This guide provides a step-by-step description for users who have recently purchased one or more Graphisoft cloud licenses (subscriptions), detailing how to assign, use licenses for Graphisoft products like Archicad.
Purchase and access the license
Create a Graphisoft ID: You must have a Graphisoft ID to make a purchase. Use a valid email address during registration and purchase.
Buy your cloud license: Purchase monthly or annual subscription for one or more cloud licenses for Graphisoft products.
Company account setup: If your Graphisoft ID is not linked to a company account, one will be created during purchase. The purchaser becomes the Company Account Administrator and Contract Manager for new company accounts. For existing company accounts, these roles remain unchanged.
Manage accounts:
To manage your individual account, visit the Graphisoft ID site.
To manage your company account, sign in to the Company Management Portal.
Role management: Administrators and Contract Managers can invite or remove members and assign or revoke licenses. Roles like Contract Manager and Administrator can be changed in the Company Management Portal.
Invite team members
By default, one purchased license is assigned to you, allowing you to start working immediately; there’s no need to assign or manage it manually.
To use licenses within a team, the Administrator or Contract Manager must invite team members (who have their own Graphisoft IDs) to join the company.
For more details, see:
Add new members to a Graphisoft ID Company
How can I join a company with my Graphisoft ID
To join a new company, leave your current company first. Administrators or Contract Managers must transfer their roles before leaving.
Understanding license types: Named vs. Floating
Before assigning licenses, decide how your team will use them:
Floating licenses: Not tied to a specific Graphisoft ID account. Licenses are shared within a group (created by the Administrator or Contract Manager). Any group member can use a license when it’s available.
For more details, see:
How to create a Group in Graphisoft ID Company
How to assign a cloud license to a Group
How to manage Groups in Graphisoft ID Company
Named licenses: Each user has their own dedicated license (assigned by the Administrator or Contract Manager). Licenses are not shared between users.
For more details, see:
How to assign a cloud license to a Graphisoft ID user account
Practical Examples
Example 1:
Company A has 2 full-time architects and 2 cloud licenses.
→ Assign each license as a Named license to each architect, so both always have access.
Example 2:
Company B has 3 architects and 1 license, as each only occasionally needs Archicad.
→ Assign the license as a Floating license to a group of 3 architects, so whoever needs it can use it.
Example 3:
Company C has 3 architects (1 full-time, 2 part-time) and 2 licenses.
→ Assign one Named license to the full-time architect and one Floating license to a group of the 2 part-time architects. The full-timer always has access, and the part-timers share the second license.
Activate the license in Archicad
Launch Archicad on your device.
Sign In: Use your Graphisoft ID credentials. Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
Archicad will detect and activate your assigned cloud license.
Using the license
Online Use: You can use Archicad as long as you remain connected to the internet.
Offline Use: Work offline for up to 7 days in case of named licenses. After that, reconnect to verify your license. (For floating Archicad licenses and BIMcloud SaaS, the offline period is limited to 30 minutes.)
Device Limitation: Cloud licenses can only be active on one device at a time, but transferring is quick and managed online.
Find more information in our Frequently asked questions.