Brocure PlugIns INT 08

PLUG-INS FOR ARCHICAD

Cigraph

®

ArchiTerra

The package includes:

™

ArchiCAD Plug-in for Terrain Modelling
A common problem faced by ArchiCAD users is the creation and management of 3D terrain models. The ArchiTerra Plug-in was developed to resolve
this problem.
To create a realistic setting, designers often need to contextualise their
projects within certain surroundings. This allows the environmental impact of
the project to be monitored throughout the planning phase. The need for
such functionality may also arise for city planning or landscaping purposes,
requiring the creation of more or less vast 3D terrain models.
Following the correct installation of
ArchiTerra, ArchiCAD users are presented with a new Tool Palette that allows
the simple and rapid creation of 3D terrain models that are fully compatible
with ArchiCAD. ArchiTerra allows topographic data to be imported directly
into the ArchiCAD Worksheet from text
files (lists of points) or DXF files, or new

terrain can be created using points, constraints, contour lines and land modelling tools to define the information
necessary for constructing the 3D
model.
ArchiTerra is an indispensable tool for
ArchiCAD users who need to manage
site modelling or create complex terrain
features.

• the ArchiTerra Add-on,
which adds the necessary
terrain modelling commands to ArchiCAD;
• the ArchiTerra 20.LIB
library, which contains a
set of simple, intelligent
objects that can be used
as terrain modelling tools;
• the ArchiTerra exteriors
library, which provides a
collection of 3D parametric elements (trees, garden furniture, external
light sources, etc.) that
can be used to create realistic environments within the terrain models developed with ArchiTerra.
Work method
With the interactive mode, the user defines the information relative to the
morphology of the terrain directly on the

ArchiCAD worksheet (perhaps using a
scanned in site plan as a guide). Using
this method, the operator manually enters
the data that describes the terrain. The
types of information that can be used to
define the terrain’s attributes include
Topographic points, Constraints and
Contour lines.
• Topographic points: points that define
the topography of the terrain are entered using the mouse and require the
following information: Coordinates,
Code/Description
• Constraints: constraints force triangulation by “joining" two point according
to user-defined specifications, allowing
a sequence of points to be defined as
an obstacle.
• Contour lines: contour lines are drawn
using the tools provided by ArchiCAD
(Polylines, Arcs and Splines). The basic
idea is to first draw the course of the
contour lines using one of the abovementioned tools. These graphical primi-

tives are then converted into Points and
Constraints.
With import mode, ArchiTerra allows
ArchiCAD users to read information directly from lists of points (TXT format) or DXF
drawings. Using this mode, ArchiTerra
handles the automatic positioning of
points, contour lines and constraints
based on the specifications read in from
the imported files.
Once the 3D Mesh has been generated
by ArchiTerra, the contour lines can be
calculated (primary and secondary) and
the terrain can be modelled using levelling, basins, streets and walls of the desired shape and size.
Users can supply digging and embankment angles and can calculate the surfaces, perimeters and volumes of the areas
of land being modelled.
When the information entered (using
either interactive or import mode) is processed, a 3D Mesh is generated that can
be edited and modified by the user as

desired using the standard ArchiCAD
functions. ArchiTerra resolves problems
related to modelling and managing terrain simply and efficiently within the
ArchiCAD application, eliminating the
use of other programs and maintaining
the ArchiCAD work philosophy users are
familiar with.

ArchiStair

™

ArchiCAD Plug-in for Creating Custom Stairs
ArchiStair is an ArchiCAD extension that allows stairs to be created even
when the design constraints of the new project or remodel prohibit them
from having a regular shape.
With its simple and rapid graphical interface, ArchiStair allows users to
create stairs with treads and landings that have customised, creative shapes.

Work method
ArchiStair is easy and fun to use.
To begin, you can either select one of
the predefined stair types displayed in
the main dialog window or use 2d
ArchiCAD elements to draw the shape
you desire.
Editable Hotspots allow treads and landings to be graphically modified both in
the Floor Plan Window and in the 3D
Window by simply selecting a node
and dragging it to the desired position.

The treads of the stair can be
curved and the risers can be
either standard or angled.
All other aspects of the stair
are editable and customisable. Let’s start with the handrails. The shape of the handrails and handrail ends can
be chosen, as can the number and shape of the posts,
panels and newels.
Even custom objects can be

used as elements. For the
panels, both the material
and thickness can be modified.
Users can add finishing touches such as skirting boards
and stringers, which are also
customisable both in terms of
material and measurements.
To facilitate 3D visualisation,
supporting walls can be placed under the stair, which
can be edited for thickness
and material. You can even
customise the 2D appearance of the stair and modify
the scale with which it is viewed in the
ArchiCAD worksheet.
A complete application, ArchiStair
allows you to cut the opening in the
slab over the stair automatically.
And, as a special feature, the image of
a person can be positioned in the
Section Window or 3D Window, providing a means of controlling the height

and comfort of the stair.
The settings of the stairs created can be
saved and used again later to create a
new stair.

