git:20260618.61a59ff to git:20260619.62f6afb

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name: archicad-basic-workflow

description: "This skill should be used when architects need to understand Archicad project setup, BIM modeling workflow, view organization, drawing production, and publishing processes."

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# Archicad Basic Workflow

This skill covers the core Archicad workflow for architectural projects, from project setup and model organization to view creation, layout documentation, coordination, and publishing.

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## Section 1: Project Startup

### 1.1 Initial Setup Checklist

| Item | Purpose | Typical Decision |

|---|---|---|

| Project origin | Defines the shared reference point | Align with survey or agreed BIM coordination point |

| Stories | Controls vertical building levels | Match architectural levels and structural datums |

| Grid system | Establishes planning and structural references | Coordinate with structural consultant |

| Units | Controls display and documentation precision | Set by office standard and project phase |

| Project location | Supports sun studies and geolocation | Use site location when relevant |

| Attributes | Controls graphic and BIM consistency | Start from office template where possible |

### 1.2 Recommended Early Decisions

- Confirm project phase and expected deliverables before modeling in detail.

- Set story heights before placing major walls, slabs, stairs, and curtain walls.

- Establish layer combinations, model view options, and renovation filters early.

- Use favorites for repeated assemblies, components, and annotation types.

- Define naming conventions for views, layouts, zones, modules, and hotlinks.

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## Section 2: Modeling Workflow

### 2.1 Model From Big To Small

Start with architectural massing and primary building systems before detailed components.

| Stage | Model Focus | Output |

|---|---|---|

| Concept | Massing, levels, gross zones | Feasibility diagrams and area checks |

| Schematic | Walls, slabs, openings, stairs | Plans, sections, elevations, basic schedules |

| Design development | Assemblies, key details, consultant references | Coordinated drawings and model review |

| Construction documents | Accurate dimensions, annotations, details | Permit or construction drawing package |

### 2.2 Core Elements

- Use walls, slabs, roofs, shells, columns, beams, stairs, railings, doors, and windows as native BIM elements.

- Use Morphs and Objects only when native tools cannot represent the design intent efficiently.

- Keep classification, ID, layer, renovation status, and surface settings consistent.

- Avoid over-modeling details that should be drawn as 2D details or worksheets.

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## Section 3: Views And Documentation

### 3.1 View Structure

| Archicad Area | Role |

|---|---|

| Project Map | Raw model viewpoints |

| View Map | Saved documentation views with scale and graphic settings |

| Layout Book | Sheet composition and title block management |

| Publisher Sets | Export sets for PDF, DWG, BIMx, or coordination packages |

### 3.2 View Settings To Control

- Scale

- Layer combination

- Model view options

- Graphic overrides

- Pen set

- Renovation filter

- Dimension standard

- Partial structure display

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## Section 4: Coordination Rhythm

### 4.1 Weekly Coordination Cycle

1. Update linked references, survey files, and consultant models.

2. Review clashes and design changes in 3D and section.

3. Resolve ownership: architectural, structural, MEP, interior, or client decision.

4. Update saved views and affected layouts.

5. Publish a dated coordination set.

### 4.2 Quality Checks

- Model origin and consultant model alignment.

- Story height and level consistency.

- Door and window IDs.

- Zone names, numbers, and areas.

- Layout issue date and revision status.

- PDF output scale and title block information.