I have been using Archicad virtual modeling software for all my designs since 2006. Previously I used Autocad.
ArchiCAD is an architectural BIM CAD software for Macintosh and Windows developed by the Hungarian company Graphisoft. Development started in 1982 for the original Apple Macintosh.
ArchiCAD is recognized as the first CAD product on a personal computer able to create both 2D drawings and parametric 3D geometry.[1] In its debut in 1987 ArchiCAD also became the first implementation of BIM under Graphisoft's Virtual Building concept.[2][3] Today more than 150,000 architects are using it in the building design industry.[citation needed]
ArchiCAD allows the user to work with data-enhanced parametric objects, often called "smart objects" by users. This differs from the operational style of other CAD programs created in the 1980s. The product allows the user to create a "virtual building" with virtual structural elements like walls, slabs, roofs, doors, windows and furniture. A large variety of pre-designed, customizable objects come with the program.
ArchiCAD allows the user to work with either a 2D or 3D representation on the screen. Two-dimensional drawings can be exported at any time, even though the model in the program's database always stores data in three dimensions. Plans, elevations, and sections are generated from the three dimensional virtual building model and are constantly updated if the user 'rebuilds' the view. Detail drawings are based on enlarged portions of the model, with 2D detail added in. ArchiCAD released its first file exchange based Teamwork solution in its version 5.1 in 1997. Teamwork "2.0" with BIM-server database approach came out in version 13, 2009. In the latter version after first loggin-in only the changes are moved to BIM-server and back from user machines. This way BIM-server and BIM server manager software included in the package enable even worldwide design collaboration and co-ordination.
Third-party vendors and some 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. Also API (Application Programming Interface) and ODBC database connections are supported), for third party Add-On developers. Via direct API links to 4D and 5D software such as Vico Office Suite or Tocoman iLink, ArchiCAD model can be exported to BIM-based cost estimation and scheduling. ArchiCAD is also directly linked via API to Solibri's Model checking and quality assurance tools.
The newest version (2010) is ArchiCAD 14.
ArchiCAD can 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.
n ArchiCAD 14 Graphisoft has addressed the importance of interoperability and collaboration centering its attention forthrightly on the exchange of data via both “open standards” and public-proprietary standards. By doing so the company has turned ArchiCAD 14 into arguably the world’s most “open” BIM program across any sector of BIM in AEC.
