System Recommendations

System: Windows® 10 (64-bit) macOS 10.12 Sierra

Windows® 8.1 (64-bit) Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan
Note: 32-bit operating systems are not supported.

CPU: 64-bit processor with 4 or more cores.

Note: Processors with 4-8+ cores are recommended to fully exploit ARCHICAD 21's performance capabilities.

RAM: 16 GB RAM is recommended.

Hard Drive: 5 GB free disk space required for a full installation of ARCHICAD.
Additional 10 GB hard disk space required per project for work with complex models and 3D visualization.
Note: SSD or Fusion drive is recommended.

Video Card: OpenGL 2.1 compatible graphics card with on-board memory of 1024 MB is recommended to fully exploit
hardware acceleration capabilities.
You can find a list of recommended video cards at: http://graphisoft.com/videocards

MORE INFO PLEASE GO TO

http://www.graphisoft.com/support/system_requirements/AC21/
Unsupported Operating Systems
Compatible, but not tested Operating Systems
Windows 8
Windows 7
Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite

Incompatible Operating Systems (ARCHICAD cannot be installed)

Windows Vista and older
Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks and older

macOS High Sierra 10.13

Until further notice, please do not install macOS 10.13 High Sierra on your work computer.

https://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/technotes/operating-systems/macos-10-13-high-sierra/
Standard Profile 21
Template & Work
Envoinment
Template
- New Standard Work Environment based of Customer Feedback.
Wider buttons in toolbox.
Navigator

- New Simple Work Environment based of Customer Feedback

For smaller screens
Save Surface

- Enabled Save Surface as GSM

Publisher

- Batch Rendering Publisher Set

- Shortcuts for Publisher Sets
Revision
- Localised Revision Manager
Stairs
- Possibility for BCA compliant Fire Escape Stair (Nosings, tread heights & lengths)
- Customised Stairs
- Customised Railings
Morph
- Massing Property and Schedule
Work Enviroment
- Visual Styles, no contour
Migration
Opening an old file in ARCHICAD 21
When you open an older-version project in ARCHICAD 21, and if your project includes an ARCHICAD Library
(version 10 and later), you are prompted to use the Migrate ARCHICAD Libraries function

This process will do the following:

- Load the ARCHICAD library 21.

- Load the ARCHICAD Migration Libraries folder.

- Automatically replace objects that have already

been placed with their latest compatible
version in the ARCHICAD 21 library.

Note: The automatic Migration process described below is available only for projects that use ARCHICAD Libraries 10 and later.
Loading Report
If you haven't installed your custom libraries in your AC21
folder or embedded the libraries to the file, the Loading
Report will indicate if you have Missing Library parts.

If you're loading the same library (object, attribute) more than

once you'll get duplications.

Note: ARCHICAD libraries are version specific. If you’re working in ARCHICAD 21, load the ArchiCAD Library
21 this applies to all versions of ARCHICAD. You should only load the ARCHICAD library for the version you
are working in. Do not load older ARCHICAD libraries into your new ARCHICAD.
Stair Migration
Stairs
- StairMaker Add-on is no longer supported in ARCHICAD 21.

- StairMaker Stairs from become GDL Stair-type objects in 21, Limited functionality but retains geometry.

- Stairs and Railings created in ARCHICAD 21 will be missing if you back-save the project.

6
8

7
5

10

11
7 9 4

12
6 10

3
5 11

14 x 175 = 2,450

13
15 x 187 = 2,800

4 12
2

3 13

2 14 1

1 15

AC20 Stair Object AC20 Created Stair Object AC20 Custom shape stair
with a fill and lines
Library Manager

2
Stair Migration
Stairs
- StairMaker Add-on is no longer supported in ARCHICAD 21.

- StairMaker Stairs from become GDL Stair-type objects in 21, Limited functionality but retains geometry.

- Stairs and Railings created in ARCHICAD 21 will be missing if you back-save the project.

