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Import/Export File Formats in Archicad

Zsolt Oncsak
Graphisoft
Graphisoft

File Format Categories

Archicad Formats
Archicad BIMx Teamwork Library PlotMaker Diagnostics  
Other Formats
CAD 3D/BIM Vector Graphics Image Point Cloud Video Documentation

Archicad Formats

Archicad Project Formats

import / export

.PLN Archicad Solo Project File
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Contains information about the project, associated files, metadescriptions, and other important content.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: File > Save as...
More details in this link. You can check Archicad file format compatiblity between different licence variations in this link.

.PLA Archicad Solo Project Archive File
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Includes all library parts, linked images and textures.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: File > Save as...
More details in this link. You can check Archicad file format compatiblity between different licence variations in this link.
.BPN Archicad Solo Backup Project File
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Allows to recover the latest saved version of a damaged file.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: It is created automatically
More details about damaged files in this link.

.TPL Archicad Project Template File
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Contains all project preferences settings, placed elements and tool default settings of the project.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: File > Save as...
More details about template files in this link.

.MOD Archicad Module File
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Allows to insert the contents of external Archicad files into another project.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: File > Save as...
More details about Hotlink Modules in this link.

.2DL Archicad 2D Line File
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Allows to insert the contents of external Archicad files into another project.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: File > Save as...
This option is only available in the 3D Window with the Vectorial 3D Engine - not available in OpenGL mode.
.MDE Archicad Education Module File
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Legacy
This file format is no longer supported.
.PNE Archicad Solo Education File
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Legacy
This file format was used in versions before Archicad 10. This file format is no longer supported.

BIMx Formats

import / export

.BIMX BIMx Format
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The BIMx model is known as a “Hyper-model”. The BIMx model can contain the full documentation of your Archicad project: the 3D model, plus any views, layouts and camera path.
Export: File > Publish BIMx Hyper-Model...
Can be opened by BIMx professional BIM project viewer.
More details about BIMx in this link.
In Archicad 20 or later the File > Save as command cannot be used for exporting BIMx Hyper-models any more.

Teamwork Formats

import / export

.BIMPROJECT BIMcloud (and former BIM Server) Import/Export Format
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BIMPROJECT is the server data of one project. After importing this to the server you can work with the Archicad project in Teamwork.
Archicad 14 and higher versions.
Import: in BIMcloud Manager, more details here.
Export: in BIMcloud Manager, more details here.
.TWTRAVEL Teamwork Travel Package
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The Travel Pack function creates a portable copy of your local data from the current Teamwork project. You can transfer project data and/or libraries in Archicad to a remote computer and continue working there.
Import: Teamwork > Project > Traveling > Import Travel Pack
Export: Teamwork > Project > Traveling > Create Travel Pack
.BIMLIBRARY BIMcloud (and former BIM Server) Library Import/Export Format
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BIMLIBRARY contains all the Library related data within a BIMProject
Archicad 14 and higher versions.
Import: in BIMcloud Manager, more details here.
Export: in BIMcloud Manager, more details here.
.BCMB BIMcloud Manager Backup Format
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The BIMcloud Manager Backup format creates backup from all the information contained by the BIMcloud Manager application in its current state Import/export: More details about BIMcloud Manager Backup in this link.
.BCSB BIMcloud Server Backup
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BIMcloud Server Backups include all Teamwork data: Projects, Libraries, and their snapshots; Activity Log, mail and Server configuration information. Import/export: More details about BIMcloud Server Backup in this link.
.ARCHIVE BIM Server Backup Format
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Legacy Teamwork Backup format for Archicad 18-22
.BACKUP BIM Server Backup Format
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Legacy Teamwork Backup format for Archicad 13-17
.TWPACKAGE BIM Server Import/Export Format
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Archicad 13 BIM Server import/export format
.PLP Archicad Teamwork Format
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Archicad 12 and earlier version Teamwork format
.PLC Archicad Teamwork Format
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Archicad 12 and earlier version Teamwork format
.PCA Archicad Teamwork Format
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Archicad 12 and earlier version Teamwork format
.BPC Archicad Teamwork Format
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Archicad 12 and earlier version Teamwork format

