ArchiCAD architectural cad software

The program includes Geometric Description Language (GDL) used to create new components. The newest version (2007) is ArchiCAD 11.

ArchiCAD can import and export DWG, DXF IFC and Sketch Up 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.

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. Detail drawings are based on enlarged portions of the model, with 2D detail added in.

ArchiCAD allows the user to work with data-enhanced parametric objects, often called "smart objects" by users. The product allows the user to create a "virtual building" with virtual structural elements like walls, slabs, roofs, doors, windows and furniture. There is a large variety of pre-designed, customizable object library inbuilt in the programme.

It is the first CAD Product on a personnel computer able to create both 2D and 3D drawings through BIM Technology developed in 1982. This Software is used by over 100,000 architects in the Building design Industry.