Wishlist

Suggestions for Creating Layouts(drawing)

When creating elevations, you can create a basic elevation with just a few clicks using the "Elevation Tool" icon in the ‘Viewpoint’.

Please create a "Layout Tool" icon in the ‘Viewpoint’ for creating "Layouts.(drawing)“

Wouldn't it be better to set the "Elevation Tool" viewpoint to a top-down perspective?

I currently create layouts using two methods.

Method 1: Overlaying all plan views in the layout using the Model View option.

Method 2: Using 3D documents.

However, these methods are too inconvenient.

Please create a "Layout Tool" icon in the Viewpoint for creating "Layouts."

The textures in archicad are applied based on a global/world reference point.

One example where this option would come in very handy would be:

When working with curtain walls independent panels can be created by either using distinct classes in combination with independent textures or building materials or by creating custom panel objects. Neither of these options however offer the possibility to link an "object" reference point for the applied textures.

We do have the ability to adjust the origin of textures, but apparently not when working on subelements, and even if this option would be available it would be useless in the above mentioned situation.

Having a surface, building material and where possible geometry based tick box overwriting the default reference point for texture would be great.

Please can SpaceMouse Navigation be enabled in the 3D Explore Mode. Doing this would make walk through / fly through navigation super smooth.

If possible this would be great.

Thank you !

We have a project where we are retaining a curtain wall but re-painting the frame. 

So the current workflow is to demolish the existing and create a new object. Only problem is we don't what to show the curtain wall as demolished. So we wanted to use a graphic override. This only affects the whole curtain wall and cannot be restricted to the frame elements only. This feature would be very handy on these kind of refurbishment jobs.

SEO in 3d model views and other connection types really slow down the 3D model generation. It would be helpful to have a comprehensive manager to review all the SEO for determining duplicates as well as redundant types. We presently have a file where it is taking over 5 minutes to generate a standard 3d View with no shadows. Makes it impossible to work in 3d.

https://www.bim4bim.com/category/all-products

https://youtu.be/M9a_tnf_iSM

This finds them, but we need a list of which is the target and which is the operator. Our users often have the same operation and objects twice. We understand this is more of a BIM management type tool, but especially with Sites, the number of operations is considerable. We bring this up because we have a site mesh that has over 220 Operations. We have a roof that has over 60 operations. Paging down in the SEO widget is very challenging.

We would like to request greater flexibility in the symbolic representation of doors, specifically the ability to apply different linetypes to various components of a door symbol in plan view.

In many real-world scenarios—especially in larger or more regulated projects—there is a need to visually distinguish between different functional parts of a door or to indicate special behavior. For example:

• Double-leaf doors where only one leaf is typically active:

  • The active leaf should show with a continuous line.

  • The inactive leaf (intended to remain closed unless needed) should show with a dashed line.

   

• Fire doors that remain closed in normal use, but open only during emergencies:

  • These doors should be represented with a dashed symbolic swing line or panel to distinguish them from standard doors.

   

This level of graphical differentiation is important for fire safety plans, evacuation drawings, access control plans, and any other documentation requiring visual clarity about door function and behavior.

Requested Enhancement

We propose that Archicad door objects support:

• Component-based linetype assignment for symbolic elements in plan view;

  • Active/inactive leaf;

  • Fire-rated doors;

  • Swing arcs and/or door panels;

    Control over linetypes for:

• Integration with:

  • Door settings UI;

  • Classification or custom property rules;

  • Graphic Overrides for view-dependent control.

In many workflows, there is a critical need to control the door opening angle individually per view, and per door, to reflect specific functional or regulatory requirements.

When producing evacuation plans for the fire department, we need to show certain doors along the evacuation route in the open position, while other doors marked “close in case of fire” must appear closed. This differentiation is essential for clear communication and compliance with fire safety regulations.

At present, door opening angles can only be controlled manually per object (static, not view-dependent), or globally via the Model View Options (MVO), which applies the same state to all doors in a given view.

This means we cannot have different doors shown open or closed within the same view;

We propose the following enhancements to door behavior in Archicad:

1. Per-view control: Allow the door opening angle to be defined differently per view.

2. Per-instance override: Allow exceptions per door object within a view—e.g., door A open, door B closed—without affecting all doors.

3. Integration options: This control could be added to:

   • The View Settings,

   • The Model View Options,

   • Graphic Override rules

   • As a new parameter linked to Properties or Classification.

    

When views are placed on layouts, they are compressed to jpg with heavy compression. Even with views set to higher resolutions, compression is severe - resulting in messy edges and banding.

When saving an image out as a .png from the perspective window directly, it is saved out lossless and this is not an issue.

Views placed on layouts should have further controls for adjusting quality and allowing lossless compression.

Allow 3d documents and 3d views to be integrated. Currently, 3d documents can be overlaid on top of 3d views to give vectorized contours. This also solves the issue of textures not being supported in 3d documents.