Library Formats

import / export

.LCF Archicad Library Container File
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LFC is a single file, that keeps all the objects used in your projects in one place, while keeping hierarchies intact within the LCF.
Import/export: More details in this link.
.GSM Archicad Library Object
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GDL are usually created and used as binary objects with GSM extension.
Import/export: More details in this link.
.GDL Archicad Library Object
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GDL file can be used to load attribute definitions, define line types, and materials etc.
Import/export: More details in this link.
.DOR Archicad Library Object
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Archicad 8 and earlier version Library Object
.WIN Archicad Library Object
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Archicad 8 and earlier version Library Object
.LMP Archicad Library Object
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Archicad 8 and earlier version Library Object
.RSM Archicad Library Object
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Archicad 8 and earlier version Library Object
.LSM Archicad Library Object
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Archicad 8 and earlier version Library Object
.ISM Archicad Library Object
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Archicad 8 and earlier version Library Object
.ESM Archicad Library Object
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Archicad 8 and earlier version Library Object
.GPS Archicad Library Object
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Archicad 8 and earlier version Library Object

PlotMaker Formats

import / export

.PMK PlotMaker Drawing
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In Archicad 9 and earlier versions the layouts were saved into a single PMK files that PlotMaker layouting program handled.
More details about PlotMaker in this link.
.LBK PlotMaker Layout Book
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The Layout Book was introduced in PlotMaker 9, which had the LBK files. Since Archicad 10 it is intergrated into Archicad.
More details about PlotMaker in this link.
.STB Plot Style Table File
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This file format is no longer supported.

Diagnostics

import / export

.RPT Crash Report File
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Contains report about bugs, errors, crashes or other incorrect functionality of GRAPHISOFT products.
More details about Bug Reporter in this link.
.REP Bug Reporter Format
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Contains report about bugs, errors, crashes or other incorrect functionality of GRAPHISOFT products.
More details about Bug Reporter in this link.
.SUPPORT Solo Project Support Package
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The package captures the current state of your project and includes other data that will help the GRAPHISOFT team to efficiently investigate troubleshoot the problem.
Export: Help/Create Support Package...
More details about Support Package in this link.
.TWSUPPORT Teamwork Project Support Package
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The package captures the current state of your Teamwork project and includes other data that will help the GRAPHISOFT team to efficiently investigate troubleshoot the problem.
Export: Help/Create Support Package...
More details about Support Package in this link.

Other Formats

CAD Formats

import / export

.DWG* Drawing Database File
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DWG is used for storing 2D and 3D design data and metadata.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: File > Save as...
More details about DXF/DWG Translation Setup in this link.
.DXF Drawing Exchange Format
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Enables data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: File > Save as...
More details about DXF/DWG Translation Setup in this link.
.DGN* MicroStation Design File
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MicroStation is a CAD software product for 2D and 3D design and drafting, developed and sold by Bentley Systems.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: File > Save as...

3D / BIM Collaboration Formats

import / export

.IFC Industry Foundation Classes File
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IFC is neutral file format that makes it possible to exchange information between different CAD systems and other systems in the building and facility management sectors.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: File > Save as...
More details about IFC in this link.
.IFC (structural) Industry Foundation Classes File (for Structural Analysis Model exchange)
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Exchanging Structural Anlysis Model via IFC 2x3 format is supported. Currently, this functionality is an experimental feature within Archicad.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: File > Save as...
More details about IFC Structural Anlysis Model export/import in this link.
.IFCXML Industry Foundation Classes XML
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IFCXML is recommended for architects whose partners’ applications cannot read the original .IFC format, but can manage .XML databases.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: File > Save as...
More details about differences in IFC formats in this link.
.IFCZIP Industry Foundation Classes ZIP
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IFCZIP is the compressed version of both the normal and the XML-type formats, resulting in file size that is, on average, one-quarter of the original (file size varies depending on model size).
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: File > Save as...
More details about differences in IFC formats in this link.
.BCF BIM Collaboration Format
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IFC-based data exchange can be enhanced by using the BIM Collaboration Format BCF-based communication.
Import: More details in this link.

