ArchiCAD Protection Key Types

ArchiCAD requires a hardware or software protection key to run in unlimited “full” or “commercial” mode. The following protection key types exist to date:

Notes:

1. The old Mac protection key (type Microguard for versions 5 and 5.1 and type Rainbow Sentinel for versions 6.0 and 6.5) was not backward-compatible, however the Archicad Install CD contained the previous ArchiCAD version recompiled to run with the new protection key
2. The ArchiCAD 7.0 CD contained a special version of Archicad 6.0 (r5/v5), Archicad 6.5 (r4/v4), which runs with WIBU key.
3. To run ArchiCAD 10-12 with CodeMeter, the CodeMeter Enabler is required.

Protection Key Troubleshooting Guides

WibuKey

• How to troubleshoot Wibu Key issues
• How to report Wibu Key issues

CodeMeter hardware-based protection key

• How to troubleshoot CodeMeter issues
• Known CodeMeter issues and solutions
• How to report CodeMeter issues to Local Technical Support/Distributor

CodeMeter software-based protection key

•  How to troubleshoot software protection key issues

WibuKey compatibility

Products supported: ArchiCAD 6.0 and upwards, MEP Modeler, EcoDesigner

WibuKey was introduced with ArchiCAD 7.0, however the ArchiCAD 7.0 CD contained a special version of Archicad 6.0 (r5/v5), Archicad 6.5 (r4/v4), which runs with WIBU key. The WibuKey licenses are backward compatible, meaning that with an ArchiCAD 13 license you can run anything from ArchiCAD 6.0r5 to ArchiCAD 13.

With a single key, you can run as many ArchiCAD copies (any version of it) on the same computer as you like. If you are connected to a NET Key, running multiple copies of the same ArchiCAD version uses one license. Running copies of different ArchiCAD versions may use one or more licenses from the Key Server, depending on the protection “version group” of ArchiCAD. These ArchiCADs belong to the same version group:

With ArchiCAD 16 licenses:

• ArchiCAD 6.0; 6.5; 7.0
• ArchiCAD 8; 8.1; 9; 10; 11; 12
• ArchiCAD 13; 14
• ArchiCAD 15; 16

With ArchiCAD 17 licenses each ArchiCAD version belongs to a separate version group:

• ArchiCAD 17
• ArchiCAD 16
• ArchiCAD 15
• …

With ArchiCAD 18 licenses:

• ArchiCAD 18
• ArchiCAD 17, 16, 15, 14, 13
• earlier ArchiCAD versions

Note for users upgrading to ArchiCAD 13: if you start ArchiCAD on the same machine where the key is plugged, then ArchiCAD 13 will use it as a Single key, and no other users can reserve licenses on this key. This behavior is new in ArchiCAD 13! To run ArchiCAD on the key-server machine:

• disable ‘Local’ Subsystem in the WkConfig .app (Mac) or in the WIBU Control Panel (PC)
• specify server address 127.0.0.1 (localhost) as the WkLAN Server.
• Then run the Wibu server
• Start ArchiCAD.

The future of WibuKey 

ArchiCAD 18 released in 2014 is the last version that supports Wibu (green) Hardware Keys. All further ArchiCAD versions will only support CodeMeter (Hardware Key) and CodeMeter Act (Software Key) protection technology.

In order to run further ArchiCAD versions the existing WibuKeys must be replaced with hardware or software protection keys.

Hardware-based protection key compatibility

Products supported: ArchiCAD 10 and upwards, MEP Modeler, EcoDesigner

CodeMeter key was introduced with ArchiCAD 13 in year 2009. CodeMeter keys can run however version 10, 11 and 12 too, if the following components are installed:

• CodeMeter driver – optional install from ArchiCAD install disk (v.13 and above) or available on the WIBU Download Page
• WibuKey driver – optional install from ArchiCAD install disk or available on the WIBU Download Page
• CodeMeter enabler – Available here

Running different versions of ArchiCAD (e.g. 10 and 15) simultaneously on the same computer will use one license from the CodeMeter NET key. It is possible to enable the License Borrowing feature in CodeMeter keys. (See Codemeter article for details)

 Software-based protection key compatibility

Products supported: ArchiCAD 13 and upwards, MEP Modeler, EcoDesigner

Software-Based Protection Keys – or Software Keys for short – have the same functionality as Hardware-Based Protection Keys, but instead of storing software licenses on an USB stick, the licenses are stored in a software container file on your computer. Software keys use the same CodeMeter technology as the metal USB keys most ArchiCAD users currently have. This means that any ArchiCAD version that is natively compatible with the CodeMeter keys (ArchiCAD 13 or higher) will also be compatible with the Software Key.

CodeMeter Software key was introduced with ArchiCAD 18 in year 2015. CodeMeter software keys can run however version 13-17 too. To be able to use the software based protection keys, the following components are required:

• CodeMeter driver – optional install from ArchiCAD install disk (v.13 and above) or available on the Codemeter Download Page.
• License Manager Tool (LMT) – The License Manager Tool is a software tool that enables you to manage GRAPHISOFT product licenses on your Protection Key.
• GRAPHISOFT ID along with a GRAPHISOFT ID company.

Running different versions of ArchiCAD (e.g. 13 and 15) simultaneously on the same computer will use one license from the Software-Based Protection key (either single or NET). It is possible to enable the License Borrowing feature in Software-Based Protection keys from ARCHICAD 19.

Compatibility with remote access software

Remote desktop

Remote desktop solutions allow one or more users to remotely sign in on one particular computer. Based on the nature of these technologies multiple users may be signed in on the same computer, so for this a NET (network) license is required. Each active user will require a separate license, so for example if you allow three different users to log in simultaneously on a computer a NET 3 license will be required. If you only access your work computer from home only one license will be required. If you need to convert your single license to a NET one, contact your local distributor.

A couple of remote desktop solutions:

• Microsoft’s RDP
• Citrix

Screen sharing

Screen sharing works on a little bit different way. Usually one client’s screen is being shared and the control is at one viewer. As a result, a single license is enough for this.

Couple of examples:

• VNC / OS X’s built in Screen sharing
• Teamviewer, join.me, GotoAssist, GotoMeeting, LogMeIn

Mixing Keys in the same Network

It is not recommended to run different key types in the same Network (e.g. a NET WibuKey and a NET CodeMeter Key). Use either WibuKey or CodeMeter.

Mixing WibuKey driver versions

AC 13 will not run if client and server WIBUkey drivers are different versions.

GRAPHISOFT had been testing Windows 10 beta and is continuously testing the final released version. We have found Windows 10 to be compatible with our current products. Any known issues found so far and to be found in the future will be published under the Known Issues section below.