ArchiForma

™

ArchiCAD Plug-In for Object Creation
ArchiForma is an extension that uses API (Application Programming
Interface) technology to add new functionality to ArchiCAD.
The Plug-in was designed and developed to give ArchiCAD users complete
freedom in creating special shapes without having to use GDL scripting.
Designers often need to use complex shapes when drawing 3D representations of architectural details, decorative objects, doors and windows or
other solids or surfaces that are difficult to create with the basic primitives
available in the ArchiCAD Toolbox.
ArchiForma provides a new series of graphical primitives, commands and
functions designed specifically to solve this problem, allowing users the freedom necessary for customising their projects and adding details as desired.
Work method
Using ArchiForma is just like using any
other simple ArchiCAD function. You
won’t even realise you’re using a Plug-in.
ArchiForma can be activated at any
moment by selecting the command

“ArchiForma/Visualise ArchiForma
Palette,” which is added to the standard
ArchiCAD menus during installation.
All commands and functions on the
ArchiForma Palette are immediately
available and may be used both on the

Floor Plan worksheet as
well as in the ArchiCAD
3D Window.
The ArchiForma Palette
is divided into four
main sections that contain logical groupings
of the different types of
commands and functions required for creating or modifying
objects. These include
simple 3D primitives,
3D forms generated
from 2D outlines (groups of lines, arcs, lines
and arcs, fills), editing
functions (holes, cutting,
rotating) and miscellaneous tools, which
include instruments for
editing elements, saving and general
editing.
The graphic interface allows quick and
simple editing of even the most complex

forms, such as extrusions, tubing or surfaces. With the hole, cutting plane and
rotate commands, even the most minute
details can be sculpted to get the desired
shape.
The objects created with ArchiForma,
such as doors and windows, can be
saved as library parts and used again in
future projects. They can also be edited
any time modifications are necessary and
saved again as new Objects.
The following example shows how easy it
is to work with ArchiForma. It provides a
step by step description of the operations
required for creating a translational surface.
1) Create a Section/Elevation on the Floor
Plan and open the associated window.
Select the 3D Polyline tool from the
ArchiForma Palette and design the first profile.

6) In just a few seconds, ArchiForma generates the surface by extruding one profile
along the path defined by the other.

2) On the last double-click, ArchiForma reactivates the Floor Plan Window for the polyline to be inserted.
3) Reopen the Section/Elevation Window and
create another 3D polyline to delineate the
second side of the area to be covered.

4) Position the second polyline on the Floor
Plan.
5) Select both polylines and activate the
Translational Surface tool from the
ArchiForma Palette.

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ArchiRuler

™

ArchiCAD Plug-in for 2D Drawing
ArchiRuler is a highly useful 2D
drawing application that allows quick
and easy management of the twodimensional tools needed to create
design details and working drawings
for the building site. It satisfies the
requirement often faced by designers
of completing and refining their 3D
models with technical and descriptive
elements.
Work method

ArchiRuler adds two extra palettes to the
ArchiCAD working environment. These
contain 2D tools that are not provided by
ArchiCAD and a set of snaps located at
geometrically significant points.

ArchiRuler’s main tool palette is dynamic; in other words, the commands
displayed in the second column change
depending on the tool selected in the
first column.
The first four tools: lines, guidelines,
polylines and arcs/circles, form the
basis of 2D drawings. ArchiRuler provides various methods for drawing these
elements, all of which are easy to use
and can interact with 2D ArchiCAD primitives.
In fact, the distinguishing characteristic
of this plug-in is its close link with
ArchiCAD. For example, when you
import complex DWG files into
ArchiCAD, you can use the “Simplify
Polyline” tool to reduce the number of
nodes of the lines and polylines. Or,
using the “Transform into Polyline” tool,
you can transform groups of consecutive
2D elements into a single element.
The second part of the ArchiRuler
Palette contains the tools needed for
managing the 2D elements you create.

