The Snaptrude ArchiCAD Export Add-On v2.18.1 introduces several enhancements and features designed to streamline the workflow between Snaptrude and ArchiCAD. Below are detailed instructions and information on the new capabilities, supported features, and known limitations.
Compatibility:
Supported ArchiCAD versions: 26 and 27.
Supported Operating Systems: Windows and MacOS.
Package Download Links
To get started, download the ArchiCAD packages from here:
Export ArchiCAD File
Step 1: Once the Snaptrude BIM model is complete and ready to export to ArchiCAD in .trude file format, click on the project name dropdown and select 'Export > Model/Drawing > ArchiCAD Export file'.
Step 2: Open ArchiCAD. Then click on 'Files > Interoperability > Snaptrude Import'
Step 3: Select the downloaded '.trude' file from your system to start the import process in ArchiCAD
Step 4: After the file is imported into ArchiCAD, a render report is generated, listing all elements as a validation of import accuracy
Step 5: Once the import finishes, you can continue working on ArchiCAD with the same model!
Geometry Types Exported
Storeys: All storeys, including negative storeys.
Walls:
Walls mapped to basic structure type.
Textures applied from Snaptrude are converted into ArchiCAD building materials.
Straight walls exported as parametric walls.
Wall thickness retained.
Angled wall junctions split into straight walls.
Arc walls exported as Morph Elements (non-parametric).
Columns:
Exported as parametric geometries.
Textures mapped to ArchiCAD building materials.
Slabs:
Exported as basic structure type with retained thickness.
Textures mapped to corresponding ArchiCAD slabs.
Beams:
Exported with rectangular cross-sections.
Textures mapped to ArchiCAD slabs.
Staircases:
Types supported: Straight, Dog-legged, Open-Well, L-Shaped, Square.
Exported as monolithic staircases (no riser or tread materials).
Parametrically editable in ArchiCAD.
Voids:
Rectangular voids in slabs and walls are supported.
Irregular polygon voids converted to rectangular shapes.
Mass Objects:
Imported as Morph Elements (non-parametric).
Includes arcs, roofs, and labeled site context objects (e.g., ground, parking).
Material Support:
Materials from Snaptrude applied to walls, slabs, beams, staircases, and other objects in ArchiCAD.
4. Additional Features:
Validation report for import accuracy.
Progress bar for export processes (Windows & Mac).
Construction layers for walls and slabs are exported.
Support for custom doors, windows, and furniture.
Automated version checks and package downloads.
Known Limitations
Walls:
Exported as basic structure only; detailed construction information not included.
Junctions of angular walls are unresolved.
Columns:
Non-rectangular and non-circular profiles are not supported.
Slabs:
Exported as basic structure; construction information is omitted.
Beams:
Curved profiles exported as polylines.
Ceilings:
Not exported due to absence of a corresponding building element in ArchiCAD.
Topography:
Not supported for export.
Doors and Windows:
Edits in Snaptrude will not reflect in ArchiCAD.
Furniture:
Scaling issues during export.