In addition, intelligent architectural objects maintain dynamic links with construction documents and specifications, resulting in more accurate project deliverables. When someone deletes or modifies a door, for example, the door schedule can be automatically updated. Spaces and areas update automatically when certain elements are changed, calculations such as square footage are always up to date.^[1]

AutoCAD Architecture uses the DWG file format but an object enabler^[2] is needed to access, display, and manipulate object data in applications different from AutoCAD Architecture.

AutoCAD Architecture (abbreviated as ACA) is a version ofAutodesk's flagship product, AutoCAD, with tools and functions specially suited to architectural work.

Architectural objects have a relationship to one another and interact with each other intelligently. For example, a window has a relationship to the wall that contains it. If you move or delete the wall, the window reacts accordingly. Objects can be represented in both 2D and 3D.

ArchiCAD is a complex architectural design tool offering 2D and 3D drafting, visualization and documentation functions for architects and planners to create three-dimensional designs and detailed technical documentation, thus enabling architects to use ArchiCAD from the earliest design phases to the technical detail drawings.

ArchiCAD released its first file exchange based Teamwork solution in its version 5.1 in 1997 which allowed more architects to work on the same building model simultaneously. A completely rewritten Teamwork "2.0" solution with a new database approach came out in version 13 in 2009 named Graphisoft BIM Server. Since only the changes and differences are sent to the central storage this solution allows remote access to the same project over the internet thus allowing worldwide project collaboration and coordination.

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 is a complete design suite with 2D and 3D drafting, visualization and other functions for architects, designers and planners. A wide range of software applications are integrated in ArchiCAD to cover most of the design needs of an architectural office:

• 2D CAD software — drawing tools for creating accurate and detailed technical drawings
• 3D Modeling software — a 3D CAD interface specially developed for architects capable of creating various kind of building forms
• Architectural rendering and Visualization software — a high performance rendering tool to produce photorealistic pictures or videos
• Desktop publishing software — with similar features to mainstream DTP software to compose printed materials using technical drawings pixel-based images and texts
• Document management tool — a central data storage server with remote access, versioning tool with backup and restore features
• Building information modeling software — not just a collection of the above mentioned applications with an integrated user interface but a novel approach to building design called BIM.

ArchiCAD is an architectural BIM CAD software for Macintosh and Windowsdeveloped by the Hungarian company Graphisoft. ArchiCAD offers computer aided solutions for handling all common aspects of aesthetics and engineering during the whole design process of the built environment — buildings, interiors, urban areas, etc.

Development of ArchiCAD 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, with Graphisoft's "Virtual Building" concept, ArchiCAD also became the first implementation of BIM.^[2] Today more than 100,000 architects are using it in the building design industry

AutoCAD 360 is free CAD software that allows you to view, edit, and share drawings from your smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. Compare AutoCAD 360 free, Pro, and Pro Plus features and plans below.Autodesk® AutoCAD 360® is the best free CAD software for general contractors and tradesmen—no formal CAD training or experience required. AutoCAD 360 is being used across a wide range of industries, from engineering and construction, to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, to solar and beyond.

Tradesmen and project managers in your industry are using AutoCAD 360 today. Read below to learn how different industries are using AutoCAD 360.

The design takes advantage of daylight to enliven the main dining area through a large curved light well which penetrates the second floor, combined with the curved path through the various food counters, creating a contemporary vibe and smooth flow throughout the commons. The second floor has traditional restaurant seating, with banquettes, separate, sky-lit quiet rooms, and lounge-style seating along with larger tables that allow for more intimate dining experiences.  Faced with a short turnaround on the first part of renovating the dining commons, the model was a crucial factor in managing the renovation.

AutoCAD® software features include an updated modern interface that improves the design process and productivity enhancements that help speed your workflow. Quickly open new and existing drawings with the New Tab page, access drawing content directly from the ribbon, and find tools with a more powerful Help window.  

