13 Sites with Free ArchiCAD Objects | Free Downloads | Scan2CAD (2024)

For those of you familiar with BIM work and ArchiCAD model-making, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that the whole endeavor – from starting schematics to final plot-able output – is a very tedious process. You’ll try to save time and take shortcuts wherever you can afford to do so.

One of these would be the use of generic or industry-standard objects for ArchiCAD. These objects can vary from typical furniture placeholders to generic toilet fixtures, all with typical measurements and generally standardized uses. As standard as they are, you might wonder where you can easily get these ArchiCAD objects.

In this article, we’ve put together a list of 13 websites that offer free ArchiCAD objects for your use. Be sure to check these out and bookmark your favorites so you’ll never have to be at a loss for objects again!

  • 13 Sites with Free ArchiCAD Objects
      1. BIMcomponents
      2. Archibase
      3. ArchiUp
      4. Modlar
      5. Caroma
      6. Martela
      7. Archiradar
      8. NBS National BIM Library
      9. OpenGDL
      10. Ar. Alexey Skoldinov
      11. Eptar
      12. ARCAT
  • Conclusion

1. BIMcomponents

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Let’s start with the one website that has official Graphisoft-provided ArchiCAD objects – BIMcomponents.com. This website is Graphisoft’s platform for sharing GDL content. From generic and standard models to more manufacture-specific products, the site hosts thousands of free downloads and uses ArchiCAD objects to help out designers, engineers, and other industry professionals.

This is the site to be for ArchiCAD users seeking a sort of community forum and a place to share their objects. This is also the site where most leading manufacturers will upload their product models, so be sure to check this site out if you’re looking for something specific.

2. Archibase

13 Sites with Free ArchiCAD Objects | Free Downloads | Scan2CAD (2)

Archibase is a no-frills, straightforward website that offers thousands of ArchiCAD-ready GDL content. Aside from the number, the categorization is also very much on point. You may be a little intimidated by the starkness of their relatively blank interface and web pages, but be assured that this website is perfect for those that need a bunch of objects for their ArchiCAD models.

It has a wide selection of ArchiCAD furniture models from its ArchiCAD furniture library making it a great destination if one is looking for furniture models. You just have to click on the category of ArchiCAD furniture download you want and select the exact model that you want to download.

The site also has blog posts concerning modeling and BIM approaches. In fact, if you choose to do so, you could register an account on the site and contribute to the posts. It also has pages dedicated to getting in touch with design and CAD specialists. All-in-all, it’s not the prettiest site for free ArchiCAD objects, but it’s a pretty complete one.

3. ArchiUp

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Although not solely for ArchiCAD content, ArchiUp is a free and international online service that compiles and makes available various professional resources for design and construction work. On the site, you’ll find a bunch of digital libraries containing manufacturer-specific products and generic models that can be used for any of your BIM and modeling needs.

They have textures on the site as well, if you need that for more realistic renders or portrayals of materials. It has a useful search engine to single out the objects that you need and some nifty tabs that categorize items by things like designers and brands.

4. Modlar

13 Sites with Free ArchiCAD Objects | Free Downloads | Scan2CAD (4)

Modlar is a website and company founded by architecture and construction industry professionals who know what the typical ArchiCAD drafter would be looking for in free objects online. The site specializes in objects that have something to do with commercial design and architecture.

There are thousands of products and product information available on the website, a majority of which actually came from top manufacturers and product suppliers. The site also serves as a bit of a news site, with a page dedicated to news on the latest industry trends. It even has a podcast called “The Modern Architect”.

5. Caroma

13 Sites with Free ArchiCAD Objects | Free Downloads | Scan2CAD (5)

Caroma is a distributor for different toilet and bathroom fixtures. The site works with brands such as Dorf and Clark. Their website has a comprehensive list of their offered products and also provides different 3D models and digital libraries of their wares.

The BIM library that they have for toilets, urinals, sinks, faucets, showers, and other fixtures is as comprehensive as can be, and they also have a tight search function as well as a neat website structure. Not only do they offer ArchiCAD objects but other standard formats as well. If you’re looking for specific bathroom objects, this site is a good place to start looking.

6. Martela

13 Sites with Free ArchiCAD Objects | Free Downloads | Scan2CAD (6)

If you are looking for ArchiCAD furniture models, Martela’s website provides a very specific type of ArchiCAD object – loose furniture and décor.