6
8

7
5

10

11
7 9 4

12
6 10

3
5 11

14 x 175 = 2,450

13
15 x 187 = 2,800

4 12
2

3 13

2 14 1

1 15

AC20 Stair Object AC20 Created Stair Object AC20 Custom shape stair
with a fill and lines
Adding missing texture
1

3
Other Migration Considerations
3D Window Setting (Display of 3D Views)
ARCHICAD 21 introduces 3D Styles.
When you migrate an earlier-version project to AC 21, new 3D Styles will automatically be created so that the
project’s 3D views look the same as before.

Migrating IFC Settings

In ARCHICAD 21, IFC Scheme Settings at the project level have been replaced by Translator-specific Property
Mapping.

ID-based Labels
ID-type Labels (ID Label, Unique ID Label) in earlier-version projects will look the same after migration to
ARCHICAD 21.
The label type, however, is transformed into a Text-type label that uses Autotext to display the element’s ID.

These will be explained along with other new features

Interoperabilty
OPEN BIM founded by GRAPHISOFT®, Tekla® and others.

OPEN BIM concept is the idea of sharing models as references.

The reference model is just that - a reference.

IFC is the file type used for this collaboration.

Hotlinking an IFC AC20

ARCHICAD 20 IFC importing.

Open import template, Merge IFC, saveas .pln,
Hotlink .pln into file.
Hotlinking an IFC AC21

ARCHICAD 21 IFC importing.

Hotlink .ifc into file.
IFC Translator

Before we bring in an IFC there are also changes to the

IFC Translators for ARCHICAD 21.

Go to File > Interoperability > IFC > IFC Translators

IFC Import

Lets import the Structure Model from

Revit.

Open View 'IFC Import Exercise'

Go to File > External Content >

Place Hotlink...
Align Stories
Updating IFC
Classification Management
Managing Classifications in IFC
Export
Managing Classifications in IFC
Import
Collision Detection
A
Productivity
Touch Bar Support
With New Macbook Pro's (2016) ARCHICAD 21 supports the touch bar

Switch between
Stories on the Floor Plan view.
Floor Plan and 3D windows.

The available functions based on the

active tool.

Access the Parallel Projection or

perspective settings.

Whats the touch bar?

The Touch Bar is a Multi-Touch enabled strip of glass built
into the keyboard on Macbook Pros for instant access to
essential tools, right when you need them.
Magic Wand Graphical Feedback
Graphical feedback is now provided during Magic Wand command to show you how the elements will appear
before clicking.
Dashed Polylines
Multiply Tool
Increment and Spread (NEW)
Both spacing and number of copies are defined graphically.

AC21 - New interface AC20 - old interface

Multiply - Along Path
Multiply - Rotate to Path
Multiply - Randomize
Auto Text

(Migrate from ARCHICAD 20 or earlier)

ID-type Labels (ID Label, Unique ID Label) in earlier-version projects will look the same after migration to ARCHICAD 21.
The label type, however, is transformed into a Text-type label that uses Autotext to display the element’s ID.
Auto Text - Label Tool

Wall - 018 EXT: Stud 90 Insul Pb

Classifica on Type:   Wall
Building Material:
Wall Height: mm
Door Area: 1.89m2
Widow Area: 4.00m2
Net wall surface area: 84.11m2
Gross wall surface area: 90.00m2
Number of Windows:
Combined window width: 3000.0mm
FRR: 20 minutes
Renova on: 
 +9,000
3 Ground Floor
Room:Bedroom
ID: Wall - 003
Surface Area: 17.57 ID: W006
Room:Bedroom Story: Basement 2
ID: Wall - 004 Surface Area: 2.37
+6,000 FRR: 20 minutes

2 Basement 1
Room:Bedroom
ID: Wall - 002
FRR: 20 minutes

+3,000
1 Basement 2

1 Label Tool 1:100

Section & Elevation
Add break lines to section and elevation horizontal range

Insert break and offset (renamed)

Offset edge Insert Break on All Lines (new)

D
2
D
Section & Elevation
Graphically edit Elevation / Section boundary extents and break lines directly in Elevation / Section
This enables you to define the range of the
marker directly from the Section and Elevation
window.

