Cadimage Tools [better] Official

Cadimage Tools (now rebranded as ) are a popular suite of add-ons for

, designed to streamline architectural workflows by automating complex modeling and documentation tasks. Originally developed by Cadimage Group in New Zealand, the suite is currently managed and developed by Central Innovation Core Tools and Functions

The suite consists of several specialized tools that extend Archicad's native capabilities: Doors + Windows

: Perhaps the most widely used tool, it allows for the creation of highly customized door and window assemblies that go beyond standard library parts.

: Automates the application of wall cladding, roof finishes, and slab edges, providing detailed 3D representations and accurate scheduling.

: Offers a dynamic system for designing and placing cabinetry, with easy adjustments for styles, handles, and internal configurations. Electrical

: Simplifies the placement of electrical symbols and the creation of dynamic, linked circuits that can be exported as schedules.

: A tool for manipulating objects in 3D, allowing for rotations and cuttings that are otherwise difficult within standard Archicad. Key Benefits Increased Efficiency

: Tasks that require manual "workarounds" in standard Archicad—like detailed framing or complex roof coverings—can often be completed in a fraction of the time. Enhanced Documentation

: The tools are built to improve scheduling and 2D representation, ensuring that the model data translates accurately to construction documents. Subscription Flexibility : The tools are typically offered on a subscription basis

, which allows users to scale their toolset according to project needs. Industry Perspective

While many users find them indispensable for professional production, there are ongoing discussions in the Graphisoft Community regarding their long-term necessity: Native Features

: As Archicad evolves, some features (like the Stair Tool) have been improved to the point where 3rd-party add-ons may feel redundant.

: Some users prefer sticking to native tools to avoid potential version-compatibility issues during major software upgrades. native tools

cadimage / cigraph - user experiences? - Graphisoft Community 27 Mar 2017 —

Report: Cadimage Tools for Archicad (April 2026) Cadimage Tools (now often referred to as Ci Tools by Central Innovation) are a suite of professional add-ons designed to extend the core functionality of Archicad [21, 24]. These tools automate repetitive tasks, improve 3D modeling precision, and streamline documentation for architects and designers [24, 26]. Core Productivity Tools cadimage tools

The suite consists of several modules targeting specific architectural elements:

Doors + Windows: Offers advanced customization for openings beyond standard Archicad libraries, allowing users to design complex configurations easily [21, 29].

Keynotes: Automates the annotation process by linking a database of notes directly to model elements, reducing manual entry errors [21, 33].

Cabinets: Provides flexible tools for designing custom cabinetry and kitchen layouts with high accuracy [21, 36].

Coverings: Applies detailed 2D or 3D claddings to walls, slabs, and roofs, including automated generation of gutters and down-pipes [21, 30].

Objective: Allows for the manipulation of objects in 3D, including bending, cutting, and extruding elements that are typically rigid in the base software [21].

Electrical: Simplifies the placement of electrical symbols and automatically generates linked circuits and schedules [17, 21]. Functional & Documentation Add-ons

Quantities: Calculates and exports Bills of Quantities directly from the live project model [21].

Transformer: Enables a one-click solution for mirroring an entire project, which is useful for "handed" building designs [21].

Metadata: A palette for managing properties and classifications in one centralized location [21].

Annotate: Includes features like quick text-case changing without retyping [21]. Implementation & Support

Compatibility: Cadimage tools are version-specific; for instance, Cadimage 2025 is required for Archicad 2025.

Installation: To install, users typically download a Library Pack and copy the files into the Archicad "Add-Ons" and "Library Packages" folders while the software is closed [28].

Resources: Users can access a 30-day free trial, extensive Knowledge Base, and premium support through Central Innovation [13, 32]. Pricing Structure

Licensing often includes tiered discounts to reward multi-product adoption: Cadimage Tools (now rebranded as ) are a

Multi-license: Buying a second license can trigger a 20% discount, scaling up to 60% for 10+ licenses [12].

Bundles: Purchasing five or more different tools (e.g., combining Stairs, Cabinets, and Doors) typically grants a 20% bundle discount [12].

