ArchiCAD - architectural CAD software

ArchiCAD is an architectural CAD-software, which can be run on either Macintosh or Windows. This software was developed by the Hungarian company Graphisoft. ArchiCAD was originally developed in 1982 for Apple Macintosh, where it become a very popular product as was soon recognized as the first CAD product for a personal computer with the capability to create both 2D and 3D drawings. Today over 100,000 architects use ArchiCAD in the building design industry.

ArchiCAD lets the operator work with data-enhanced parametric objects, known as smart objects, which allows the designer to create a virtual building complete with virtual structural elements such as walls, roofs, doors, windows, and furniture. The designer has available to them a variety of pre-designed, customizable objects in a catalog, also known as a library.

Recent versions ArchiCAD allows the designer to work with either a 2D or 3D representation on the screen. In addition, at any time 2D drawings can be exported, even if the model in the program's database stores data in 3D. Plans, elevations, and sections are created from the 3D virtual building model, and are continuously updated. Detail drawings are based on enlarged portions of the model, with 2D details added in.

There are some third-party vendors as well as other manufacturers of architectural products who have compiled libraries of architectural components, which can be used in ArchiCAD. The program includes Geometric Description Language used to create new components.

The latest version of ArchiCAD released in 2006, is ArchiCAD 10. In this version, improvements were made in workflow and increase compatibility with other Graphisoft products used by construction managers.

ArchiCAD has the ability to import and export DWG, DXF IFC, and SketchUp files among others. Graphisoft is an active member of the International Alliance for Interoperability (IA), an industry organization that publishes standards for file and data interoperability for architectural CAD.

For more information on ArchiCAD, please visit their website at: graphisoft.com/products/archicad/

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