How to Open and Repair an Archicad Project File?

Reading time: 4 min.

Project files in Archicad can sometimes develop faults that affect how they work: general slowdown of the environment, unexpected application closure, inability to open the file, or errors that cannot be resolved through conventional methods. To avoid losing information and to recover access to the project's content, you need to apply the official open-and-repair procedure provided by Archicad.

Audience

Archicad users, support technicians, coordinators and BIM consultants.

Prerequisites

• Archicad installed on the computer.

• Access to the file to be repaired.

• Do not overwrite the original file until the repair is complete.

• Basic knowledge of the Archicad environment.

Resolution Steps:

1. Open Archicad.
   

2. Select the Damaged File:

   1. Go to the File > Open > Open... menu.
      
      
      

   2. In the Open File dialog box, select the file to be repaired (do not open it directly).
      

3. Activate Repair Mode:

   1. In the Open File dialog box, select "Open & Repair Selected File"
      
      
      

   2. Click Open.
      

4. Wait for the Repair:
   Archicad will automatically start repairing the project file.
   
   
   

5. Save the Recovered File Under a New Name:
   As soon as the repair process finishes, Archicad will start to open the file and will generate an alert message, in which you should select Save As and save the project under a different name.
   
   
   

6. Check the File's Content:

   1. Review views, sections, details and layouts

   2. Open the Report view to check for errors

   3. Validate library links and external references, if applicable.

Troubleshooting

Professional Tip

It is always advisable to enable Autosave and keep regular backup copies, whether locally, in the cloud, or via BIMcloud.