Digitizing ArchiCAD Plans
Editable 2D drawings and 3D building models for ArchiCAD
Paper plans, scans, or PDF files are converted into structured ArchiCAD data for further processing and planning—as 2D drawings or, depending on the project, as 3D building models.
Digitizing ArchiCAD Plans: Depending on the project requirements, we convert existing plan documents into structured 2D drawings or three-dimensional ArchiCAD building models. The files are created according to the agreed-upon specifications and serve as a reliable basis for remodeling, renovation, documentation, and further planning.
Table of Contents
ArchiCAD 2D – Editable Plans for Further Planning
We create structured, editable 2D drawings from existing paper plans, scans, PDFs, or CAD data. The 2D digitization is typically performed directly in ArchiCAD. Floor plans, sections, elevations, text, dimensions, and areas are accurately recreated based on the source material and structured according to the agreed-upon specifications.
This provides you with an ArchiCAD foundation that can be used directly for further planning, editing, and documentation.
What types of plans do we create using ArchiCAD 2D?
Floor plans, cross-sections, elevations, and construction and as-built drawings are particularly well-suited for 2D digitization. These are often construction drawings at a scale of 1:50, as this allows for particularly precise representation of details and dimensions. Depending on the project, we also prepare detailed drawings as well as site and area plans in ArchiCAD.
Structured according to your specifications
ArchiCAD drawings are created according to the agreed-upon specifications. Layers, line types, hatches, text, dimensions, and areas are neatly structured and organized in a logical manner. We incorporate existing office or project specifications as agreed upon.
For related floor plans, sections, and elevations, we also ensure that the content of the drawings is consistent across all of them.
From a template to an editable ArchiCAD file
We use paper plans, scans, PDFs, or existing CAD files as a basis. The documents are reviewed and prepared in ArchiCAD according to the agreed-upon specifications.
Depending on the project, you will receive the data as an ArchiCAD file—for example, in PLN or PLA format—or as a DWG file for further use.
Example of 2D digitization in ArchiCAD
ArchiCAD 3D – Editable Building Models for Further Planning
We create three-dimensional building models in ArchiCAD based on existing plans. Building components such as windows and doors are modeled using ArchiCAD elements. Other building components are spatially constructed and structured according to the existing plan information.
Unlike 2D digitization, this process results in a cohesive building model that can be used as a basis for remodeling, renovation, planning, documentation, and other model-based tasks.
What are the basic requirements for a 3D model?
To create a 3D building model, we generally need floor plans, sections—ideally longitudinal and cross sections—as well as the facades. These documents form the most important basis for accurately reconstructing floor heights, component dimensions, and the spatial relationships within the building.
Additional drawings can supplement the modeling and reduce ambiguities. Therefore, it is advisable to provide all available drawings whenever possible. If specific details are missing, we will determine whether they can be derived from the existing documentation or whether additional information is required.
Depending on the project, digital site surveys—such as those from Matterport—can also serve as a supplementary basis for 3D modeling.
Structured according to your specifications
ArchiCAD drawings are created according to the agreed-upon specifications. Layers, line types, hatches, text, dimensions, and areas are neatly structured and organized in a logical manner. We incorporate existing office or project specifications as agreed upon.
For related floor plans, sections, and elevations, we also ensure that the content of the drawings is consistent across all of them.
What is being built in the 3D model?
The building model is constructed floor by floor based on the available documentation. If there is a basement, we typically start there. We provide this first floor to the client for review before continuing to build the model. This allows us to clarify specifications and resolve any ambiguities early on.
What matters most is not the greatest possible number of modeled details, but a well-structured model that serves the agreed-upon purpose. The scope and level of detail are therefore tailored to the specific project.
Model structure based on your specifications
Floors, levels, layers, and naming conventions are structured according to the agreed-upon project specifications. We adopt existing office standards or modeling guidelines, provided they are available for the project and have been agreed upon.
