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How to Get Started
Every day, millions of AEC professionals around the world use Archicad to reach new heights of creativity, innovation and growth. They all started where you are right now.
How to download Archicad
Visit GRAPHISOFT’s download site to download the Archicad installer. Before you start the installation, check the article How to Install Archicad and make sure that your computer meets the hardware requirements.
What machine do I need to run Archicad?
Where can I find the Archicad installer?
A new version of Archicad is released each year. You can always find the installer of the latest version on GRAPHISOFT’s download site. Login with your GSID or sign up. Click on the link, then select the installer version that matches your machine’s operating system (Windows or macOS) and click on it. Define the location of the file on your computer then go ahead and download it.
How to install Archicad
How does the installer work?
Launch the installer you just downloaded with a simple double-click. Then, follow the instructions of the wizard.
1. Start the installer
Click Next to continue.
2. License Agreement
Read the license agreement carefully and accept it. Click Open in Browser to see the agreement in a new window.
Click Next.
3. Select Installation Directory
On this page, define the file path of the installation. As a rule, you should choose the path suggested by default, to simplify the installation of any future updates.
To confirm the file path, click Next.
4. Choose Setup Type
With the “Typical” installation option (recommended), you will install Archicad 23 together with all of its components (e.g. Library).
Alternatively, choose the “Custom” installation option to install only specific program components.
After you make your choice, click Next.
5. Installation Summary
This screen summarizes your chosen configuration, so you can make any needed corrections to the installation settings.
Click Install to begin installation.
6. Installation Underway
Depending on your Hardware configuration, this process may take several minutes. In addition to other components, CodeMeter, the BIMx Desktop Viewer, and the License Manager Tool are all installed in the background.
7. For Mac users
If you are installing Archicad on a Mac OS 10.15 system, you will see a warning: for Archicad to run properly, you must enable Full Disk Access in Mac OS settings. Follow the steps described in the warning dialog.
8. Shortcuts/Automatic Updates
Here you can create an “Archicad 23” Desktop shortcut.
Review the setting to Enable Archicad to Check for Updates automatically (checked by default).
Confirm your choices by clicking Next.
9. Information on Archicad Help
Archicad installation does not automatically install Help files to your computer. Archicad provides up-to-date Help resources online.
If you work online, then you do not need to install Help files to your computer. Click Next to continue.
If you work offline and/or your internet connection is unstable, it is recommended to download and install Offline Help. Click the link to access and download Help files to your computer.
Click Next.
10. Installing CodeMeter
If the installation process includes installing CodeMeter, you are prompted to restart your computer now.
11. Complete Installation
Click Finish to complete the installation process. You may be prompted to restart your computer.
How to activate Archicad
Activate Archicad with a Trial Serial Number
When you start your Archicad software, you will need to enter your license number. For User ID, please enter your email address, then enter the Serial Number from below.
- Activate Archicad with the “Trial/Education serial number” option.
- Provide your Email address and the Serial Number from above.
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