THE COBBLER’S WORKBENCH
There are a lot of objects, add-ons, tutorials, templates, etc. out there for ArchiCAD. Below is an embarrassingly old and incomplete collection of websites that have resources to help you use ArchiCAD to its fullest. I once updated this page regularly but it’s been a million years since I last revisited the content below. I’ve thought about removing this page because I don’t have the time to maintain it anymore, but something is better than nothing. So it stays. If you think there’s a website I should include e-mail me. Want to know why I created the list? Read this.
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BIM Protocols – Objects – Templates – Add-Ons & Plug-ins – Integrated Programs – Free Objects
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TUTORIALS
These are the current official training videos from GRAPHISOFT. There are five volumes and over twenty hours of videos.
I’ve started compiling a list of YouTube channels with ArchiCAD Tutorial Videos. Right now it’s just a long blog post, but I intend to create a similar page like this one once I flesh out the list some more. Click on the above link to find out more and also to share your favorite YouTube Channels for ArchiCAD Tutorials, Tips, and Tricks.
Link Ellis and Chris Clark of BIM6x have a ton of great services available to ARCHICAD users. In June of 2016, I asked Link to share the story of why he and Chris offer ArchiBoost, a 90 minute online training session.
Eric Bobrow’s ArchiCAD Best Practices Course & QuickStart Course
I’ve written about Eric Bobrow’s Courses before. His courses are a combination of online videos, live webinars, and personalized training calls.
According to LearnVirtual’s website, offers the largest collection of ArchiCAD online training with over 1,200 videos and 200 classes.
GDL Cookbook & Object Making with ArchiCAD
David Nicholson Cole wrote the definitive book(s) on learning GDL and making Objects in ArchiCAD. The link will take you to an article on my blog written by one of my ArchiCAD heroes as well as links to download the various versions of each book (for free!).
GDL Handbook (Second edition) by Andrew Watson
If you want even more GDL textbook learning, check out Cadimage’s offering. This book was written by Andrew Watson, a developer in the Cadimage Group team who has worked on “almost all aspects of the Cadimage suite of Objects and Tools and is the original developer of the Stairs and Door+Window tools for ArchiCAD”. So if the guy who has written endless lines of GDL script for Cadimage is writing a book about GDL, you know he’ll have good things to teach you.
BIM PROTOCOLS – ARCHICAD
AEC (UK) BIM Protocols – ARCHICAD
The above link will take you to a post on Shoegnome talking about the UK protocol document for ArchiCAD designed for use with BIM projects, known as the AEC (UK) BIM Protocols. It‘s a great document and should be used as a model for future protocol development.
Currently I’m not aware of any other BIM protocols specifically for ArchiCAD out there, so if you know of one please let me know.
OBJECTS
I wrote a review of Master Script’s Total Zone and Total Marker. Masterscript has a combination of 3D objects and workflow enhancement tools/objects. He also has a great keynote object.
CADSwift has a combination of 3D objects, enhanced label objects, and templates. Read Kristian’s guest post.
ArchiRADAR has a number of ARCHICAD objects for sale, including a ton of really beautiful trees.
3DMD makes a number of awesome 3D polyline based objects, including a polyline railing, fence, and pathway.
Ben Cohen provides a suite of 160+ library objects geared for the Australian market.
Dimensions Design Group, Inc. makes Smart Parts. The various libraries include windows+doors, kitchen+bath, trim+stairs, various furniture and more. One of my coworkers still swears by his ArchiCAD 6.5 Smart Parts that he purchased over a decade ago.
Rik Corporation has a really extensive landscaping and exteriors library. It looks like there are some pretty incredible features. The page I link to is in English, but the rest of the site is in Japanese. And unfortunately while my brother lives in Tokyo and is fluent in Japanese, I live in Minnesota and am essentially monolingual. However it looks like Rik Corporation might have some other ArchiCAD Add-ons and libraries.
TEMPLATES
I’ve made my ArchiCAD template available to anyone who wants it. Monetary support is appreciated, but not necessary. You can learn more about the Shoegnome Open Template and how to download it here.
From BIM6x’s website: “The BIM6x Template Kits for ArchiCAD 19 are the culmination of decades of ArchiCAD implementation experience and are based on the feedback of thousands of users, with ongoing support from Graphisoft.” Half of BIM6x is Link Ellis, who is one of my ArchiCAD Heroes. BIM6x offers three versions of their template: a Starter Kit, a Launch Kit and a Power Kit.
From their website: “macinteract is a Sydney, Australia-based company providing Apple-based IT services to creative professionals.” Arne Heeres wrote a guest blog post for me about both their template and their template creation philosophy. You can read that post here.
The Clean Template by Master Script
“Clean template is a standard ArchiCAD template, but without any attributes, libraries, views, layouts, project preferences and so on. It is perfect to start building your own template from scratch. Additionally you can also use it to open ArchiCAD fast for merging DWG or IFC.” Read more about it here.