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Using the “Measurements” tool, you can
obtain information on the distance or
angle of the elements on the Floor Plan,
while, with the settings window, you can
change the element sizes numerically.
Another useful tool is the “Delete Area”
tool, which, based on an area you define
using ArchiCAD's "Marquee" tool, allows
you to cancel or cut elements according
to various settings:
- cancel only the elements that
are either completely inside or
outside the area;
- cancel only the elements that
intersect the area or cut and
cancel everything inside or outside the area;
- cut and divide the elements inside the area and move them to
another part of the drawing.
ArchiRuler’s true strong point, however,
lies in its “Tools” section, which gives the
user access to powerful commands, such
as:
- The “Alignment” tool, which provides

1

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various methods for aligning elements on the Floor Plan.
- The “Distribution” tool, which
provides additional functionality
with respect to ArchiCAD’s
“Multiply” command.
- The “Asymmetrical Scaling”
command, which lets you resize
a selection with different scaling
factors for the X and Y axes.
- The “Insulation” tool, which
allows you to insert and control
a fill pattern that runs along two
or more parallel segments.
- The “Fill for Composite Walls” tool,
which lets you stack a 2D object on
top of one or more composite walls in
order to enhance the graphic quality of
the fill pattern.
- The “Text on Polyline” tool, which
allows you to create text and position it
along a polyline’s path.
- The “Fill: Maximum Area” tool, with
which you can create a fill based on
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Illustration by: Studio Rubini Perez e Cattozzi (Ve)

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rounding a closed geometric shape on
the Floor Plan.
- The “Fill with Color/Material” tool,
which allows you to transform an
image or add bicolor shading to geometric shapes defined on the Floor
Plan.
- The “Zigzag” tool, which allows you to
cut the elements you select by positioning a 2D object on the Floor Plan.

ArchiMap

™

ArchiCAD plug-in for surveying interiors
This plug-in provides you with all of the tools necessary for creating as-built
surveys within ArchiCAD. Its tools for designing and placing doors and windows allow you to quickly and easily draw an as-built survey and convert it
into a 3D model made up of parametric ArchiCAD elements.
Work method
With the Room tool, using
the same logic as if you
were doing a freehand sketch, you design the rooms
being surveyed on the Floor
Plan (rectangular, L-shaped
or freeform) and add any
necessary notes or information. Next you define the
positions of doors and windows, using either a generic
type (single- or double-door)
or choosing one from the

ArchiCAD Library.
Using the Trilateration tool, you insert
the diagonals in the room to block the
as-built survey geometrically; if there are
intersecting diagonals, ArchiMap lets
you define which ones are primary and
which are secondary. Furthermore, you
can define a 90° angle between two
walls or insert hotspots inside, outside
or along the sides
of the room being
surveying (for
example, for placing a pillar or to

define the position of an element on a
wall).
The Measurements tool lets you insert
the lengths of the room’s sides or diagonals either individually or in sequence.
You can input the measurements
manually or by interfacing directly with
Leica’s Disto™ Plus laser distance meter
(via a BlueTooth connection).
The Join tool allows you to connect
rooms that have been surveyed and sto-

red, using the doors that the rooms have
in common. If the thickness of the wall
separating the Rooms is not uniform, you
can join the rooms using four hotspots
(two in each room), resulting in the generation of a trapezoidal wall.
Once the rooms have been joined, you
can create a Perimeter around them and
define the following parameters: the

made up entirely of parametric ArchiCAD
elements.
maximum and default thickness of the
perimeter wall and internal walls, the trapezoidal wall limit, the limit for the difference in aligned walls’ thicknesses and
the limit for trapezoidal perimeter walls.
Using the 3D Construction tool, you can
select the as-built and the Perimeter and
then either manually or automatically
erect all of the walls and insert the doors
and windows selected from the ArchiCAD
Library. ArchiMap erects editable walls
individually based on the active settings
for ArchiCAD's Wall tool (height, materials, pen, internal hatching, etc.); the 2D
as-built is thus converted into a 3D model

Illustration by Andrea Talamini (BL)

ArchiFaçade

™

ArchiCAD Plug-in for Straightening Perspective Images
ArchiFaçade is a Plug-in that allows perspective images (photographs of
façades, objects, etc.) to be transformed in order to “straighten” them.
Based on the principles of projective geometry, ArchiFaçade uses the appropriate mathematical transformations to remove perspective distortions from
an image until a rectified version is generated.
ArchiFaçade’s Tool
Palette can be opened
when necessary and is
used just like any other
palette, providing a simple and rapid way to correct the perspective of a
building.
Obtaining the straightened image of a tall building – perhaps
one with elaborate mouldings and other
architectural elements – is a lengthy
and difficult task. The most rapid and

efficient solution involves digitalising
your photograph and then, with the
help of ArchiFaçade, transforming it into
a “straightened” image in which the
measurements of the individual parts
correspond to the exact proportions of
the actual structure.
ArchiFaçade provides two simple
methods for straightening perspective
images, both of which require just a few
measurements.
With the first method, the real coordinates of four points of the structure (measu-

