Providing tighter control, better coordination and better integration of design teams, this Industry first innovative technology enables simultaneous development of the 3D model and 2D documents with full coordination and continuous visual feedback.
Boost productivity and ensure complete coordination with the new dedicated Interior Elevations tool. As live views of the model, Interior Elevations are continuously synchronized and up-to-date.
More modeling freedom with new double slanted walls, curved complex walls and highly accurate quantity calculations.
Efficiently handle the process of cleaning up and fixing drawings, including an optimization process for 2D drawings from consultants.
Enable faster navigation and better control over project documentation by separating all new view types.
Efficiently control the drawing set graphics with WYSIWYG and with separate and more flexible Pen Set control for each view.
More flexible 2D display of stairs to achieve higher productivity in the documentation and also new 2D stair symbols to comply with the local documentation standards. Four new stair types expand the default assortment of standard stair types in key markets.
New Fill capabilities, including translucent solid and image fills and transparent gradient fills. These capabilities allow architects to remain in the ArchiCAD environment while preparing documents for competitions and client presentations.
Users may now select any objects in 2D or 3D and align and distribute them by placing elements along a certain path or in a defined pattern. These capabilities will speed the design and document generation experience.
Door and window previews can be associatively annotated right in the interactive schedule window. This feature alone saves significant drafting time for the documentation team.
Project lines up just the way you need it: simply rotate the view on screen to a perpendicular position. Now you can edit diagonal wings comfortably, while your annotations adjust automatically to the final layout orientation.
Although fills have been around since the advent of CAD, modeling soft insulation in composite structures has been problematic. Soft insulation is the 100% solution: not just for 2D, but for 3D Documents as well.
Global model view options help control the display and handling of library objects at a project level. Project specific library parts can now be saved into the ArchiCAD project file itself, eliminating the "missing library part" phenomenon that occurred whenever library parts were not loaded with the project.
New editing aid gives instant, dynamic feedback on the cursor's vertical and horizontal position in. Guidelines can now also be placed with a single click on the Ruler. The Ruler provides great productivity improvement in arranging drawings on layouts.
Library consolidation for projects coming from earlier versions of ArchiCAD and an extended set of detailed information about loaded libraries and objects are among the new features intro- duced with the new management tools.
Model-based annotation is key to an effective BIM workflow. Custom prefixes & suffixes added to associative dimensions - while keeping their real measured values - can boost documentation productivity by an order of magnitude.
Take Teamwork projects anywhere, saving all necessary files and libraries of Teamwork sessions into a transportable data package for further edits without the need for physically access to the BIM Server from any remote computer.
Easily create a complex roof with multiple planes and several roof levels, integrated as a single, editable element. Edit any plane of the roof separately or the roof geometry as a whole.
"Existing", "To Be Demolished" and "New" statuses provide the basis for creating various plan combinations to create renovation plan types use custom renovation filters.
ArchiCAD 15 introduces editing planes for ease of 3D navigation, revolutionising the 3D space definition, making the perspective view the natural, 3D environment for building design.
No more "hidden" connections. For any element, see a list of connected elements for all Roof/Shell trims, Solid Element Operations and Wall/Curtain Wall Connections. Use the connection list to select any connected element, or to clear a connection.
Skylights are now easier to place and are automatically placed smoothly into curved or flat Roofs/Shells. The Skylight interface is now similar to that of Doors and Windows, and the floor plan display is updated based on the 3D projection.
The expanded libraries include objects for renewable energies, additional furniture and medical equipment, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, garage doors, historic window types and a simplified Window library structure.
Despite increased reliance on model- based workflows, architects still need to coordinate their design with engineers using traditional 2D workflows. Streamlined DWG/DXF 2010 Import-Export. Features include improved layer management and the ability to export multiple layouts into a single DWG file.
Enables users to work in the information rich composite structure of walls and slabs while being able to easily coordinate the load- bearing structure with engineers.
Building Element Classification extends ArchiCAD construction element data by adding new properties such as "IFC Element Type," and "Structural Function" to provide the foundation for model mapping with engineering BIM models.
IFC translators optimized for exporting model data to various structural and MEP applications - including Revit Structure and Revit MEP - offer best in class coordination workflow with leading engineering solutions worldwide.