Version compatibility:

ARCHICAD:

• v18-19: Compatible/supported (bugs will be fixed in Updates)
• v13-17: Compatible
• v12 and older: Not Compatible
• File converter versions: Compatible for converting files

ARCHICAD STAR(T) Edition:

• 2010-2015: Compatible
• 2008-2009: Not compatible

Known issues

BIMcloud Manager’s web interface cannot be opened with Microsoft Edge, installation can’t be completed

Affected versions: BIM Server and BIMcloud web interface| Severity: workaround applicable

During the configuration process of BIM Server and BIMcloud, the installer opens the default web browser, and on Windows 10 with the default settings Microsoft Edge opens, which can’t recognize the http://127.0.0.1:port address therefore the installation can’t be finished. The borwser also can’t recognize Fully Qualified Domain Name address (http://FQDN:port) or the http://Computer name:port.

Workaround:

Use another web browser or type http://localhost:port to the browser’s address bar instead of the IP, FQDN or computer name.

Unable to shrink the open-save dialog on Windows 10

Affected versions: 17 and newer| Severity: there is no workaround

Open and Save dialogs can’t be shrunk on Windows 10 platform. If you accidentally double click on the header and the dialog becomes full screen, it can’t be resetted to default, not even with a preferences cleaning.

The Home Story parameter in Favorites is a little bit hard to understand. Using a fix story as a saved parameter is not ideal when working in floor plan, and relative story (Open Story + 2) makes no sense when you’re in a 3D view or a section, so it can be used to something different. Basically, it’s useful when you want to place elements that are in the space of a story, but their actual home story is higher or lower. A good example for such, are Hanging Lamps, which are hung from the ceiling in a multi-story area (and you want to see them on the upper story’s ceiling plans), but the bottom of the lamp is actually in the ground floor area, so you need to adjust them to Furnitures on the ground floor. In this case, when you apply the Favorite to an element, it will remain in the same position, and ArchiCAD will find the Home story it should be on, based on the saved Offset value.

By default, this parameter is not applied with Favorites, because most of the time, you don’t need this feature.
For general information on this tool, see Favorites in ArchiCAD Help.

Let’s see an example to help you understand how this feature works.

Using the Home Story parameter of a Slab in Favorites

1. First, we have to allow ArchiCAD to apply Home Story parameter from Favourites:

Open Favorite Preferences from the Favorites palette (click the arrow in the top right corner of the Favorites palette, and choose it from the Drop-down menu), and untick the Slab>Home Story checkbox.

2. Now, let’s say we want to place a slab on the height of -1. Story, but we want 1. Story to be it’s home story. So, we go to the -1. Story, and open the Slab Default Settings panel:

We want the top of the slab to be on -3100 mm from Project 0, but we want it to be on the 1. Story, so we set the panel as in the picture (-6200 from Home Story). Then we save it as a Favorite (Hung from 2 stories above), and place it in the floor plan (just for reference)

3. Now, we want to place an element like this to a different floor, but we want it to be hung from 2 stories above again, so we will use the Favorite:

We go to the Ground floor, and open the Slab Default Settings panel again. Now we set it to 0 mm offset from project zero, and set Ground floor to be it’s home story (we basically set it back to default)

Now, we apply the previously saved Favorite to the default (we could also apply it to a placed slab), and it will put the Home story to two floors above (2. Story) based on the stored Offset (-6200 mm). You can see that the Home story changed, while the offset to project zero remained the same.

You can choose from the below listed ARCHICAD File converters to convert your ARCHICAD files to a format which is supported by current ARCHICAD versions.

The latest ArchiCAD File converters can be find on : Graphisoft.com
Here you can aslo fint the FAQ on installation, platform and protection compatibility.

ARCHICAD 10 Package

ARCHICAD 10 Package – opens files from version 6.5 to 10 and saves into ARCHICAD 10 format.

ARCHICAD 9 Package

ARCHICAD 9 Package – opens files from version 5.0 to 9 saves into ARCHICAD 9 format.

ARCHICAD 7.0 Package

ARCHICAD 7.0 Package – opens files from version 4.1 to 7 saves into ARCHICAD 7 format.

ArchiCAD 4.1-4.55 Mac format to v 4.1-4.55 PC format

There is an ArchiCAD File Exchange application included in these ArchiCAD packages which converts the Mac files to PC format. This becomes obsolete when using ArchiCAD 5.0 or later because these versions are able to save archive files (.pla) in multiplatform format.

ArchiCAD File Exchange works on 68k and PPC Macs. It runs under Mac OS 9 and [Mac_OS_X|Mac OS X]] too, as a ‘Classic’ application.

Note: ‘Classic’ environment is only supported by Mac OS X 10.4 or earlier on PowerPC Macs. For help installing the Classic environment, read this: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh763.html

Download ArchiCAD File Exchange 2.11 Int’l (600 kB)

ArchiCAD 3.4.x version

If you use ArchiCAD 3.4.x, use the ArchiCAD File Converter application to save your old (v 3.4.x to v 4.0.x plan files) in v4.1 format.
The files saved in ArchiCAD 4.1 format can be opened with ArchiCAD 5.0 to 7.0 versions on the same platform.

In case of ArchiCAD 8 and later, the oldest file version they can open is version 5.0. So if you have a 3.4x plan file, you need convert it and open the version 4.1 file in ArchiCAD 5.0 to 7.0. Save it, then open that file in your current ArchiCAD version.
ArchiCAD File Converter application works both on 68k and PowerPC Macs. It runs under Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X too, as a ‘Classic’ application.

Note: ‘Classic’ environment is only supported by Mac OS X 10.4 or earlier on PowerPC Macs. For help installing the Classic environment, read this: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh763.html

Download ArchiCAD File Converter (292 kB)

Library

The Update Library Parts command could be used in the SpecialMenu of ArchiCAD 4.55 or later. Holding down the CMD-OPT key combination (CTRL-ALT on Windows can enable the SpecialMenu) while the program is being started.

Note: Features of the Special menu are not supported

Library Migration since ArchiCAD 10: LibraryMigration

Read indicates which is the earliest file format that the program can read
Write indicates which is the oldest file format the program can write
Protection indicates the oldest ARCHICAD version that runs with the protection
key supplied with the program

• ¹ Versions earlier than 4.12 existed only on Mac. They could read file versions from 1.x- and could not write earlier file versions
• ² 4.16 was the first Windows version. This could not read Macintosh files, but there was a converter tool that ran on Mac and converted Mac archive (PLA) files to windows format and 4.16 Windows files to Mac format. (You can find this converter here)
• ³ From 4.16 till 6.5r4 on Windows platform the Sentinel protection key was used. The sentinel key could run earlier ARCHICAD versions also protected by Sentinel. (e.g. a 6.5 key could run ARCHICAD 4.16)
• ⁴ The Mac protection key (type Microguard for versions 5 and 5.1 and type Rainbow Sentinel for versions 6.0 and 6.5) was not backward-compatible,
  however the ARCHICAD Install CD contained the previous ARCHICAD version recompiled to run with the new protection key
• ⁵ From ARCHICAD 7.0, WIBU protection key was used on both platforms. WIBU is platform-independent, the same key works on Windows and MAC.
  The ARCHICAD 7.0 CD contained a special version of ARCHICAD 6.0 (r5/v5), ARCHICAD 6.5 (r4/v4), which runs with WIBU key.
• ⁶ Since ARCHICAD 10 MacTel version is the first ARCHICAD on this platform, it can not save earlier file formats. More on this topic: MacTel » FAQ
• ⁷ CodeMeter protection key was introduced in ARCHICAD 13 as an alternative to WibuKey. CodeMeter keys can run ARCHICAD 10, 11 and 12 with the CodeMeter Enabler tool.
• ⁸ CodeMeter Software key was introduced with ARCHICAD 18 in year 2015. CodeMeter software keys can run however version 13-17 too.

