Archicad 18

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Archicad 18 was announced on May 6, 2014. “Join the Creative Flow” is the main theme of Archicad 18. Archicad 18 offers a streamlined workflow solution, keeping architects in the creative design flow with as little disruption as possible. The integration of CineRender, MAXON’s worldclass CINEMA 4D rendering engine into Archicad 18, brings high quality, photo-realistic renderings to a much wider range of designers. Archicad 18’s brand new Revision Management solution is integrated into the entire BIM workflow, providing solutions for 2D, 3D or any kind of hybrid workflows. Is also offers a smooth, PDF-based workflow and improved PDF-based data exchange by introducing BIM-related intelligence and data hierarchy into PDF files. Archicad continues to support OPEN BIM standardand workflows with full BIM Collaboration Format support. BCF information is natively integrated into Archicad BIM projects in the form of Mark-Up entries, providing best-inclass interdisciplinary collaboration workflow and streamlined communication with the CAD managers, structural and MEP engineers. See the product page on GRAPHISOFT site

Join the Creative Flow

https://youtu.be/CW6Z_69JG9Y

Compatibility

See System Requirements for Archicad 18

Archicad 18 can open or import the following file formats: See all the file formats that can be used with Archicad here.

  • Archicad projects (.pln, .pla, .bpn) from Archicad 8.1 or newer
  • Archicad Teamwork (Archicad 12 and earlier) file formats (plc, .pca, .plp, .plc, .bpc)
  • Archicad Project Template (.tpl)
  • Archicad 2D Lines (.2dl)
  • Module File (.mod)
  • Archicad object (.gsm)
  • PlotMaker layout Book (.LBK) and drawing (.PMK) files
  • IFC 2x3, IFC 2x3 compressed, IFC 2x3 XML, IFC 2x3 XML compressed - 2D and 3D content
  • DWF - 2D content
  • DXF
  • DWG (2000 to 2013) - 2D and 3D content
  • DGN (Microstation Design file) v7 - 2D content
  • 3DStudio (through the "3D Studio In" goodie tool) - 3D content
  • C4D (Cinema4D R14+ files through the Cinema 4D add-On) - 2D and 3D content
  • SKP (Integrated Connections with Google Earth, Sketchup) - 2D and 3D content
  • KMZ (Integrated Connections with Google Earth, Sketchup) - 2D and 3D content
  • STL (Stereolitography)
  • PDF
  • BCF (BIM Collaboration Format)
  • All Images (.bmp, .dib, .rle, .jpg, .jpeg, .jpe, .jfif, .gif, .tif, .tiff, .png, .hdr)
  • HPGL File (.plt)
  • Windows Enhanced Metafile (.emf)
  • Windows Metafile (.wmf)
  • Surveyors’ data (.xyz)

Archicad 18 can save or export the following file formats:

  • Archicad 18 Solo Project file (.PLN), Project Archive (.PLA), and template (.TPL)
  • Archicad 17 Project (.PLN) file
  • Archicad Module (.MOD) file
  • Archicad object (.gsm)
  • Archicad object script (.GDL)
  • Archicad 2D Lines (.2DL)
  • Archicad drawing file (.PMK) through the publisher when publishing Views
  • PDF, PDF/A
  • EMF, WMF
  • DXF
  • DWG (2000-2013 format, 2D and 3D)
  • DWF
  • DGN
  • IFC 2x3, IFC 2x3 compressed, IFC 2x3 XML, IFC 2x3 XML compressed
  • 3DStudio 3D studio file
  • SKP (Integrated Connections with Google Earth, Sketchup)
  • KMZ (Integrated Connections with Google Earth, Sketchup) - 2D and 3D content
  • C4D (Cinema4D R14+ files through the Cinema 4D add-On) - 2D and 3D content
  • OBJ Wavefront file (3D)
  • EPX Piranesi File (3D)
  • FACT ElectricImage file (3D)
  • VRL VRML file (3D)
  • STL Stereolithography file (3D)
  • LP Lightscape file (3D)
  • ATL ArtLantis Render Studio file (3D)
  • U3D file (3D)
  • BCF (BIM Collaboration Format)
  • various image formats (BMP, JPG, PNG, GIf, TIF)

See all the file formats that can be used with Archicad here.