A grey fill will represents the area of the model

outside of the Section range.
 6 Third Floor

Horizontal boundary

+15,500
5 Second Floor

+12,000
4 First Floor

+9,000
3 Ground Floor
 +15,500 +15,500
5 Second Floor 5 Second Floor

+12,000 +12,000
4 First Floor 4 First Floor

+9,000 +9,000
3 Ground Floor 3 Ground Floor
Selective Parameter Transfer
ID: SW - 017
Layer: Des: Walls
W01 W02

ID: PW - 017
Layer: Doc: Finishes

Parameter Transfer with selectable preset transfer sets for

inject parameters and favourites.

With his new parameter transfer sets we can freely choose

from the properties to be transferred by using injection or
favourites
5min Break
Intuitiveness
Stair Tool
Basic Stair Input & Rules

Input Method

Baseline

Rules and Standards

Basic Stair Input & Rules
Stair Baseline Posi on
(Le , Right, Center)
Input Method Add Railing to Stair
(Upward / Downward) (None, Right, Le , Both Sides)

In the main Stair Se ngs page to op onally set a preferred

range of values for Stair geometry variables, e.g. to meet local
Stair regula ons.

ARCHICAD will automa cally create a Stair that adheres to

Rules and Standards you define here.
Drawing a Basic Stair
Let start with the simplest stair design possible: in our first
example we'll connect two floors with a straight stair.

Open the stair tool and use Favourite the "Basic Stair"
Start at the guide line and finish the stair at the corner of the
slab. (
Stair Input
Stair Model View Options
Two Model View Options are available for stair and railing detail level.
Full - Complete stair in full detail.
Schematic - Continues membrane surface is used to indicate the
top surface of the step.

You can also configure the Detail level of the stair symbol.

None, Visible Parts Only, Hidden Parts Only, Visible & Hidden Parts.
Stretch (Rearrange Steps)
Use this pet palette command to graphically
rearrange the symmetry of a U-shaped stair
Landings

Landing Winder with Equal Angles

Flight Winder with Equal Goings

Stair Solver

If the stair input geometry is no compatible with the rules you have set in the
stair settings a Stair Solver pop up appears with the best possible solution.

- Coloured Fill used to indicate the altered part.

Turning Types
19G x 309
20R x 150

DOWN
9
10

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20
11

UP

Along with creating your own landings you are able

to choose a preferred turning type.
-Landing,
- Winder with Equal Angles,
- Winder with Equal Goings.
 DOWN
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
19G x 325
20R x 150 13
12
11
10
8

UP
9
Edit Mode
Edit Mode
- Select the stair and click Edit,
- Change to Schema c.
- Select the front edge of the tread and
add a curved edge with a radius of
1400mm

20

19

18

17

16

15

14

13

12

11
DOWN
10

19G x 266
20R x 175
5

F
2

UP
Boundary Line (Green)

DOWN
0 mm)
20R(15 mm)
19G(300
UP

20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

We can change the shape of a stair by

editing the boundary and base lines.
Lets start with the boundary Lines.
Base Line (Blue)

DOWN
0 mm)
20R(15 mm)
19G(300
UP

20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Base Line + Boundary Line

DOWN
0 mm)
20R(15 mm)
19G(300
UP

20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Magic Wand - Select the Stair Favourite Lobby Stair
- Using the magic wand Click at the top
of the spline (Hotspot)

Open the 3D Lobby View

Create Custom Stair Object
Railing Tool
Drawing a Rail
- Select the Basic Railing favourite
- Draw the railing from 1 to 2
- Open the view Railing 3D

1 2

11
F

10

12

9
13
Railing tool - Segment
Glass Balustrade
 Drawing a Rail
Open the Glass Balustrade 3D View.
You'll no ce that we s ll have the inner and corner
posts.
The spacing of our panels are set by the inner posts so
we won't remove them but set them to invisible.

We can also do this to the Node > Posts

1 Place a Balustrade 1:50

Associative Rails
Visualization
CineRender - New Features
- ARCHICAD now runs the latest CineRender version, based on the Cinema 4D R18 engine.