Detect IFC Model Exchange now allows you to choose and edit the preferred translator as you go. Better management of Model Changes entries in the Mark-Up Tool palette, with multi-select entries for deleting and zooming, offer a smooth, model-based coordination workflow.
An element's IFC data can now be edited in Teamwork by simply reserving the element – not all IFC data needs to be reserved.
Speed-up modeling, prevent mistakes and simplify the scheduling processes with logical links between elements and stories.
Fully exploits the benefits of today's standard multi-core processors during the most frequently used BIM modeling and documentation operations such as creating 3D views, sections and elevations as well as panning and zooming in 2D on large floor plans and layouts.
The latest version of ArchiCAD is available on Windows with native 64-bit support.
The BIM Server performance monitor function provides project leaders and CAD/ BIM managers with powerful management tools to get all the necessary information for decisions required for an optimal Teamwork project workflow.
The improved Autosave provides greater data safety with changes continuously saved in the background as you work. Autosave works on the same "delta logic" principle used by the BIM Server, making fast even with large-scale projects.
IFC data now forms part of the ArchiCAD database and the IFC properties can be accessed from the settings of any construction element. Because of this integration, import and export to IFC is much faster.
The ultimate solution for architects to efficiently control coordination of models, views and documents. With Visual Compare you have the confidence that all project documents are synchronized and any differences will be easily tracked.
Dramatically improve the design to production workflow. Using the Worksheet Tool you can smoothly transform your model views into highly detailed documents, create 2D documents from scratch or easily merge consultant data within the Virtual Building environment.
Easily divide multistory buildings into smaller parts. Entire multistory buildings Hotlinked to site plan.
Highly accurate calculations, even for the most complex projects, are now available in ArchiCAD's Interactive Schedules
Enable faster navigation and better control over project documentation by separating all new view types.
Enables users to easily design and document curtain wall systems. Based upon a flexible hierarchical structure of schemes, physical members and additional accessories, users can easily control and change both the entire system or the smallest detail.
Allows users to use any 3D view of the model for creating a document where dimensions, annotations and 2D drawing elements may be added. This new level of clarity in communication helps reduce construction issues which can increase cost and lengthen project schedule.
Users may now select any object in 2D or 3D and nudge them in a manner similar to popular office applications. These familiar features will speed the design and document generation experience.
Allows users to visualize dimension lines and adjust dimension points on the fly providing more flexibility.
Further customization of the powerful automatic dimensioning function. In the latest version, doors and windows can be dimensioned using a variety of refined options (e.g. opening egresses).
To further refine interconnection of intelligent modeling elements, the slant angle and material of slab/ roof edges can be adjusted with complete freedom to match joining elements.
New zooming option in View Settings allows you to vary a view's display dynamically, by displaying the entire current model contents (Fit in Window). This option is a great "usability" feature for editing, and for creating an automatically adjusted zoom for placed drawings.
Find & Select function is now extended with the option to assign multiple values to particular selection criteria. More complex search criteria enable more sophisticated search queries.
The system geometry of highly integrated Curtain Wall systems can now be freely edited in any view of ArchiCAD. Curtain Wall reference lines can now be modified on the floor plan, using standard pet-palette operations.
Users increased control over model-based sections and details of doors and windows. An extended set of Reveal and Wall Closure setting options make creation of refined details a fully automatic process.
Standard spreadsheet editing techniques to improve productivity in Schedule and Index windows. Quantity take-offs can now be exported to Excel with graphical information included for WYSIWYG results.
Special single-user mode enables one-click reservation of all elements for early stages of Teamwork projects. "Solo" mode helps solo practitioners utilize the full potential of the powerful BIM Server infrastructure on solo projects,
too.
This new, versatile tool creates a wide variety of shapes to model elements from a building's entire exterior, to a single custom object, using "Revolved", "Rotated" and "Ruled" forms.
Guidelines are now available in the 3D window for improved feedback and control over the creation and modification of elements. Guidelines now appear by clicking a Guideline Handle, available whenever an element is highlighted, and can be moved, offset and deleted.
Automatic connections between building structures and elements assist in the creation and maintenance of the BIM model while preserving the flexibility required, regardless of their complexity, while the graphical interface allows full control over the trimming process.