rements taken on-site) are indicated on
the photograph that has been imported
into the Floor Plan. With the second
method, first a significantly sized horizontal or vertical segment of the actual
façade is indicated on the photograph.
Then, on the same plane, two points are
extended from the end points of the segment to apply the triangulation technique.
The program allows any unnecessary
parts to be deleted from the bitmap, so
that images can be refined and adjusted as desired.
Lastly, ArchiFaçade provides a simple
graphic procedure for converting photographic images into ArchiCAD library
parts, allowing them to be reused in
photorealistic settings.
With a few simple and quick calculations, photographs of people, trees,
wings of buildings or any other type of
image can be inserted into 3D models
without GDL scripting or the use of other
programs.

How does it work?

Or consider a line that, on the actual structure,
is horizontal or vertical and use it to implement
the triangulation technique.

Just define four hotspots on the photograph and enter
the measurements taken from the actual structure.

Once the image of the façade has been “straightened,” any parts of the photograph that are
not relevant to the project can be selected and
removed.

Or you can modify the plane of a flat image to
transform it into a backdrop for an ArchiCAD
3D representation.

ArchiTiles

™

ArchiCAD Plug-in for the Creation, Layout and
Calculation of Tiles
The ArchiTiles Plug-in is used for planning, setting and calculating the layout
of tiles on surfaces developed with ArchiCAD, such as floors, walls and ceilings.
Tile coverings can be
developed using one of
the tile types already
available in the
ArchiCAD library, or
users can create new tiles
using the ArchiTiles tools
provided. A variety of tile
shapes are possible, such
as square, rectangular,
polygonal or even custom
shapes. Colours and textures can also be defined
for the tiles created, as

well as information such as the manufacturer, price per square metre or per
tile, etc. Each tile is stored as an
ArchiCAD library part, allowing it to be
reused, edited and modified at any
time.
Surfaces to be tiled, such as walls,
floors and ceilings, are identified and
extracted automatically using ArchiTile’s
Zone tool.
Different tile laying options allow the
user to choose between tiling an entire
surface with a customised tiling pattern
or dividing the surface into a maximum

of three rows. In the latter case, different widths and tiling patterns and/or
tile types can be defined for each row.
ArchiTiles provides a number of tile
laying patterns for users to choose from

or custom patterns can be created if
necessary.
ArchiTiles handles the calculation of the
exact dimensions of the surface to be
covered. The program automatically cuts
the tiles or panels as necessary and leaves out the areas that will not be tiled,
such as doors and windows.
Once the 2D representation is complete,
the walls are rotated 90° and the tiled
areas are inserted into the ArchiCAD
Floor Plan, where they can be visualised
in any 3D view.

Various calculations can be performed
regarding the tiles used, including the
exact dimensions of the tiled surfaces, the
number of tiles and total and partial
costs. Calculations can be made either on
an overall basis or by room or tile type.
Even partially used tiles are taken into
account. The calculations are presented
in a printer-ready diagram or in table format, providing accurate quantitative and
financial control of the tiling layouts generated.

Arch. Marco Toffol (TN)

Arch. Marco Toffol (TN)

types of transformations can be selected. Each of these can be customised by
the user in terms of pens, lines, fills and
text.
The dialog window also allows options
to be set regarding the types of elements to convert, the minimum length of
lines to consider for transformation, the
layer on which the output drawing
should be placed and a number of

other settings that, once customised, can
be saved and used again at any time.
To make the transformation even more
unique and customisable, ArchiSketchy
allows backgrounds to be chosen that

ArchiSketchy

™

Hand Drawn Effects for ArchiCAD Drawings
ArchiSketchy is an extension that uses API (Application Programming
Interface) technology to add new functionality to ArchiCAD.
The Plug-in was created to allow ArchiCAD users to transform the perfect
lines of computer-generated images into the softer, irregular lines of handsketched drawings. ArchiSketchy opens the road to creativity, allowing
projects to be created that resemble drawings done with a pencil and pen,
but without smudges or imperfections.
Work method
Working with ArchiSketchy is simple.
Just select the drawing to be transformed, either from the Floor Plan, the
Section/Elevation Windows or the 3D
Window, and then choose the transformation command from the ArchiSketchy
menu.
A single dialog window is displayed,
from which one of the seven different

Studio Rubini Perez e Cattozzi

resemble different paper textures.
Once the transformation type has been
set, the user can decide whether the output should be directed to the window of
origin or to an independent window, from
which it can be printed or saved in PMK
format.

The drawing can also be converted into
an Object, allowing it to be resized or
used in multiple projects at the same time.
It should also be noted that drawings
created with ArchiSketchy are vector
based, meaning that they can be easily
modified at any time.

