How to Manage Surfaces in Archicad?

Surfaces in Archicad define the visual appearance of model elements, including colour, texture and behaviour under light in 3D views, renders and documentation. Proper surface management ensures a coherent, professional visual presentation.

1. Open the Surfaces dialog

To access it:

• Main menu: Attributes > Surfaces...
• Or from any element (wall, object, etc.) by selecting the surface and clicking Edit surface

From there you can:

• Browse available surfaces
• Modify existing surfaces
• Create new surfaces or duplicate them
• Organise surfaces into folders or libraries

2. Parameters of a surface

Each surface contains settings that define its visual behaviour:

• Name and folder: to classify surfaces
• Rendering engine: CineRender (Redshift or Physical) or basic engine
• Surface colour: visible in non-rendered views
• Texture: image applied to the geometry
• Texture scale: pattern size and repetition
• Rendering channels: reflection, roughness, transparency, etc.
• Preview: shows the result in real time

3. Create or duplicate a surface

1. Open the Surfaces dialog
2. Click New to create a surface from scratch or Duplicate to copy an existing one
3. Assign a name and edit the necessary parameters
4. Click OK to save the surface

4. Apply a surface to an element

You can assign surfaces in two ways:

• From the element's settings: define surfaces for each face (top, side, inner...)
• With the Surface Painter tool: available in the quick palette to apply surfaces directly onto the 3D model or the floor plan

5. Important considerations

• Surfaces are associated with Building Materials; if you change the material, the applied surface may also change
• Surfaces are saved within the project file, but you can export or import them from other PLN/PLA files
• Some surfaces linked to libraries or GDL objects may have editing restrictions