IFC Property management is now an integrated part of the BIM workflow and new features simplify the IFC workflow. Transfer IFC properties between elements, views and projects just like any other native ArchiCAD parameters.
The display of highlighted elements in the 3D window has been updated to prevent the "jumping forward" effect, giving a greater sense of depth in 3D. The reference line is also displayed for improved element creation/editing.
Significantly enhanced output quality and direct interface smoothes PDF creation process.
Supports the classification of BIM elements as either load-bearing or non-load- bearing structures, for more accurate export to programs used by structural engineers. Thousands of standard steel profiles are now available from within ArchiCAD.
For best in class coordination workflow with Engineers, ArchiCAD allows architects to compare IFC model versions and to import only differences, displaying design changes with color codes in the architectural model context.
Site survey data directly coming from Theodolites can now be imported into ArchiCAD with a single-click. XYZ coordinates automatically convert into an ArchiCAD Mesh element providing an accurate 3D model of the environment.
The simplified BREP (boundary representation) geometry IFC export option results in the perfect geometric display of element intersections and Solid Operations, without including all element properties and data. Perfect for use in an IFC viewer or MEP program.
Improved visual feedback with pre-selected and selected elements, moving elements in worksheets and pasted content.
Management and visualization of the whole Hotlink structure and recursive updates of nested Hotlinks provides reduced file size and increased update speed. Users will benefit from greater productivity and better coordination when using Hotlink Modules, especially on large projects.
Greatly improved in-model visualization with shadow casting in 3D OpenGL views. Live 3D views of the BIM model in addition to being work-views also become a standard basis for communicating the design intent with clients.
15%-500% speed improvements in various operations depending on project size and complexity. GRAPHISOFT BIM Server now takes full advantage of 64-bit computing on the Mac OS X platform as well.
Both ArchiCAD and the BIM Server are now 64-bit applications on Mac OS, as well as on Windows platforms.
The BIM Server now requires less memory, so one server is capable of hosting additional projects. Send and receive times are also improved.
The recent releases of ArchiCAD have provided new tools, enhancements to existing features and undocumented improvements. ArchiCAD 15 continues the OPEN Design Collaboration workflow, introduces new documentation tools for refurbishment and renovation, and expands the design capabilities of its BIM tools, including new Shell structures, to support the broadest spectrum of architectural shapes and forms found in both classical and modern architecture.
Our ArchiCAD Calculator lists our top Productivity Improvements, Collaboration and Performance benefits. In order for you to identify what additional functionality you can expect when you upgrade, please choose which version you are currently on from the pull down menu opposite.
Productivity Improvements
Virtual Trace
Interior Elevations
Complex Elements Geometry
Line Work & Fill Consolidations
Enhanced Drawing Marker
Pen Sets in Views
StairMaker Enhancements
Fill Enhancements
"Align" & "Distribute"
Annotated Schedule Drawings
Orientated Views
Intelligent "Soft" Insulation
Improved Object Handling
"Ruler"
Refined management of Object Libraries
Dimension text prefix/suffix
Teamwork "Pack & Go"
Multi-Plane Roof Tool
Renovation and Refurbishment
Editing Planes
In-Place Feedback and Management for All Connections
Improved Skylights
New parametric Door, Window and Object libraries
Visual Compare
Worksheet Tool
Multistory Hotlinked Modules
Quantities of Individual Elements Components
Enhanced Project Navigator
Curtain Wall
3D Document
"Nudge"
Dimension Input Logic
Enhanced Automatic Dimensioning
Improvements for Slabs/Roofs
Dynamic "Fit in Window"
Improved "Find & Select"
Improved Curtain Wall Editing
Extended options for Doors & Windows
Improved handling of Schedules
Teamwork "solo" mode
Shell Tool
Improved Guidelines
Intelligent Element Connections
Improved IFC interface
Improved 3D Selection Display
Collaboration
DWG Enhancements
