From Archicad 28 the AI Visualizer is built into Archicad as a cloud-based solution and it does not require a separate installation.
The Tech Preview Program is already available. Feel free to check it out!
Before installation
The AI Visualizer Add-on uses Stable Diffusion a 3rd party AI solution that introduces additional complexities during the installation process. If you are interested in getting started with the Add-on please check the user guide, installation guide, and system requirements available in the AI Visualizer community hub.
What are the minimum system requirements for using the Add-on?
The minimum system requirement to use the Add-on is:
8 GB of VRAM on Windows and 16 GB of RAM on Apple Silicon.
What types of GPUs are compatible?
The Add-on is compatible with NVIDIA cards and Apple Silicon chips.
Is the Add-on available for all Archicad versions?
All language versions of Archicad 27 are compatible. Previous Archicad versions will not run the Add-on.
How can I install the Add-on?
Please follow the steps in our official installation guide.
You can find our official video guide here.
How can I use the Add-on?
Please read our guide to get the most out of the Archicad AI Visualizer.
Why is a Mac Intel version of the Add-on in the downloaded package?
Mac Intel machines can only run the AI Visualizer add-on; the server must be installed on a different Mac Silicon or Windows machine that meets the system requirements. Read more about this in the installation guide.
Can students access the Add-on?
Yes, the Add-on can be used with all available Archicad 27 licenses, including the Educational license.
Installation
Please make sure that your device meets the minimum system requirements and GPU compatibility before reading this section.
You might get some error messages while installing the AI Visualizer Add-on. The Command Prompt window or Terminal window shows useful information if this happens and can point to a solution. Please find troubleshooting solutions to common errors below.
Error: python3-venv is not installed
This error message usually appears when you are trying to install the Add-on on an Intel-based Mac. Please check the system requirements for more information.
Illegal variable name
In rare cases, the command can not start. There are two possible solutions to this issue. You can copy the command directly from the homebrew homepage or try to launch the bash shell first in the Terminal using command:
/bin/bash
Hit enter, then run the install command:
bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
File ownership error
Please make sure to unzip the downloaded sd.webui folder to the C: root folder. The installation might fail if you move it between locations with different permission settings. Don't forget to run Archicad as admin. When unzipping the archive, make sure to use your device's default solution and avoid any 3rd party file archivers.
After successful installation
The AI Engine was not started, and/or has issues running
If there is an error with the AI Engine, the error message "Sorry, we could not generate the image, the AI server is not available..." will appear.
In this case, one of these causes, or a combination of them, may be at the root of the issue.
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If the run.sh or runHigh.sh command that starts the engine was dragged into the Terminal/Command Prompt window, it needs a little time (approximately one minute) to first start, please wait for that.
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Another common cause is if the Terminal/Command Prompt window is closed. You should leave it open.
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The Engine was not started at all. Solve this by clicking on the ‘Start AI Engine’ in the UI.
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You are trying to run the engine on a different device and failed to set up the devicename correctly in the ‘AI Engine Address’.
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You are trying to run the engine on a different device and the communication fails. The computer can not access the server device through the network.
The image generation process fails
If the image generation process fails, the error message "Sorry, we could not generate the image, the generation process run into an error..." will appear.
This can happen if the device runs out of memory, which will also be shown in the Command Prompt/Terminal window. As a solution, please start the AI Engine in low VRAM mode:
On the AI Visualizer UI:
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stop the engine (the button next to the 'Start AI Engine') and wait a minute
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uncheck the 'Start in High Vram mode' checkbox
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Start the AI Engine (and wait for it to start)
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generate a picture
Another possibility is that the device does not meet the minimum system requirements.
JSON Error
If there is an error with the JSON package, the error message "Sorry, we could not generate the image, invalid base parameters..." will appear.
If this happens, it means you manually edited the JSON file and maybe even accidentally moved it to a different location. Removing the JSON Config Template from the AI Visualizer folder and placing it directly in Extras, should solve the issue.
If you need support with other errors that we haven't listed above, please contact your local support for help.
We will keep this article updated with commonly reported issues.
