Archicad Global Library Guide: Manage and Localize Libraries

Archicad 29’s official help documentation explains how to use Global Library packages in new projects and manage project libraries through Library Manager. Introduced with Archicad 28, Global Library consists of different library packages. Library parts in this structure are not tied to a specific version, and Graphisoft says Global Library is compatible with future program versions. This guide covers setting up a new project and changing localization settings in an existing project separately.

1. Understand Global Library’s role in project setup

When you start a new project from a ready-made template, the relevant library packages are already loaded in Library Manager. Library content in the installation folder is available in all language versions. Global Library provides library parts in packages that are not tied to a single Archicad version.

If the content included with the default template isn’t enough, you can load additional packages from the Library Packages folder in the Archicad installation directory. Doors, windows, annotations, and symbols used in different countries are examples of content you may need to add. When choosing libraries, consider not only the types of objects but also the project template’s language and regional preferences.

2. Choose the language and library packages for a new project

1. Select the template you want to use when starting the project. Each language version of Archicad comes with its own localized template. The language of library parts, along with default preferences for dimensions, attributes, surfaces, and pens, depends on the template’s language.

2. If you need a different localization, use the relevant local template. You can use a template file from a colleague or a template from a different language version.

3. If the default library packages don’t contain the objects you need, load additional packages from the Library Packages folder in the installation directory. These packages can provide access to objects and representations commonly used in different countries.

4. Check the local preferences in the template selected for the project. In Graphisoft’s example, when using a US template, the default kitchen countertop height may be 3 feet instead of 90 cm. This shows how template selection can affect object settings.

Graphisoft recommends adopting Global Library in a completely new project. Moving libraries in projects carried over from older versions is treated as a separate workflow. Starting a new project with Global Library and migrating an existing project to this structure are therefore not the same process.

3. Change the object language in an existing project

Use Library Localization Preferences to change object interface text and folder organization in an existing project. Graphisoft’s documentation gives the following steps:

1. Open the Edit GDL Library Parts toolbar by going to Window > Toolbars > Edit GDL Library Parts.

2. From the drop-down menu on the left side of the toolbar, select Library Localization Preferences.

3. In the window that opens, select the language version you want to add to the preference list, then click Add Selected.

4. Drag and drop the language versions added to the preference list on the right to arrange their order.

The language versions in the preference list affect the project file. The setting can change the text displayed in object interfaces and how files are organized in folders, because regions may prefer different folder structures. Graphisoft says this process takes time and cannot be undone. Before making changes to an existing project, it’s important to agree on the language and folder structure the team will use.

4. Check content and issues with Library Manager

Library Manager is used to view and manage project libraries. Open it by going to File > Libraries and Objects > Library Manager. The tool also provides feedback on missing or outdated libraries and library parts. You can also access the relevant management screen from library part settings or the Libraries item in Action Center.

The Libraries in Project tab lists the location and size of project libraries and, where applicable, their server status. After selecting a library, open the content tab to browse items in icon or list view. The Info button shows a larger preview of the selected library part.

Linked library folders can’t be edited from the Content tab; most management commands are disabled in this case. These folders must be managed outside Library Manager, using a file manager. To edit a library part, use Duplicate or Export to copy it to an accessible folder. After editing it in an external application, you can add it back to the library with Add. In Teamwork projects, the content item must first be reserved in its Content tab before it can be modified.

Impact on architecture and interior design workflows

In architecture and interior design offices, project templates are tied to object language, dimension preferences, and library content. Choosing the right localized template for a new project helps surface object settings associated with different language preferences from the outset. Any additional content can also be loaded from the Library Packages folder.

In existing projects, localization changes can affect object text and folder organization, so the team’s preferences should be clarified before proceeding. Library Manager can be used to search library content and check feedback on missing or outdated items. The official documentation doesn’t provide information about render performance, hardware requirements, or licensing terms, so no assumptions should be made on these topics.

Common mistakes

• Trying to convert an old project using the same workflow recommended for Global Library in a new project. Graphisoft recommends starting with a completely new project when adopting Global Library.

• Overlooking how the template language affects object language and default dimension preferences.

• Assuming changes to Library Localization Preferences can be undone. According to the official documentation, the process takes time and cannot be undone.

• Trying to edit linked library folders from the Content tab. These folders should be managed with an external file manager.

• Trying to modify a content item in a Teamwork environment without reserving it. The relevant item must be reserved before making changes.