Converting old files

Please find here all information on how to convert your old ArchiCAD files.

ARCHICAD license types

• ARCHICAD license types
• BIMx license types

Adiabatic walls are walls of the building shell that separate heated spaces. They are called adiabatic due to the absence of heat transfer through them. A typical example is a fire wall separating row-houses or other adjacent buildings.

Without modelling the zones of the adjacent building area correction helps you to take into account the effect of that building.

The structures of the building next to the other are categorised as external. You should eliminate it by reducing the area of these structures to 0 m².

In addition the amount of area with what the external structure was reduced with, has to be added to the internal structure.

Please note that also the Slab on grade structure must be modified according to the changed internal/external structure ratio.

In this way you can take into account the thermal effect of any adjacent building in Energy Calculation.

GRAPHISOFT strongly recommends to use the latest CodeMeter driver on all computers where license borrowing is used. To download the latest GRAPHISOFT tested driver visit: http://www.graphisoft.com/downloads/protection_key.html

The License Borrowing feature – available only with the CodeMeter NET protection system – allows individual users to “borrow” a license key temporarily if they will be going off-site, to enable use of the software even when the license server is not accessible – e.g. when visiting the client or on a business trip. This technology significantly reduces the risk of a lost or stolen hardware key.

The user can borrow a license with a single click using the ArchiCAD interface, and return it before it expires so that other users can access it.

You can purchase borrowable licenses with your NET key up to the number of ArchiCAD licenses available in the key. E.g. if you have a NET-10 key, you can make any or all of the 10 licenses borrowable.

There are two types of license borrowing:

• CodeMeter “Act” (Soft) License Borrowing: The borrowed license is represented by a license file on your computer – this license file is specific to the computer and cannot be transferred to another computer. After the borrowing period the license will automatically be released to the server. The license can also be manually released before the borrowing period is up. This license type is recommended for laptop users who wish to travel without a physical hardware protection key.
• CodeMeter “Key” License Borrowing: The license is borrowed into a physical CodeMeter hardware key. This is recommended for users who wish to take a license away to be used on their home (or any other) computer. The advantage of this compared to having a single-license hardware key is that losing the key does not mean losing the license, as borrowed licenses are automatically returned to the server after the expiration date. This type can only be ordered to hardware-based protection key.

CodeMeter “Act” (Soft) License Borrowing (CMA) and CodeMeter “Key” License Borrowing (CMK) are two different products. Only one type of borrowable license is allowed per CodeMeter NET key. If you want to buy both “Act” and “Key” borrowable licenses, you need to have 2 separate Codemeter NET keys – although we do NOT recommend having two NET keys in the same local network.

Availability of license borrowing

	ArchiCAD	Eco Designer	MEP modeler	BIMx
ArchiCAD 12 and older	–	–	–	–
ArchiCAD 13				–
ArchiCAD 14				–
ArchiCAD 15				–
ArchiCAD 16		– *
ArchiCAD 17		– *		– **
ArchiCAD 18		– *		– **
ArchiCAD 19		– *		– **

* Starting from ArchiCAD 16 Eco Designer is built-in to ArchiCAD.

** Starting from ArchiCAD 17 BIMx is built-in to ArchiCAD.

How to Borrow a License

License Borrowing works under the following conditions:

• ArchiCAD is running on your machine with a license from a CodeMeter NET key (either hardware or software key).
• The CodeMeter NET key contains borrowable licenses to use with ArchiCAD and/or other GRAPHISOFT programs (MEP, EcoDesigner)

The process of borrowing is as follows:

1. If you are already working on an ArchiCAD project, save it before you borrow a license.
2. In ArchiCAD, click on Help > License Information.
3. In the License Information dialog box, the Available Products section lists the relevant installed GRAPHISOFT products, by Product Name and License. Below, the Product Information section displays language version and other license information.

• In any case, borrowing is available only if the selected product’s License is “Network (CodeMeter)”.
• Click Borrow License. At this point, the program determines whether your client machine contains an “inactive” license, in the form of either a “soft” license file or on CodeMeter stick. Note: If no such “inactive” license is found, you are prompted to obtain one: see Obtaining an “Inactive” License (First-Time Borrowers)
• If the process is successful, the program lets you know that you have borrowed a license for the product, with a particular expiration date. In the License Information dialog box, the selected product’s License information is listed as either “Borrowed (CodeMeter Stick)” or “Borrowed (License file)”, depending on the form of protection used. The selected product is now shown with a “Return License” button: click here when you are ready to return the license. Once you return it, it becomes available for the next borrower.

The expiration date of the borrowed license is shown in the Product Information section. If your license expires before you return it, the program will automatically return it for you, even if you are not online. However, if your computer or local CodeMeter key becomes lost or broken during the borrowing period, there is no way to “return” the license until it becomes due (at which point it is returned automatically).

Obtaining an “Inactive” License (First-Time Borrowers)

The first time you try to borrow a license – whether an “Act” (soft) license or a “Key” (CodeMeter Stick) license – you will be warned that you have an “Inadequate License.”

You must now obtain a so-called “inactive” license via an automated internet transaction with Graphisoft, and then complete the Borrowing process. This is a single-click process if you have an internet connection. If you are online, click Connect. That is all you need to do.

For detailed steps how to create the inactive license file – even in offline mode – see this article.

This process, creating an “inactive” license locally before you can borrow, is necessary only once. Henceforth, each “borrow” and “return” function will alternately activate and deactivate that license file.

• Note: If your office uses CodeMeter Sticks (Key licenses), the CAD Manager can run this initial process (creating an “inactive” license) on each CodeMeter protection key using a single machine, and then distribute the key to the users who need to borrow a license. If your office uses the “Act” licenses, each user who wants to borrow a license must run through this process on his/her own machine.

If you are not connected to the internet, see License File Request Generation from a Remote Location

Enabling an MEP or EcoDesigner License

It is possible that you are running GRAPHISOFT’s MEP Modeler or EcoDesigner on your machine without a license key. (This means that you can view MEP elements or EcoDesigner interface in ArchiCAD, but you cannot edit them or access the related commands.) In this case, the License Information dialog box lists the license for this product as Disabled.

If your CodeMeter NET key contains a borrowable MEP or EcoDesigner license, click Enable to start using a license for the product: this way, you will have full access to its functions.

