The suite was modular, allowing firms to buy only what they needed. Other popular tools included:
While the suite included numerous extensions, three specific tools defined the workflow improvements for Archicad 19 users:
ArchiCAD’s native toolset covered most core modeling and documentation needs, but CADimage Tools and similar plugins targeted the “thin slices” of productivity where manual effort remained high. Compared with full-featured automation frameworks or bespoke scripting, CADimage Tools offered an accessible, lower-cost option delivering immediate workflow gains without extensive development effort. Larger firms with bespoke standards sometimes combined such plugins with custom GDL objects, Python scripts, or other commercial BIM management tools.
Stair design is notoriously detail-heavy, requiring adherence to building codes (rise/run ratios, headroom, landing depths). ArchiCAD 19’s native stair tool, while improved over earlier versions, still lacked the granular control needed for highly customized stairs. StairCAD filled this void by offering:
Layout and Sheet Management:
Drawing Production and Export:
Schedules, Lists, and Data Management:
Quality Control and Model Checks:
Productivity Shortcuts:
Introduction: The State of ArchiCAD 19 and the Need for Extras
ArchiCAD 19 was a solid release from Graphisoft, introducing enhanced CineRender engine improvements, better point cloud support, and the now-familiar Tab palette interface. However, like all versions of ArchiCAD, it remained a “generalist” BIM tool. It excels at core modeling, documentation, and collaboration, but when it comes to specialist tasks—particularly around joinery, detailing, presentation, and certain repetitive automation—it can feel lacking. This is where CADimage Tools enters the arena, and for ArchiCAD 19, it was one of the most powerful third-party plugin suites available.
CADimage Tools (developed by CADimage, a New Zealand-based ArchiCAD partner) is not a single tool. It’s a collection of around 15-20 individual plugins that integrate directly into the ArchiCAD 19 interface (adding palettes and menu items). After using this suite extensively for over two years on residential and light commercial projects, here is my long-form review.
Core Functionality: What CADimage Tools Brings to ArchiCAD 19
For ArchiCAD 19 users, the standout modules in the CADimage suite are:
What It Does Well (The Strengths)
Limitations & Criticisms (The Not-So-Good)
No review is honest without addressing downsides, especially for a now-older version like ArchiCAD 19:
Comparison with Alternatives for ArchiCAD 19
Real-World Use Case Example
Project: A 3-story timber-framed beach house with complex curved stairs and exposed rafter tails.
Time using only ArchiCAD 19: Estimated 80 hours of modeling, including custom GDL objects for stairs and manual roof framing.
Time with CADimage Tools on ArchiCAD 19: 22 hours. Framework generated the stud walls and roof battens in 2 hours. StairBuilder created the curved main stair (with custom newels) in 45 minutes. WallEnd handled the exposed rafter tails in 30 minutes. Labelizer scheduled all 48 windows in 10 seconds.
Final Verdict (For ArchiCAD 19 Users)
Rating: 8.5/10 (for its time; 4/10 if trying to run today on modern OS)
If you are still actively using ArchiCAD 19 (perhaps on an older machine or for legacy project maintenance), CADimage Tools is an exceptional productivity booster. The StairBuilder and Framework tools alone justify the cost. The integration, performance, and output quality are top-tier.
However, if you are planning to upgrade ArchiCAD, do not buy CADimage Tools for version 19. Save your money for the modern, updated versions of CADimage Tools (which now support ArchiCAD 28 and have even more features). The version for ArchiCAD 19 is a frozen snapshot of 2015-2016 technology—brilliant in its day, but today it’s a compatibility risk.
Who should buy it (used, or if you find a license):
Who should avoid:
Final Word
CADimage Tools for ArchiCAD 19 was a game-changer in its prime. It turned a capable BIM tool into a specialist’s dream, eliminating hours of tedious work. Today, appreciate it for what it was—a masterclass in third-party ArchiCAD plugins—but unless you have a specific need to stay on ArchiCAD 19, upgrade both your ArchiCAD and your CADimage Tools to modern versions. The spirit of what CADimage built lives on, and it’s better than ever in 2025/2026.
Title: The Ghost in the BIM
The deadline for the Greenwood Heritage Museum was in forty-eight hours, and Elias was drowning in geometry.
