This is the smallest change to my template between versions, ever. There’s a couple reasons for this. I just updated my Archicad 29 template about two months ago and added most of the backlog that would have gone into my Archicad 30 template. There’s not a huge number of updates in Archicad 30 that require template changes (no major tool updates or new features that require ground-up template development). After working on the template for over thirteen years, it’s getting harder and harder to find items I want to improve—or things that I want to change that don’t require extensive testing before sharing with everyone. And even some of the alterations I’ve made to the template feel experimental. I revised Project Info now that we have folders and the ability to reorganize the list. I moved all the unnecessary Project Info that can’t be renamed or deleted to a NOT USED folder. Like seriously, it’s 2026, who needs ‘Client Fax’? I know there’s more I want to add and I’m not completely sold on how I’ve arranged everything. I expect that to change in 2027 once I have some active projects in my Archicad 30 template. If anyone has thoughts on how we should be organizing and using Project Info, please share.
The release of my Archicad 30 template is about getting the basics of the template migration worked out, testing out a few things, and setting myself up to experiment more in the coming months. Because in addition to continued small explorations like Project Info, Folders in the Project Map, and controlling what data gets exported to the BIMx model, there’s a huge (and scary) experiment ahead of me (well all of us) with both the template and Archicad: AI.
Increased AI integration is the most significant change to Archicad 30. Exploring how AI can improve our Archicad usage is on my to do list for later this month and December (I plan to do one or two videos on it). I have a strong feeling once I understand how to use the MCP Server and/or Tapir, there’ll be a lot of cool template improvements. Even outside of those connections, AI will be extremely valuable in improving the template (and how we work in Archicad). A simple example is my improved Parking Space object. I used AI to help me problem solve GDL issues to add features I’ve been wanting in that Object for years. The hard part wasn’t using AI, it was actually figuring out what I wanted to do. And that’s where I feel like I am with all the AI potential right now. There’s this powerful tool that I don’t really understand and also an endless number of problems I’ve never bothered to focus on because they’ve felt insurmountable.
What changes do I want to make to the Shoegnome Open Template, my daily Archicad workflows, and honestly how I practice as an architect now that I have access to more problem solving power? How do I use AI to spend more time thinking and less time doing? Where do I even start? I need to clear my head and schedule to tackle those daunting challenges. Thus the process starts with getting the template updated and released, not holding it hostage to what might come next.
Before you migrate project to Archicad 30!
When migrating a template or existing project to Archicad 30 make sure Archicad 30 sees the Archicad 30 Global Libraries rather than continuing to reference the previous Global Libraries and remove unnecessary Linked Markers if you’re migrating from Archicad 28 or earlier (if you have Renovation Filters that hide the Existing Status). Also if you open an old file in Archicad 30 and walls are missing, don’t panic, this is what’s going on.
Ready to download the template? Click the big support button or go to the template page. As always the template is free; clicking the PayPal support button (below or on the template page) is optional. Every time PayPal sends me an email notification that someone clicked the support button—whether it’s for $5 or $300—it brightens my day. If you support my template with a contribution of $100 or more and send me an email with your address, I’ll ship you an 8 oz tumbler as a thank you. The PayPal button below will take you to the latest version of the Shoegnome Open Template.
Shoegnome Open Template v30 changes:
- IFC Translators (Revised) – I made a lot of tweaks to align them with the latest OOTB translators.
- Project Info (Revised) – Added folders and items, reorganized list.
- Project Map (Revised) – I added some folders, but I’m not sure they work well as part of the Template (they aren’t automated enough).
- Publisher Set (Revised) – Revised BIMx publisher set properties to control what Project Info and Element Info shows in the BIMx file. The BIMx schedule is a work in progress.
- Properties (Revised) – Added additional trees to Species property and other tweaks to the Tree Properties.
- Model View Options (Revised) – Minor tweaks to a lot of them.
- Object (Revised) – Parking Space SG30.gsm replaces Parking Space SG24.gsm
- Object (New) – Noguchi Table SG30 replaces the 2D Noguchi Table object (this Object didn’t need AI help, but I used lessons from my earlier GDL adventures with AI to make it).
- Favorite (New) – Noguchi Table
- Favorite (New) – Batten using the Beam Tool because Beams can be cut by Openings (Columns can’t).
- Favorite (Revised) – Stair (Simple Wood)
- Favorite (Revised) – Stair (Simple Concrete)
- Favorite (Revised) – Updated all cabinet Favorites shelf Surface to match exterior of cabinet.
- Keynote (New) – Siding A, Siding B, and Siding C (so you can place notes before siding is finalized.
Shoegnome Open Template v29.2 changes (updated 9/8/2026):
- Favorite (Revised) – Updated basically all Object Favorites – the Name (Attribute) IFC property wasn’t linked to the Element ID and was listed as Toilet, which is kind of funny because I use toilets as the example element/starting Object all the time in videos.
- Favorite (Revised) – Window – Standard Siding, fixed sill to window relationship.
- Favorite (New) – Tree Tag
- Favorite (New) – Panel Siding (Rainscreen, 1″ insulation)
- Favorite (New) – Panel Siding (Rainscreen, 2″ insulation)
- Composite (New) – 5 | Exterior Finish – 5/16″ siding, 1×2 vertical furring, 1″ R-5 Insulation
- Composite (Renamed/revised) – 5 | Exterior Finish – 5/16″ siding, 1×2 vertical furring, 2″ R-5 Insulation
- Composite (Renamed/revised) – 5 | Exterior Finish – 5/16″ siding, 1×2 vertical furring
- Standard Note (Revised) – revised air leakage note
- Layer Combination (Revised) – FAR Diagrams, removed unnecessary Layers
- Properties (Revised) – Added additional trees to Species property
- Keynote (New) – Template Advice: T 03, 3D Views to JPG
- Layout Book (Revised) – various minor changes
- Graphic Override (Revised) – White Model – Cut, cover fills is True (like White Model – Uncut)
- Misc – other small changes I didn’t bother tracking
What are you waiting for?
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