Issue Description
Cannot read Plan file error prompts when trying to open an Archicad file.
Solution
The Cannot read plan file error in Archicad usually indicates an issue with the project file, often due to corruption, version incompatibility, or file transfer problems. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and potentially recover your project:
1. Check Version Compatibility (click to expand)
- Ensure that you’re opening the file in the same or a compatible version of Archicad. If the file was created in a newer version, you may not be able to open it in an older version.
- Solution: Try opening the file in the same or newer version of Archicad.
2. Use Open & Repair Function (click to expand)
- Archicad has an "Open & Repair" feature that can sometimes recover corrupted files.
- Solution: Go to File > Open, select the file, and check the "Open & Repair" option before opening it.
3. Recover from Backup (click to expand)
- Archicad automatically saves backup files (.bpn) that can be used to recover recent versions of the project.
- Solution: Locate the .bpn backup file (in the same folder as the original file), rename it with a .pln extension, and try opening it in Archicad.
4. Verify File Integrity after Transfer (click to expand)
- If you received the file via email or cloud storage, it may have become corrupted during transfer.
- Solution: Re-download or re-transfer the file using a more reliable method, or request a fresh copy.
5. Restore from AutoSave (click to expand)
- If Archicad crashed while working on the project, it may have created an AutoSave file.
- Solution: Open Archicad, and it should automatically detect and prompt you to open the AutoSave version if one exists.
- TIP: Archicad Recovery File Location
Following these steps should help you recover or open a problematic Archicad plan file.
If the issue persists.
If none of these methods work, the file may be severely corrupted.
- Solution: Contact Graphisoft’s technical support team. They may be able to assist with advanced file recovery options.