As the lead architect at a boutique firm in Chicago, Elias had been an early adopter of Archicad 19. He loved the software’s freedom, the way it allowed him to sculpt space in 3D without the rigid constraints of the older CAD programs. But for this specific project, freedom was the enemy. The client wanted a restoration that respected the intricate Victorian details of the original structure—bracketed cornices, fluted columns, and filigree ironwork that defied the standard "Wall" and "Column" tools.
For three days, Elias had been trying to model a custom Corinthian capital using native Archicad morphs. It was a nightmare of polygons. Every time he rotated the view, the computer lagged. He was manually pushing and pulling vertices, feeling like a sculptor trying to carve marble with a spoon.
"We’re never going to make it," his junior associate, Sarah, said, leaning over his shoulder with a cup of lukewarm coffee. "The rendering team needs the model by tomorrow morning."
Elias rubbed his eyes. "I know. If I can't get these custom objects to behave, the elevations will look flat. The client will hate it."
Sarah tapped the screen. "You’re doing it the hard way. Remember that installer the IT guy dropped off last week? The suite of plugins? CADimage Tools?"
Elias sighed. "I don't have time to learn new software, Sarah."
"It’s not new software, it’s just... better hands for the tools you already have," she said, sliding a USB drive across the desk. "Just try the Keynote and Covering tools. I used it on the residential project last month. It saved me twenty hours."
Desperation is the mother of innovation. Elias minimized his mangled morph object and opened the installer. CADimage Tools Plugins for Archicad 19. The installation bar zipped across the screen, integrating itself seamlessly into his familiar interface.
He restarted Archicad.
When the project reopened, the menu bar looked the same, but the dropdowns felt heavier—loaded with potential. He clicked on the CADimage menu.
He started with the Keynotes tool. Previously, labeling materials was a tedious process of text blocks and leaders that constantly unglued themselves when the view shifted. Elias clicked the tool, hovered over the complex brickwork he had spent hours modeling, and clicked. A perfectly formatted keynote appeared, already tagged and categorized. He dragged it, and it intelligently snapped to the relevant material. Within ten minutes, his construction documents went from a chaotic scattering of text to a clean, standardized set of notes. CADimage Tools Plugins For Archicad 19
"Okay," Elias muttered, a spark of hope igniting. "That’s useful. But it doesn't solve the column."
He navigated to the Coverings tool. This was the magic. The Victorian columns on the façade needed a specific fluted stone pattern that he had been trying to model with solid geometry. Using the plugin, he selected the standard cylindrical column he had placed as a placeholder.
Instead of modeling the flutes manually, he applied a Covering. He checked the box for 'Fluted,' adjusted the depth and spacing sliders, and watched the preview window update in real-time.
He hit Apply.
The screen flickered for a split second, recalculating the mesh. Suddenly, the smooth, boring cylinder was wrapped in a precise, geometrically accurate fluted stone texture. It wasn't just a 2D texture map; the geometry was there, casting shadows correctly in the 3D window.
"It’s parametric," Elias whispered, a grin spreading across his face. "I can change the flute count by editing the parameters?"
He tested it, changing the number of flutes from eight to twelve. The model updated instantly. No vertex pushing. no mesh errors.
"Sarah!" he called out.
She looked up from her station.
"Remember that complex ironwork railing I was crying about yesterday?" Elias navigated to the stairwell. Using the Railings component of the CADimage suite, he selected the polyline path of the stair. Instead of the generic Archicad railing, the plugin opened a dialogue box that looked like a catalog from a blacksmith. He selected 'Victorian Filigree,' adjusted the post height, and generated the railing.
It appeared on the screen—thousands of polygons representing intricate ironwork—rendered perfectly in the OpenGL view.
"You're smiling," Sarah noted. "That’s terrifying."
"I’m not drowning anymore," Elias said, turning back to his screen. The fear of the deadline had evaporated, replaced by the calm rhythm of efficiency. "I’m actually building."
By 6:00 AM the next morning, the model was complete. Where Elias had expected jagged, simplified shapes, he had a BIM model rich with architectural detail. The elevations were crisp, the notes were automated, and the 3D views looked like a finished rendering.
When the client arrived for the presentation, they stood silently in front of the projection screen.
"We thought you were going to have to simplify the cornice work," the client said, pointing to the detailed 3D section. "We were prepared to be disappointed. But this... this is exactly how it looks in the historical photos."
Elias glanced at the Archicad interface, the custom icons of the CADimage tools sitting quietly in the menu bar, like silent partners who had done the heavy lifting.