License Types

Archicad 18 comes with several license types:

    • Commercial license requires a WibuKey or CodeMeter hardware protection key
    • Trial license is a fully functional 30-day license that can be downloaded from http://myarchicad.com and comes with a license number
    • Demo version does not require neither a hardware key nor a license number. All save/export options are disabled, but printing is possible.
    • Education license is available through http://myarchicad.com. A 1-year license number is available upon approval.
    • Pay-Per-use (PPU) license requires a hardware key. PPU license lets you run Archicad for the number of hours purchased. (not available on all markets)
    • Rental license requires a hardware protection key. A Rental license lets you run Archicad for 1,3, or 12 calendar months.
    • License Borrowing - available from Archicad 16 – when a temporary Archicad Commercial license is borrowed from a multi-license CodeMeter protection key.

Note: Archicad 18 is the last version which supports Wibu key protection

New Features

See the product page on GRAPHISOFT site

Rendering

https://youtu.be/oD5_4iqoX-A

  • New Integrated CineRender Engine: High‐end Renderings Made Easy
  • Modelles Rendering Palette for One-Click Settings Access
  • Rich Default Content, IES Support
  • Surface Settings Improvements (CineRender Engine)
    • Upgraded Surface Settings Interface
    • Intuitive Surface/Shader Management

Revision Management

https://youtu.be/-g22hWzSeJA

  • Intuitive Change Management
  • Intelligent Layout Revisioning
  • At‐a‐glance Feedback and Easy Report Creation

OPEN BIM

https://youtu.be/yCM5WM4k0XI

  • IFC Developments
    • BCF Compatibility for Expanded IFC‐Based Collaboration
  • Scheme‐Driven IFC Data Management and Export
    • Data Mapping
    • New Scheme Management
  • Labeling IFC Data
  • Better Export of Composite/Complex Elements
    • Improved Collision Detection
    • Original Color Export by Composite Skins and Complex Element Parts
  • Export of Archicad Schedule Quantities
  • Quick Accessibility of IFC Manager
  • IFC Quality Improvements
    • Import/Export Quality Certification
    • Improved Support for Collaboration Involving Large Projects
  • Improved Revit 2015 Connection
  • DWG Developments
    • Compatibility with DWG Version 2013 and 2014
    • XREF Naming Options
  • Publisher Improvement
  • BIMx Desktop Features

Teamwork and BIM Server

https://youtu.be/TIQmTwmBwog

  • BIMcloud Integration
  • Browser Based Management
  • More Flexible and Transparent Messaging
  • Reservation and Feedback Changes

Workflow

https://youtu.be/YsTjIV71sYg

  • Improved PDF-based data exchange
    • More Export Options to PDF
    • Flexible Editing of PDF Drawings in Archicad
  • Smart Master Layout Items Display Layout-Specific Data
  • Improved Hotlink/XREF Management
  • Attribute Handling
  • Interior Elevation Improvements
  • Enhanced Mark-Up Features
  • Other Enhancements
    • Dimension Line editing: Ctrl (Cmd)+Click to instantly delete individual nodes.
    • New option in Drawing Settings to include or omit the scale within Autotexts and Indexes.

Library Enhancements

  • General Library Developments
    • Simplified Settings
    • Enhanced Graphical Interface: Attribute List Control
  • New Furniture Objects
    • School Furniture
    • Nursery Furniture
  • Lamps and Lights
    • General Light Sources
    • Lamps
    • Improved User Interface for Lamps
  • Markers, Labels, Zone Stamp
    • Display IFC Data, other Tags and Categories
    • New Label: Generic Label
    • Expanded Options in Zone Stamp 1
  • Objects for Visualization
    • New 2D Trees
    • Consolidation of 3D Trees
  • Other Objects
    • Graphical Interface for the Elevator
    • Vehicle Turning Curves (selected markets only)
  • Model View Options Improvements
    • More Control Over Opening Symbols in 2D
    • Improved Interface in Model View Options
  • Door and Window Improvements
    • Ventilation Frame
    • New Sash Type: Vent Sash
    • Wall Contour Lines Improvements
  • Door Improvements
    • Metal Frame Doors (selected market only)
    • New Sectional Doors (selected market only)
  • Window Improvements
    • New Multi-Sash Windows
    • Handles for Windows (selected market only)