ArchiCAD 19 Key Archives

Did you know there is more than one type of ArchiCAD license? For whatever personal reasons this is on my mind recently. So let’s talk about license and key types. And yes I admit this is more nerdy than day-to-day helpful. Nevertheless, I think you’ll enjoy the post and learn a thing or two.

First the Form

There’s the classic 21-pin key. Did you know that? They are rare these days. I know a firm in Minneapolis that was still using their 21-pin keys up until early 2012. Before they upgraded from ArchiCAD 7 to ArchiCAD 15, they called me because their computers no longer had 21-pin connections. So they had to buy special 21-pin to USB adapters. How archaic! Which the upgrade they had to trade in their collector’s items.

After the 21-pin key came the second evolution of the WIBU key: the traditional turquoise WIBU key that looks like a regular USB thumb drive. These keys still work, but you can no longer get new ones. They lack some of the functionality of their replacements. From the ArchiCADwiki:

The internal memory of a WibuKey does not allow supporting more than 3 products. Therefore it can not hold all the key-protected Graphisoft products (ArchiCAD, EcoDesigner, BIMx and MEP Modeler ) at the same time. This is why CodeMeter, as a newer option was introduced with ArchiCAD 13. WibuKey also does not support license borrowing. Running different versions of ArchiCAD parallel on a computer may result more than one used license on the Wibu Server. For details see: ProtectionKey#WibuKey_compatibility

The latest (and current) iteration of the ArchiCAD key is the CodeMeter key. This is the fancy, shiny silver key. As mentioned above it was introduced with ArchiCAD 13. If you have a CodeMeter key and want to use ArchiCAD 10-12, you need to download the CodeMeter Enabler. If you have a CodeMeter key and need to run ArchiCAD 9 or earlier… wait, why would you possibly need to run ArchiCAD 9 or earlier? Instead use the ArchiCAD 10 file converter to open files as far back as ArchiCAD 6.5. If you really need to open files that are even older, I bet they are on floppy disks or Jaz Drives. Best to just find the printed documents and build from scratch what you need in the latest version of ArchiCAD.

Back on track now… the CodeMeter key is very flexible. It can have lots of licenses on it (ArchiCAD plus all the add-ons… and then some). Much of what follows applies to the CodeMeter key.

Followed by the Function

Not for Resale Key (NFR key) — This is the license your reseller or friendly Graphisoft Employee has access to. Simply put, it’s a key for official business, not doing design work. We’ll gloss over this one. It’s just interesting to know it exists.

Educational License — This license is renewable yearly while you’re a student (www.myarchicad.com) and is keyless. All you need is an activation code, which you can get via myarchicad.com. For a real nice FAQ on using your Education Version of ArchiCAD, Graphisoft Australia has an old but still good list.

Full License — (Commercial License) What you’re most familiar with. Someone bought a seat of ArchiCAD and that license sits on a key. FOREVER. If you have a 21-pin key from ArchiCAD 5.0 and you never upgraded, you still own and can use ArchiCAD 5.0 with that key. FOREVER. Well that’s not true. Because I bet you there isn’t a computer used professionally in an architecture firm in the USA that’s old enough to still run ArchiCAD 5.0. I know no Mac produced in the last few years could possibly run that version of ArchiCAD (or any ArchiCAD older than 10). Similarly I wouldn’t be surprised if a Windows 8 machine couldn’t run a version that old. Anyways, if you have that key, it’s yours. And you could still upgrade it to ArchiCAD 16 or whatever the current version is. Though you’d have to trade in your key because it’s too old. But still it’s yours. Anyways, this is the key you’re probably most familiar with.

