An ARCHICAD model can be described as a central BIM database that stores all project data and makes it accessible to any project stakeholder.

BIM Content packages

ARCHICAD introduces a flexible way to classify elements according to any national or company standard classification system and makes available ARCHICAD Properties that can be connected to any construction element or zone, based on any Element Classification.

ARCHICAD enables the one-step import of BIM data that have been predefined in an external ARCHICAD file (PLN, PLA or TPL format). With the Import BIM Content function, you can import the following BIM Content to your ARCHICAD project:

• A Classification System
• Any Properties belonging to that Classification System
• The IFC Translator “Mapping” presets based on that Classification System:
  • Type Mapping for IFC Import
  • Type Mapping for IFC Export
  • Property Mapping for IFC Export

If the BIM Content package below contains only the Classification System itself we provide it in XML format. These XML files can be imported in the Classification Manager.

How to use

Locate the desired classification standard in the table below and download BIM Content by clicking on the name of the standard.

In case of XML files go to Options > Classification Manager > click on the Import button.
In case of PLN files go to File > Interoperability > Classifications and Properties > Import BIM Content…

In the Open file dialog box, browse for the file that contains the classifications you need, then click OK.

ARCHICAD and COBie

COBie is the abbreviation of Construction-Operations Building information exchange, a specification used in the handover of Facility Management information. It provides a common structure for the exchange of information about new and existing facilities, including both buildings and infrastructure. The COBie spreadsheet is a mapping of the Basic FM Handover View Definition, which is a subset of the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) relating to Facilities Management. ARCHICAD uses its robust IFC data exchange capabilities to produce data output that is easily converted into COBie documentation.

The Guides are written documents on how to utilize the COBie Templates and set up a project to get the desired COBie output. In the Templates, compressed ARCHICAD PLN files are included. A PLN file contains COBie-related properties, classification systems (Uniclass 2015 or OmniClass) and an IFC export translator. Although GRAPHISOFT only provides templates for Uniclass 2015 and OmniClass, any other Classification system can be included and set by following the Guide.

Download previous versions of ARCHICAD and COBie packagesCheck other IFC downloads for ARCHICAD