Graphisoft Beta Program 2024 - Frequently Asked Questions

[Noemi Balogh]

Welcome to the Graphisoft Beta Program FAQ! Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about participating in our Program.

What are the differences in this year's Beta process?

We have streamlined the Beta process, so all actions and activities are now managed through the Graphisoft Community portal, eliminating the need for a separate beta website. Starting this year, we have integrated cloud licensing technology into the Beta Program, which means you no longer need to add a serial number when starting up Archicad Beta. Once you accept the Beta User Agreement and join the Beta Program user group in the Graphisoft Community, the cloud license will automatically be assigned to your Graphisoft ID account.

How can I download the products?

All download files and supporting documents will be conveniently located in one place to optimize the beta test experience. You can access everything on Graphisoft Community within the user group exclusively dedicated to our Beta testers.

How can I sign up to Graphisoft Community?

If you need help creating your account, please read this article: https://community.graphisoft.com/t5/Our-Community/How-to-Sign-up-to-Graphisoft-Community/ta-p/602719

How can I send feedback?

Using the familiar Atlassian Jira interface, you can easily report issues and provide feedback related to the new features and changes in our portfolio. Simply access the link available on the main page of the Beta Program Community Group. To submit feedback about Graphisoft Products, you'll need to create an Atlassian account or use your existing one.

Where can I find information about the new features?

Information about each new feature is available in knowledge base articles within the group.

Will there be a Beta Webinar this year?

Yes! We're hosting two webinars on June 13th (Thursday) at 9:00 AM CET and 5:00 PM CET. Check out our forum post about the webinar and register via the attached link. Choose the time that suits you best and join us for a closer look at the latest Archicad features.

Can I get more than one license for Archicad 28 Beta?

Each invited Graphisoft account is eligible for a single cloud license. These are named licenses, meaning they only work with the Graphisoft ID they were registered to. If your company needs more access than in previous years, please let us know. If you wish to participate in the Graphisoft Beta Program and have not been invited previously, please contact us at betasupport.graphisoft.com.

Can I use Archicad 28 Beta offline?

Yes, the cloud license allows for 7 days of offline use, starting from the last time the Beta had an internet connection.

Can I use the Beta on multiple computers?

You can use the Beta on one computer at a time. However, thanks to a feature of the cloud license, you can release the license from one computer and activate it on another over the internet.

Follow these steps to use the Beta on a second computer:

1. Install Archicad 28 Beta on your second computer and log in with your Graphisoft ID at startup. Archicad will display a "Device limit exceeded" dialog with a link to the License Entitlement Portal.
2. On the License Entitlement Portal, click to release the license used by your first computer.
3. Click Refresh on your second computer to reserve the license. The Beta will now start.

Please note that if Archicad is still running on the first computer when you release the license, a message will prompt you to save your project because the license for this computer is no longer available.

Is the license transferable to another person?

The Archicad 28 Beta cloud license is not transferable to anyone else.

Can I use the Archicad 28 Beta cloud license with previous Archicad versions?

No, the cloud license is only compatible with Archicad 28 Beta. The 2024 Beta cloud license won’t conflict with other cloud or Wibu licenses from existing Archicad versions you are already using.

How long can I use the Archicad 28 Beta?

The Beta Program starts on June 10, 2024, with International, US English, and German language versions. The cloud license will expire on August 31st. However, we encourage you to switch to the Technology Preview version when it goes live in July.

What will happen when the license expires?

Archicad will notify you that the license has expired, and you will no longer be able to use it.

Can I teamwork with Archicad 28 Beta?

Yes, you can connect to your BIMcloud SaaS and share teamwork projects from Archicad 28 Beta, or you can install BIMcloud for Archicad 28 Technology Preview version to your computer to use teamwork.

If I am a 3rd party developer, how do I access the Development kit?

The Development Kit is available on the Download site, along with other products.

Am I under any obligation if I download and try the Beta version?

By registering for the Beta Program, you must accept the Program’s User Agreement, which you can read https://graphisoft.com/legal/graphisoft-beta-program-agreement.

Will there be an update for the Beta? Do I have to install those?

There will be no updates for the Archicad 28 Beta. We encourage you to switch to the Technology Preview version when it goes live in July. Please follow Graphisoft Community for the latest news about the Technology Preview release.

Will there be rewards for the Beta testers this year?

Certainly! Similar to last year, we're thrilled to acknowledge our most engaged beta testers for their contributions to the Beta Program. The overall most active tester will receive a free upgrade to Archicad, and the top 20 most active users will also be presented with a Beta Program gift pack. Activity will be assessed based on several factors, including usage time of the Archicad Beta version, the quality and quantity of issued tickets and feedback, and participation in and support of their peers through engaging conversations in the Beta Group here on Community.

What can I test in BIMx?

Hiding elements from BIMx 3D one-by-one, by selection, and with layers are the test functions. If you wish to try these features under development on your iPhone/iPad, please send a mail to bimx@graphisoft.com and tell us the email address of your Apple ID to be registered for TestFlight. As of early July 2024, no registration will be needed: element hide features will be available for testing in the publicly available BIMx iOS&iPadOS app, only in Hyper-models exported from Archicad 28. Find all the details in the Hide elements and layer control in BIMx 3D topic!

If you have any further questions related to the 2024 Beta process, please let us know at betasupport@graphisoft.com

Thank you for being part of our Beta Tester Community, and Happy Testing!