Point cloud is too big for importing to Archicad

Issue Description

My point cloud is too big for Archicad to import.  How can I reduce its size?

Solution

The maximum Archicad can import is 4GB, so if our point cloud is larger we need to reduce this or split the file into multiple.  

The easiest way to do this is by using CloudCompare. It currently runs on Windows, MacOS, and Linux and will allow you to reduce point numbers or cut into multiple files.

To reduce your point cloud size for Archicad import using CloudCompare, follow these steps:

1. Open the point cloud file in CloudCompare.
2. Use the Edit menu to select and crop sections of the point cloud, if needed.
3. Apply the Subsample or Decimate command to reduce total point numbers.
4. Check the file size; if it is still above 4GB, split the point cloud into multiple files using the cropping tool.
5. Export each reduced or split point cloud file in a compatible format.
6. Import the smaller file(s) into Archicad.

These steps ensure the point cloud can be imported successfully while retaining necessary details.