- Variation shader

- Parallax Bump

- Monochrome model

- Lens Distortion

- New GI method: Light Mapping

- Reflectance Channel
Unlimited number of Layers
New Reflection types

- Date and time in 3D projections

CineRender - Variation Shader

One texture which can vary in all kinds of properties:

Color,texture,hue, saturation, etc.

- In AC it only works object based (due to the lack of proper UVW

mapping in AC – not editable/modifiable mapping as in C4D)
CineRender - Variation Shader
CineRender - Parallax
- The new Parallax shader effect inside Bump channel

- Similar result as Displacement but faster

https://help.maxon.net/#MMATERIAL-ID_MATERIALGROUP_BUMP
CineRender - Monochrome Model

- Extension of White Model Effect

- Ability to preserve channels of the original

surfaces e.g. bump.
CineRender - Lens Distortion

Cubic Distortion: +35

https://help.maxon.net/us/#TOOLLENSDISTORTION

- Cubic and Quadratic types

- Fisheye lens effect

- Helps showing more from the space

(especially useful in interiors)
CineRender - Light Mapping

- More realistic, yet fast rendering.

- Video: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0tYYC32GOdfb3A4d0xmNUNTV2M
Light Mapping Video
Date and Time

- Available in Camera and 3D projection settings

- Updates with project location changes

- Date and Time is saved with 3D View

3D Styles

ARCHICAD 21 introduces 3D Styles, a new View Option.

(View > 3D View Options > 3D Styles).

In earlier AC versions, these settings were found in 3D

Window Settings.
3D Styles
3D Styles can be saved in the view settings

3D styles show in Quick Options Bar

 Other
Improvements
Dimensions

New options to place dimensions on

individual skins of a composite,
including a reference line
Teamwork

Teamwork send reminder.

Reservation Assistant in ARCHICAD

(Coming soon)
Library Objects with Building
Materials - Some Library Parts in ARCHICAD 21 now use Building
Materials and/or Profile attributes, instead of Surfaces
and Fills.

- Library Parts using Building Materials do not participate

in automatic, priority-based connections.
Grasshopper - Video
Essential Library
 0
10
N
D
Drain #1637
A grouping of drainage components to model a main drain with junctions for laterals. Choose
the main drain profile size, and set drain length and fall, surface and appearance.
Yard Setback 3,000
Re
ce
ss
io
n

40°
Pl
ne a
Maximum Height Plane

Site Boundary 3,000 8,000

BIMx
BIMx - What is new?

- BIMx Transfer site

Push notification
Enhanced download protocol

- Enhanced download protocol

Web services accelerators HONG KONG & West
Australia

- ARCHICAD publishing improvements (AC21)

- Architect credits in BIMx

- BIMx enhancements
BIMx - Publishing Improvements

Archicad 20 Archicad 21
BIMx - Architect Credits

> File
> Info
> Project Preview & Architect Credits in BIMx
BIMx - Enhancements

- Welcome Screen (new users only)

- New Features "pop up" window

BIMx - Good to know
VR REQUIREMENTS
- Google Cardboard v2 (Physical screen-touch button)
- Smart phone with installed Gyroscope
- Published BIMx Hyper-model

BIMx HIDDEN FEATURES

Hyper-model structure possibilities and benefits
- Multiple 3D models vs Layouts without any 3D models

Partial publishing
- Keep the same model name
- Use Selected Items only

BIMx Model Transfer service

- 5 GB private storage for SSA customers
- Password protection
BIMx - Mobile Device
Supported: iPhone 4S and Newer
iPad 2 and Newer
iPod Touch 5th Gen

Android devices running 4.0.3 or higher (Not all devices are supported)
(Tegra3, Mali602, PowerVR SGX 543, Adreno 302 or faster GPU,
minimum 1GB RAM and minimum 1,2 Ghz dual core)

Recommended: iPad Air and Air 2, iPad Pro (12.9 inch & 9.7inch)
iPhone 5s and Newer

Social Media
BIMx allows you to share the best of your Hyper-models on media sites (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Yammer,
…) directly from the model itself.
DEMO
Thank You