ArchiCAD 12 gives BIM users the ability to create great architecture and increases productivity. ArchiCAD 12 is the oldest 3D architectural application. For 25 years, Graphisoft has started developing ArchiCAD as the first software with “virtual building” capability which is known as BIM.

Graphisoft has a different development philosophy to keep up with its competitors. It´s motto is “solve problems ahead before you get in the ditch”. For example the VirtualTrace function is ArchiCAD 12 which makes the transition between 2D- and 3D-based modes much easier for the workflow in architectural design and documentation.

You might say, I am using Revit and why I should change to ArchiCAD 12. There are 3 important points that make ArchiCAD 12 a better 3D-Application out there.

Improved speed- BIM software is hungry for more power and CPU resources. BIM applications make workstations slower because the operations such as changing an element or just saving the project operate on the entire model. ArchiCAD 12 is faster than any other competitors such as Revit because it has an important improvement. Graphisoft has “optimized algorithms for screen navigation to optimize the use of hardware.” Also ArchiCAD 12 is the only software that supports 100 percent the advantage of multi-processors.

Graphisoft has also improved the file management system. The HotLink manager in ArchiCAD 12 updates and saves only one master file, when all other sub-module files are updated.

Improved Design- Curtain wall is an easy tool to create walls in any shape, form, and angle, which Revit is supporting too. But, why we should not have the same capability for stairs, doors, windows, and any other elements. ArchiCAD 12 makes working with stairs, doors, and windows much easier than Revit. The curtain wall functionality can be applied in other systems especially in stairs, railings, fences, roof framing, skylights, or solar panels. ArchiCAD 12 has the ability for developing contents “so that the system editor can operate on real parts at any desired level of detail.” The curtail editor supports all new added parts and pieces as well as changing all elements within an existing design.

Improved Documentation- ArchiCAD 12 serves many useful features in BIM documentation. “One is partial structure display, whereby any view or component can be published as architectural, framing, or structure only.” That helps architects and designers to have a better and wider view of the project. This level of details in documentation makes workflow between the project’s team members much faster and easier.

ArchiCAD 12 offers a different approach to your workflow process, which gives you more control over your design, while maintaining accuracy and efficiency in documentation. While you raise walls, lay floors, add doors and windows, build stairs and construct roofs this Building Information Authoring Tool creates a central database of 3D model data. From this you can extract all the information needed to completely describe your design - complete plans, sections and elevations, architectural and construction details, Bills of Quantities window/door/finish schedules, renderings, animations and virtual reality scenes. That means while you're designing, ArchiCAD 12 is creating all the project documentation so there's little repetitive and tedious drafting work. And unlike designing in 2D software, the Virtual Building approach also means that you can make changes at any time maintaining the integrity of your documents, without risking costly errors or costing you productivity.