How to set up a CodeMeter license server

For detailed description see: CodeMeter/Server

Useful information

For detailed description how the server can be managed through WebAdmin interface see this article.

Also here we collected the discovered known issues.

In case you would like to use network licenses (e.g. instead of single licenses) first you need a CodeMeter hardware key or software key. Contact your local GRAPHISOFT partner to order one or to exchange your existing single key(s).

About the available license types see: ArchicadLicenseTypes

Single or network keys:

A so called single key can hold one license for each GRAPHISOFT product (ArchiCAD, MEP, EcoDesigner Star, BIMx) and can be used locally. You connect the hardware key to your computer’s USB port or download the software key with License Manager Tool(LMT) and if you have the CodeMeter driver installed (it is installed with ARCHICAD or with LMT) your GRAPHISOFT product will find a license and will run in commercial mode. Each workstation in an office needs to have an individual key.

A network key can hold multiple licenses related to each product (ArchiCAD, MEP, EcoDesigner Star, BIMx). To share them across multiple computers you need a CodeMeter server. It gives more flexibility than having individual keys as the licenses are allocated only when they are being used on one of the clients.

System requirements for a CodeMeter server

The CodeMeter server is part of the CodeMeter driver so you only need to select a computer on your network that will act as a CodeMeter server. To set up a CodeMeter server – as a network license server you will need the followings:

• a computer with network connection (should be running during work hours)
• the computer needs to have at least one free USB port for hardware key only
• CodeMeter driver needs to be installed (can be found on the installation DVD or can be downloaded from here)
• a connected CodeMeter hardware key or downloaded software key with network licenses

There is no need for server level operating system for the CodeMeter server. Any computer that has recent Windows or OS X versions is capable to act as CodeMeter server. (Windows 7, Window 8, Windows 8.1, OS X 10.8, 10.9, 10.10) Even one of the workstations can work as a CodeMeter server, you only need to keep it running during the work hours. (moving the CodeMeter server to one of the clients is a good troubleshooting solution in case anything happens to the server.)

Set up the server

After you have your server running and the CodeMeter driver is installed you can start the server following these steps:

All CodeMeter settings can be managed in CodeMeter WebAdmin. To start it:

• Open CodeMeter Center (from Applications or using the Start menu) and click on WebAdmin
• Or simply open localhost:22350 on your browser

(See CodeMeter/WebAdmin article about the available CodeMeter settings.)

To enable the CodeMeter server:

• Go to Configuration/Server tab
• Check Run Network Server checkbox
• Do not forget to Apply the changes

From that point the server runs and shares licenses on the local network.

• Check Run CmWAN Server checkbox to use the computer in a wide area network (WAN) and allow license accesses.
• Do not forget to Apply the changes

Client side settings

All client on the local network should find the server automatically. In case this does not work (e.g. your server is in a different subnet, or you are connecting remotely through the Internet) then you may need the specify the server’s hostname of IP address on the client:

• Open WebAdmin
• Configuration/Network
• Add the server to the Server Search List

This field may have more entries and the client searches for available licenses in the specified order. It only searches for the specified server unless the list is empty.

Access Control

With the default settings all computers on the same local network (same subnet) may use a license from the server. In case the access needs to be restricted:

• Open WebAdmin
• Configuration/Access Control

In case the Clients’ list is empty the above mentioned rule applies – anyone on the local network can use a license. In case at least one entry is specified here only the specified one/ones can request a license.

If the server is public on the Internet -as described here – or none is allowed to use a license, make sure that this list is filled correctly to avoid unwanted license usage.

You may want to check who is using a license:

• Open WebAdmin on the server computer
• Server/User tab

Here you can get list about the active clients and about clients having borrowed licenses.

Set up license borrowing

If your network key has a license borrowing product the clients can borrow a license. More about license borrowing.

IMPORTANT: in case license borrowing is used make sure all licenses are returned/expired before doing any of the followings:

• In relation to upgrading to newer ArchiCAD version
  • upgrading the licenses with LMT or on the upgrade site.
  • installing a new main version of ArchiCAD (for more details go here )

  In relation to other changes

  • unplugging the server CodeMeter key from the computer or transferring it to a different one (even with the same network specification)
  • uninstalling, reinstalling the CodeMeter driver
  • re-installing the Operating system (Windows, OS X)
  • changing the IP address of the server computer

  For details see: CodeMeter/LicenseStuck

There is no additional setting needed to enable license borrowing but you might want to customize the following settings:

Borrow duration: By default the borrowed licenses are valid for 30 days, that means that if the license is not returned within this period the license will expire and will be automatically returned to the server. You can customize this maximum time:

• Open WebAdmin
• Go to Configuration/Borrowing
• Set the preferred ‘Maximum Borrow Duration’

Note that the maximum time is 30 days so you can specify only shorter time periods. The period needs to be specified in minutes.

Maximum number of borrowable licenses:

You can also maximize the number of licenses that are allowed to be in borrowed state. Enter the preferred value to the ‘Maximum Borrow Quantity field’. This cannot be more than the navailable license quantity of the borrowing product. Start LMT to list the number of licenses you have and check the quantity of the LBRK (for keyplug based borrowing) or LBRA (for file based license borrowing) products.

Borrowing from a Software NET Key:

IMPORTANT: From a Software NET Key it is only possible to borrow a license to a file (computer).

Server identification:

Each client identifies the server by host name or IP addresses. This can be customized on the server level, so when the server issues the license the client gets the chosen address and will try to return the license to that. On networks with reliable DNS settings Server name identification is the best choice, but on networks without that or in mixed platform environment (Macs & PCs) choose identification based on IP addresses. In that case it is important to use static IP address for the Server.

To customize all of these settings Overwrite Entry Settings checkbox should be checked. It is strongly recommended to test the borrow environment. Set a relatively short Borrow Duration and you can test your setup without risking to lose a license for a long period.

For additional network tips see: CodeMeter/NetworkSettingsForLicenseBorrowing

Apple scheduled to release MAC OS 10.11 in fall of 2015
GRAPHISOFT actively researches the upcoming Operating System to maintain compatibility with current products. Until further notice please don’t update to Mac OS X 10.11. Our official tests and compatibility info will be available after Mac OS X 10.11 is publicly released.

Known issues

Interactive schedules are empty in ARCHICAD 18

Affected versions: 18 | Severity: workaround applicable

The interactive schedules are displayed like they were empty when opened in ARCHICAD 18 under OS X 10.11 El Capitan

Workaround: Resize the schedule window. If the window is closed and opened again, the content is yet again invisible and have to be resized.

note: We plan to fix this issue in a future Update of ARCHICAD 18

ARCHICAD 18 and Start Edition 2015 can’t save texts on PDF, when using the Save As… option

Affected versions: 18 and SE2015 | Severity: workaround applicable

If you try to use the Save As… option to save a PDF in ARCHICAD 18 and SE2015, texts (Text, Dimension Text, Label Text, etc.) won’t be saved on the layouts.

