Archicad 23

[Nikoletta Csak]

BUDAPEST, May 14, 2019 – GRAPHISOFT®, the leading Building Information Modeling (BIM) software solution provider for architects and designers, has announced the release of Archicad 23, the latest version of its award-winning BIM software solution.
Archicad 23 vastly improves perceived performance of essential processes such as software startup, file opening, working in multi-project environments and switching between different views of the BIM project. The brand-new Opening, Column and Beam tools increase modeling accuracy and interoperability with engineering disciplines. Download Archicad 23

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New features

Re-engineered Column and Beam tools

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ARCHICAD 23 enables architects to model faster and create accurate construction details and quantity estimations for reinforced concrete, complex steel, timber, and composite beams and columns.
Complex columns and curved, haunched, and castellated beams can now be created using extruded and multiple, tapered segments, and sub-elements. This enables designers to perform intuitive, push-and-pull editing operations in 2D and 3D model views. Increased freedom of customization is ensured to meet graphic and representation standards.
Beams and columns can be displayed with contour lines and/or reference axis, using various projected and symbolic views with editable cover fills.

Also See How-to articles: Beam and Column Tool

Voids, Niches, and Recesses

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Archicad 23 introduces a new Opening tool dedicated to model and coordinate project design voids, recesses and niches — as horizontal, vertical or slanted openings across elements, element groups or even across stories. Such openings are important for project coordination as they are equally relevant for architects, engineers and consultants and must be documented by architects and by engineers. Openings can be modeled, scheduled, and documented using intuitive tools, and shared using open IFC standards.

Also see: The Opening Tool in the Architect’s Workflow

Collaboration

Solibri

The Archicad-Solibri connection provides fast and automated code- and constructability checking. The updated add-on automatically detects and sends only those elements in the Archicad model that have been changed, resulting in faster round-trip collaboration; the quality of the data and the model is also improved.

dRofus

The Archicad-dRofus connection allows architects to capture and organize client planning requirements and use these to validate and propose design alternatives. The dRofus database enables designers to collect and handle planning rules and design data with ease, even when working on large and complex projects.

IFC4

Archicad 23 fully supports IFC4 Reference View (its new entity and geometry representation types), and has received official buildingSMART certification for IFC4 Reference View Export.

Productivity Enhancements

User Interface Enhancements

Shell and Morph Input Dialogs are simplified and icons help users to identify input fields. The Info Box panels of the Zone and Label tools are updated; Geometry- and Construction Methods can be displayed separately. Sunlight Settings provide live feedback about the cast- and self shadows, while Sun Study animations can be displayed with customizable date and time options, and location stamp.

New CineRender Engine

The new CineRender (R20) engine developed by Maxon allows quicker and cleaner rendering results, while the completely renewed, built-in Surface Catalog provides real reflections, with modernized textures.

Attribute Management

Surfaces with missing textures are indicated with a red texture icon; users also have the ability to sort attributes by missing textures.

View Settings Update

A unique identifier is used to rename the View Settings. Renaming the Layer Combinations, MVOs, Pen Sets, Renovation Filters, Graphic Override Combinations or 3D Styles no longer go missing.

Text Label Pointer Lines Options

A Text Label pointer line can now be attached exactly where it is needed: connected to the box or to the top/bottom text row; connected to the top, middle or bottom of the text box; or extended to underline the text.

Curtain Wall Enhancement

The new Curtain Wall enhancements include various options for a fixed window or louver sash. The Curtain Wall Profiled Edge Panels can now be moved to any position in the composite panel – even to the profile origin.

Integrated Software Key Activation & Deactivation

Automatic Software Key Activation and Manual Deactivation are now seamlessly integrated. If Archicad can’t find the right software key locally or on the network at startup, and the User is logged in to Archicad with a valid GSID, the appropriate software key will be automatically acquired. The software key can be retrieved from the Help menu at any time.

Performance improvements

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Archicad 23 puts a special emphasis on offering an uninterrupted flow starting from launching the software, accessing project data and navigating one’s way through the Building Information Model.
This is achieved through a combination of raw performance optimization, streamlined workflows and reduced file sizes. Experience faster opening of projects, smaller file sizes, faster IFC import-export, and instant switching between tabs thanks to optimized CPU multi-threading operations.
The rebuilding time of model views has also been reduced as Archicad rebuilds only the changed elements, not the entire contents of the view.
The new Startup Dialog displays the most recent projects; multiple projects can be opened with one click. Start your work in an instant, without any interrupting messages.
Tab previews help activate the desired design views and prevent accidental display of unwanted tabs.

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Get started with Archicad 23

Before Installing

Archicad is available on both Windows and Mac platforms. Data exchange between the two platforms is fully supported through compatible file formats and collaboration methods such as Teamwork, so they can be used even in mixed environments.

The System Requirements for our products can be found here. A list of the certified hardware configurations tested by GRAPHISOFT to work well with Archicad can be found on this site. We tested how some Graphics Cards perform with smaller and larger projects in Archicad. The description of the test environment and the results can be found here.

The file types processed by both Archicad and BIMcloud are listed here. The site describes the import and export possibilities and the supported versions of the file formats created by GRAPHISOFT products or 3rd party applications.

Download and Install

Archicad is available to download at http://www.graphisoft.com/downloads. Further accessories (Add-ons & Goodies, Libraries & Objects, Product Updates, etc.) can be downloaded from the Archicad Downloads page.

A step by step guide how to install Archicad 23 with a Single License can be found here and another one about the Network Installation for BIM Managers here. All other installation solutions such as Unattended Install of Archicad and Updates are collected on this site.

If you have Archicad already installed and you want to add new features, or Archicad needs to be repaired, the information detailed on this site can help. All that's good to know about how to Uninstall Archicad even in unattended mode can be found here.

If you get in trouble during the Install or Startup of Archicad, this guide will help you determine the possible cause and lead you to its respective solutions.

License types

Archicad 23 can be activated using one of several license types:

• Commercial license requires a CodeMeter Hardware-based or Software-based protection key
• Trial license is available through http://myarchicad.com. A fully functional 30-day serial number can be obtained after the registration.
• Demo version requires neither a protection key nor a serial number. All save/export options are disabled but printing is possible. Archicad can be downloaded from http://www.graphisoft.com/downloads.
• Education license is available through http://myarchicad.com. A 1-year serial number is available upon approval.
• Pay-Per-use (PPU) license requires a CodeMeter Hardware-based protection key. A PPU license lets you run Archicad for the number of hours purchased (not available on all markets).
• Rental license requires a CodeMeter Hardware-based protection key. A Rental license lets you run Archicad for 1, 3, 6, or 12 calendar months.
• Enhanced Rental license requires a CodeMeter Hardware-based or Software-based protection key. An Enhanced Rental license lets you run Archicad for 1, 3, 6, or 12 calendar months.
• License Borrowing An Archicad Commercial license may be borrowed from a multi-license CodeMeter Hardware-based or Software-based protection key and later returned for subsequent use by another user.
• Subscription license requires a Software-based protection key. A Subscription license lets you run Archicad for 1 or 12 calendar months and it is automatically extended until the customer opts-out (not available on all markets).

How to Use

The Archicad 23 Reference Guide is filled with a lot of useful information about every tool, feature, and function. Have a look at it!

Are you in trouble or do you want to extend your knowledge? Check the Knowledgebase section on the Help Center.