"It turns out," Elias said, "that with the right tools, you don't have to compromise on the details."
He saved the file, the progress bar flashing once—a small confirmation that the chaos had been tamed, one plugin at a time.
Cadimage Tools (now often called ) are a suite of powerful add-ons designed to streamline complex architectural modeling and documentation workflows within Archicad 19. By automating repetitive tasks, these plugins allow designers to focus more on high-level creative work. Core Plugins for Archicad 19
The following tools are specifically available for Archicad 19 and help bridge gaps in native software functionality: Doors + Windows
: Provides extensive customization options for joinery, including swing styles, markers, and handle visibility settings.
: Simplifies the application of cladding, siding, and roofing details in both 2D and 3D views.
: Allows for the design of custom cabinetry with accurate parameters for modules, widths, and door leaf types. Electrical
: Offers intuitive tools for placing smart electrical symbols and generating automated schedules.
: A specialized tool for manipulating, editing, and forming custom objects directly within the 3D window.
: Enhances the native stair tool with more flexible design, drawing, and editing capabilities on the floor plan.
: Reduces errors by automating the process of adding and managing technical annotations and notes. Installation Guide
To ensure compatibility, you must use the version of Cadimage Tools specifically built for Archicad 19. Download the Installer : Visit the MyCi Portal and download the Ci Installer for your operating system (Windows or Mac). Run the Installer
: Close Archicad 19 before starting. Launch the installer and log in with your credentials. Select Your Version : In the drop-down menu, select ARCHICAD 19
. The installer will detect your Archicad installations automatically. Install Tools
: Choose the specific tools you wish to add (e.g., Coverings, Cabinets) and click Download and Install Finalize Work Environment : After installation, you must install the Cadimage Work Environment
. This is a critical step that adds the new tool buttons and menus to your Archicad interface. Workflow Tips Check for Updates
feature within the Cadimage Installer to ensure you have the latest bug fixes for version 19. Model View Options
: Many Cadimage tools, like Doors + Windows, are controlled via Model View Options (MVO)
. Use these settings to globally change the level of detail across your project. : You can save custom tool configurations as
to quickly reuse specific door or cabinet styles in future projects. cadimagemedia.blob.core.windows.net , such as the Installing ARCHICAD 19 For Schools and Students
Introduction
ArchiCAD 19 is a popular Building Information Modeling (BIM) software used by architects, engineers, and designers to create detailed designs and models of buildings and other structures. One of the key features of ArchiCAD is its ability to be extended through the use of plugins, which can add new functionality and tools to the software. In this paper, we will explore the CADimage Tools plugins for ArchiCAD 19, and discuss their features, benefits, and applications.
Overview of CADimage Tools
CADimage Tools is a suite of plugins developed by CADimage, a company that specializes in creating software solutions for the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. The plugins are designed to work seamlessly with ArchiCAD 19, providing users with a range of additional tools and features that can help to streamline their design workflow.
Features of CADimage Tools Plugins
The CADimage Tools plugins for ArchiCAD 19 include a range of features and tools that can be used to enhance the design and modeling capabilities of the software. Some of the key features of the plugins include:
Benefits of Using CADimage Tools Plugins
The CADimage Tools plugins for ArchiCAD 19 offer a range of benefits to users, including:
Applications of CADimage Tools Plugins
The CADimage Tools plugins for ArchiCAD 19 have a wide range of applications in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries, including:
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CADimage Tools plugins for ArchiCAD 19 offer a range of powerful features and tools that can help to enhance the design and modeling capabilities of the software. By automating routine tasks, improving accuracy, and facilitating collaboration, the plugins can help to increase productivity and efficiency in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Whether you are an architect, engineer, or designer, the CADimage Tools plugins are definitely worth considering as a valuable addition to your ArchiCAD workflow.
References
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification.
Here is a brief presentation based on the paper:
Slide 1: Introduction
Slide 2: Overview of CADimage Tools
Slide 3: Features of CADimage Tools Plugins
Slide 4: Benefits of Using CADimage Tools Plugins
Slide 5: Applications of CADimage Tools Plugins
Slide 6: Conclusion
Let me know if you want me to add more slides.
You can add images, diagrams, and charts to make the presentation more engaging and easy to understand.
