Released today is the ArchiCAD 15 Hotfix-1 (Build 3267)  as well as the usual fixes for ArchiCAD, the most exciting thing is the Update for BIMx.

So how does this all work?

Firstly you need to install the ArchiCAD 15 Hotfix-1 Help menu > Check for Updates

Then in ArchiCAD open a nice model and navigate to 3d and choose File > Export for BIM Explorer.

Once the exporter has finished click Launch and you will be in the BIMx application.

In BIMx there are a variety of things you aside from running around the model, you can access the menu by hitting the escape key.

In the file menu you have the ability to save/export the project in a variety of formats.

Save : Saves the project in BIMx format, this format can be opened by the BIMx application on computers where ArchiCAD and BIMx is installed, this is also the format for iPhones & iPads who have the BIMx app. (save in this format for future editing and to transfer to your or your clients, iPhone & iPad). You can also download the BIMx Viewer from the BIMx community site

Share with BIMx Community : This shares openly your BIMx file with the global community via Facebook, you will need to register using a Google or Facebook id or register with GRAPHISOFT.

Export for Windows: This saves out your BIMx project as a Windows application file that can be run on virtually any modern windows computer without the need for any additional software. (send this file to your client who has a windows computer.)

Export for MacOS: This saves out your BIMx project as a MacOS application file that can be run on virtually any modern Apple computer without the need for any additional software. (send this file to your client who has a Apple computer.)

How do I get my BIMx file on my iPad on iPhone?

1. Firstly you need to download the free BIMx app from the App Store.

2.To add a BIMx file to your iPad or iPhone connect the device to your computer and open iTunes. Choose the device and select Apps at the top of the iTunes window. Scroll to the bottom of the Apps page and you will see the File Sharing section choose the BIMx App and click the add button choose the BIMx file on your computer.

3.The BIMx file is now on your iPad or iPhone, for a good movie on how to navigate in the BIMx App see this movie.

How do I get my BIMx file on my clients iPad on iPhone?

1. Firstly they will need to download the free BIMx app from the App Store.

2. You can then either email the client the BIMx file you saved (it will normally need to be under 10mb for email) or transfer the file directly from a computer to their iPad or iPhone following the steps above.

Some tips on BIMx files

1. Render the BIMx file using Global illumination or set the View style in the setting menu to Hidden line for an simple look. For Global Illumination in the BIMx menu choose Global Illumination > Initalise > Light all. Global illumination provides a higher quality rendered model.

2. Save the BIMx model in a good starting point. When you open a BIMx file the starting position is the position you saved the file in, so make sure it’s a good starting position. e.g. standing in front of the front entry looking at the front door.

3. Be aware of the complexity of the ArchiCAD model which creates the BIMx file. The complexity of the BIMx file is directly related to the complexity of the ArchiCAD model GRAPHISOFT have produced a good check sheet for this > optimise for BIMx