Getting ready for the Archicad–Autodesk Forma connection: a guide to seamless BIM data transfer

In an announcement made in June 2026 under the Nemetschek Group umbrella, Graphisoft introduced the Archicad-Autodesk Forma Connection feature, which will allow Archicad users to transfer their project data directly into the Autodesk Forma Data Management environment in native formats. Based on the information currently available in official documentation, this guide explains step by step what offices should pay attention to when preparing for this connection.

What is the Archicad-Autodesk Forma Connection?

This feature will come as a built-in add-on within Archicad, allowing users to securely transfer their design models, documentation and project information to Autodesk Forma Data Management. The goal is for teams that need to participate in Forma-based workflows to be able to work without leaving the Archicad environment. According to Graphisoft Chief Product Officer Márton Kiss, this integration allows companies to work more seamlessly across platforms while staying in their preferred design environment. The feature is being developed as part of a broader open-collaboration initiative by the Nemetschek Group that supports common formats such as IFC, BCF, PDF, DWG and RVT; early access for this broader initiative is stated to be planned within 2026.

Which Archicad plan do you need?

According to Graphisoft's official pricing page, the Archicad-Autodesk Forma Connection feature is only available in the Archicad Collaborate plan; this feature is not included in the entry-level Archicad Studio plan.

The prices are for informational purposes only; the final amount may vary depending on the billing country and assumes upfront payment for a 1-year subscription period.

Step-by-step checklist to prepare for the transition

1. Check your license plan. Verify whether you have an Archicad Collaborate subscription to use the Forma connection; if you are on the Studio plan, an upgrade will be required.

2. Review your project data standard. Since the connection targets native formats, having your projects structured in compliance with open standards such as IFC, BCF, DWG and RVT will ease data exchange on the Forma side.

3. Clarify your BIMcloud setup. The Collaborate plan comes with Graphisoft-hosted BIMcloud SaaS; plan in advance how portable BIMcloud licenses will be distributed for intra-team and inter-company work.

4. Follow the update schedule. Graphisoft states that the feature will be delivered with 'an upcoming Archicad update'; no exact version number or date has been announced yet, so it's important to follow Graphisoft's official announcements to avoid missing the update.

What is known about data comparison and coordination?

Autodesk's Model Properties API offers a Diff function for comparing models from different disciplines. This function supports .rvt files from Revit, .dwg files, .nwc files exported from Revit and AutoCAD, and .ifc files exported from software such as AutoCAD Architecture/MEP, Civil 3D, Archicad, Revit, MagiCAD for Revit and Tekla Structures. This shows which file types teams can rely on for tracking differences between model versions once the Archicad-Forma connection goes live; however, the Model Properties API itself is not described as being directly part of the Archicad-Forma Connection feature — it is a general tool belonging to Autodesk's broader infrastructure.

Common mistakes

• Assuming the Forma connection is also available in the Archicad Studio plan; the feature is only offered in the Collaborate plan.

• Trying the connection directly on a live project without testing project files for IFC/BCF compatibility first; this can increase the risk of data loss.

• Assuming the feature has a fixed release date; Graphisoft currently only states 'an upcoming update.'