For Archicad 19, the Cadimage Tools (now often referred to as Ci Tools) provide a specialized suite of plugins designed to speed up architectural modeling and documentation by adding advanced parametric capabilities that are not found in the standard out-of-the-box software. Key Cadimage Plugins for Archicad 19
These tools integrate directly into the Archicad interface to automate repetitive tasks:
Doors + Windows: Offers much greater flexibility than the standard Archicad library, allowing you to create complex, custom-shaped glazing and framing with ease.
Coverings: Specifically designed for adding realistic 2D and 3D claddings, such as weatherboards, shingles, and corrugated roofing, to walls and roofs.
Cabinets: A powerful tool for designing custom kitchen and bathroom cabinetry with accurate internal details and hardware. CADimage Tools Plugins For Archicad 19
Electrical: Simplifies the placement of smart electrical symbols and automatically generates schedules for your documentation.
Objective: Enables you to manipulate, rotate, and edit objects in 3D space, which is essential for creating custom architectural features that the standard object tool cannot handle.
Keynotes: Replaces manual text labels with a centralized database system, ensuring that annotations remain consistent throughout the entire project.
Stairs: Provided a dedicated interface for designing and drawing complex staircases within your floor plans prior to Archicad's major native stair tool overhauls. Installation & Management For Archicad 19 , the Cadimage Tools (now
To set up these tools, you typically use a dedicated installer provided by the developer:
Download the Installer: Visit the Partner Extensions Archive or the Ci Tools site to get the correct version for your operating system.
Select Archicad 19: Run the installer and select "Archicad 19" from the drop-down menu to ensure compatibility.
Apply Work Environment: After installation, you must load the Cadimage tools profile or work environment in Archicad to see the new menus and toolbars. Enhancing Archicad 19: A Look at CADimage Tools
When Graphisoft released Archicad 19, it was widely praised for its performance boosts, the new Background Processing feature, and a modernized interface. However, even the most robust BIM software can leave gaps in specific workflows. For many years, the go-to solution for filling these gaps in the Archicad ecosystem was CADimage Tools.
Developed by a company of the same name (later acquired by Centralinn and closely associated with the early development of what is now the ENCINA suite), CADimage Tools were renowned for making complex modeling tasks simple. This article explores the role these plugins played for Archicad 19 users and why they were considered essential add-ons.
The CADimage Tools suite for ArchiCAD 19 is not a single plugin but a collection of integrated add-ons. The most prominent tools include RoofCAD, StairCAD, Door and Window Builder, Graphic Override Tools, and Smart PDF Export. Each addresses a specific pain point.