What is OpenGL?

[Gabor Almasi]

OpenGL is a fast display method for 2D / 3D-like elements developed by Silicon_Graphics. It is optimized for fast interactive navigation among 3D polygons in a fancy and fast way. This makes it especially suited for professional CAD programs. More info on Wikipedia : OpenGL In ARCHICAD 20 there were only small improvements and bugfixes related to OpenGL.

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Improvements in ARCHICAD 19

On Mac the feedback is drawn by OpenGL in 3D window. It results smoother redraw of the feedback in 3D. See description in ARCHICAD 19 NewFeature guide.

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Improvements in ARCHICAD 17

Real-time 3D Cutting Planes: https://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/videos/archicad/3d-interactions/archicad-17-new-features-3d-cuttin...

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Improvements in ARCHICAD 16

Realtime shaded feedback for morph editing.

Surface snap rectangle feedback to the cursor and rotation feedback for 3D (and 2D floorplan as well).

Antialiasing is applied to the lines of a selection or to the lines highlighted in 3D.

Editing plane expansion became dynamic.

Surface snap rectangle feedback to the cursor and rotation feedback for 3D (and 2D floorplan as well).

Antialiasing is applied to the lines of a selection or to the lines highlighted in 3D.

Editing plane expansion became dynamic.

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Improvements in ARCHICAD 15

3D Line elimination is implemented in 3D window. This is used in case of overlapping lines, by removing the unnecessary. This worked in internal engine prior ArciCAD 15, from now on it is available with the OpenGL engine as well.

Trimming Bodies for the new Shell and roof tools are generated by OpenGL engine. This way it is possible to see and set the size and direction of the highlighted cutting body.

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Improvements in ARCHICAD 14

Since version 14, ARCHICAD uses Per-Pixel Lighting which gives a much more realistic result. (see image below - on the left is ARCHICAD 13, on the right is ARCHICAD 14) This feature does need more video card power, but according to our tests it causes a slowdown of 20-30% which should not be noticeable if your card is powerful enough. (as long as the frame per sec rate is above 30, you can not really see a speed difference).

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OpenGL Drawing Method Troubleshooting

If you are encountering a display problem or even a software crash, try the following methods:

• To verify if the OpenGL display driver is the cause of your problem switch off the Open GL mode ( Options > Preferences > 2D Redraw Options >Optimize drawing method for...) If the problem is gone, but you'd still prefer the OpenGL drawing method:
  • Check whether the Video Card driver is set to use the default OpenGL settings.
  • Choose "Allow applications to control the antialising mode" in the driver configuration window.
  • Install the latest display driver for your video card. Some manufacturers' download links are available here

NOTE: WHQL drivers are pre-tested by Microsoft and certified as stable versions. For maximal system stability we highly recommend these driver versions.