This however requires the following:

• A separate 3d document and a separate 3d view with matching aspect ratio
• Frame size must be the same on the layout
• Contours disabled on the 3d view
• Uniform transparent fill on the 3d document

A number of complications can arise from this setup. A more robust system would allow you to make the best of both 3d documents and views rather than having to pick between them.

Using BIMx as a three-dimensional visualization tool enables not only interactive navigation through the model, but also a detailed analysis of the construction elements. In the case of walls, the 3D cut has the potential to reveal the exact sequence of layers—from finishes to structural components—providing a clear and accessible understanding of the adopted construction solution. However, in the current version of the application, this functionality is limited, and it is not possible to directly view the different layers in the three-dimensional cut. Still, this approach remains particularly useful during technical coordination phases, construction inspection, and communication with non-technical clients, especially when complemented with other project documentation tools.

Modules are a great productivity tool to manage repetitive complex elements in Archicad, however the current Hotlink Module technology is extremely outdated and thus Archicad is lagging behind all other BIM authoring tools.

One of the key problems is Library management.

Especially the Embedded library.

Module files today include the Embedded library, which leads to duplicate libraries and slowed down project file performance.

Currently the best method for working with modules is the so called Iceberg Method.

 In this method modules are created in negative storyes of the host file and .mod files are placed back into the host to assemble the building.

If the host file contains any elements in the embedded libraries, those elements will be carried into the .mod files and when placed into the host file, the Embedded library elements are repeted as many times as many modules you have. This creates a messy double-up of library elements in the project file.

I understand that .mod files carry the embedded library with them so that if you place the .mod into a separate host model, the libraries will be available, however creating modules in one file then placing them into another one is a dangerous and very-very-very clunky workflow.

Why?

- Attributes between the host and the source file are very hard to match

- It is almost impossible to see context in the Source file while creating / editing modules

- You have to open multiple Archicad projects at the same time, which is hard on your computer and is very time consuming (especially with large projects)

Solution:

- Make it optional to carry embedded libraryes in the module file

This could easily be done in the module file publisher settings when setting up the file format.

Solving this would be one of the first key steps to achieve in place module management.

Also refer to:

Modules: required improvements 

Make Modules Great Again - 1: In Place Module Management 

Make Modules Great Again - 3: Attribute Management 

Make Modules Great Again - 4.0: Schedule Modules 

Make Modules Great Again - 4.1: Schedule Mirrored Modules 

Make Modules Great Again - 5: Modules Source Storey 

Make Modules Great Again - 6: Labels in Mirrored Modules 

Modules are a great productivity tool to manage repetitive complex elements in Archicad,

however the current Hotlink Module technology is extremely outdated and thus Archicad is lagging behind all other BIM authoring tools.

The first - and most important - step to Make Modules Great Agaain is to make it possible to create and edit modules in place.

What does it mean:

Imagine an apartment complex that consists of several identical apartment types.

These apartments consist of a few bathroom / kitchen / laundry etc types.

These projects (just like Hotels / Hospitals / Prisons / etc) typically can be imagined as Lego. Each module is a Lego piece that you put together smartly.

Currently the most effective method to use Modules is the so called Iceberg Method.

In this method we create a module in a negative storey, then we publish these modules to .mod files and then assemble the building using the .mod-s.

While this method was smart 10 years ago, today users would expect to be able to

- select a bunch of elements in plan or 3D,

- call it a module and

- start placing the modules in plan or 3D as needed.

If something needs to change, users would expect to just

- select any of the placed modules, unwrap it,

- make the changes and instantly update all placed instances of that module.

This is how it's done in the competitor tools, so Archicad must adopt this technology before it's too late.

In fact, pls GS learn from others and make Archicad work better!

Note:
Modules are not necessarily used as whole building elements.

I often use modules for complex furniture or furniture assembly, complex, repetitive facade arrangement, repetitive window arrangement etc.

Also refer to:

Modules: required improvements 

Make Modules Great Again - 2: Embedded Library Management 

Make Modules Great Again - 3: Attribute Management 

Make Modules Great Again - 4.0: Schedule Modules 

Make Modules Great Again - 4.1: Schedule Mirrored Modules 

Make Modules Great Again - 5: Modules Source Storey 

Make Modules Great Again - 6: Labels in Mirrored Modules 

The Edit Color window is very dated. It needs the ability to input hex color codes and should probably have an eyedropper as well. 

If I currently want to colour match something, I have to use the eyedropper in Photoshop and then break down the RGB values to input into Archicad.

I would suggest copying something like the Unreal Engine color picker which works well:

Rhino's Select Color window can also be used for reference:

Allow segmentation/3d resolution control for all tools including beams, columns, slabs, walls, shells and imports such as IFC. This should be controllable either through selection settings, work environment and/or a registry entry. This will allow more detailed representation of curved elements which is important for any drawing that utilises 3d (such as sections, elevations, 3d documents) as well as for visualisation. Currently morphs allow segmentation to be increased, and some objects allow 3d resolution to be controlled. Current fixed settings can be quite limiting, especially when it comes to finer detail such as complex profile cornices which require input fills to be manually segmented to allow for decent representation.

