Where to find Archicad 28 library folder?

Issue description

When opening a migrated Archicad 27 project in Archicad 28, only the Archicad 28 library folder, which contains Archicad 27 library parts and subfolders, appears in the Library Manager. The Archicad 28 libraries cannot be found or loaded manually.

This happens because Archicad 28 introduces a new library system called the Global Library, which replaces the traditional version-specific monolithic library used in earlier versions. As a result, Archicad 28 no longer includes a standalone “Archicad Library 28” containing its own native library content; only the new Global Library system was created for this version. 

Solution

Archicad 28 provides two possible library configurations depending on your workflow. You can continue using the previous monolithic library structure or adopt the new Global Library system.

Option 1: Use the previous monolithic library system (recommended for ongoing projects)

You can still load the legacy-style library folder if your workflow depends on it. Which can be found here:

• Mac: ~/Applications/Graphisoft/Archicad 28/Archicad Library 28

• Windows: C:\Program Files\Graphisoft\Archicad 28\Archicad Library 28 

Important notes:

• The content in this folder will include a “27” suffix, because it is a direct clone of the Archicad 27 library.

• To use this system, load the Archicad Library 28 folder, which contains the usual .lcf files and subfolders.

Option 2: Use the new Global Library system (recommended for migrating templates)

The new Global Library consists of modular Library Packages rather than a single monolithic folder. Which can be found here:

• Mac: ~/Applications/Graphisoft/Archicad 28/Archicad Library Packages

• Windows: C:\Program Files\Graphisoft\Archicad 28\Archicad Library Packages 

Important notes:

• Loading Global Library works differently compared to older versions: Instead of loading a single library folder, you load the required .libpack files located inside the Archicad Library Packages directory. If you load the folder instead of the packages, the library parts will not load correctly. 

• If you choose to work with the Global Library and are coming from a migrated template, make sure to update placed objects, tool defaults, favorites, and Model View Options to reference components from the Global Library. This ensures compatibility and prevents library errors.
  
  Learn more about converting from monolithic libraries to the Global Library system here:
  Archicad 28 Migration: Converting from Monolithic Libraries to the Global Library System

For more information on the new Global Library system and migrating to Archicad 28, see the following resources:

• Migrating Libraries to Archicad 28
• Global Libraries: Introduction