Description
When working with Archicad projects and libraries, it’s important to follow safe storage practices to prevent file corruption, data loss, or save errors. Google Drive, Dropbox, and other third‑party file sync utilities can interfere with Archicad’s open/save operations when directly syncing project files and libraries. This article outlines recommended workflows and alternative solutions for combining Archicad with BIMcloud SaaS or third‑party file hosting services.
Instructions
1. Recommended storage setup
Use a clean UNC path so that files can be accessed consistently across Mac and Windows workstations, whether local or remote.
Office LAN file server: The ideal setup for shared data. Remote users should connect via VPN to ensure all machines share the same path definitions.
Primary solution: Use BIMcloud SaaS, which works from anywhere without pathing issues, as the main repository for all Archicad libraries.
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Secondary solution: Allow the backup of mirror folder to be synced by the cloud service instead of your live working folder. Only connect Folder 2 to the cloud service, as represented below. This keeps the active working directory (Folder 1) protected from sync interruptions or conflicts.
Benefits of this setup
Reduces the risk of project corruption caused by sync conflicts.
Provides backup redundancy in case of local drive issues.
Improves project reliability and ensures smoother collaboration.
2. Alternative: library synchronization
If you prefer hosting the gold master library on a local office server, you can synchronize files to workstations using third‑party sync utilities. Supported tools include:
FreeFileSync (Mac/Windows)
SyncTime (Mac)
ChronoSync Express (Mac)
Sync Folder Pro (Mac)
GoodSync (Windows)
Syncback (Windows)
Syncthing (Windows)
Configure these tools to:
Periodically copy the library from the server (master location) to the workstation.
Preserve identical folder paths across devices—ensuring Archicad can locate libraries regardless of platform.
Run scheduled syncs in the background (e.g., hourly) for performance and consistency.
3. Handling Archicad Solo Project (.PLN) files
Always open and save locally on your workstation or local drive.
Avoid direct open/save operations from cloud-sync folders (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.), as sync interruptions can corrupt files or cause save errors.
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For redundancy and backup:
Schedule automatic sync jobs between your local project save folder and a backup mirror folder on your workstation, external hard drive, or server.
Use synchronization utilities like FreeFileSync, GoodSync, or others from the list above.
Schedule these jobs to run every 15–60 minutes or outside of working hours, so that utility syncs only occur after Archicad has safely finished saving files.
4. Backup and testing best practices
When implementing a new synchronization workflow, first test with non‑critical files until confirmed safe.
Schedule OS-level backups outside working hours to avoid interruptions during save processes.
5. Further resources
For additional details, see the Graphisoft Community article: Sync utilities and issues with Save operation in Archicad.