CADimage tools (now Ci Tools) for Archicad 19 offer a suite of specialized plugins designed to accelerate architectural modeling, detailing, and documentation through tools like Doors + Windows, Coverings, Cabinets, and Keynotes. These version-specific tools are installed via the Cadimage Installer and integrate directly into the Archicad interface to automate tasks and improve productivity. For more details, visit Graphisoft.
For Archicad 19, the Cadimage Tools (now often referred to as Ci Tools) provide a specialized suite of plugins designed to speed up architectural modeling and documentation by adding advanced parametric capabilities that are not found in the standard out-of-the-box software. Key Cadimage Plugins for Archicad 19
These tools integrate directly into the Archicad interface to automate repetitive tasks:
Doors + Windows: Offers much greater flexibility than the standard Archicad library, allowing you to create complex, custom-shaped glazing and framing with ease.
Coverings: Specifically designed for adding realistic 2D and 3D claddings, such as weatherboards, shingles, and corrugated roofing, to walls and roofs.
Cabinets: A powerful tool for designing custom kitchen and bathroom cabinetry with accurate internal details and hardware.
Electrical: Simplifies the placement of smart electrical symbols and automatically generates schedules for your documentation.
Objective: Enables you to manipulate, rotate, and edit objects in 3D space, which is essential for creating custom architectural features that the standard object tool cannot handle.
Keynotes: Replaces manual text labels with a centralized database system, ensuring that annotations remain consistent throughout the entire project.
Stairs: Provided a dedicated interface for designing and drawing complex staircases within your floor plans prior to Archicad's major native stair tool overhauls. Installation & Management
To set up these tools, you typically use a dedicated installer provided by the developer:
Download the Installer: Visit the Partner Extensions Archive or the Ci Tools site to get the correct version for your operating system.
Select Archicad 19: Run the installer and select "Archicad 19" from the drop-down menu to ensure compatibility.
Apply Work Environment: After installation, you must load the Cadimage tools profile or work environment in Archicad to see the new menus and toolbars.
Unlocking the Full Potential of ArchiCAD 19: A Comprehensive Guide to CADimage Tools Plugins
ArchiCAD 19, a powerful building information modeling (BIM) software, has been a game-changer for architects, engineers, and designers worldwide. However, to take full advantage of its capabilities, users often rely on third-party plugins that enhance its functionality and streamline workflows. One such set of plugins that has gained significant attention in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry is the CADimage Tools Plugins for ArchiCAD 19. In this article, we'll delve into the world of CADimage Tools, exploring their features, benefits, and applications, as well as provide a step-by-step guide on how to integrate them into your ArchiCAD 19 workflow.
What are CADimage Tools Plugins?
CADimage Tools is a suite of plugins developed by CADimage, a company renowned for creating innovative software solutions for the AEC industry. These plugins are specifically designed to work seamlessly with ArchiCAD 19, extending its capabilities and addressing the needs of architects, engineers, and designers. The CADimage Tools Plugins for ArchiCAD 19 offer a wide range of features and functionalities that cater to various aspects of the design and construction process.
Key Features of CADimage Tools Plugins for ArchiCAD 19
The CADimage Tools Plugins for ArchiCAD 19 comprise a comprehensive set of tools that can be broadly categorized into several key areas: The suite was modular, allowing firms to buy
Some of the specific tools included in the CADimage Tools Plugins for ArchiCAD 19 are:
Benefits of Using CADimage Tools Plugins for ArchiCAD 19
The CADimage Tools Plugins for ArchiCAD 19 offer numerous benefits to users, including:
How to Install and Configure CADimage Tools Plugins for ArchiCAD 19
Installing and configuring the CADimage Tools Plugins for ArchiCAD 19 is a straightforward process:
Tips and Tricks for Using CADimage Tools Plugins for ArchiCAD 19
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the CADimage Tools Plugins for ArchiCAD 19:
Conclusion
The CADimage Tools Plugins for ArchiCAD 19 offer a powerful set of features and functionalities that can significantly enhance the design and construction process. By automating repetitive tasks, improving accuracy, and facilitating collaboration, these plugins can help architects, engineers, and designers unlock the full potential of ArchiCAD 19. Whether you're a seasoned ArchiCAD user or just starting out, this article has provided a comprehensive guide to getting started with CADimage Tools Plugins for ArchiCAD 19. With these plugins, you'll be able to take your BIM workflow to the next level and deliver high-quality projects with increased efficiency and accuracy.