ArchiPanel

™

ArchiCAD plug-in for designing false ceilings and
raised floors
With ArchiPanel, you can design raised floors and false ceilings starting
with an ArchiCAD Zone or Fill. To cover an area, you can use panels to
create simple or checkered layouts or you can use panel modules for more
elaborate arrangements with repeated shapes, sizes and materials.
Work method
In the settings for your floor
or false ceiling paneling,
you can define the
panel/module sizes and
materials, the minimum surface area for cut elements,
the joint size and layout
origin and orientation, and
you can also configure the
vertical and horizontal supporting elements.

The Offset function allows you to define
an inset for the paneling with respect to
the perimeter of the area being covered,
and you can specify whether to include
or exclude any holes inside the area;
you can also configure a false ceiling’s
border and customize its edging.
The Cut/Drill function allows you to add
additional holes (which may have curved sides) to a paneling once you have
positioned it, while the Modify Paneling
tool lets you edit the elements of a

floor/false ceiling, either by selecting
them manually or using customizable
search criteria. Searches can be performed based on the surface material of a
panel, its name or the name of an
accessory that is associated with it, or

the name of its support or supporting
beam. Different search criteria can be
combined, and they can also be based
on geometric rules (by row/column and
either horizontally or diagonally). Once
you have confirmed your panel selection
in the settings window, you can define
optional accessories, including fans, aeration systems, grates, towers, smoke detectors and ceiling signage. You can also
add lamps, letting you illuminate your
environments according to the settings you
define. The Change Default Configuration
tool allows you to update only those ele-

ments that use standard settings, leaving
the panels you configured separately
unchanged. The Change Layout Origin
tool allows the origin and orientation of
the panels/modules to be redefined while
keeping track of the changes you made to
the individual components and maintaining their settings.
With the Modify covering/Create structure tool, you can generate a support structure with columns that support a beam (for
floors) or suspension elements that hold
up a beam (for false ceilings). When a
paneling has been selected, this tool
allows you to activate or deactivate the
display and numbering of the panels,
structure and accessories, both in 2D and
in 3D; furthermore, you can change the
position of the supports and accessories
for each separate panel.
If you make design changes to a room,
you can make the necessary adjustments
to the paneling with the automatic update
tool: just use the Update ArchiCAD Zone
command (or change the fill manually) to
regenerate the covering. All of the previou-

sly defined settings will be maintained.
ArchiPanel’s element calculation functions
are particularly interesting: they allow you
calculate the number of whole panels and
cut panels by material, display their sizes
and list the supports, beams and associated accessories.

ArchiMaterial

™

Management of ArchiCAD surface materials
ArchiMaterial improves management of ArchiCAD surface materials, organising them in a user-defined hierarchy, specifying favourites and using the
drag-&-drop technique to select and drag a preview of the material to assign it to the required element.
A simple procedure also generates images to create seamless tiling, bumpmapping, transparency effects, etc.
The ArchiMaterial palette
The ArchiMaterial palette contains seven
icons, each corresponding to a particular function:
- Materials Tracker and List of
Materials in the project;
- Copy materials (eyedropper) between
different types of element;
- Transfer materials (syringe) between
different types of element;
- Create a texture image:
- Straighten a texture image;

- ArchiCAD/LightWorks materials toggle;
- Help.
Materials Tracker
The Materials Tracker enables you to
configure the materials for the current
selection without having to display the
relative tool settings box.
You therefore have simultaneous access
to the materials associated with different
types of element (not possible with the

standard ArchiCAD interface),
enabling you to assign a material to the surface of a wall, the
component of an object, the
edge of a slab etc.
The window is extremely simple
to use: select the element (or elements) for which you want to
view the materials and the materials assigned will be listed immediately
in the Materials Tracker window.
List of Materials
The ArchiMaterial List of Materials
displays a list of all the materials present
in the project currently open.
The materials listed (in alphabetical
order) are represented with a preview
of their texture or colour.
The ArchiMaterial tools make it easy to
define a list of favourite materials (those

ping them organised and enabling them
to be found and used as efficiently as
possible.
Assigning Materials to ArchiCAD elements
By combining the two list windows
(Materials Tracker and List of Materials in
the project), you can rapidly assign surface materials to the construction elements
in your project:

used most frequently and which therefore
require quick access) or organise the
materials of a project into a hierarchy.
Many users have requested the possibility
of grouping materials according to a
customised hierarchy. ArchiCAD lists
materials in alphabetical order and when
the list of materials present is very long,
finding a material in order to assign it to
a given surface can be tedious.
Grouping the materials together, for
example by type (Masonry, Metals, etc)
helps the user manage the materials, kee-

1. select the element (or elements) to
which you want to assign the required
material;
2. the Tracker window displays a list of
materials currently used;
3. drag and drop the selected material
from the project's List of Materials window to the item in the Tracker list;
4. ArchiMaterial immediately modifies the
element (or elements) to which you
have assigned the new material,
displaying the modifications immediately.

