What is Archicad?

Emoke Csikos
Graphisoft
Graphisoft
This article is a part of a series titled Archicad Quick Tour.
 
Archicad 26.jpeg

 

Archicad is a software tool for architects working in the architecture-engineering-construction (AEC) industry for designing buildings from the conceptual phase all through to the construction phase.

It is a BIM software developed by GRAPHISOFT, enabling architects to work in a BIM (Building Information Modeling/Management) environment. Archicad works on two platforms: macOS and Windows - with no significant differences between them.

A new version of Archicad is released each year. The latest version is Archicad 26. To download Archicad visit graphisoft.com/downloads.  You can try Archicad in trial or demo mode without purchasing a full license of Archicad.

The Signature Building

Each Archicad version has a signature building, which was designed in Archicad. The signature building is printed on the box in which Archicad is shipped and also appears on the startup screen of the program and in its installer. The Archicad 26 has got multiple signature buildings:

The Independent | Rhode Partners Architects, USA
Wolf Point East, Chicago | Pappageorge Haymes Partners Architects, USA
Szervita Square Building | DVM Group, Hungary
TSG Center | Orcutt|Winslow Architects, USA

Localization

Archicad is available in 28 language versions. These versions are not just translations of the same interface, but their architectural content and tool defaults are optimized for the local market.

Archicad is a stand-alone software that can be used independently. Still, it is tightly integrated into GRAPHISOFT's ecosystem including solutions such as BIMcloud and BIMx for efficient and enjoyable work and smooth collaboration in an OPEN BIM workflow with stakeholders of the AEC industry.

Previous Versions

The Archicad icon was the same from version 15 until version 23. The Archicad versions could be differentiated by their colors. From Archicad 24, the icons differ in shape and shading.
Click on the icons below to learn more about each version.

 

Archicad-icons-24.png Archicad-icons-25.png Archicad-icons-26.png

             Archicad 24                                 Archicad 25                             Archicad 26

 

To continue learning about Archicad, read the article titled Where Should I Start with Archicad.

Get on Board with Archicad

If you want to learn about Archicad's capabilities and concepts, watch the video series titled Get on Board with Archicad.


This article is a part of a series titled Archicad Quick Tour.

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