This ensures that the ArchiCAD model integrates as seamlessly as possible into the client’s existing workflow and does not need to be reorganized before further processing.
Floor plans, sections, and elevations from the 3D model
A well-structured 3D building model serves as the foundation for coherent floor plans, sections, and elevations. This allows changes made to the model to be consistently reflected in the derived views.
This reduces inconsistencies between individual plan views and facilitates further editing within a coherent ArchiCAD project.
BIM-ready—if the project has the appropriate requirements
A 3D model is not automatically BIM-ready. If a project has additional requirements regarding attributes, classifications, component information, or modeling guidelines, these are defined in advance and incorporated to the agreed-upon extent.
This results in a model that is not only geometrically structured but can also be prepared for further BIM processes.
Example of 3D Digitization in ArchiCAD
Digitizing Plans with ArchiCAD – Over 30 Years of Experience
digitalgut has been digitizing and reconstructing architectural drawings for over 30 years. This experience also informs our preparation of data for ArchiCAD—from individual 2D drawings to structured 3D building models.
Your planning documents are in good hands
If necessary, we will pick up the original drawings within Switzerland and return them upon completion of the assignment. We treat all drawing and project data as confidential. Revisions within the agreed scope of services are included in the work.
Digitize ArchiCAD Plans – Request a Quote
For most jobs, you'll receive a fixed-price quote. For larger projects, we take the total scope into account when preparing the estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plan Digitization
What is the difference between ArchiCAD 2D and 3D?
With 2D digitization, editable drawings are created in ArchiCAD. The plans are laid out in a flat format and structured for further editing.
With 3D digitization, on the other hand, a three-dimensional building model is created. Building components such as windows and doors are represented using ArchiCAD elements, and the floors are assembled into a cohesive model.
What documents do you need for 2D digitization in ArchiCAD?
Paper plans, scans, PDFs, or existing CAD data can all serve as a basis. The more legible and accurately dimensioned the plans are, the more clearly floor plans, sections, elevations, text, dimensions, and areas can be recreated in ArchiCAD.
For 2D digitization, the plan itself is usually sufficient; additional documentation is particularly helpful when individual elements are unclear or not fully depicted.
What documents do you need to create a 3D building model?
To create a 3D building model, we generally need floor plans, sections—ideally longitudinal and cross-sections—as well as elevations. These documents form the most important basis for the building’s spatial structure.
Additional plans help clarify details and build the model more accurately. That’s why it’s worth providing all available plans whenever possible.
Will I receive an editable ArchiCAD file? Will the layer structures be preserved?
Yes. The goal of ArchiCAD digitization is to create a file that can be further edited in ArchiCAD. For 2D, the plans are created according to the agreed-upon specifications; for 3D, you will receive an editable building model.
We determine the specific output format before the project begins.
Can existing layers, office standards, and project specifications be adopted?
Yes. Upon consultation, we will incorporate existing layer structures, naming conventions, floor levels, and other project specifications into the ArchiCAD file.
This ensures that the digitized file integrates as seamlessly as possible into your existing workflow and does not need to be reorganized before further processing.
Is a 3D model automatically BIM-ready?
No. A 3D building model is not automatically BIM-ready. This requires additional, predefined requirements regarding model structure, attributes, classifications, and, if applicable, other project specifications.
If such requirements exist, we take them into account within the agreed scope of services.
In what format will I receive the ArchiCAD data?
Depending on the project, we deliver 2D digitalizations as ArchiCAD files, for example in PLN or PLA format. For 3D building models, we typically deliver PLA files.
We will determine the desired output format together before the project begins.
Can a Matterport scan also be used as a basis?
Yes, in some projects we have also created 3D building models based on a Matterport scan. Such digital surveys can supplement existing plans if they are suitable for the project.
We assess on a project-by-project basis whether a Matterport scan is sufficient as a basis or whether additional plans are needed.