STAR(T) Edition 2014 introduces a wide array of modeling and productivity improvements focusing on the most requested customer wishes. provides the full power of ArchiCAD 17's one-of-a-kind, end-to-end BIM-based documentation workflow, allowing the model to stay live until the very end of the project: it simplifies the modeling and documentation of buildings even when the design contains a high level of detail.

Enhancing overall performance with improvements to computing speed and power come from GRAPHISOFT's commitment to expanding the possibilities available to the architect. Designers will also benefit from faster navigation with OpenGL, improved Solid Elements Operations and faster handling – loading and display – of library parts.

AutoCAD is licensed at a significant discount over commercial retail pricing to qualifying students and teachers, with a 36-month license available. The student version of AutoCAD is functionally identical to the full commercial version, with one exception: DWG files created or edited by a student version have an internal bit-flag set (the "educational flag"). When such a DWG file is printed by any version of AutoCAD (commercial or student) older than AutoCAD 2014 SP1, the output includes a plot stamp / banner on all four sides. Objects created in the Student Version cannot be used for commercial use. Student Version objects "infect" a commercial version DWG file if it is imported in older versions than AutoCAD 2015.^[22]

The Autodesk Education Community provides registered students and faculty with free access to different Autodesk applications.

"Graphisoft’s ArchiCAD 18 with BIMcloud™ technology ... is very impressive. Graphisoft’s delta technology is already in a class by itself because it reduces the transferred difference data (delta) down to 100 kilobyte chunks, something that is more than an order of magnitude smaller than its biggest rival. What’s really impressive to me is that you can scale up through the cloud without stopping your teams and access to the BIM data."
“We are pleased and honored ArchiCAD 18 with BIMcloud™ and BIMx Docs were selected by the Architosh editors for Best of Show awards,” said Steve Benford, GRAPHISOFT North America managing director. "BIMx Docs and ArchiCAD 18 are yet again proof positive of GRAPHISOFT’s ongoing commitment to providing the AEC space with tools to support creative design and enhance the creative flow.”E.H.

Although AutoCAD has a number of commands for creating special 3D objects, a lot can be achieved by changing the properties of basic 2D objects like polylines. Most 2D objects can be given a thickness using the thickness option in the Properties (DDCHPROP) command. Although objects with a thickness can be said to be extruded, this should not be confused with the EXTRUDE command which creates solid extrusions; giving an object thickness produces asurface extrusion. All objects can be given an elevation by moving them in the Z direction using the MOVE command. With a combination of the MOVE and Properties commands you can quickly create simple 3D drawings.

Using this tutorial you will learn how to give objects a thickness, how to move them vertically, how to view your 3D creations and how to use the 3DFACE and SHADE commands.

A single command, Convert Selection to Morph(s), will convert any selected element(s) to Morph(s). 
The Convert Selection to Morph(s) command is available from the Design menu, and from the context menu of a selected element. 
Each selected element will become a separate Morph. In every case, the original element and their dimensions will be deleted; you do not have the option to retain the originals.E.H.

Autodesk’s Digital Prototyping tools help engineers and designers experience their 3D CAD designs virtually, before they’re built. By connecting every phase of your design process through a single digital model, our Digital Prototyping solutions let your teams test and optimize 3D CAD designs, helping to drive innovation, achieve higher quality, and speed time to market.

Our Building Information Modeling (BIM) software gives designers and engineers an integrated way to explore a project’s key physical and functional characteristics digitally. Through the use of an intelligent 3D model to inform and communicate project decisions, our BIM solutions deliver insight and business value for building design, construction, infrastructure, and utilities projects

ArchiCAD 18 provides a wide range of professional surface material catalogs right out of the box. Users with an active subscription license may download additional surface materials free of charge from the BIMcomponents.com portal. The entire surface material set of MAXON’s Cinema 4D is also available.

ArchiCAD 18 provides brand new lamp objects enhanced with new light settings: parallel light, area light and window light sources can be applied. The standard, IES Light format can also be assigned to ArchiCAD’s lamp objects, ensuring manufacturer-specific photometric distribution for lighting.

ArchiCAD’s live rendering preview and background processor support make the rendering workflow a smooth, uninterrupted process.