Here is an example with the low segmentation causing representation issues for benchtop edges:

I want to bring this topic into attention as I feel like the tool has waymore potential (although from what I saw, it is seldom used, at least currently). 

So what it can currently do:
1.  consistently freeze Archicad (at least on my end)
2. Import MS project exploded tasks (.txt) - but I haven't be able to make it open (.mpp) files.
2. Make a video (quick time or AVI).

What I think it can also be improved upon, and the why:
1. Allow for categories and subcategories (for example, on large project, first 20 columns are installed in week 14, next 20 in week 15 and so on). So a general "column" category with collapsible sub-categories would be nice.

2. Have a new field: "delivery" date - so you know when your materials have to be on-site and be able to be notified if this date is established after the start date.

3. Be able to have a timeline slider (or just a date input menu) on both 2D and 3D environment - that would hide anything installed after a certain date. The "show built" feature, currently, it doesn't retrieve anything in my Archicad 27.

4. Be able to generate 3D views from it (example a weekly sequencing graph) - this can be more visually appealing to a construction crew/ client/ etc - on a stand-alone, printable layout.

5. Be able to retrieve the start/finish date in autotext and maybe generate a "timeline" drawing set. some details are only possible to be made with thoughtful sequencing. The timing component is important because some elements can hinder access for the installation of others. 

6. Be more flexible in case of rescheduling - it would be nice to be able in case something gets delayed to readdress the timing of all the impacted elements at once

7. Be visible on third party browser-based hosts (the timeline at point 3) to help with presentation.

A workaround option (although I haven't actually tested it) would be to create a "week" or "day" property in classifications and assign that to all elements and then do a control F to show up to that certain value and update the 3D according to that. But saving individual layouts manually would be quite cumbersome. 

At last, I know these ideas are more on the project management/ construction side and may not be of interest to the design phase - but in my opinion it is something worth checking out.

We’d love to see a dedicated AI rendering tool integrated directly into Archicad.

The current Visualizer tool is a good start, but it tends to alter the model too much and is clearly geared more toward early concept design than producing final-quality renders. What we really need is a tool that respects the integrity of the developed model and simply enhances it with realistic textures, lighting, and backgrounds.

Interestingly, even ChatGPT (using free-tier tools) is already capable of taking basic OpenGL views and producing stunning, high-res images with minimal input—demonstrating that this technology is not only viable but already widely accessible.

A built-in feature that allows users to re-render OpenGL views with AI-enhanced materials and backgrounds—without altering geometry—would be a major step forward. It would offer a fast, efficient alternative to exporting into tools like Twinmotion, which while powerful, can be cumbersome for simple high-quality output needs.

There are web-based tools that can do this already, but having native integration within Archicad would be ideal. It would keep the platform competitive and at the forefront of the AI revolution in architectural design.

I use a different font for the text in my sketch / concept plans which means I need to have different layer combinations.  This means additional places to have to change text.  It would be awesome if the graphic over ride would be able to control this.  

Problem:
Archicad's native support for widely-used 3D file formats such as OBJ and 3DS is limited. While the "3DStudio In" add-on facilitates the import of 3DS files, it requires manual installation and configuration, and it doesn't support OBJ files. To import OBJ and other formats like FBX, users often rely on third-party solutions like ModelPort, which, although powerful, come with additional costs (e.g., $229 per year for a standard license) . This reliance on external plugins can be a barrier for users who need to incorporate diverse 3D assets into their projects efficiently.

Solution:
Integrate a native 3D model importer within Archicad that supports a broad range of common file formats, including OBJ, FBX, and 3DS. This importer should feature a user-friendly interface, akin to the Organizer, allowing users to drag and drop files directly into their project libraries. Key functionalities should include:

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Simplify the process of adding external models by allowing users to drag files directly into the library.

• Format Compatibility: Support for multiple 3D file formats to accommodate various sources of external assets.

• Preview and Edit: Enable users to preview models before importing and make basic adjustments such as scaling and rotation.

• Material Mapping: Allow for the mapping and adjustment of materials to ensure consistency within the Archicad environment.

• Library Management: Provide tools to organize imported assets within the library for easy access and reuse.

Use Case:
An architect is working on an interior design project and needs to incorporate various furniture models obtained from different manufacturers, available in OBJ and FBX formats. With the integrated importer, the architect can simply drag these files into Archicad, preview them, adjust their scale and orientation, map materials to match the project's aesthetic, and place them within the design seamlessly. This streamlined process eliminates the need for external plugins, reduces costs, and enhances productivity.

By embedding such functionality directly into Archicad, users can enhance their workflow efficiency, reduce dependency on third-party tools, and have greater flexibility in incorporating diverse 3D assets into their projects.

Hi,

For BIMX,

1) Can we control the lagging period between slides presentation? It's defined now as 7 sec.

Sure, we can control this manually by R/L arrows on keyboard or previous/next buttons on the screen but defining it numerically is better especially if we've the ability to define it for each slide, not constant for all presentation.

2) Can't we see the project name on the title bar? We currently have to open (Model index) then (Project info) to see it.

Thank you so much.