Cadimage Archicad 26 Upd Work May 2026
If you are looking to update your Cadimage Tools (now primarily referred to as Archicad 26
, follow this guide to ensure your add-ons are current and functioning correctly with the latest Archicad builds. Latest Updates for Archicad 26 Coverings 4.42 Upgrade : A significant update for the
tool was released in June 2024. This update introduced new objects, while older ones were marked as "Deprecated." It is recommended to use the new objects for all new placements in your projects. Apple Silicon Support
: Version 4.02 of the Ci Tools introduced full compatibility for Archicad 26 running on Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) Archicad 26 Update 5 Compatibility : Ensure your Ci Tools are updated to match the latest Archicad 26 Update 5
(Build 7004/7006), which includes critical fixes and support for Cloud licensing. MyCi Knowledge Base How to Install the Update
Updating is handled through the dedicated installer rather than within Archicad itself. Download the Installer : Visit the MyCi Get Tools section to download the latest Ci Tools Installer for Windows or macOS. Close Archicad
: Ensure Archicad 26 is completely closed before running the installer. Run & Login
: Launch the installer and log in with your MyCi credentials. Select Version Archicad 26 from the drop-down menu and click Download and Install Update Work Environment : After installation, download and install the Cadimage Work Environment
via the installer to ensure the tool menus appear in your Archicad interface. MyCi Knowledge Base Key Features in Archicad 26 Tools Cadimage tools - Graphisoft cadimage archicad 26 upd
The Cadimage Tools (now rebranded as Ci Tools) for Archicad 26 focus on enhancing modeling efficiency, documentation accuracy, and native hardware compatibility. Major highlights for version 26 include the transition to Apple Silicon support and significant redesigns for core tools like Coverings and Landscaping. Core Tool Updates for Archicad 26 Key updates to the Ci Tools (formerly Cadimage) include: Coverings 4.42 (Major Upgrade):
Building Material Integration: Roof and Wall Coverings now incorporate Building Materials, allowing users to schedule volumes and areas just like native Archicad elements.
Streamlined UI: Settings are more grouped and intuitive; a "Uniform/Independent" toggle now allows for bulk application of materials and dimensions.
Snapshot Function: A new button allows users to preview specific parts of a covering while editing settings. Landscaping (Sites 4.26):
Enhanced Plant Library: New options for the 240+ cutout plant objects include size randomization and specific display types (tree, shrub, ground cover).
Advanced Labeling: New tools allow for the labeling of specific clusters or individual plants with automatic alignment.
Tree Protection Zones: Users can now visualize structural root and protection zones directly in the model. Apple Silicon Compatibility:
Version 26 tools (version 4.02 and later) are fully optimized for Apple Silicon (M1/M2), ensuring native performance on newer Mac hardware. Tool Suite Overview If you are looking to update your Cadimage
The Ci Tools suite continues to offer specialized extensions that automate complex tasks:
Doors + Windows: Provides high levels of customization beyond native Archicad objects.
Keynotes: Automates documentation and eliminates errors in annotation.
Electrical: Smart symbols and schedules for electrical layouts.
Objective: Enables users to manipulate, rotate, and edit objects in 3D.
Cabinets: Tools for designing highly accurate, custom cabinetry. Installation and Stability
Version Specificity: Cadimage plugins are version-locked; the Archicad 26 version will not work on Archicad 25 or 27.
Update Fixes: Recent Graphisoft updates (e.g., Update 4) resolved issues where some add-ons, including Ci Tools, could prevent Archicad 26 from starting properly. ✅ Documentation
For the most up-to-date installers, users should use the Ci Tools Installer available via their MyCi account. List of Improvements in Archicad 26 Updates - Graphisoft
✅ Documentation
- Labels can now display custom parameters (e.g., "Fire rating: 60/60/60").
- 2D Symbol quality: Cleaner linework for elevation views (no more stray arcs).
2. Core Tools Overview (What’s Solid in AC26)
Cadimage for AC26 focuses on real-world construction detailing. These are the most reliable tools:
| Tool | Primary Use | Key Update in AC26 | |------|-------------|--------------------| | Door & Window | Advanced joinery | Improved corner mullions, new Louvre types. | | StairBuilder | Complex stairs, landings, railings | Better stringer editing, IFC export fix. | | RoofMaster | Skillion, gable, hip roofs with gutters | New fascia profiles, faster regeneration. | | Wall Opening | Structural penetrations | Ability to copy openings between walls. | | Fire Rating | Passive fire protection | Updated rating labels to AS/NZS standards. | | Scheduling Plus | Custom door/window schedules | Live Excel link (CSV export/import). |
4. Roof & Cladding: The Weathertightness Update
Water doesn't care about your BIM model. Cadimage 26 introduces Overlap Logic for roofing sheets and vertical cladding.
The tool now simulates actual corrugated or tray profiles, calculating where the high rib meets the low rib at a corner. The update generates a dynamic 3D junction that automatically adds flashing geometry (apron, step, or barge) based on the wind zone you assign to the roof zone.
This is huge for thermal bridging calculations. You can now extract the exact surface area of a steel cladding sheet, minus the shadow of the overlaps, to give your energy consultant accurate data.
4. Troubleshooting Common Issues
The transition to Archicad 26 introduced a few common hurdles for Cadimage users:
- Missing Objects: When opening an old project in Archicad 26, Cadimage objects (like a specific cabinet) might show up as "Missing Library Parts." This usually happens if the Cadimage library was not loaded into the project. The fix is to go to Library Manager and ensure the Cadimage Library folder is linked alongside the standard Archicad 26 Library.
- Licensing Errors: Because Cadimage licensing is tied to the specific version of Archicad, users with active subscription licenses usually see a seamless transition. However, users with older perpetual licenses (dongles) often find that their licenses do not cover the new Archicad 26 version without purchasing an upgrade.
5. Troubleshooting Common AC26 Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---------|----------|
| Cadimage palette is blank | Options > Work Environment > Palettes > Reset Cadimage Palette. |
| Door swing not showing in 3D | Select door > Cadimage > Regenerate Object. |
| RoofMaster gutter disappears | Check Roof Settings > Cadimage > Gutter Profile – ensure it’s not set to "None". |
| Slow project navigation | Go to Cadimage > Performance > Enable "Fast Draw Mode". |
| Stair railing won't attach | Ensure the railing start point is not inside a wall. Move it 10mm out. |
Known limitations / considerations
- Some legacy Cadimage objects may require replacement or re-parameterization to fully leverage Archicad 26’s engine.
- Custom office libraries may need merging to avoid conflicts with updated Cadimage library parts.
- Check project backup and library manager before upgrading a live project to an Archicad 26/Cadimage updated library.