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IMPORTING 3D MODEL ELEMENTS INTO ARCHICAD

WHICH 3D OBJECT FILE FORMATS CAN BE BROUGHT IN TO ARCHICAD?

Finding specific objects for your Archicad project can be difficult, as some items are only available in formats designed for other software . However, Archicad provides extensive options for importing models through built-in features, free add-ons, and specialized tools.

Popular Formats and How to Import Them

Archicad supports several of the most common 3D formats directly or via add-ons:
  • FBX & OBJ: Starting with Archicad 29, native support expanded to include both OBJ and FBX formats, allowing you to open, merge, or import these files as GDL Objects directly into your Embedded Library.
  • Revit (.RFA & .RVT): RFA & RVT Geometry Exchange is built directly into the software. For older versions  21–24) a free add-on is available to enable this functionality.
  • SketchUp (.SKP): This is a standard feature in Archicad. You can download models from sources like the 3D Warehouse and merge them directly into your project as .skp files.
  • Rhino (.3DM): Native Rhino file support is built into Archicad For users of Archicad 18 and 19, a separate Rhinoceros Import/Export Add-on is required.
  • 3DS: To handle .3ds files, you must install the "3DStudio In" add-on, which is available as part of Graphisoft’s "Goodies" package.

Advanced Import with ModelPort

While Archicad has improved its built-in support, the ModelPort add-on offers significantly more control and access to 14 different formats, including nine that are not available by default. This includes Blender, GLB, and Lightwave.
The primary advantage of ModelPort is the ability to preview and edit the object before it enters your Archicad environment. You can adjust materials, pen weights, and background fills in an interactive preview window, ensuring the model is "clean" before it is saved as a GDL object.
 

Optimization and Polygon Reduction

Importing external objects can bring in "junk," such as unnecessary layers, messy surfaces, and an excessive number of polygons. High polygon counts can significantly slow down your Archicad file.
Using different tools you can reduce the polygon count by over 80% while maintaining visual detail. This keeps your project file size manageable and your workflow smooth. Some tools can be used to lessen the polygon count before import, and others like Modelport and Archicad's built-in Rhino import enable it during import.

Where to Find 3D Objects

Several large online libraries are compatible with Archicad:
  • BIMcomponents.com: Graphisoft’s external library for Archicad-ready objects.
  • 3D Warehouse: A massive repository for SketchUp formatted objects.
  • BIMobject.com & Modlar.com: These sites offer manufacturer-specific objects (e.g., specific appliances or fixtures) available in Archicad, Revit, and SketchUp formats.

Summary of the Process:

  1. Check the Format: Identify if the file is a standard format (SKP, RVT, FBX) or if it requires a specific tool like ModelPort (for OBJ, Blender, etc.). Sometimes a free converter site can help to convert a file to a supported format.
  2. Importing: Use File > Open, File > Interoperability > Merge, or Import as GDL Object depending on how you want the model to behave in your project.
  3. Clean and Optimize: Review the object for unnecessary "trash" layers and reduce polygons to ensure your file remains fast. Particularly the 2D-symbol can easily be refined, as all the detail that is automatically generated from 3D is rarely useful.
  4. Manage in Library: Imported models are typically saved as GDL objects in your Embedded Library for easy placement. The Embedded librray should not exceed 100Mb in size though, so remember that it is easy to save your object also to a custom library folder - that way you can also use the same library in several projects.