ExportMore details in this link.

.SAF (.xlsx) Structural Analysis Format
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This file format enables collaboration with Structural Analysis Software. This open format was developed by multiple Nemetschek brands in order to enhance integrated practices.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: File > Save as...
More details about SAF on this link.
.NWC Navisworks Model File
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Exports whole-project models for simulation and analysis in Navisworks.
Export: Download Autodesk add-on (up until Archicad 19) using this link.
Download Navisworks Connection Add-on for Archicad 21 and newer in this link.
.SMC Solibri Model Checker File
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Exports whole-project models to Solibri Model Checker.
More details about Archicad and Solibri Model Checker in this link.
.C4D Cinema 4D File
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Cinema 4D Exchange is Maxon’s high‐end 3D modeling, rendering and animation solution, which is tightly integrated with Archicad. The connection between the two applications, using the C4D format, offers a streamlined 3D design workflow.
Import: More details on loading Cinema 4D material in this link.
Export: Document > Creative Imaging > PhotoRendeting Settings > Export to Cinema 4D. More details in this link.
.3DM Rhinoceros 3D File
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Archicad is able to read and write native Rhino 5 3DM file format, enabling a “reference model” workflow between the two applications.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: Available only in 3D Window: File > Save as...
More details about working with Rhino 3D Models in this link.

.3DS 3D Studio Scene File
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3DS files are created with 3ds MAX 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software. With Archicad it is possible to import and export 3DS files.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: Available only in 3D Window: File > Save as...
More details about 3D Studio Files in Archicad in this link.

.ATL Artlantis Render Studio 6.5, 7 Files
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Artlantis is the fastest, stand-alone rendering application developed especially for architects and designers. Archicad exports the model in the Artlantis file format through its dedicated plug-ins.
More details about Artlantis in this link.

.KML Keyhole Markup Language File
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KML is an XML notation for expressing geographic annotation and visualization within Internet based, 2D maps and 3D Earth browsers. KML was developed for use with Google Earth.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: Available only in 3D Window: File > Save as...

.KMZ Zipped Keyhole Markup Language File
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KML files are very often distributed in KMZ files, which are zipped KML files with a KMZ extension.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: Available only in 3D Window: File > Save as...
More details in this link.
.SKP SketchUp File
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SketchUp is a 3D modeling computer program. It is useful from the earliest stages of design to the end of construction.
Import: More details about SketchUp import on this link.
Export: More details about saving a SketchUp 3D Model File on this link.

.DAE COLLADA File
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COLLADA (Collaborative Design Activity) is an interchange file format for interactive 3D applications. COLLADA documents that describe digital assets are XML files, usually identified with a DAE (Digital Asset Exchange) extension.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: Available only in 3D Window: File > Save as...
.EPX Piranesi File
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Piranesi is an interactive paint system that enables the user to create artistic images from 3D scenes created using conventional modeling applications. Piranesi uses the proprietary EPX file format.
Export: Available only in 3D Window: File > Save as...
.FACT Electric Image File
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The Electric Image Animation System (EIAS) is an eminent 3D animation and rendering package. FACT files can be created with this program.
Export: Available only in 3D Window: File > Save as...
In Archicad Fly-Through and Sun Study can be saved into this format.
More details about Fly-Through and Sun Study.
.OBJ Wavefront File
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OBJ is a geometry definition file format first developed by Wavefront Technologies. The file format is open and has been adopted by other 3D graphics application vendors. The OBJ file format is a simple data-format that represents 3D geometry alone.
Export: Available only in 3D Window: File > Save as...
.STL StereoLithography File
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Stereolithography (SL) is one of several methods used to create 3D-printed objects. STL (Standard Tessellation Language) is one such file type and is the language most commonly used for stereolithography.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: Available only in 3D Window: File > Save as...
More details about Archicad and StereoLithography collaboration in this link.

