A template is a read-only project file with extension tpl. It contains all project preferences settings, placed elements and tool default settings of the project.
ArchiCAD is shipped with a default template file together with the default library. Upon installation, the default template is located in the Defaults folder.
Defaults folder locations:
On PC: C:\Program Files\Graphisoft\ArchiCAD 18\Defaults\ArchiCAD
On MacOS: \Applications\Graphisoft\ArchiCAD 18\Defaults\ArchiCAD
When you create a new project in ArchiCAD using a template file, this default template is at the top of the pop-up list when you choose a template:
See also Create New Solo Project.
To create a customized template:
1.Open a new empty project file.
2.Edit your project preferences, set up the project structure and/or place elements.
3.Save this project file as a template: use File > Save as, and choose “ArchiCAD Project Template (*.tpl)” as the file type.
These files are saved to the “Templates” folder, located here:
On PC: Documents and Settings\user\Graphisoft\ArchiCAD Templates.
On MacOS: Library\Application Support\Graphisoft\ArchiCAD Templates.
To open a template:
1.Choose the File > New command
2.Select the Use a Template option
3.Select the desired template file.
When starting a new project based on a template, you are in fact opening a copy of this template file as “Untitled.”
Note: Settings of the Work Environment Profile used to open your project will override Template file settings.