Hi everyone,
This topic has already been discussed under the notion of “instances,” but I believe it is necessary to elaborate on certain points regarding major functional gaps in Archicad.
Observation
As of today, Archicad does not offer a fluid equivalent to AutoCAD’s block system or to the parametric instances available in other BIM/CAD environments.
The existing solutions — linked modules (.mod), GDL objects, Param-O, patches, or simple groups — have notable limitations:
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Modules require external files, making their management heavy and unintuitive in a collaborative workflow.
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GDL objects and Param-O elements cannot be edited directly within the host file; any modification requires manual re-saving.
For example, one of the most common cases is that of a repetitive 2D detail placed on a worksheet. The use of a GDL object appears to be the most efficient solution, yet it requires tinkering with the scripts to prevent unwanted changes to the original dimensions of the detail. It also involves going through several dialog panels before editing, and the process itself is tedious (adding hotspots to every vertex, lack of polyline tools, etc.).
Expressed needs
For everyday architectural work, it would be extremely useful to have:
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A system of “Archicad Blocks” — 3D or 2D — that can be edited on the fly directly within the host file, with all instances updating automatically.
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The ability to easily convert any selection of elements (walls, slabs, objects, shapes, texts, dimensions, etc.) into a reusable instance without relying on an external file (for example, a group of 3D objects from the native library).
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A global/local instance management system, allowing the user to break the link for a specific occurrence while keeping others synchronized.
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An instance hierarchy (master block / sub-block), suited for projects with repetitive floors, standard housing units, or modular furniture.
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Integrated 2D/3D compatibility, where each block contains both its plan and model representation, usable interchangeably in 2D and 3D views.
2D Extension
Another very useful improvement would be the ability to insert worksheets into other worksheets, similar to how layouts work.
This would allow redundant drawings or details (technical symbols, diagrams, plan fragments) to be integrated into other drawings without the need to copy or reimport them.
Such an approach would greatly enhance graphic consistency and the management of details in complex projects.
Goals and benefits
Such a system would significantly simplify the management of repetitive elements by:
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avoiding redundancies and update errors;
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speeding up the design of buildings with repetitive typologies (housing, offices, hospitals, etc.);
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reducing file size through single-instance storage.
Technical proposal
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Introduce a new native entity: Block (Instance), managed directly by Archicad and accessible through a dedicated palette or panel.
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Allow contextual editing (double-click → edit → automatic update of all occurrences).
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Include an internal block library within the project to avoid dependencies on external files.
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Extend this concept to nested worksheets for 2D use, to facilitate graphic composition and the reuse of drawing fragments.
I do not know whether such solutions are being considered or already under development for future versions, but like many users around me, I am surprised that in 2025 Archicad still does not offer such tools.
I am convinced that the introduction of these features would fill a major functional gap, bridging the flexibility of 2D drafting with the rigor of BIM.
Open