.U3D Universal 3D File
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U3D (Universal 3D) is a file format for 3D data. It is a standardized 3D data format with the purpose of facilitating 3D data exchange among programs of various kinds.
Export: Available only in 3D Window: File > Save as...
More details about U3D in this link.

.FBX Filmbox File
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Within Archicad, The Twinmotion add-on for Archicad allows you to export your Archicad 3D model to FBX. The add-on is installed by default.
The main purpose of FBX format is to provide interoperability between digital content creation applications. The .fbx files allow computer- based creations to be opened, edited, and modified across many applications and systems.
More details about Twinmotion in this link.

.TMA Twinmotion File
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Legacy file format that was used by the Twinmotion Add-on until Archicad 20. From Archicad 21 interoperability is provided using FBX format.
More details about Twinmotion in this link.

.WRL VRML File
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VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) is a standard file format for representing 3D interactive vector graphics. VRML files are in plain text and have the WRL extension.
Export: Available only in 3D Window: File > Save as...
In Archicad Fly-Through and Sun Study can be saved into this format.
More details about Fly-Through and Sun Study.

Vector Graphic Formats

import / export

.PDF Portable Document Format File
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PDF is a file format designed to present documents consistently across multiple devices and platforms. It was developed by Adobe 1992 and has since become one of the most widely used formats for saving and exchanging documents. A PDF file can store a wide variety of data, including formatted text, vector graphics, and raster images. Import/Export: More details in this link.
Photo Rendering can be also saved to this format.
.DWF Drawing Web Format File
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DWF is a secure file format developed by Autodesk for the efficient distribution and communication of rich design data to anyone who needs to view, review, or print design files.
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: File > Save as...
DWF 6.xx versions are currently not supported.
.EPS Post Script File
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This file format is no longer supperted since Archicad 10.

Image Formats

import / export

.BMP Bitmap Image Format
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Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
Export: File > Save as...
Photo Rendering, Fly-Through and Sun Study can be also saved to this format.
More details about PhotoRenderingFly-Through and Sun Study.
.DIB Device Independent Bitmap File
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Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
.RLE Run Length Encoded Bitmap File
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Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
.JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group File
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Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
Export: File > Save as...
Photo Rendering, Fly-Through and Sun Study can be also saved to this format.
More details about PhotoRenderingFly-Through and Sun Study.
.JPG Joint Photographic Experts Group File
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Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
.JPE Joint Photographic Experts Group File
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Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
.JFIF JPEG File Interchange Format
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Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
.JP2 JPEG 2000 Image
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Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
.GIF Graphics Interchange Format
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Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
Export: File > Save as...
Photo Rendering, Fly-Through and Sun Study can be also saved to this format.
More details about PhotoRenderingFly-Through and Sun Study.
.TIFF Tagged Image File
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Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
Export: File > Save as...
Photo Rendering, Fly-Through and Sun Study can be also saved to this format.
More details about PhotoRenderingFly-Through and Sun Study.
.TIF Tagged Image File
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Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
Export: File > Save as...
.PNG Portable Network Graphics Format
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Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
Export: File > Save as...
Photo Rendering, Fly-Through and Sun Study can be also saved to this format.
More details about PhotoRenderingFly-Through and Sun Study.
.PCT Macintosh Picture Image File
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18_30.svg
Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
.ICO Windows Icon File
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18_30.svg
Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
.HDR High Dynamic Range Image File
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18_30.svg
In HDR image format raster images or digital photos can be saved.
Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
.EXIF Exchangeable Image File Format
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18_30.svg
EXIF is based on JPEG, stores the image information, but additional metadata as well, such as date, time, camera settings etc.
Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
.LWI Lightworks Image File
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18_30.svg
LWI is an image file format developed by Lightworks Design Ltd.
Import: Can be linked into Archicad as Drawing
.WMF Windows Metafile
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18.svg
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: File > Save as...
.EMF Enhanced Windows Metafile
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18.svg
Import: File > Open > Open...
Export: File > Save as...