Partial Structure Display
Refined model mapping
Direct link to Structural and MEP applications
Improved IFC Model Change Detection
Effective IFC data handling in Teamwork
PDF Net
Data Exchange with Engineers
Model-based version tracking
Direct import of site-survey data
Simplified Model Export
Performance
Link Construction Elements to Stories
Speed
64-bit Support for Windows
BIM Server Performance Monitor
Improved Autosave
Faster IFC import/export
Enhanced Selection/Editing Feedback
Hotlink Module Management
Shadows in Open GL
Performance optimizations
Full 64-bit support on MacOS
Further BIM Server Optimisations
Productivity Improvements
StairMaker Enhancements
Fill Enhancements
"Align" & "Distribute"
Annotated Schedule Drawings
Orientated Views
Intelligent "Soft" Insulation
Improved Object Handling
"Ruler"
Refined management of Object Libraries
Dimension text prefix/suffix
Teamwork "Pack & Go"
Multi-Plane Roof Tool
Renovation and Refurbishment
Editing Planes
In-Place Feedback and Management for All Connections
Improved Skylights
New parametric Door, Window and Object libraries
Curtain Wall
3D Document
"Nudge"
Dimension Input Logic
Enhanced Automatic Dimensioning
Improvements for Slabs/Roofs
Dynamic "Fit in Window"
Improved "Find & Select"
Improved Curtain Wall Editing
Extended options for Doors & Windows
Improved handling of Schedules
Teamwork "solo" mode
Shell Tool
Improved Guidelines
Intelligent Element Connections
Improved IFC interface
Improved 3D Selection Display
Collaboration
DWG Enhancements
Partial Structure Display
Refined model mapping
Direct link to Structural and MEP applications
Improved IFC Model Change Detection
Data Exchange with Engineers
Model-based version tracking
Direct import of site-survey data
Simplified Model Export
Effective IFC data handling in Teamwork
Performance
Speed
64-bit Support for Windows
BIM Server Performance Monitor
Improved Autosave
Faster IFC import/export
Hotlink Module Management
Shadows in Open GL
Performance optimizations
Full 64-bit support on MacOS
Further BIM Server Optimisations
Productivity Improvements
Annotated Schedule Drawings
Orientated Views
Intelligent "Soft" Insulation
Improved Object Handling
"Ruler"
Refined management of Object Libraries
Dimension text prefix/suffix
Teamwork "Pack & Go"
Multi-Plane Roof Tool
Renovation and Refurbishment
Editing Planes
In-Place Feedback and Management for All Connections
Improved Skylights
New parametric Door, Window and Object libraries
Enhanced Automatic Dimensioning
Improvements for Slabs/Roofs
Dynamic "Fit in Window"
Improved "Find & Select"
Improved Curtain Wall Editing
Extended options for Doors & Windows
Improved handling of Schedules
Teamwork "solo" mode
Shell Tool
Improved Guidelines
Intelligent Element Connections
Improved IFC interface
Improved 3D Selection Display
Collaboration
DWG Enhancements
Refined model mapping
Direct link to Structural and MEP applications
Improved IFC Model Change Detection
Effective IFC data handling in Teamwork
Data Exchange with Engineers
Model-based version tracking
Direct import of site-survey data
Simplified Model Export
Performance
64-bit Support for Windows
BIM Server Performance Monitor
Improved Autosave
Faster IFC import/export
Shadows in Open GL
Performance optimizations
Full 64-bit support on MacOS
Further BIM Server Optimisations
Productivity Improvements
Refined management of Object Libraries
Dimension text prefix/suffix
Teamwork "Pack & Go"
Multi-Plane Roof Tool
Renovation and Refurbishment
Editing Planes
In-Place Feedback and Management for All Connections
Improved Skylights
New parametric Door, Window and Object libraries
Extended options for Doors & Windows
Improved handling of Schedules
Teamwork "solo" mode
Shell Tool
Improved Guidelines
Intelligent Element Connections
Improved IFC interface
Improved 3D Selection Display
Collaboration
DWG Enhancements
Refined model mapping
Direct link to Structural and MEP applications
Improved IFC Model Change Detection
Model-based version tracking
Direct import of site-survey data
Simplified Model Export
Effective IFC data handling in Teamwork
Performance
Shadows in Open GL
BIM Server Performance Monitor
Improved Autosave
Faster IFC import/export
Performance optimizations
Full 64-bit support on MacOS
Further BIM Server Optimisations
Productivity Improvements
Multi-Plane Roof Tool
Renovation and Refurbishment
Editing Planes
In-Place Feedback and Management for All Connections