Create a texture image
When managing materials, users often
find it difficult to create seamless textures
starting from an original image.
ArchiMaterial can process any original
image with just a single click and without
complex configuration, in just a few
seconds generating a new image which
can be repeated seamlessly horizontally
and vertically.

0,8
8

2,4
6

0,8
8

0,8
8

3,23

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0,75

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0,30

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1

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7

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0,1
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0

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7

22,470
22,470
36,910
36,110
21,010

0,36

Diagram

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7

12,50
+6,39

ArchiTabula is a Plug-in that allows tables containing text or numbers to be
created or imported into ArchiCAD.
The contents of tables can be displayed in grid form or, if conditions allow,
in graphs or diagrams, using a variety of highly customisable formats.
The contents of tables that are created and arranged on the Floor Plan can
be updated at any time without losing the formatting.
The elements placed on the Floor Plan are library parts and maintain a
dynamic link to their data files. This means that any time the document of
origin is modified, the corresponding data is automatically updated in
ArchiCAD.
Work method
To begin working with ArchiTabula, first
the Tool Palette must be activated. To do
this, just open the ArchiTabula menu
and select the View ArchiTabula Palette
option. The command is available from

any 2D window (Floor Plan and
Section/Elevation).
The Tool Palette contains six buttons, each
of which performs a different function.
The first tool, “Create/Modify
Spreadsheet,” allows electronic spread-

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Office 1

2

Office 2

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Office 3

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Office 4

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Office 5

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A
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ArchiCAD Plug-in for Creating Spreadsheets,
Captions and Graphs

3

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1,75

ArchiTabula

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™

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Area

Office 1
Office 2
Office 3
Office 4
Office 5
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2,4
2

4,75

0,32

4,7
1

Offices

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0,36

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0,32

5

sheets to be created for
entering text, numbers or
mathematical formulas.
ArchiTabula spreadsheets
are similar to normal
spreadsheets; the only
difference is that, due to
restrictions imposed by the API development environment, the dimensions are
limited to 128 rows and 64 columns.
ArchiTabula allows files to be opened in
either tabulated text format or in the
ArchiCAD Calculation Lists format.
After processing, they can be saved in
.SLV format and placed on the
ArchiCAD Floor Plan Worksheet as
Objects.
ArchiTabula also has its own “calculator.” This handy tool is similar to regular
calculators but has a number of added
features that make it especially popular
among users. First of all, up to eleven
numbers can be stored in memory, for
easy retrieval and viewing in the lateral
extension of the calculator.

Room Lighting system
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8

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Lighting system 3

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Lighting system 4

Room
Lighting system
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15,9
15,9
0
0

1

Illuminazione stanza 1

2

Illuminazione stanza 2

3

Illuminazione stanza 3

4

Illuminazione stanza 4

5

Illuminazione stanza 5

6

Illuminazione stanza 6

A
5
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5

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3

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8

10

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15,0
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0

Lighting system 5

Additional functionality is provided by the
Read Length and Read Area buttons,
which can be used to read the dimensions of 3D and 2D elements in the Floor
Plan or Section/Elevation. The measurements can be read in two ways: either by
selecting the elements on the Floor Plan
and then clicking on the read commands
or by selecting the commands first and
then the elements. Of course, these values
can also be memorised in the calculator’s
display area.
ArchiTabula also allows spreadsheets to

Illustration by: Arch. Marco Toffol (TN)

11,2
9

8

Lighting system 2

0,3
0

Lighting system 1

created using the “Spreadsheet Object”
tool.
Files previously created in .SLV format are
used as reference files and are opened
directly in the dialog window. Elements
such as the background colour of the
spreadsheet and font can also be customised in the dialog window. Spreadsheets
placed on the Floor Plan are ArchiCAD
Objects, which means that they can be
reopened and modified as desired.
Native .SLV files can also be used to
create graphs with the “Graph Object”
tool.
A series of icons in the Settings dialog
window allows quick and easy selection
of the type of graph to display. As with
spreadsheets, elements such as font,
dimensions and display colours are customisable.
The “Caption Object” tool allows creation
of a caption using a predefined structure
divided into various boxes that change
size to accommodate the data entered.
Even a company logo can be displayed,

with the size and position desired. The
font type can vary from box to box. Once
the caption has been completed, it can
be saved and placed on the Floor Plan as
an Object.