PointCloud

import / export

.XYZ Point Cloud File
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18_30.svg
The Point Cloud XYZ file format have 6 data (3 coordinates and 3 RGB data).
Import: File > Interoperability > Import Point Clouds
More details in this link.
.E57 Point Cloud File
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18_30.svg
E57 files can be imported into Archicad to display Point Clouds in floor plan, section, elevations or 3D.
Import: File > Interoperability > Import Point Clouds
More details in this link.

Video Formats

import / export

.MP4 MP4 Movie File
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18_30.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18.svg
Export: Document > Creative Imaging > Create Fly-Through.../Create Sun Study...
More details about Fly-Through and Sun Study.
.MOV Apple QuickTime Movie File
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18_30.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18.svg
Export: Document > Creative Imaging > Create Fly-Through.../Create Sun Study...
More details about Fly-Through and Sun Study.

Documentation Formats

import / export

.DOC Microsoft Word Document Format
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18_30.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18.svg
Export: Available only in Schedule Window: File > Save as...
Interactive Schedules can be saved to this file format.
.XLS Microsoft Excel Worksheet Format
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18.svg
Import/Export: More details in this link.
Interactive Schedules, Energy Performance Reports can be saved to this file format.‘Mass property value import’ functionality is a semi-automated way to import data from an Excel worksheet into Interactive Schedules.
More details on property value import in this link.
.XLSX Microsoft Excel Worksheet Format
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18.svg
Import/Export: More details on this link.
Interactive Schedules, Energy Performance Reports can be saved to this file format.‘Mass property value import’ functionality is a semi-automated way to import data from an Excel worksheet into Interactive Schedules.
More details on property value import in this link.
.TXT Text File
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18.svg
Interactive Schedules, Lists, Energy Performance Reports can be saved to this file format.
.PLT HPGL Plot File
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18.svg
Plotter drivers shipped with Archicad all use the HPGL vector-graphic language.
Export: File > Interoperability > Merge...
More details about Plot in this link.
.LIC Binary List Criteria File
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18_30.svg
Import: Can be added to Archicad as a library part in Library Manager.
.LIS List Setup File
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18_30.svg
Import: Can be added to Archicad as a library part in Library Manager.
.PHPP Passive House Planning Package
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18_30.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18.svg
PHPP is the official Excel Workbook created by the Darmstadt Passivhaus Institute, to calculate the energy demands of Passivhouse projects.
Export: More details in this link.
.GBXML Green Building XML File
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ImportIcon_18x18_30.svg
wp-content_uploads_2019_07_ExportIcon_18x18.svg
The industry standard Green Building XML format (gbXML) is recognized by several energy analysis applications such as Green Building Studio, Ecotect or IES.
Export: More details on this link.
wp-content_uploads_2016_06_Info_18x18.png NOTES

DWG*: Archicad might not be able to read some elements that are part of a DWG file but are created with native tools of a specific software. For example: Walls created with AutoCAD Architecture won't transfer to Archicad via DWG export-import.

DGN*: Currently, it is only possible to import MicroStation files up to v7 DGN version.

Comments
Nader
Enthusiast

Hi,

I would like to draw your attention, that there are missing links in:

  • Archicad Solo Project File.
  • Archicad Solo Project Archive File
  • Portable Document Format File
POTS
Booster

FBX is not available anymore

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