Workaround: In ARCHICAD 18, the publisher saves PDFs correctly. In SE2015, you can use the Operating System’s own PDF saver tool from the print dialogue.

note: We plan to fix this issue with the next update of ARCHICAD 18.

ARCHICAD 19 becomes unresponsive with the latest Public Beta Update (Version 2-4, Solved in Version 5)

Affected versions: 19 or older | Severity: solved

ARCHICAD becomes unresponsive after a few seconds of use. The application window can still be moved around, but no other interaction is possible (You need to Force Quit the application). Please do not update, if you haven’t done it yet.

note: The issue is fixed with Public Beta Update Version 5.

ARCHICAD becomes unresponsive, because second level dialog box jumps behind the first if you close a third level dialog box

Affected versions: 18 and 19 | Severity: workaround applicable

If you open 3 dialog boxes (each one from the previous dialog box), and close the 3rd one, you might notices that the 2nd dialog box disappears, and you can only see the first one, but it’s unresponsive. This is because the second dialog box jumped behind the first one, and that’s the one that’s actually active. Let’s see an easy example to help better understand the problem:
1. Open a Default settings dialog (1st dialog)
2. Choose the “Favorites…” button from the top left (2nd dialog)
3. Choose “Save Current Settings as Favorite” (3rd dialog)
4. Cancel the upcoming dialog
5. The 2nd panel should be behind the first one now

Workaround: You can either drag the first dialog out of the way to reveal the active dialog box, or just press CMD+TAB twice.

Can’t select menu items from drop-down menus in ARCHICAD 19 or older

Affected versions: 19 or older | Severity: there is no workaround

When you try to select a menu item from a drop-down menu in ARCHICAD, the previous setting stays active. There is no workaround for menus that are only available as drop-down, but if you can find the setting on a different panel, you can use the option from there (for example you can’t set the Renovation status from the default settings panel, but you can apply it from the Renovation Palette).
note: We plan to fix this issue in the next update of ARCHICAD 18 and 19.

App Nap

Affected versions: 19 and older | Severity: workaround applicable

App nap is a great  feature to help to save battery life. When this feature gets enabled, applications that run in the background will be slowed down.
There are situations when ARCHICAD works in the background (e.g. drawing update) and you would like to run it on full speed.

Workaround: To keep ARCHICAD alive in the background; disable App nap for the ARCHICAD.app. This is highly recommended for all Teamwork (BIMcloud, BIM Server) users.

• search for the ARCHICAD applications in Finder: \Applications\GRAPHISOFT\ARCHICAD <version>\ARCHICAD.app
• select the app an pull up the context menu, by right click or ctrl click
• select Get Info
• check Prevent App Nap checkbox

If App Nap is on, and you are working in Teamwork, App Nap might terminate the connection with the server, and you might even need to restart ARCHICAD in order to get it online again.

App nap should be turned off for BIM Server Manager and BIM Server Control Center (applications in the BIM Server folder) because App nap might prevent the server to run smoothly.
v18+ BIM Server and BIMcloud is not affected.

Migrate Teamwork Project Dialog closes when “Open another project is selected”

Affected versions: 19 or older | Severity: workaround applicable

If you try to migrate multiple Teamwork projects to a newer version BIM Server, using the “Prepare for Migration…” option, and at the end of the preparation phase choose “Open another project”, the dialog closes. You can still migrate the project that you prepared.

Workaround: Migrate your projects one-by-one.

The External Conent Menu is missing from the File menu in ARCHICAD 19 Solo edition

Issue

The External Content menu is missing from the File menu therefore the Place External Drawing command and the Drawing Manager menu is also missing from the default Work Environment.

Solution

Workaround: The Drawing Manager can be accesed from the Navigator or the Organizer.

The Place External Drawing command can be placed in the File menu or any other menu through the Options – Work Envrionment – Menus dialog.

Affected versions: 19 or older | Severity: workaround applicable for 18

The issue is only present on OS X 10.11 – El Capitan.

When a menu item is selected from a drop-down menu in the dialogs of ARCHICAD, the previous setting remains active. There is no workaround for menus that are only available as drop-down, but if you can find the setting on a different panel, you can use the option from there (for example you can’t set the Renovation status from the default settings panel, but you can apply it from the Renovation Palette).

note: The issue is already fixed and will be included in the next Updates of  ARCHICAD 18 and 19.

This article provides information about how ARCHICAD projects can be viewed and printed by other architecture, engineering, construction or real estate professionals who are not using ARCHICAD, thus not having ARCHICAD license.

About viewing ARCHICAD files for the impatient

ARCHICAD 19 is not only yet another major release of ARCHICAD, but also a free ARCHICAD file viewer for non-ARCHICAD users. These users are typically AEC-industry engineers or facility managers, property managers, real estate professionals involved in the design, maintenance and value assessment of buildings where the architectural documentation has been originally created with ARCHICAD.

Since version 19, you don’t need to register for a serial number to install and use ARCHICAD as a trial or education version, so that you can open, view and print ARCHICAD projects. Just download ARCHICAD for free, install, start it up in demo mode.

Two approaches of accessing BIM data

Using ARCHICAD

The Building Information Model of an ARCHICAD project and the documentation derived from the model can be accessed in its entirety only by the same BIM authoring software – in this approach, ARCHICAD.

“Why not have an ARCHICAD file viewer”. As an ARCHICAD project consists of various 2D or 3D model-based project views and additional drawings, it would not be obvious to load all of this hierarchically organised information into an external file viewer application.

Using BIMx

The other way of accessing project data created by ARCHICAD is using GRAPHISOFT’s own BIM presentation software: BIMx. BIMx is an abbreviation for Building Information Model eXplorer: or in other words, a „file viewer” for BIM projects designed and documented with ARCHICAD. BIMx primarily provides an easy-to-use three and two dimensional virtual building and documentation viewer on mobile platforms such as iOS and Android, while also offering a similar desktop variant for Windows and Mac OS X.

Pros and Cons

• While it is much easier for the clients and other stakeholders involved in the building design process to view and understand the virtual building model and the documentation sheets with BIMx apps,it also means an additional deliverable for architects, as they need to prepare and export the file properly from ARCHICAD to .bimx format so that it could be opened on mobile phones or tablets.
• Although viewing ARCHICAD projects with ARCHICAD itself requires some additional knowledge about how data associated to the BIM model is stored and how it can be viewed or printed with the application, this is the only way to access and view each and every details of the design project.

Viewing ARCHICAD files in ARCHICAD – Step-by-step

Prerequisites: the proper file format

.pln formats

Loading an ARCHICAD project normally consists of loading the ARCHICAD project file (.pln file format), and a number of external data references, such as ARCHICAD objects which are basically reusable parametric elements loaded for many different projects. The .pln file format only contains the parameters of the objects placed in the projects, such as doors, windows, furniture or 2D symbols, but not all the necessary information to depict those objects, as in a day-to-day use, including all data of these reusable components would just bloat file sizes.