They also showcase bigger but just as transient pieces such as booths. Martela.com does make it a point to categorize and list the types of products and objects they have, from fabric textures to specific furniture pieces.

However, you’ll be pleased to know that the GDL objects they have available for ArchiCAD already all come in a single, easily downloadable ArchiCAD library. Other than that, they also have Revit Objects and material libraries for us to download.

7. Archiradar

13 Sites with Free ArchiCAD Objects | Free Downloads | Scan2CAD (7)

Archiradar is an Italian website that thankfully has the option to translate everything on the site to English. It’s not completely free, as it has paid 3D and 2D objects on the website, but it does still have free objects for download. You simply have to register and create an account on the site to get them.

They have blocks, objects, and 3D models for all different kinds of modeling programs. The object type it has the most of is ArchiCAD objects. It’s organized by 2D and 3D objects, so you’ll have an easy time navigating the site.

8. BIM&CO

13 Sites with Free ArchiCAD Objects | Free Downloads | Scan2CAD (8)

BIM&CO is one of the most comprehensive collaborative BIM object resource websites out there. It’s a platform for all digital modelers around to world to use in creating, sharing, and downloading for their own free use. It focuses on BIM data and objects and offers comprehensive features and services to make the content sharing process as accessible as possible. With all that it offers and with how clean the website is, it’s a surprise it’s completely free to use.

9. NBS National BIM Library

13 Sites with Free ArchiCAD Objects | Free Downloads | Scan2CAD (9)

NBS National BIM Library is the foremost resource when it comes to BIM objects and models in the UK, Australia, and Canada. The site follows the NBS Object Standard when it comes to the content and files that are showcased and distributed through the site.

There are thousands of manufacturer-specific and generic BIM models that are available to download. The NBS utilizes a workflow that makes use of plug-ins, making it easy to choose and preview the files available.

10. OpenGDL

13 Sites with Free ArchiCAD Objects | Free Downloads | Scan2CAD (10)

OpenGDL.org offers a collaborative way to work on GDL projects on their website. It encourages users to work on projects and personal BIM models. It organizes project developments with to-do lists and bug tracking lists for ease of use.

Since it’s a free site and open to the public, anyone can chime in on any projects currently under development, so a truly collaborative atmosphere is always present. The result is a relatively simple but extremely useful source of interesting ArchiCAD objects and BIM projects.

11. Ar. Alexey Skoldinov

13 Sites with Free ArchiCAD Objects | Free Downloads | Scan2CAD (11)

What we’re used to so far are websites that are either set up to provide generic and user or supplier submitted objects and projects or manufacturer websites that provide BIM models of their products for ArchiCAD use.

This website is unique in that it’s actually a personal website showcasing the portfolio and works of Architect Alexey Skoldinov. Skoldinov provides various 2D and 3D resources ready for download and use, all on his website. This is an interesting take on promoting one’s self as a designer, but it certainly works for Alexey since we’re including his website on this list.

12. Eptar

13 Sites with Free ArchiCAD Objects | Free Downloads | Scan2CAD (12)

Eptar.hu is a site that develops, showcases, and distributes BIM models and specific libraries of products and objects for ArchiCAD. It’s a fairly well-established website with about 2 decades worth of experience and clout. The website offers CAD solutions, ArchiCAD compatible GDL product libraries, and a bunch of building material catalogs that have various detail and technical drawings and a fairly decent gallery of architectural works. They also work on developments for GDL and ArchiCAD add-ons and a fair amount of industry-specific BIM and 3D solutions.

13. ARCAT

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ARCAT was founded 28 years ago in 1991 and was then known as the Big Red Book. It was a directory used as a desktop reference with a comprehensive list of manufacturers’ catalogs.

Now, it’s one of the most used websites for looking up construction and design product information and CAD-BIM content. It boasts up-to-date libraries and objects made in various formats, including ArchiCAD objects like ArchiCAD furniture models. The content offered also has details about the product and its manufacturer.

As ArchiCAD evolved over the years, its functionalities have improved and it can now handle more complex BIM and architectural models. However, making these models in ArchiCAD can be time-consuming and also expensive especially if you have to hire an expert to do it.

But, you do not have to worry about wasting time or breaking the bank to get the models since the websites in this article should be sufficient for getting any Free ArchiCAD Objects including ArchiCAD furniture models.

In addition, all the above-mentioned sites provide free downloads thus saving you from the hustle of having to pay architects to produce the models or paying to download the models. Also, a majority of the free ArchiCAD objects downloaded from these websites can be opened using various ArchiCAD alternatives.