Upgrades: Software upgrades are generally fixed at approximately 20% of the suggested retail price [12]. Introduction to the Cadimage Objective Tool

If you are looking for guidance on how these tools help manage documentation or technical specifications, the most relevant resources are found in the MyCi Knowledge Base. Essential Cadimage Tools for Documentation

These tools are designed to reduce the "paperwork" and manual drafting burden:

Keynotes: Manages and links specifications directly to your 3D model, ensuring that notes on your layouts stay synchronized and error-free.

Electrical: Simplifies the creation of intuitive electrical symbols and automated schedules.

Doors + Windows: Automates the scheduling and labeling of openings, including "Schedule Notes" for detailed documentation.

Quantities Tool: A specialized tool (available since AC23) for extracting material quantities directly from the model for easier cost estimation. Getting Started & Installation

If you are trying to install these tools for your own project:

Download the Installer: Visit the Ci Tools Installer page for the latest Windows or Mac version.

Work Environment: Ensure you download and install the Cadimage Work Environment; without this, the tools will not appear in your Archicad menus.

Student/EDU Access: Students can access the full suite of tools via the Ci Tools for Students portal.

Were you looking for a specific white paper or a technical guide on how to use a certain tool? Installing CADimage tools

Installation and Compatibility

One of the greatest strengths of Cadimage Tools is its commitment to update speed. Typically, within two weeks of a new Archicad release (e.g., upgrading from Archicad 26 to 27), Cadimage releases a fully compatible patch. Installation and Compatibility One of the greatest strengths

Installation Tips:

• Use the Cadimage Portal (a desktop app) to manage your licenses and updates. Do not try to install individual objects manually.
• Cadimage operates on a subscription model (monthly or annual). There is a fully functional 30-day trial, which is highly recommended before committing.

5. Usability and Learning Curve

• Beginner: Basic placement of objects (doors/windows) is intuitive; many users see immediate time savings.
• Intermediate: Customization of parameters and schedule templates requires some training.
• Advanced: Scripting or GDL tweaking for bespoke office standards needs deeper knowledge of Archicad’s object system. Training via short workshops and creating office template projects accelerates adoption.

The Cadimage Stairs Tool

Perhaps the most celebrated component of the suite, the Stairs Tool addresses one of the most persistent pain points in BIM: complex vertical circulation.

• Total Geometric Freedom: Unlike the native stair tools which can be restrictive regarding curve transitions and winder configurations, Cadimage Stairs allows for highly irregular shapes, curved treads, and complex landings.
• Construction Detailing: It goes beyond the 3D volume. Users can add stringers, nosings, brackets, and balustrades with high levels of customization.
• Documentation: The tool automatically generates accurate 2D plan, section, and elevation representations from the 3D model, ensuring documentation matches the design intent.

Report: Cadimage Tools — Enhancing Architectural Design Workflows

Overview Cadimage Tools is a suite of add-ons for Archicad that streamlines common architectural drafting, documentation, and modeling tasks. It focuses on improving productivity, enforcing drawing standards, and filling gaps in Archicad’s native toolset with practical, parametric, and automatable features used by architects, designers, and BIM managers.

Key capabilities

• Parametric detailing: Create complex, repeatable details (e.g., trim, flashings, custom moldings) with adjustable parameters rather than redrawing each instance.
• Productivity macros: Automate repetitive tasks (e.g., renumbering elements, batch-renaming views, aligning objects) to reduce manual errors.
• Standards enforcement: Apply company-specific defaults for layer names, pen sets, and drawing scales to keep documentation consistent across teams.
• BIM-friendly object library: Provide ready-to-use objects (ladders, roof accessories, skylight trims) that are BIM-aware—carry correct classification, materials, and schedules.
• Documentation helpers: Tools for tidy annotations, automated label placement, and sheet generation that speed the produce-review-publish cycle.

Who benefits

• Small firms: Faster production with fewer specialists; parametric objects replace custom modeling for many repetitive elements.
• Mid/large firms: Standards enforcement and batch tools reduce QA workload and support consistent multi-project outputs.
• BIM managers: Centralized control over templates, libraries, and workflows; easier onboarding and fewer user errors.