.pln files with objects

This is why a .pln file might not be enough to reproduce the 3D model or the 2D drawings exactly as they were intended – unless all the referenced objects are sent along with a .pln file. This can be easily accomplished is when a .pln project file contains only references to objects which have been shipped with ARCHICAD: the default ARCHICAD Library. As these libraries are subject to change with every major version and every localised version of the software, it is important that the same libraries should be obtained and loaded with the .pln file that was used when the project was saved.

.pla format

Although it is not frequently used during the design process, there is an other, more appropriate file format for archiving and sharing ARCHICAD project data: this is the so-called ARCHICAD Archive Project Format with the file extension .pla. Whenever a non-ARCHICAD user would like to open and view ARCHICAD projects, the information should be shared in this format, as this format contains all the information needed to reproduce the entire project.

Once you have – preferabily – the project in .pla format, you can continue by installing ARCHICAD.

Step #1: Download and install ARCHICAD

• head over to graphisoft.com/downloads to download the latest ARCHICAD version for free
• install and launch the software
• to use ARCHICAD as a file viewer, choose the Start in DEMO mode option in the Select License Type dialog.

Step #2: Navigate in ARCHICAD to access project data

An ARCHICAD project usually contains a set of predefined views: plans, sections, elevations, details, schedules, layout sheets, 3D views, etc. You can use the Navigator View Map window to access all these views.

See also more information about navigation in ARCHICAD.

Step #3: Printing from ARCHICAD

You can either quickly print out an on-screen view using the Print dialog, or print an entire documentation set using the Publisher functions.

For more information about the printing process, click here.

Viewing ARCHICAD projects with BIMx – Step-by-step

Step #1: Exporting the BIMx model

The first step of getting access to an ARCHICAD project by BIMx is to export the necessary project views and 3D information to a .bimx file. To accomplish this step, an ARCHICAD license is needed, as one can not save or export files using ARCHICAD in Demo mode.

Here is more information about creating an optimal .bimx file.

Step #2: Install BIMx

BIMx and BIMx PRO applications can be found in the App Store or in the Google Play Store. As a rule of thumb 3D models can be viewed for free, but 2D drawings can be accessed only with a paid license. You might want to buy the paid app so that you can open any files both in 3D and 2D or your architect can buy a license for a certain file to share the 2D information too with anyone.

More information about license types can be found here.

Step #3: Navigating in BIMx

BIMx provides a 3D navigation experience similar to first person shooter games, extended this with a set of clickable markers providing quick access of any 2D drawings, that is: plans, sections or facade drawings associated to the 3D model.

More information about navigating in BIMx can be found here.

Step #4: Printing from BIMx

BIMx PRO for iOS provides wireless printing functions for users of the paid app. Here is more information about the printing process.

Issue #1

Windows File Explorer may unexpectedly close when you work with certain ARCHICAD files.

This happens on computers where

• ARCHICAD 18 build 6000 or ARCHICAD 19 build 3003 is the latest version installed and
• GRAPHISOFT Shell Extension is active. (It is automatically activated with installation).

The crash of the File Explorer can happen during these processes:

• copying certain files to Desktop, some other local folder or to a USB drive
• viewing Properties of some files by right clicking on them and selecting Properties in the context menu
• placing the cursor of the mouse over the icon of certain files so a pop-up window appears showing version number.

Issue #2

As a result of the File Explorer’s crash the file that was copied to a new location may get damaged. When opening such a file in ARCHICAD “Cannot read plan file!” message appears. In the cases we have seen these files were not repairable any more, however the files at the original location from where they were copied were still readable and useable in ARCHICAD. So it is crucial not to delete the original file.

Operations with the damaged file in File Explorer then cause the same kind of crash as described above.

Issue #3

Perfectly healthy files may get damaged if the process when they are copied is interrupted by the above described crash of the File Explorer. Normally the copy process of such a healthy file will not crash File Explorer. It only happens if during the copying – which is relatively slow because it is a large file, or is copied to a USB drive or is copied through a slow network connection – GS Shell Extension is started by one of these actions:

• a pop-up showing version number displays after mouse is hovering over the file name of another, damaged file or a useable file that can itself cause this crash. It doesn’t matter if it is a filename or icon that the mouse is moving over.
• “Properties” window is requested by right clicking on the file name or icon of another, damaged file (or a useable file that can itself cause this crash)
• The copying of another, damaged file (or a useable file that can itself cause this crash) is started.

Issue #4

After Windows File Explorer’s crash it might get into a circle of continuously trying to restart and then stop working. This can result in serious problems regarding the usability of the computer. This only happens on Windows 7.

Cause

When ARCHICAD is installed on a computer GRAPHISOFT Shell Extension (GSShellx64.dll) is registered with the file browser to provide information about ARCHICAD files (.pln, .pla, etc.) for showing it on the File Browser user interface. During this process GSShellx64.dll will communicate with another file called GSroot.dll. Some plan files contain information that these dlls cannot handle properly due to an error which causes them to crash File Browser. If the File Browser is in the process of copying a file, the file copy could be interrupted by the crash which could result in a corrupt file. The symptom of this behaviour would be that the copied file would have the correct size as the original, and the initial part of the file would have the correct bytes, but the later part of the file would contain null characters.

Solution

The bug and the problem caused by it is going to be fixed in the next regular update for ARCHICAD 18 and 19.

Workaround

The only way to avoid the problem is to disable Shell Extension. The easiest way to do this is to rename GSShellX64.dll in the ARCHICAD folder to something else, for example xGSShellX64.dll. It is important to disable in this manner the Shell Extension of both ARCHICAD 18 and 19 if both are installed on the computer.

Should you encounter this problem, please contact your local support.

OS X El Capitan compatibility Updates (v18 Update 7000 and v19 update 4006) contain some major fixes to OS X El Capitan.

Important note for Teamwork users: although it is essential for OS X El Capitan users to update, it is NOT recommended for Teamwork users to install these updates due to a known BIM Server Manager issue.

Issue

Projects’ access control list is not visible and cannot be modified in the BIM Server Manager web user interface.

Cause

If there are overall 100 access control entries or more in the BIM Server Manager – for all projects – the access control list disappears and project’s permissions cannot be modified anymore.

Important notes

• If there is a user who has custom settings for a project, every permission row is counted as an access control entry.
• Every project has an access control entry by default which allows everyone to access the project with their default role.

Solution

Although BIM Server users cannot see the access control list, the masteradmin user can still manage the permissions. Log in as masteradmin to see and manage the projects’ access control settings.

You can find all GDL documentations, learning materials and other GDL related content on the GDL Center. Please visit the site for more information!

REPAIR ARCHICAD

If ARCHICAD is already installed on your computer and you run the ARCHICAD installer, an option is given to Repair the software.