ArchiQuant

™

Calculating estimates linked
ArchiQuant is an ArchiCAD plug-in developed to provide users with a simpler and more immediate way of calculating estimates linked to the construction (and other) elements in an ArchiCAD Virtual Building.
Using ArchiQuant requires no knowledge of GDL language, nor the use of
Property Objects or the ArchiCAD calculation database.
You simply need to assign a component to the construction element in question, then define the calculation method (quantity calculation formula) for
that element and it will be automatically calculated from the list of calculations provided by ArchiQuant.
How ArchiCAD changes when you install
ArchiQuant
If ArchiQuant is correctly installed in the
ArchiCAD add-ons directory, there will
be a new panel inside most of the element setting dialog boxes (in practice,
for all elements which can be calculated
by ArchiQuant) and a dedicated tool
palette providing access to the various

ArchiQuant functions.
You will be able to calculate
quantity estimates using just
these two elements (settings
panel and tool palette).
The components database
The components database file (in other
words, the price list) contains all the

items which can be calculated in our
ArchiCAD project.
It is essentially based on two types of
element:
- the Chapter (identical to the concept of
the Key in the ArchiCAD database);
- the Component (identical to the concept of the Component in the
ArchiCAD database).
The data in the database (codes,
descriptions, measurement units and unit
prices) can be imported from external
files or defined manually using
ArchiQuant itself.
Quantity calculation formula
When a component is assigned to an
ArchiCAD construction element, the way
in which that component is calculated
must be defined according to the
sizes/quantities of that construction element.
The rule used for this calculation, simply
a mathematical equation easily and
intuitively defined by the user, is known
as the calculation formula.

List of linked components
You can link a number of components and
therefore a number of formulas to each
ArchiCAD construction element:
For example, in the case of a certain type
of wall, the individual components could
be:
- bricks (number of bricks per cubic
metre of wall);
- external plaster (linked to the external
surface area of the wall);
- internal plaster (linked to the internal
surface area of the wall);
- external finish (linked to the external
surface area of the wall);
- internal painting (linked to the internal
surface area of the wall);
- skirting (linked to the internal length of
the wall minus the width of the doors in
the host wall);
- etc.
The list of components could be quite long
and the formulas quite complex.
ArchiQuant enables the user to save these
lists of components, change the settings

- formatted calculation lists (where the
data are arranged in a structured
layout).
The calculation lists can obviously be
customised, choosing which data to
display, the filters to be used and the
graphics of the list itself.
Once again, the settings can be saved for
use at any moment without having to
waste time reconfiguring the list as required.

and link them again later (or in other
projects) to the various construction elements.
Calculation Lists
These lists display the estimates calculated
by ArchiQuant.
There are two types:
- tabbed calculation lists (where the data
are presented within a grid of cells);

ArchiWall

™

ArchiCAD Plug-in for Creating Free-form Walls
ArchiWall lets you add “overlaid structures” to regular ArchiCAD walls,
allowing simple prismatic blocks to be transformed into multiform architectural elements.
With ArchiWall, users can add free-form accessory elements to normal
ArchiCAD walls to create mouldings and other decorations, giving projects
a more realistic appearance while maintaining the characteristic simplicity
and speed of ArchiCAD.
Work method
Using ArchiWall is easy.
Just select the wall you
want to “connect” the
object to, then choose
one of the seven transformation types available
from the Tool Palette.
Each transformation type
has an associated

Settings window in which details such
as the materials to be used for the
object, the starting level and total height, the plan attributes and cross section
elevation can be defined.
Since the object created is connected to
the wall, it inherits the wall’s door and
window openings.
Once an ArchiWall element has been
created, if the host wall’s window or

door openings are modified or removed, such changes can be reflected in
the ArchiWall element by selecting the
element and clicking on the “Data
Update” button in the ArchiWall Tool
Palette. These updates can also be
performed automatically by enabling
the “Automatic Update” option on the
element’s Settings window.
An element’s settings can be modified
even after it has been positioned on the
Floor Plan, either by selecting the appropriate button from the Tool Palette or by
selecting the element to open its Settings
window.
For the transformation types that require
the definition of profiles or paths, the
“Explosion” button can be selected from
the ArchiWall Tool Palette to make a
copy of the ArchiWall elements after
their creation. This allows the user to
modify the geometry of the elements
and to use the same profiles and paths
for other walls. Once modifications
have been made to the geometry of the

exploded elements, these objects can be
regenerated by clicking on the “Update
Geometry” button.
ArchiWall objects are connected to the
host wall, but are not dependent on it.
This means that the host wall can be deleted after the desired element has been
created, making it possible to view only
the outline of the object when creating

furnishings or decorative elements.
ArchiWall also makes it possible to
export the elements created to other file
formats and enables documents to be
exchanged among co-workers without the
risk of providing an incomplete image.
Just remember to supply other users with
the ArchiWall library or save the project
in Archive format. Elements created with

ArchiWall maintain all of the geometric
characteristics of the walls from which
they originate, including the cuts made
with roofs and door and window openings. ArchiWall objects can also be edited using ArchiCAD, though with limited
functionality.

