How to Export and Import Element Attributes Using the Attribute Manager in Archicad?

Scenario / Use Case

When working across several Archicad projects, or in teams that use standardised attribute libraries (such as layers, line types, materials), it becomes essential to reuse these attributes between files. This ensures graphic consistency and reduces repetitive work.

Target Audience

Beginner Archicad users, BIM coordinators and technical support staff who need to share or migrate project attributes efficiently.

Prerequisites

• Archicad 28 installed

• Basic knowledge of the Archicad environment

• Access to Options → Element Attributes → Attribute Manager

• Source file containing the desired attributes

• Destination file open or ready for the import/export
  

Resolution Steps

Part A: Export attributes from the source file

1. Open the file that contains the attributes to export.

2. Go to Options → Element Attributes → Attribute Manager.

3. Select the tab for the desired attribute type (for example, “Layers”, “Line Types”, “Building Materials”) or select All to export every type.

4. In the left-hand panel, select the desired attributes.

5. Click Append >> to move the attributes to the “Temporary” panel (right-hand side).

6. Check the Include All Associated Attributes option if you’re transferring complex attributes such as materials or composites.

7. Click the Export button.

8. In the dialog box that appears:

   • Select the destination folder (local or on BIMcloud)

   • Choose the file format: XML (to import into Archicad) or .txt (for advanced use)

9. Save the file (for example, Attributes_Office.xml) and confirm with OK.
   

Part B: Import attributes into the destination file

1. Open the project file where you want to import the attributes.

2. Go back to Options → Element Attributes → Attribute Manager.

3. Select the same attribute-type tab used for the export, or All.

4. Click Import in the top-right corner of the window.

5. Browse for and select the .xml file saved earlier.

6. In the import dialog, choose the matching method:

   • By Name: overwrites existing attributes if they match by name

   • By Index: matches internal index numbers; adds any that don’t already exist

7. Apply filters if you want to limit which attribute types to import.

8. Select the desired attributes (associated attributes will be included automatically).

9. Click Import, then OK to confirm.
   

Part C: Finish and apply the changes

1. The imported attributes will appear in the “Temporary” panel (right-hand side).

2. Select the desired items and click:

   • Append to add them without overwriting

   • Overwrite to replace existing attributes

3. Go to the Changes tab to review the pending additions, modifications and deletions.

4. Click Apply All, then OK to finish.

5. Archicad will show warnings about duplicates or conflicts (for example, “(1)” suffixes) that need to be resolved manually.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
The “Temporary” panel empties before applying	Don’t close the Attribute Manager until the process is finished
Duplicate attributes with a “(1)” suffix	Use the By Index matching option when importing
Attributes not visible after import	Confirm that Apply All was clicked before closing
Missing materials or fills	Make sure to check Include Associated Attributes during export

Key Definitions

Term	Definition
Temporary List	Right-hand panel showing the attributes pending application
Associated Attributes	Auxiliary elements included automatically (fills, surfaces, etc.)
Match by name / index	Defines how the imported attributes are aligned with the existing ones

Professional Tip

To ensure consistency across projects, always export attributes from a master template with standardised index numbering. Import using the By Index option to avoid duplicates.

What This Action Enables

• Immediate reuse of standardised attributes across different projects

• Faster setup of new files

• Lower risk of graphic errors or inconsistencies in the documentation