ADD-ONs & Plug-ins
AECobjects (a division of ARCHIVISTA, inc) has Modelport, which is an add-on that will import OBJ, FBX, DAE, and 3DS files into ArchiCAD as Objects. “MODELPORTÂ uses the Autodesk FBX SDK, which is the same code used by Autodesk to create a bridge between their popular 3D software: Maya, Softimage XSI, 3DStudio MAX, etc.”
Cadimage has a range of plugins to help extend the functionality of ArchiCAD. They’ve got tools to build custom Cabinets, Doors+Windows, detailed Cladding for exteriors and more. I know a lot of users that are rabid fans of many of their plugins and Objects. Encina is now also a part of Cadimage. So FrameWright Pro, gbXML Export, and most importantly OBJECTiVE are now part of the Cadimage family. If you’ve ever asked how to model something extremely difficult and complex on the ArchiCAD forum, you’ve probably gotten a reply from Ralph Wessel showing how easy it is to do with OBJECTiVE.
Cigraph sells ArchiSuite, which is about 17 different add-ons in one.
Éptár Ltd. are longtime developers of ArchiCAD Add-Ons and GDL objects. Their site has a mixture of paid and free objects and Add-Ons. They have a tiling add-on and a Reinforcement add-on that both look really interesting. They also have a free roll-up door object that is quite nice.
KUBUS (the Graphisoft and Solibri distributor for Benelux) developed BCF Managers for both Revit and ArchiCAD. What is BCF? Building Collaboration Format (BCF) allows issues found by model checking software to be easily displayed in ArchiCAD or Revit. BCF enables an efficient collaboration workflow for model quality assurance and quality control, and is supported by Solibri, BIMsight, Tekla Structures and DDS-CAD.
They have a variety of small (and inexpensive) add-ons that do all the little things you wish ArchiCAD could do (copying 3D elements in section, autoplacing gutters, having walls change height when the stories are revised, etc).
If the object, plug-in, or add-on you are looking for doesn’t exist, I know most of these providers would be happy to talk to you about developing a custom object for you.
INTEGRATED PROGRAMS
Orthograph makes a survey program that allows you to input measurements onsite via an iPad and then export native ArchiCAD objects directly to ArchiCAD. I’ve mentioned Orthograph a few times on the blog.
From SyD’s website: “SyD™ cloud computing technology expands BIM collaboration environment to share and discuss designs between architects, engineers and clients. Share part of a floor plan, discuss a 3D view in a model or swap ideas on a specific object.”
 vintoCON
A spin-off company from Graphisoft, vintoCON makes ArchiFM which extends ArchiCAD’s functionality into the realm of BIM based Facilities Management.
From dRofus’s website: “dRofus is a unique planning, data management and BIM collaboration tool. dRofus provides all stakeholders with comprehensive workflow support and access to building information throughout the building lifecycle.”
FREE OBJECTS
This website of course has to come first in any list of ArchiCAD object resources. It is a game changer. It’ll be interesting to see if all the content from the other free sites ends up on BIMcomponents or if there will still be some rogue objects out there. With direct integration into ArchiCAD 16 (you can search BIMcomponents.com from within ArchiCAD and load objects directly into the embedded library), this site has the potential to make most of the other 3rd party free object repositories obsolete. It is essentially Google Warehouse but by Graphisoft and for ArchiCAD. The big ‘killer app’ being that the website can easily incorporate user generated content. And objects can be uploaded from ArchiCAD, so it should be easy to integrate into your object making workflow.
Vistasp Mehta’s ArchiCAD Stuff
In addition to some free objects, Vistasp’s website also has a search function that will search about 16 ArchiCAD websites.
This was the largest collection of free ArchiCAD objects online (until BIMcomponents stormed onto the scene). There are some nice furniture pieces and a lot of 3D objects that are great for improved visualization. Be warned there’s a lot of garbage and objects ported from other programs. But if you need to populate a BIMx file, this site is your friend.
Another new(er) entrant, this site also has content for multiple platforms. My favorite part of this site is the ease of filtering objects down by file type. I don’t care about REVIT families. I just want GDL objects. Like most (all) object repository sites, I see a lot of objects from other sites. But there’s also enough unique objects to warrant checking it out.
Éptár Ltd. are longtime developers of ArchiCAD Add-Ons and GDL objects. Their site has a mixture of paid and free objects and Add-Ons. Their free roll-up door object is quite nice. They also have a bunch of objects for interiors and a new roof tile object (only for windows as of December 2012).
Ilauszky Endre, the Owner of manuBIMsoft Ltd., wrote a guest post about his company and website. The concept is great, I wish him the best of luck, and the objects he’s already developed are incredible. I look forward to seeing much more from manuBIM.
Modlar (formerly BIMstop and Barrington Architecture) has a large number of quality free objects for ArchiCAD (plus Revit, Vectorworks, and SketchUp). Some are duplicates from the ArchiCAD Talk Object Depository, but most are not. Scott Barrington, CEO of Modlar, wrote a guest blog post about their mission. Read it here.
This is an interesting looking site. It’s not exclusively ArchiCAD content, but it seems to have a good amount. And stuff I haven’t seen elsewhere. The most intriguing thing I’ve downloaded so far is the the Hunter Pacific fan object. It was actually developed by CADSwift, which suggests that the other ArchiCAD content on this site will be GOOD.
