ArchiCAD 14 Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new features of ArchiCAD 14?

The new features among others are: Element Classification/Filtering, Core Setting of Load-Bearing Elements, Customizable IFC Translators, Direct Revit® MEP/Structure Link, Reference-model Version Tracking, Teamwork "Pack & Go", Automatic Server Recognition, Automatic Data Release When Closing Project, "Single-User Mode", Enhanced Data Reservation, Centralized User Color Management, Teamwork "Face to Face", Modular BIM Server, Server Activity Monitor, Transparent Local Data Management, Direct Data Transfer Among BIM Servers, Streamlined DWG 2010 Import/Export, Dimension Text Prefix/Suffix, Expanded Find & Select Criteria, "Unlimited" Number of Layers in Composite Elements, Refined Column Veneer settings, Shadows in Open GL, Easier Selection of Trace Reference, Easy Offset Functionality, Enhanced Input Constraints, Improved Schedule Interactions, Export Schedules Into Excel, Layout Book Improvements, Revisioning of Published Items, Import Surveyor's Data as Mesh, Improved PDF Output, Library Management Improvements, Migration of Libraries, New & Redesigned Library Parts, Extended Window/Door Reveals and Wall Closures, New Opening Types & Sunshades, Minimal Space for Doors, Faster IFC Handling, Faster Generation of Schedules, Faster Library Reload, 64-bit BIM Server on MacOS.

When will ArchiCAD 14 ship?

ArchiCAD 14 will be available for purchase worldwide as of June 1. Physical shipment of localized versions will start on June 9, with the INT, US, GER, AUT, AUS, and NZE versions. Following a tight release schedule, all 26 local versions are planned to reach the market by the end of Q3 2010.

What are the System Requirements for ArchiCAD 14?

Please visit our Support page for detailed information on the system requirements for ArchiCAD 14.

What will happen with my existing EcoDesigner license in ArchiCAD 14?

The GRAPHISOFT EcoDesigner add-on's compatibility upgrade will be available as a free download to all GRAPHISOFT EcoDesigner users who upgrade their ArchiCAD license to V14. At the same time, ArchiCAD 14 EcoDesigner will introduce a number of enhancements that help refine the energy evaluation model both for "warm" and "cold" climates.

What will happen with my existing MEP Modeler license in ArchiCAD 14?

The GRAPHISOFT MEP Modeler add-on's compatibility upgrade will be available as a free download to all GRAPHISOFT MEP Modeler users who upgrade their ArchiCAD license to V14. No functional developments in this compatibility update will be released.

What will happen with my existing Virtual Building Explorer license in ArchiCAD 14?

The GRAPHISOFT VBE add-on's compatibility upgrade will be available as a free download to all GRAPHISOFT VBE users who upgrade their ArchiCAD license to V14. No functional developments in this compatibility update will be released.

What is Open Design Collaboration?

Great architecture requires collaboration of all design disciplines. Architects have a central role in coordinating all aspects of their design with other disciplines during the entire design process. ArchiCAD 14 turns IFC technology into full-fledged workflow solutions enabling collaboration with engineers regardless of their discipline or the name and version of the application they prefer working with. This "open" approach to interdisciplinary collaboration greatly broadens designers' options for real Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) resulting in faster delivered projects and significantly less coordination errors.

What is IFC?

The Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data model is a neutral and open specification that is not controlled by a single vendor or group of vendors. It is an object oriented file format with a data model developed by buildingSMART - an international alliance of built environment sector professionals, contractors, suppliers and client groups who promote the benefits of interoperability and open standards for information sharing in the building industry, and is a commonly used format for Building Information Modeling (BIM). The IFC model specification (ISO-PAS 16739) is available at www.iai-tech.org.
Visit the IFC Support page

How Does ArchiCAD14 Turn IFC Technology Into Workflow Solutions?

ArchiCAD 14 introduces workflow solutions that help bridge the different requirements for BIM models between architects and the various engineering disciplines of the AEC industry. Model mapping, element classification, IFC reference model version tracking and change management support help the coordination between architects and engineers become a smooth and automatic process.

What are ArchiCAD 14's Engineering Solutions?

GRAPHISOFT offers seamless connection based on native file format or IFC with most of the leading global and local engineering solutions that among others include:

• SCIA ESA PT
• Tekla Structures v16
• Revit Structure 2010
• Revit MEP 2010
• FEM Design v7
• Axis VM v8
• SAP2000 v11
• ETABS v9
• Green Building Studio
• Energy Plus
• Riuska
• ArchiPhysik
• ECOTECT
• IES
• AutoCAD MEP 2010

Read more on the ArchiCAD Interoperability pages

What is the Revit IFC import/export plug-in?

The free downloadable add-in for Revit Structure, developed by GRAPHISOFT, helps map architectural and structural models through the IFC-based export/import process between Revit Structure and ArchiCAD. The free downloadable add-in for Revit MEP helps correctly interpret imported elements as MEP Modeler elements (provided that a MEP Modeler license is available). Both plug-ins can be downloaded from the ArchiCAD download site.

What Does Reference Model Version Tracking Mean?

For best-in-class coordination workflow with Engineers, ArchiCAD 14 allows architects to compare IFC model versions and to import only differences, displaying design changes with color codes in the architectural model context. Current and previous versions of the IFC model can be compared and differences be displayed in the context of the architectural model highlighting new, modified and deleted elements with different colors. Model-based, on-screen change management makes it easier to handle all iterations.

What is GRAPHISOFT BIM Server and BIM Server Manager?

GRAPHISOFT BIM Server is a free, stand-alone application that ships with ArchiCAD. This application is the core of ArchiCAD Next-Gen Teamwork solution that enables hosting and shared BIM projects for larger and/or distributed teams. GRAPHISOFT BIM Server Manager is the "interface" to the GRAPHISOFT BIM Server that is installed automatically and run along with the BIM Server. Optionally the BIM Server Manager can also be installed as a stand-alone application on any computer to manage the BIM Server remotely.

What is Teamwork "Single-User" Mode?

The "Single-User" Mode enables one-click reservation of all project elements including model parts, navigator views and attributes. Project leaders can reserve the entire project with one click for setting up the scheme in early stages of Teamwork Projects and assign specific jobs to other project team members when needed. "Single-User" mode also helps solo practitioners utilize the full potential of the powerful BIM Server infrastructure.

What is Teamwork "Pack & Go"?

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 physical access to the BIM Server from any remote computer. All you need is a pen drive: create a "Travel Pack" out of your local copy of the Teamwork project and/or libraries. Once you get to the remote computer, just plug it in and continue your work – no need to access the BIM Server or download large data packages. Optionally, if you do have access to the BIM Server, you can send in your changes from the remote machine, too.