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FAQs

Where can I download archicad objects? ›

BIMcomponents

This website is Graphisoft's platform for sharing GDL content. From generic and standard models to more manufacture-specific products, the site hosts thousands of free downloads and uses ArchiCAD objects to help out designers, engineers, and other industry professionals.

How do I download BIM objects in archicad? ›

  1. Go to File > Interoperability > Classifications and Properties > Download BIM Content. ...
  2. This takes you to a GRAPHISOFT website, where you can choose an ARCHICAD file containing standard Classification/Property/Mapping definitions.
  3. Download the file to any location.

How do you get furniture in archicad? ›

Download and search for Archicad furniture. Browse through BIMobject's curated library of manufacturer-specific products to research and select which Archicad furniture to use in your project. Whether you're looking for something for a particular market, BIM software, or brand you can find it here.

How do I import objects into archicad? ›

Next you can double click in a double settings. So we'll be open object default settings dialog box

How many GB is ArchiCAD? ›

Archicad
Recommended configuration
Memory16 GB RAM64 GB RAM
DiskSATA SSDNVMe SSD
Graphics card2+ GB VRAM DirectX 11 compatible graphics cards8 GB VRAM DirectX 11 compatible graphics cards
Display resolutionFHD+ (1920×1080)5K (5120×2880)
4 more rows

Can ArchiCAD run on 4GB RAM? ›

With 32-bit system: 2 GB RAM is required, 4 GB or more is recommended. The maximum amount of memory Archicad can use on a 32-bit system is 4GB.

Is BIM object free? ›

BIM objects - Free to download! Revit families & BIM content | BIMobject.

What 3D files can Archicad import? ›

You can easily import Revit, SketchUp, Rhinoceros, 3Ds files, and more! We collected the toolset that will help you to enhance your Archicad import features.

Is Archicad BIM or CAD? ›

ArchiCAD is an architectural software which is used for Building Information Modelling (BIM).

How do I activate the magic wand in ARCHICAD? ›

Move the cursor onto the polygon that you want to subtract and activate the Magic Wand (press the spacebar).

What are goodies in ARCHICAD? ›

Goodies are free Add-Ons developed by GRAPHISOFT to complete Archicad with specific abilities and features. You can install all Goodies at once with the help of the Archicad 25 Goodies Suite installer. They are based on legacy code which GRAPHISOFT does not support anymore.

Is ARCHICAD CPU or GPU? ›

The GPU is important in the "real time" 3D view navigation, which works best with OpenGL. Also Archicad since version 22 uses GPU for 2D view acceleration.

Do interior designers use ARCHICAD? ›

“From the point of view of the designer, constantly working with 3D was very beneficial because the furniture could be viewed from eye level, making it easier to understand the relationship to the space. In that sense, ARCHICAD is suitable for interior design.”

Can you use Revit objects in ARCHICAD? ›

The RFA & RVT Geometry Exchange for Archicad enables Archicad users to import RFA (Revit Families) into their Archicad project as objects including doors and windows. It will also enable Archicad users to hotlink, import and export RVT geometry (Revit projects) in and out of Archicad.

How do I add building materials to ARCHICAD? ›

Creating new building materials in ARCHICAD - YouTube

› archicad ›

Free Graphisoft ARCHICAD BIM objects to use in your models. Expand your ARCHICAD library with our huge range of generic and manufacturer BIM objects.
Download and search for Archicad furniture. Browse through BIMobject's curated library of manufacturer-specific products to research and select which Archic...
This is a continuation of the CABIN projects. We introduce how to find, insert and change objects in an ARCHICAD project.

Is 16gb RAM enough for Archicad? ›

From 16 GB to 32 GB of RAM size is recommended nowadays depending on the size and the level of detail of your model.

Where is archicad library stored? ›

If you go to the Library folder of your ARCHICAD installation (e.g. C:\Program Files\Graphisoft\ARCHICAD 16 INT\ARCHICAD Library 16) you will see the LCF file that contains the whole object library (this file is called ARCHICAD Library 16.

How do I add building materials to Archicad? ›

Creating new building materials in ARCHICAD - YouTube

Where is library in Archicad? ›

The Archicad Library is version specific (Archicad Library 21, Archicad Library 22, etc). When you install Archicad, the Archicad Library is automatically placed in the folder where the application is installed. You have to establish the connection between the project and its library folders.

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