Libraries

Libraries contain the external or embedded files of geometric library parts, or Parametric Objects. Each version of ARCHICAD is shipped with a standard object library containing hundreds of preconfigured, editable objects (also known as GDL objects or Library parts). For the most part, you will use ARCHICAD tools to place objects from this standard library.

Each subsequent version of ARCHICAD comes with an updated ARCHICAD Library.

See Migration Guide for ARCHICAD 19 for recommendations on migration issues.

See also Parametric Objects.

When creating a new project, ARCHICAD will load the library contained in the template used for the new project.

Your project can use additional, specialized Libraries for different applications (e.g., residential Projects and industrial building design). There are different Libraries corresponding to different national standards.

In addition to objects, a Library can also contain files of different formats that are referred to by ARCHICAD elements:

Listing Templates are plain text files that are used to customize the content and the look of quantity calculations.

Textures are picture files that can be attached to Surfaces to provide added realism in rendered views, and in the 3D Window when using the OpenGL engine.

Background images are additional picture files used to provide the 3D model with a lifelike environment.

Macros, Zone stamps, Property Objects

View and manage your project’s libraries in the Library Manager (File > Libraries and Objects > Library Manager).

The following sections describe all aspects of working with Libraries in ARCHICAD:

Library Manager

Recommendations for Using Libraries

Embedded Library

Linked Libraries

BIMcloud/BIM Server Libraries

Reload/Refresh Libraries

Remove Library from Project

Troubleshooting Library Issues

Missing Objects and the Library Loading Report

Library Container File

Library Updates