How to open older Archicad project files (by version)

Issue description

This article explains how to open and convert legacy Archicad project files from older versions into newer ones, depending on the original file version.

Solution

Archicad 7.0 and earlier

See the following guide: Open Archicad 7 or earlier projects in newer versions

Archicad 8.1 to 16

Projects created in Archicad 8.1 through 16 cannot be opened directly in Archicad 27 or newer. These files must first be opened and resaved in an intermediate version (17–26).

1. Download and install Archicad 26 [ here ]
2. Update Archicad 26 to update 5 (build 7005) [ here ]
3. Open the legacy project file in Archicad 26
4. Save the project in Archicad 26
5. Open the newly saved file in Archicad 27 or newer

TIP: If Archicad 26 is not recognizing your cloud license, see [ here ] 

Archicad 17 and newer

Projects created in Archicad 17 or later can be opened directly in newer versions of Archicad.

• Open the PLN file directly in Archicad 27 or newer.
• Best practice: Duplicate the original project and migrate the duplicate.

Library considerations after migration

After migrating a project, review the loaded libraries carefully.

• Troubleshooting Library Issues
• Archicad Basic Concepts - Libraries
• Help Center Libraries topic

Additional migration resources

• Migrating to Archicad 28
• Converting old Archicad Files
• Library Management - Workflow Guide

Further learning and support

If you have further questions about libraries or migration workflows, visit the Libraries & Objects board on the Graphisoft Community. This is the dedicated space for library “how-to” and workflow-related questions.