What is ArchiCAD?

ArchiCAD is an architectural BIM CAD software tool developed by Graphisoft. It offers specialized solutions for handling all common aspects of aesthetics and engineering during the whole design process of the built environment: buildings, interiors, urban areas, etc.

ArchiCAD is recognized as the first CAD product on a personal computer able to create both 2D drawings and parametric 3D geometry. Third party vendors and manufacturers of architectural products have compiled libraries of architectural components for use in ArchiCAD. The program includes Geometric Description Language (GDL) used to create new components.

Various free and commercial add-on products and extensions add extra functionality to ArchiCAD or provide further data exchange possibilities with other software applications. ArchiCAD introduces a comprehensive ecosystem of solutions to ease the creation, sharing, and finding of custom BIM Components.

Why should you learn?

• ArchiCAD is a complete design suite with 2D and 3D drafting, visualization, and other functions for architects, designers, and planners. By learning ArchiCAD, you will learn a wide range of software applications that would cover most of the design needs of an architectural office such as:

• 2D CAD: drawing tools for creating accurate and detailed technical drawings.

• 3D Modeling: a 3D CAD interface specially developed for architects capable of creating various kinds of building forms.

• Architectural rendering and Visualization software: a high performance rendering tool to produce photorealistic pictures or videos.

• Desktop publishing: with similar features to mainstream DTP software to compose printed materials using technical drawings pixel based images and texts.

• Document management: a central data storage server with remote access, versioning tool with backup and restore features

• Building information modeling software: not just a collection of the above mentioned applications with an integrated user interface but a novel approach to building design called BIM