This process looks through the ARCHICAD folder and replaces the installed components with a fresh copy from the installer. Basically, it re-installs ARCHICAD back to initial factory settings. Because of this, you will need to re-install the latest Update to ARCHICAD after the repair process has completed. Launch ARCHICAD; go to the Help menu; and choose “Check for Updates”. If an update is available please download it; quit ARCHICAD; and run the installer for the Update.

Backup and Repair

When prompted, choose “Backup and Repair” in order to backup certain files that may or may not be important to you.

Preferences Cleaning

Aside from items in the ARCHICAD folder, the other major set of data that gets installed and stored on your system are ‘Preference’ files, ‘Work Environment’ files and ‘Temporary’ files in your User folder to aid in operation of the software. In rare cases these files can become corrupt, preventing ARCHICAD from starting or possibly causing crashes. In such cases, as a troubleshooting step, try deleting these files. See Preferences Cleaning.

Building-related communication between the designer/builder team can be fragmented. Using email or phone to make comments is cumbersome and separates the information from the model. That is why GRAPHISOFT developed a solution to involve the builder team directly in the BIM project collaboration by making communication possible from BIMx with sending direct feedback in the context of the model.

 This workflow requires an up-to-date ArchiCAD Teamwork project running on GRAPHISOFT’s BIMcloud solution and an Android/iOS device with the latest BIMx update:

• ArchiCAD & BIMcloud Updates
• BIMx on iOS
  
• BIMx on Android

Join into the BIMcloud project to get BIMx PRO functions

After the BIMcloud project has been published to BIMx PRO builders will see an option where they can join into the project as team members from their Android/iOS device. Once joined in BIMx users get all PRO functions for that project.

• The same username & password can be used as from ArchiCAD.
• Joining in with the same user in BIMx will not log you out from the ArchiCAD project.
• Using ArchiCAD and BIMx with the same user account requires only one CAL (Client Access License) from the BIMcloud

Send messages and photos from BIMx

After logging in, a mail icon appears at the top right corner in the 2D and 3D views. By tapping it the messages panel comes up where you can send text messages to other team members through BIMcloud’s messaging interface. With using the attachment button you can include a 2D/3D view of the model or you can shoot a photo on the construction site that you want to directly send back to the ArchiCAD team:

ArchiCAD users will see these messages the same way as if an other ArchiCAD team member would have sent them. If a 3D view of the model was attached to the message its view can be applied at the receiver’s end; this helps specifying the area you would like to comment on and therefore it makes communication within the project clear, easy and fast for both parties. On the Teamwork messaging panel it’s also visible whether somebody is joined into the project from mobile or from ArchiCAD.

Mark up screen captures and camera images in the message

Attached 2D/3D views of the BIMx file and camera photos can also be marked up for better understanding. Use the free hand redlining tool to annotate these images:

BIMx unique features

What makes BIMx for mobile devices unique compared to other 3D viewers?

Most 3D model viewers for the mobile devices are generic purpose viewers. This means their navigation functionalities are basically limited to 3D orbit, pan and zoom. BIMx has a lot more to offer than that (selective list):

• It is a full “natural” building explorer environment – with gravity and egress recognition just to mention examples – that is with all the necessary UI features that make or break great user experience
• It has sophisticated visual filters (views) to provide a high quality architectural presentation environment such as stereoscopic view etc.
• It is integrated with an ecosystem of the desktop application and the online model sharing community

Is there a difference between the iOS and the Android versions of BIMx PRO?

• Both applications are being developed continuously. New features are generally available in the iOS app first and appear in the Android application 3-6 months later.Currently there are some features available in the iOS app only:
  • AirPrint
  • On-site photo attachment to Teamwork messages in BIMcloud
  • additional licensing option called sharing the BIMx PRO functionality with Clients
• Navigation works the same way on both platforms with the 3D model.
• There are slight OS specific differences in the user interface, location of the settings and in the file management.

Model Transfer

I have my BIM project created in ArchiCAD, how can I export it as a BIMx model?

If you use ArchiCAD 17 or newer, you have two options:

• Save a regular BIMx 3D model from ‘File/Save as…/BIMx’
• Publish a BIMx Hyper-model for your iOS device with the BIMx PRO functionality

If you have ArchiCAD 16, you can export the model with the ‘File/Export for BIMx…’ option

How can I send BIMx models to my clients?

Use GRAPHISOFT’s BIMx Cloud service to share your model with others. There are two ways to upload your model:

• Publish the BIMx Hyper-model to the Cloud from ArchiCAD
• Upload the locally saved .bimx file from BIMx Desktop app.

Find further options for model transfer to Android and iOS devices here:

• How to Transfer BIMx Models to Android Devices
• How to Transfer BIMx Models to iOS Devices

How can I register a BIMx Company Account?

When you upload a BIMx model to GRAPHISOFT’s Could service for the first time with your protection key you will be requested to create a so-called BIMx Company Account where you can store your uploaded models. Follow the steps of the registration process here.

How to save a .bimx file format from BIMx Desktop Viewer

Choose File/Save to save the model in .bimx format.
If the Save and Share buttons do not appear, either the file and ArchiCAD license types do not match (for details, please visit BIMx/LicenseTypes or check the Known Issues of BIMx.

What is the BIMx Model Transfer Service?

The BIMx Model Transfer Service is a “cloud-service” to share BIMx models with Colleagues and Customers. Models on the BIMx Model Transfer Site are publicly available, but Offices with an active Software Services Agreement are entitled to an additional 5 GB of private storage as well. Find more info about the BIMx Model Transfer Service here.

BIMx Model Transfer Site

Who can access BIMx models on the BIMx Model Transfer Site?

The BIMx Model Transfer Site is accessible in any of the following ways:

• Through direct page URL: https://bimx.graphisoft.com/
• Through direct links to uploaded BIMx models’ download page
• Through built-in links from mobile devices (iPad/iPhone)

Users can search/browse and download BIMx models from the site without registration or log-in.

Who can upload BIMx models onto the BIMx Model Transfer Site?

BIMx models can be uploaded either from ArchiCAD (BIMx Hyper-model) or from BIMx Desktop application (BIMx 3D Only Model). The first time BIMx users want to publish their models to the Transfer Site they will be required to register. Consult this article to read more about setting up the upload environment.

Logon to the BIMx Model Transfer Site is only required to manage one’s uploaded models (edit model details/move or delete models etc.).

What are the different ways for people to register to the BIMx Model Transfer Site?

Registration requires an ArchiCAD/BIMx installation and can be initiated in the following ways:

• Register from scratch
• Login (register) with Google or Facebook ID via ArchiCAD or BIMx Desktop Application
• Login with existing Graphisoft ID, MyArchiCAD.com or BIMcomponents.com username/password

Once a Graphisoft ID is created on any of our sites it will be compatible with every other site as well.

What is the difference between My models and My Company tabs in the BIMx profile?

