How did you guys learn to use ArchiCAD?

[Anonymous]

Hey guys, I think the tittle is pretty self-explanatory haha, I'm curious to know how did you learn how to use the software! And how much did it take you to use it proficiently?

I'm new to archicad and I'm starting with ArchiCAD training series but I found it to be very... Burdensome and I've had many problems with the software even though I follow every step of the videos, have you guys felt like this about the training series?

[Kristian Bursell]

ah the memories, it was 20 years ago and Archicad 6.5.
I learnt Archicad by lying in bed at night reading the Reference Guide. I was living in my uncles den and doing everything the hard way.
I was competent within a couple weeks and highly proficient within 6 months. After 12 months I then started reading the GDL Reference Guide.
My only prior experience with CAD was a part time job using Microstation for about 3 months.

basically this information is of very little use to you except that it highlights that everyone learns in there own way. I learn faster being self taught. I come from a family of coders and mathematician so picking up new software is easy for me.

I think the most crucial thing is to learn the "structure" of the software so you can understand the logic of how the functions are combined. Then its just experience.

[Richard Morrison]

I'd suggest you try a course like Eric Bobrow's. https://acbestpractices.com/quickstart/ It will save you a huge amount of time and well worth it. He has more advanced courses, too.

[Barry Kelly]

Personally I like someone to show me how things work. Even now with new features in new releases, I like to watch the videos of how it works and what it can do, then I run with it from there.

So check out the many videos out there. The Archicad YouTube channel is a pretty good (and official) source - there is a link at the top of this forum.

And read manuals too, although sometimes they don't explain things so well.

If you know someone else who uses Archicad, maybe you can bother them for a few tips.
Otherwise if you don't mind paying you can get some good one-on-one training.

Also check to see if there are any Archicad user groups active in your local area -you might get lucky there.


Barry.

[DGSketcher]

3D Cad is never going to be an easy learning curve whichever product you use. I picked up Archicad 25 years ago and I can say you never stop learning. Computer and construction technologies are evolving. After some good basic training the best way to learn is doing the job regularly and if you get stuck seek guidance from the manuals, (the AC help pages are a good start)*** or you can even ask here.

https://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/category/getting-started-with-archicad/

There's also the new Graphisoft Learn Portal - https://learn.graphisoft.com/?from=%2Fenrolled_dashboard&log_in_required=true