. I always create a series of blank spaces too, to in effect reserve indexes and then 'Append' all of the attributes I transfer across. This will help with maintaining the file in future as the out of the box template develops and you may want to add further attributes from the OOTB file and match the indexes so everything links up across all attribute types/tabs..

It's quite a lengthy process setting up a template and it will continually evolve but it is worth every second. You just have to sit back and plan it first. I generated ours from the AC18 UKI template 8 years ago and have developed and updated it from their version by version.

Re: Reducing File Sizes in Archicad

griggadee — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 18:32:15 GMT

Top stuff, Lee, that's really helpful! I will make the time to do that this week, as my current approach is not viable from a storage point of view. Really appreciate the guidance. Thanks

Re: Reducing File Sizes in Archicad

Lingwisyer — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 01:32:47 GMT

The one annoying thing about starting a new template is recreating all of your sheets... Zzz...

Re: Reducing File Sizes in Archicad

Keymaster — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:04:37 GMT

You can merge a file and put all it's layouts from an old template into the new one.

Re: Reducing File Sizes in Archicad

Mizan — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:58:11 GMT

Save a clean file in a .*tpl format.

Re: Reducing File Sizes in Archicad

parvink — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 07:17:21 GMT

Archicad files can get bloated over time, especially with your workflow. Try "Save As" a .PLA (Archive) to gather only used elements, then re-save as .PLN. Also, regularly use "Remove Unused Attributes" (under Attribute Manager) to clear unused line types, surfaces, etc. Cleaning up unused layers, details, and embedded objects helps, too. Long-term, definitely consider creating a custom template—it’ll save you lots of headaches!