The Top 10 BIM Plugin for ArchiCAD in 2023

Initially viewed as just a buzzword used by the AEC industry to attract investors, BIM has quickly proven to be the indispensable tool for the industry to prosper.

Through BIM and its increasing levels of dimensions, building construction processes have been analyzed and scheduled together to move into the new era of building construction, with the design, timing, construction, and cost all interdependent and being analyzed and scheduled in a more accurate manner.

Building Information Modeling involves the creation of data models consisting of graphics and non graphics in a common space called a Common Data Environment. As the project stages progress, data sets become richer until those are handed over to the Client & end user at the end of the project.

Hungarian company Graphisoft developed ArchiCAD, an architectural BIM CAD program for Macs and Windows.

Architecture provides computer aided solutions for handling all common aspects of aesthetics and engineering during the whole design process for buildings, interiors, and urban areas. It is a BIM software package that facilitates the building of BIM models and enables the management and exchange of BIM information.

BIM Plugin for ArchiCAD

Param-O

Create custom building elements and objects quickly with Param-O without writing a single line of code. The software comes with a parametric design tool that works on both Windows and mac-OS.

Grasshopper & Rhino

It is possible to connect ArchiCAD’s professional BIM work environment with the modeling power of Rhino and Grasshopper using a variety of options.

MEP Modeler

A familiar interface and tools are built right into ArchiCAD’s MEP Modeler. This plug-in for ArchiCAD is called Graphisoft MEP Modeler. MEP networks can be created and edited using the MEP Modeler within the ArchiCAD Virtual Building.

RFA & RVT Geometry Exchange

RFA and RVT Geometry Exchange for ArchiCAD produce door and window objects based on RFA and Revit family geometry. As well as hot linking, importing, and exporting RVT geometry or Revit projects, ArchiCAD users will be able to do so much more in BIM.

Cinema 4D

To create animated or professional images, users can transfer the entire ArchiCAD project to Cinema 4D.

Goodies

There are a number of free add-on that are made available by Graphisoft to enhance ArchiCAD with specific elements and capabilities, such as 3D Studio In, Interior Wizard, Mesh to Roof Tool, and others.

Blue Beam Connection

ArchiCAD’s Blue Beam Connection palette provides direct access to the PDF review features most commonly used.

Solibri Connection

Code and constructability checks are automated and fast with the ArchiCAD Solibri Connection plug-in. While using the updated plug-in, only affected elements are detected and sent, resulting in faster round trip collaboration. Designers can assign or resolve issues detected in this workflow using BCF based issue reporting.

ArchiCAD connection plug-in for Autodesk Revit

It is a free plug-in for Autodesk Revit that exchanges IFC models with ArchiCAD. By using the plug-in, Graphisoft ArchiCAD and Autodesk Revit can exchange data bi-directionally based on IFC models.

Datasmith Explorer

You can now convert and import your 3D scenes directly into Unreal Engine 4 with the Datasmith exporter plug-in, simplifying the entire optimization process in CAD data processing.

To get online demonstration, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: bimtech

Wrapping it Up

Construction has undergone dramatic changes in the past century. In the past, traditional construction methods were used to build structures that took years to complete. Often it takes decades for a structure to be built, but now it can be built in just months thanks to mass production.