ARCHICAD 18 Undocumented Features and Small Improvements

This list contains a collection of changes that are not reflected in the ARCHICAD 18 Reference Guide. These include retired features, bug fixes, and smaller usability or interface changes which were made to the program after the Reference Guide was completed.

Cel Renderer Effect Not Available

Although it is described in the Reference Guide, in fact the Cel Renderer post effect is not available as a PhotoRendering effect with the CineRender engine in ARCHICAD 18. This effect was eliminated during the beta phase, when testing showed that this effect produced unwanted triangulations of flat surfaces (e.g. all window panes were displayed with diagonal lines cutting across them).

IFC Export: Zones Unaffected by Structural Function Filter

When exporting a model to IFC format, you can limit the set of exported elements (e.g. by selection, by story, or by visibility). Additional Model Filters include Structural Function: e.g. Load-Bearing Elements only.
In ARCHICAD 17, using the Structural Function filter meant that no Zones were exported (since Zones do not have a Structural Function). As of ARCHICAD 18, the Structural Function filter has no effect on ARCHICAD Zones (IfcSpaces). In other words, Zones will be exported regardless of the Structural Function filter setting, provided that the Zones match the chosen export criteria (e.g. by selection, by story, or by visibility). Thus, even if you set the Filter to export only Load-Bearing elements, Zones can be exported together with Load-Bearing building elements, which can be useful, since Zones provide important input data for the structural design (e.g. for load definition).

Special Slab/Opening Intersection Allows Continuous Slab Finishes

A special case pertains for the intersection of Opening thresholds with Slabs, to allow continuous finishes between rooms with an opening threshold. (This feature was implemented in ARCHICAD 17 but not documented.)

When the base of an Opening (Door or Window) in a Wall is flush with or overlaps a Slab, then the Slab's finish skins will continue through the Wall regardless of skin intersection priorities (down to the Slab’s core skin).
If the Opening is not flush with or does not intersect the Slab, then the regular priority-based connections are in effect.

In the image:

Left: The Window and Door base are flush with the Slab’s top. Therefore, the Slab's finish skins do not form priority-based junctions with the Wall's skins. Instead, the Slab’s finish skins remain continuous.
Right: The Window and Door base are elevated above the Slab, so the usual rules for priority-based connections remain in effect between the Slab and Wall skins.

Location of the “Export to Cinema 4D” Command

The Export to Cinema 4D command is now available from the Render pop-up button of the PhotoRendering palette (not from the File > File Special location).

This function will export your model, surfaces and rendering settings to Cinema 4D so you can continue working on your model with additional Cinema 4D functions.

Built-In CAL License for BIMcloud: Clarification

The BIMcloud License is the main license for the GRAPHISOFT BIMcloud Solution.

The BIMcloud License includes one named CAL License which is perpetually valid and does not require renewal. (Additional CAL Licenses must be purchased for each additional user.)

Limit Number of Stored Teamwork Messages (Work Environment Option)

Go to Options > Work Environment > Data Safety and Integrity to find the Teamwork Messaging panel.

Here, you can set a limit on the number of Teamwork messages to be stored with the project. Once you reach that limit, your oldest messages will be subsequently deleted.

As you approach the limit, the Messaging part of the Teamwork Palette will alert you that the limit is near.