Representative tools and examples

• Cadimage Library (objects): Includes parametric objects such as adjustable door trims, customizable skylights, and detailed stair components. Example: a bay window trim object where width, reveal, and molding profile are parameterized so one object adapts to multiple window sizes across a project while maintaining correct quantities in schedules.
• Cadimage Roof+ / Roof Tools: Helpers to fix complex roof junctions and produce consistent roof trims and fascias. Example: automatically generate fascia boards and coping with correct pitch compensation along irregular eaves.
• Cadimage Dimensions and Annotations: Improved dimensioning routines, scale-aware symbols, and automatic label placement. Example: generate continuous dimensions with automatic overrides for openings while preserving annotation alignment when the model updates.
• Cadimage Schedules & Tags: Create tags that pull parameter data from objects and populate schedules automatically. Example: a custom window schedule that includes a designer-assigned finish field pulled from the window object, updated as objects change.
• Workflow utilities: Batch rename, renumber, clean-up layers, export lists—useful during handover. Example: a script that renumbers all doors and updates corresponding plan labels and schedules in one pass.

Integration and BIM workflow

• Works inside Archicad—objects and tools are designed to be BIM-aware, participating in model schedules, IFC export, and element classification.
• Libraries and templates can be standardized across offices to enforce naming conventions and deliverable formats.
• Many firms combine Cadimage tools with other Archicad plugins and custom scripts to form a layered automation strategy: template → library → plugin → project-specific scripts.

Limitations and considerations

• Version compatibility: Ensure Cadimage versions match your Archicad release; features and object behavior can vary across major Archicad updates.
• Learning curve: Parametric power requires initial setup and user training to realize efficiency gains.
• Dependency risk: Heavy reliance on proprietary objects may complicate file handover if recipients lack the same libraries—consider embedding library parts or providing exchange guidance.
• Licensing and support: Evaluate licensing model and local support availability for rapid issue resolution.

Practical adoption steps (recommended)

1. Pilot: Select one active project and introduce a small set of Cadimage objects/tools (e.g., trims and schedules).
2. Template integration: Add chosen Cadimage parts and default settings to office templates.
3. Training: Run a 1–2 hour hands-on session showing parameter editing, tagging, and scheduling.
4. QA checklist: Create quick checks (layer names, schedule alignment) to catch misuse.
5. Rollout: Gradually expand tool usage across projects, documenting workflows and fallback procedures for collaborators without Cadimage libraries.

Conclusion Cadimage Tools provide pragmatic, BIM-aware enhancements to Archicad that can materially speed documentation, improve consistency, and reduce repetitive modeling. With careful version management, template integration, and staff training, Cadimage can become a core productivity layer in an Archicad-based practice—especially valuable where repeatable details, robust schedules, and strict standards are priorities.

9. Case Study (Hypothetical)

A 10-person firm implemented Cadimage Doors & Windows plus scheduling tools for six months. Results:

• 20% reduction in time spent on door/window documentation.
• 95% reduction in schedule mismatches.
• Faster production of permit sets due to batch publishing utilities. Challenges included a one-week disruption when Archicad updated and required a Cadimage patch.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

| Problem | Solution | |----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Tool not showing in toolbar | Go to Options > Work Environment > Toolboxes – enable Cadimage tools. | | Objects appear as wireframe | Regenerate 3D (Ctrl+F5) or update display settings for complex geometry. | | Framing doesn’t cut openings | Check opening’s Home Story – must intersect framing’s host. | | License error on launch | Restart Cadimage License Manager service (Windows) or re‑enter serial. | | StairBuilder treads misaligned | Delete the stair, reset path polyline, avoid zero‑length segments. |

D. Electrical

The Problem: Placing individual sockets and switches in 3D is tedious. Native tools don't interact with walls intelligently. The Solution:

• Interactive Objects: Place switches on walls, and they automatically rotate to face the room.
• Circuit Management: You can assign sockets to circuits and generate circuit diagrams/schedules.
• 2D/3D Control: Different representation in 2D plan (symbol) vs. 3D view (realistic model).

1. The Roof & Shell Tool

ArchiCAD’s native roof tool is capable, but Cadimage’s Roof & Shell tool elevates it to an engineering level. It allows users to:

• Model complex, non-standard roof junctions (e.g., Dutch gables, mansards, and skew intersections) automatically.
• Generate detailed roof construction elements including fascia, soffits, gutters, and flashings as intelligent BIM objects.
• Create parametric dormers that automatically cut openings in the roof plane.