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For more information on ArchiCAD resources check out http://archicad.lap.hu/
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There’s also a comprehensive list of ArchiCAD object websites on the ArchiCAD Help Center (formerly ArchiCADwiki).
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Karen
For someone just starting out, this is great information! Thank you
Jared Banks
My pleasure. Glad to help steer you in some good directions!
Bill Medlow - NYC ArchiCAD User Group member
Hi Jared
I hope all is going well.
In the be past there were 3D objects packaged on a CD for ArchiCAD by Graphisoft.
I am wondering what you have seen for new 3D automobiles for ArchiCAD objects.
Please advise.
Jared Banks
If BIMcompenents.com doesn’t have what you need and you can’t find anything on the other various GDL object sites, I’d recommend one of two things:
1) search https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/ for SketchUp files you can import directly into ARCHICAD. If the file version is too new, you might need to open them in the free version of SketchUp and save down to whatever version ARCHICAD can currently oepn.
2) look into getting the Modelport add-on for ARCHICAD. That’ll allow you to import .obj, .fbx. and other file types that will have tons of great vehicles. But honestly, I’d wager if you are just looking for automobiles, you’ll be able to find everything you need in the 3Dwarehouse as an .skp file.
MarkV
Add Modlar.com to your list of free objects.
Jared Banks
Mark, this is a sign that I need to spend a day on my resources page! Modlar was on the list, but under their old name: BIMstop. At least I was calling them that and not their original name: Barrington Architecture. Thanks for the comment. I’ve updated their listing.
Damian
Hey Jared,
I’ve found a new site with non free objects but I don’t know how good they are.
http://www.hhdplans.com/architectural_objects.html
Jared Banks
Thanks. I’ll check it out.
jon
i wonder, why dont graphisoft just buys out cigraph and integrate it into the archicad workflow¿¿
the terra, forma and stair tools provided in the archisuite seem to be way ahead of what archicad provides out of the box. it seems mind boggling to me that you can´t make a straight stair with a landing in archicad.
Jared Banks
GRAPHISOFT buying Cadimage, Cigraph, etc. are long standing wishes of many users.
Ehije
Hi, anytime i try to download the open template for ArchiCAD 19 i get redirected to the ArchiCAD 20 version. Can you help me out? Thanks
Jared Banks
You can download earlier versions of my template from the FAQ.
Andrey
You can do a lot with morph and then convert it to kind of object you need however what I miss is unlimited capabilities of such tools as the ones we can find in other 3d software.
Jared Banks
We can create Objects using geometry from a combination of any ARCHICAD tools-Beams, Columns, Shells, Morphs, Meshes, etc. If we can’t make the geometry in ARCHICAD using the standard tools, with GDL we can script pretty much anything. However if there is still geometry we can’t adequately model, it’s easy to create the geometry in another program and import it. This is why ARCHICAD has strong importing capabilities and powerful links to Rhino and Grasshopper. The program is created to be part of an ecosystem of design. All programs have limitations, whether it’s modeling, documenting, etc. To say other programs are unlimited and ARCHICAD isn’t doesn’t hold up. We just need to find the right solutions to our problems.
Andrey
I believe we spoke about this on some other post. I agree with you, in essence. For time being I generally use Archicad so I can make visualizations of my ideas and when time comes transfer them to you, licensed architects and engineers. I have not been so lucky to find my calling early in life so my use of this software is a bit different then yours mr. Banks. I started almost 2 decades ago when I was working and traveling the world from 97. to 06. On beginning of Millennia I bought 3D Home architect and while working 70 hours a week for full length of (mostly) 7 month contracts, I spent some time with it. I passed through 50+ countries and when I came back to construction in 06., expanded to real estate and design, I believe it was version 11 I started to get acquainted with Archicad. Little later I went through some payed training’s, courses and bought it, on a bank credit. I’ve tried different ones, well not exactly architecture programs but I’ve spent some time with 3ds max, C4D, Maya and others. Those three per example have unlimited modeling capabilities however they do miss easiness of Archicad in precision and the fact that Archicad is made for construction design. Also there is a possibility that I will hire architect for company so my know how will have multiple positive benefits. GDL not my cup of tea while with a couple more tools in morph we could do much more. I found C4D to be adequate add on but I get into conflict with myself justifying buying whole another software of its size. But that would, with Adobe pallet, round up what I am looking to round up for very long time now. Warm regards Mr. Banks and keep up the good work.
Bram Alexander Lyng Andersen
Hi Jared
Great list, here’s some candidates:
Fuzor – https://www.kalloctech.com
BIMeye – https://www.bimeye.com
BIMm – http://bimm-gmbh.de/en/
POINTcap – http://www.pointcab-software.com/en/tutorials/cad-tutorials/graphisoft-archicad/
Glasshouse – http://www.glasshousebim.com/index-EN.html
odpenBIM studio – http://openbimstudio.com/en
Jared Banks
Thanks! I guess I have a lot of websites to checkout. I really appreciate you sharing more useful sites.