Advanced Tools For ArchiCAD

4D Library v29

The 4D Library for ArchiCAD 29 is now ready . This release brings compatibility with cloud licensing. If you are a 4D Library subscriber, simply go to the downloads page, install and you're ready to go.

A few key features

Roof Accessories

Now completely re-written to finally take advantage of the ArchiCAD multiplane roofs. The 4D Roofings uses its own 'Accessories' type function that lets you, with a single click , add gutters, fascias, ridge caps and full gable ends, or create 3D roof cladding with profiled sheets and fascia/gutters that adjust as the roof geometry evolves.

Wall Cladding

An all-new Wall Claddings tool. Works with every wall type, including complex walls, and follows curved walls whether concave or convex. Offset cladding from the wall reference line, use the Internal Walls option to line both sides of a wall, and add perimeter trim around the cladding. An upgraded UI makes material selection easier, and everything runs from the 4D Library menu

Doors and Windows

Versatile doors and windows designed specifically for Australians. Engineered for ease of use and quick configuration. They work with brick sizes and notate exactly how your office needs. Refined over decades, the 4D Windows and Doors are the cornerstone of the 4D Library.

Brick Setout Tool

The new Brick Setout Tool automatically adjusts walls and windows to real brick dimensions, taking the frustration out of brick-based design. Supports 230mm (1-course) and 290mm (2-course) setouts plus custom formats for blockwork and other masonry, with control over snap type, plan setout text and reveal depth. Standout feature: automatic corner windows, aligned to brick module in seconds.

Documentation

The 4D Library has been developed over 15 years in a dedicated BIM environment, with a strong emphasis on speed and accuracy from the very beginning. While it's primarily focused on documentation, it also delivers impressive visuals for presentations.

Smart Parts: Enhanced Project Compliance

Our doors and windows include an air movement and light calculator to meet NCC air movement requirements, and door circulation spaces can be checked with hatch displays for accessibility compliance. Electrical Legends calculate maximum wattage and insulation penetrations for NCC. Plus gradient calculators, site tools with setback averaging, garage door and GPO clearances... the list goes on

Profiles

We love profiles! Profiled walls, beams and columns are among the most powerful features in ArchiCAD. With the 4D Library you can automatically create custom profiled gutters and fascias, apply your own roof sheet profile to a roof plane, use the Wall Claddings Tool to put that same profiled sheet on a wall, and design limitless architraves that display beautifully in plan view.

Eye Opening Parts

The iOpening window has been a part of the 4D Library since version 13, and it remains unmatched in the market. With this feature, you can create polygon-shaped windows and doors in any configuration, including curved edges. See here for details

Cabinetry

Model a complete kitchen with just three library parts. Cupboard Assembly 4D combines doors, drawers, sink, hotplate, underbench oven, dishwasher and microwave recesses and the benchtop in a single object, with matching overhead assemblies and rangehoods. Cabinets corner at any angle, stack up to four high, and robe assemblies handle shelves, rails, drawers and baskets just as easily.

Here's Why it Make Sense

Made for Australia

The 4D Library has been specifically developed for the Australian market, with a keen focus on the needs of Australian ArchiCAD users. Our updates are swift and relevant, ensuring that the vast majority of client requests are addressed promptly.

A Complete Solution

The 4D Library offers a range of tools and objects applicable to every aspect of your project, featuring over 300 high-quality parametric objects. Most projects can fulfil 100% of their object requirements using the 4D Library. If you need something that's not available, just let us know!

Feature Rich

Features include NCC light and air movement calculations, electrical legends with wattage calculations, and customisable labels and markers for windows, among others.

The 4D Library benefits:

Seamless Transition from Design to Documentation: The 4D Library prioritizes documentation, making the shift from design models to documentation models smoother and more efficient than with standard ArchiCAD libraries, leading to increased productivity and reduced frustration. Developed by Architectural Documenters, it focuses on delivering precise documents, not just visually appealing 3D models, offering a wide range of options to fine-tune your designs.
Extensive Collection of High-Quality Components: The library includes over 300 high-quality parametric parts, many of which would typically cost over $100 each if purchased from online stores.
Comprehensive Doors and Windows: It features a full suite of highly parametric doors and windows that can accommodate nearly any shape or configuration.
Versatile Cabinetry and Plumbing Objects: Quickly and easily model kitchens, bathrooms, and other wet areas using a full suite of highly parametric cabinetry and plumbing parts.
Advanced Site Tools: Tools to assist with calculations such as site averaging, slab setouts, building envelope displays, site coverage, and more.
Roof Accessory Tool: Instantly add roof accessories like gutters, ridge caps, and complete gable ends.
Slab Accessory Tool: Automatically generate footings, thickenings, and buildups, with variable adjustments for each edge. The tool now includes the capability to create waffle slabs.
Reduced Dependence on Third-Party Tools: Most third-party tools are no longer required, as the 4D Library objects streamline workflows and eliminate many workarounds needed with standard objects.
Simplified Work Methods: Many 4D Library objects encourage more straightforward workflows and offer greater flexibility compared to standard library components.
Automated Documentation: Numerous 4D objects come with automated documentation notes, controlled by model view options, scale sensitivity, or individual settings. Many offices find these automatic notes to be sufficient for their needs.
Localised Drafting and Building Standards: All 4D objects are adaptable to local drafting and building standards.
Organized Library Structure: The library is organized in a logical, easy-to-navigate folder structure, eliminating the hassle of searching for essential components.
Enhanced ArchiCAD Capabilities: Includes tools that extend ArchiCAD’s capabilities, such as zone sizing, area calculations, air movement analysis, electrical legends, and specialised site tools.

A Bit of Background

The "4D Library" has been in use for over 15 years and was previously known as the 3dEdge Library. Initially developed as a toolset for a local design and construct firm and as an in-house library for an architectural designer, it has evolved into the 4D Library, now recognized as the leading third-party ArchiCAD library in Australia. With hundreds of users across the country and a steadily growing user base, the 4D Library has thrived solely on word-of-mouth recommendations, despite not being actively marketed.

Tailored specifically for the Australian market, the 4D Library is designed with local conditions and standards in mind. It includes specialized tools to assist with compliance with National Construction Codes, covering areas such as air movement, light, access and egress, electrical wattage, stormwater dispersal, and more. Importantly, the 4D Library not only accelerates the production of office documents but also significantly enhances the accuracy and coordination of your ArchiCAD model. By minimizing reliance on 2D workarounds, you can create comprehensive 3D models and fully leverage the benefits of the 3D BIM process.

With over 300 major parametric objects, the 4D Library offers tools and objects applicable to every aspect of your project. Most firms find they rarely need to look beyond the 4D Library for their documentation needs. We are committed to continually updating, improving, and expanding the library, driven by user feedback to create an even better product.

The 4D Library is an invaluable addition to your BIM toolkit, and we aim to enhance its offerings as ArchiCAD continues to grow in the Australian market.

For more General information, go to the general features page Library Benefits