Once signing in to your BIMx profile you can see the My models and My Company tab pages on the top dividing your uploaded BIMx models into two sections:

• The My models tab contains all models you have uploaded from a Trial or Educational version of ArchiCAD/BIMx Desktop Viewer
• The My Company tab contains all models you have uploaded using your Company license key

Support

How to upgrade to the latest BIMx version?

Since the release of ArchiCAD 17, BIMx is fully functional with the ArchiCAD license in most Countries (separate BIMx license is only necessary in Japan and Switzerland). To upgrade your current license please contact your local ArchiCAD reseller.

What are the system requirements for BIMx Desktop version?

For detailed description, see System Requirements for BIMx Desktop Viewer.

What are the recommended mobile devices to run BIMx?

The BIMx for Android version was mainly developed to explore 3D models on tablets. Many of the most popular Android tablets have been also tested: Samsung, Asus, Motorola, Archos, Sony etc.
As a general rule, the capability of the processor, memory and GPU influence the usage of BIMx models: more models can be smoothly managed with more memory. The performance speed (FPS) mostly depends on the capabilities of the GPU.

For detailed System Requirements please check this article.

What kinds of license types can I use to create BIMx models for clients?

For all available options see: BIMx License Types

What can cause sudden restart, quit or freeze on my Android or iOS device?

The RAM capability of your device is responsible for managing the BIMx models. If the application restarts, freezes or quits, probably the memory of the device is full and the OS stops the application. To resolve this please follow the model optimising tips in the the BIMx Optimization article.

Is there a difference between the iOS and the Android versions of BIMx?

• Both applications are being developed continuously. New features are generally available in the iOS app first and appear in the Android application 3-6 months later. Currently both applications offer the same functionality with different licensing options. The iOS app features an additional license called sharing the BIMx PRO functionality with Clients.
• Navigation works the same way on both platforms with the 3D model.
• There are slight OS specific differences in the user interface, location of the settings and in the file management.

Can I use BIMx with Start Edition or with Educational/Trial versions?

Yes, all versions have BIMx Add-On (BIM Explorer) as a default part of the ArchiCAD package.

• the .bimx files saved in the Trial version can be opened only on the computer where they were saved
• the Educational version’s saved files have an Educational version watermark.

Technical Questions

Where can I find the installed desktop application(s)?

Default BIMx Add-On folders (Add-On + player):

• On Mac: /Applications/Graphisoft/ArchiCAD version/Add-Ons/BIM Explorer
• On Windows: C:\Program Files\Graphisoft\ArchiCAD version\Add-Ons\BIM Explorer

Default BIMx Desktop Viewer folders:

• On Mac: /Applications/Graphisoft/BIMx Viewer
• On Windows: C:\Program Files\Graphisoft\BIMx Viewer

Can I use Space Navigator from 3D Connexion with BIMx?

No, it is not supported at the moment.

Can I perform a Global Illumination render in the background?

Both in ArchiCAD at the publishing of the BIMx Hyper-model and in BIMx Desktop it is possible to render the Global Illumintation in the background, you can simply alt tab/cmd tab to an other application and the BIMx GI calculation will run in the background.

Does BIMx have Anti-aliasing?

No, it is not supported at the moment on the desktop version, only on the mobile version.

Mobile

BIMx for iOS devices

There are two applications available in the App Store: BIMx and BIMx PRO.

• BIMx PRO is the paid application that needs to be purchased at download. This application enables all BIMx PRO functionality for every BIMx file on your devuce. As an In-App purchase option it is possible to share the BIMx PRO functionality with Clients and Colleagues as well.
• BIMx is the free version of the App that can be used to view the 3D content of BIMx Hyper-models. PRO features can be enabled with one of the following options:
  • BIMx PRO license gives the exact same functionality as the BIMx PRO App. Read more on how to transfer or restore this license onto another another device with the same Apple ID.
  • Sharing a Hyper-model – Architects can share the BIMx PRO functionality with their Clients and Colleagues at a single purchase for one Model. Find out more about this option here.
  • Join into the BIMcloud Teamwork project to enable BIMx PRO functionality by obtaining a BIMcloud CAL license

 Please note that there is no need to have both of the applications installed. Apart from the method of the purchased license both applications have the exact same functionality.

BIMx for Android devices

BIMx for Android is a free application that can be used to view the 3D content of BIMx Hyper-models. PRO features can be enabled with one of the following options:

• BIMx PRO license – This license enables the BIMx PRO functionality for all your Projects, it gives the exact same functionality as the BIMx PRO App.
• Join into the BIMcloud Teamwork project to enable BIMx PRO functionality by obtaining a BIMcloud CAL license

BIMx mobile features

Desktop

From ArchiCAD 17 the BIMx license is integrated into the ArchiCAD license in most countries. This means that if you have an ArchiCAD 17 or newer license you will be capable of using BIMx Desktop with full functionality. (In Japan and Switzerland the BIMx license is still separately available.)  Before ArchiCAD 17 AC and BIMx/VBE licenses were separated, therefore earlier versions of BIMx won’t run with ArchiCAD 17 or newer licenses.

Commercial BIMx license

With a commercial license you can:

• Publish BIMx models to the BIMx Model Transfer site publicly that can be viewed on various platforms (iOS/Android/Mac/Win)
• Save .bimx files that can be opened in the BIMx Desktop app and in the BIMx viewer
• For private file transfer possibilities upgrade to an SSA account or take a look at the alternative file transfer options for iOS and Android platforms.

If you have an active SSA (Software Services Agreement) subscription, on the BIMx Model Transfer Site you are entitled to:

• A BIMx Company Account that the company’s members can access
• 5GB of Private storage space per company
• Hidden and optionally password protected links for the uploaded BIMx files

 If you have a BIMx license and you would like to open an educational model in BIMx: disable/unplug your protection key.

Trial BIMx license

Trial license can be registered on myarchicad.com anyone can try ArchiCAD for 30 days with BIMx included. With a trial license:

• You get 100% same functionality as the full commercial license in the Trial period
• Saved “trial” BIMx models that can only be opened/viewed on the same computer they were created

Educational BIMx license

Educational license can be registered on myarchicad.com. After 30 days a license valid for one year can be obtained by registering the student ID. With an educational license:

• You get 100% same functionality as the full commercial license until your Educational license is valid
• An “EDUCATIONAL VERSION” watermark will be visible in the corner of the BIMx application when it opens a .bimx file saved with ArchiCAD’s EDU version

BIMx Viewer Application

BIMx Viewer is a free application that can be installed and used separately from the BIMx Desktop Application (installed with ArchiCAD). It is ideal for Clients who don’t need ArchiCAD but would like to view their BIMx model on a Desktop platform. BIMx Viewer has a few limitations comapred to the licensed Application:

• Models can’t be shared to the BIMx Model Transfer Site
• Models can’t be resaved
• Global Illumination can’t be calculated

BIMx file saving/opening compatibility

* Models saved in educational version will have EDUCATIONAL watermark ** Models saved with the trial version can be opened only on the same computer as they were created on