Supercharge Your Archicad 19 Workflow with Cadimage Tools If you are still using Archicad 19, you already know it was a landmark release for performance, introducing predictive background processing and a refined UI. However, even with these native improvements, many architects find themselves spending too much time on manual documentation and complex modeling. This is where Cadimage Tools (now often referred to as Ci Tools) become essential.
These plugins are specifically designed to bridge the gap between "standard" BIM and the highly detailed, custom requirements of professional practice. Key Cadimage Tools for Archicad 19
The Cadimage suite for version 19 focuses on productivity and "getting things done with less frustration". Here are the heavy hitters:
Doors + Windows: This is arguably the most popular tool. It allows you to design custom configurations—sliding, folding, or complex glazing—far beyond what the standard library offers.
Coverings: A must-have for detailing. It lets you apply realistic claddings like weatherboards or metal siding in 2D and 3D views automatically.
Cabinets: Designing custom joinery becomes intuitive. You can create accurate kitchen and bathroom cabinetry that schedules correctly.
Keynotes: Eliminates the tedium of manual labeling by linking your notes directly to a database, ensuring consistency across all drawing sets.
Objective: For when standard GDL objects won't cut it. This tool lets you manipulate, bend, and rotate objects in 3D to create custom components on the fly. Why They Matter for Archicad 19 Users
While Archicad 19 introduced features like the 3D Surface Painter and better Labeling, Cadimage tools enhance these by adding specialized parameters. For example, while you can label elements natively, the Keynotes tool automates the "tedious" parts of documentation. Similarly, while Archicad 19's Roof tool is powerful, the Cadimage Coverings tool adds specific "West Coast contemporary" detailing and easier edge adjustments that native tools often lack. Installation & Compatibility
It is important to note that Cadimage plugins are version-specific. A plugin designed for Archicad 20 will not work with Archicad 19. To install them:
How to: Install the Cadimage Tools if you ... - MyCi Knowledge Base
How to: Install the Cadimage Tools if you already have the Cadimage Installer on your computer * Launch the Cadimage Installer. .. MyCi Knowledge Base Cadimage tools - Graphisoft
CADimage Tools for Archicad 19 are productivity-focused plugins designed to overcome the "ceilings" of standard Archicad tools, specifically by automating complex modeling tasks and improving documentation speed
. While highly regarded for their flexibility, they are often noted for having a steep learning curve due to extensive parameter options. Graphisoft Community Key Plugin Features in Archicad 19
The suite includes several dedicated tools that integrate directly into the Archicad interface: Doors + Windows
: Offers significantly more customization than standard library parts, particularly for complex configurations.
: Simplifies the application of 2D and 3D claddings like sidings, gutters, and downspouts to walls and roofs.
: Provides a highly flexible system for designing custom cabinetry, though users note it has a overwhelming number of parameter pages.
: Automates the annotation process to eliminate manual typing errors and maintain consistency across documentation.
: Allows for the manipulation and formation of custom 3D objects, filling gaps where standard tools might be too rigid.
: Historically favored over standard Archicad stairs for its simpler interface, though recent updates to native Archicad tools have made this specific plugin less essential for newer versions. Graphisoft Community Pros and Cons Cadimage tools - Graphisoft
For Archicad 19, Cadimage Tools (now often referred to under the Ci Tools umbrella) provide a specialized suite of plugins designed to automate complex modeling and documentation tasks.
Below is a breakdown of the primary tools available for this version and how they enhance the architectural workflow. Core Toolset Features
The plugins are designed to solve specific limitations within the native Archicad environment.
Doors + Windows: Offers extensive customization beyond standard library parts, allowing you to create complex openings, unique glazing patterns, and detailed trim in 2D and 3D.
Coverings: Automatically applies realistic claddings, such as weatherboards, shingles, and metal roofing, directly to walls and roofs. It includes built-in accessories like gutters and downpipes.
Cabinets: Enables precise design of custom cabinetry and kitchen layouts with automated scheduling and 3D detailing.
Electrical: Simplifies the placement of smart electrical symbols and automatically generates the corresponding electrical schedules.
Objective: A powerful tool for manipulating and forming custom 3D objects, allowing you to rotate, bend, and cut elements that are otherwise rigid in Archicad. Installation & Version Compatibility
It is critical to match the plugin version exactly to your software version. How to you create cladding of any sort using Archicad 19?