ArchiTime

™

ArchiCAD Plug-in for the Analysis of Time
Management Statistics
How often have you asked yourself how much time you or your colleagues
have spent in front of the computer designing a particular project?
This type of information is of great value for determining the time – and, hence,
the costs – required to develop a project and for evaluating how the ArchiCAD
program is used and what influence this has on the total costs of work performed. Such figures can be used for statistical and informational purposes as well
as for assessing the costs of inputting data into the computer, which is one of
the primary factors in determining your prices.
ArchiTime, which is launched automatically each time you work on a project,
keeps track of the operations carried out based on element type and function
performed. It also tracks the time spent in each work session, broken down by
worksheet window and work day. When the project is completed, ArchiTime
provides a detailed summary report of the data collected (including explanatory graphs) that can either be printed or saved in text format for further processing in spreadsheets or by dedicated programs.
No effort is required on the user’s part; ArchiTime goes unnoticed, working discreetly in the background and requiring no interaction unless you request information.

Work method
The ArchiTime commands are included
in a Tool Palette that is available for the
entire duration of the project.

The first two buttons can be used to interrupt or restart monitoring of the time
spent on your project. If you accidentally
forget to restart the Plug-in, a warning
message will automatically appear
reminding you that ArchiTime has been
paused and that any additions or modifications to the project will not be tracked.
The third button allows a summary
report of the monitoring information to
be viewed in text format. The contents
of this window, as with all ArchiCAD
text windows, can either be printed or
saved in text format and opened with
other programs.
The fourth button opens the formatted
report window, a special ArchiTime win-

dow in which the data collected from the
monitoring process is displayed in graphical format. Since the graphical format is
an Object, its appearance can be customised using the fifth button on the tool
palette. The user interface of the settings
window is similar to ArchiCAD windows
and can be used to select the font type,
font size and pen colour.

The remaining options can be used to
activate or deactivate the visualization of
certain types of information in the summary report, such as the time spent
working in the individual worksheet windows or a list of operations performed on
ArchiCAD elements, as well as information pertaining to the visualisation of the
graphic report.

The last ArchiTime function can be used
to compare the reports from different
projects, allowing statistical evaluations to
be carried out regarding work performed.
In this manner, ArchiTime helps you get a
clear idea of how ArchiCAD is being
used by indicating the worksheet windows you use the most, the tools you are
most comfortable working with, and those
you find to be less user friendly.

What is an ArchiCAD plug-in?
A Plug-in is a software component that allows ArchiCAD to provide new
functions in addition to the standard characteristics.
ArchiCAD allows you to manage the plug-ins automatically, starting them up
and closing them through the menu bar. Indeed, once the Plug-in has been
installed, a new menu will appear in the menu bar. This menu will behave
completely like any other ArchiCAD menu. It will allow you to access the
Plug-in palette and therefore to access all of its tools.
In fact, you will not even realise that you are using a Plug-in: it will still be
similar to using your ArchiCAD, but with more functions.

Cigraph Factory S.r.l.
ArchiTerra, ArchiStair, ArchiForma, ArchiRuler, ArchiFaçade,
ArchiTiles, ArchiTime, ArchiMap, ArchiPnel, ArchiMaterial,
ArchiQuant, ArchiSketchy, ArchiTabula and ArchiWall are registered trademarks of Cigraph S.r.l.. ArchiCAD, GDL are registered
trademarks of Graphisoft. Other products and trade names may
be trademarks or registered trademarks of other companies and
are used purely for demonstrative purposes in favour of the trademark holder, without intent of breach.

Illustration by: Marco Marella, Studio Rubini Perez & Cattozzi
(Ve), Andrea Talamini (BL), Arch. Marco Toffol (TN).

Cigraph

The Plug-Ins configuration is determined by the configuration required by
ArchiCAD. To know the most recently updated configuration visit the Cigraph web
site: www.cigraph-store.com.

Cigraph S.r.l. Via Orsato, 38 - 30175 VE/Marghera
Tel. ++39(0)41932388 - Fax ++39(0)41920031
www.cigraph.com