Rental License — (Commercial License) Did you know you can rent ArchiCAD by the month? Yup. In intervals of 1 month, 3 month, 6 month, and 12 months. Until recently you could also rent ArchiCAD by the hour in the USA. I loved the hourly keys, but alas they are gone. I really like the rental licenses because if your workload isn’t permanently going up, or you’re not sure yet, you can plug the gap by renting the extra capacity you need. Or if you’re doing some short-term moonlighting…

Network Key — Does your firm have a lot of keys? Are you always concerned about someone losing one? Or spilling Dr Pepper on one? Crushing one under their chair? Or jamming one into a pear (yes I’ve had a coworker accidentally do that when both his key and a pear were in the same bag… don’t ask)? Well instead of having 10 licenses on 10 keys, you can have 10 licenses on 1 CodeMeter key. And then all the machines with ArchiCAD on them just need to connect to the server that has the key. A much cleaner and nicer solution than worrying about lost, stolen, or broken keys. Though as an aside if you have your keys on an ArchiPLUS subscription you don’t need to worry as much about broken keys, or stolen ones.

License Borrowing — This is a great feature that works in conjunction with Network Keys. More and more of us use laptops instead of desktops. And we work all over the place. At the office, at home, on the road, on site, in coffee shops, you name it. Furthermore having to worry about the WIBU or CodeMeter key sticking out of your machine is always annoying. As is remembering to bring the key with you and making sure not to store it with your fruit or drinks. License Borrowing allows you to virtually borrow a license or temporarily put it on an empty CodeMeter key. Going virtual means the physical CodeMeter key is safely at the office in the server room, while the license is where ever you are. The licenses can be borrowed for up to a month. Whether you have 1 key or 100 keys you can set up license borrowing so that your USB key doesn’t get carted around (though I know there’s a max number of licenses that can be put on a single Network Key). And since you can borrow remotely AND recall remotely (I think), as long as you can access the server with the key on it, you don’t have to worry about forgetting the key. The other great function of License Borrowing is they are perfect for freelancers and engineers. Are you working on a huge project and need some help? Or want the structural engineer or contractor to have access to the model? Well if you have license borrowing, they can (with your permission) access one of your keys remotely to do their work. And you don’t have to worry about them losing, keeping, or breaking the key. Now that’s all a bit big picture. For more details and answers, you can read the wiki article on License Borrowing or talk to your local reseller. I know I glossed over a few things.

Add-on Licenses — Licenses for add-ons like MEP, EcoDesigner STAR, & BIMx can also be part of Network Keys (in addition to living on a regular CodeMeter key). Which means they can be borrowed on a first come, first served basis, or taken for remote use.

What else am I forgetting?

I know I’m missing a few things. I didn’t talk about 30-Day Trial Licenses or STAR(T) Edition Licenses, but this post is already long enough. Read more about those and all the other license types here. In addition, that link has a good chart of file compatibility between license types. I should mention that all this information is what I’ve gleaned, read, and researched over the years. Anyone with more official knowledge or authority want to add some corrections or clarifications in the comments? I saw a mention of some ancient pre-WIBU keys: Rainbow Sentinel and Microguard. Anyone old school enough to know what those are? Other than maybe robots from some cool 80s anime I wish I watched as a child…

So who else has questions about keys and licenses?

For all the latest drivers for WIBU and Codemeter keys, click here.

Cadimage Tools Legends for ArchiCAD MasterTemplate

Many users of the ArchiCAD MasterTemplate asked us to support Cadimage Tools by adding Interactive Legends of Visual Favorites for their products. At long last, after many days of work by Mark Horrocks of Cadimage Tools (as well as myself) over a period of months, we now have an add-on for MasterTemplate ready for purchase.

This was a much bigger task than originally anticipated – there are LOTS of Cadimage Tools. Separate Legend groupings were prepared for DoorBuilder, WindowBuilder, CabinetBuilder, Landscaping and Landscaping Extras, Trees of the South Pacific, Accessories, and Rapid Detailer as well as objects from the Design Suite. Special efforts were made to synchronize layers, materials, fill and pen settings to enable a seamless experience for MasterTemplate users.

Introductory pricing for the Cadimage Legends is $49, available through December 31, 2009. Starting January 1, 2010, standard pricing will be $75. You may click this link to buy the Cadimage Legends now.

A special bundle is available through the end of the year for a FREE Cadimage Legends add-on with the purchase of a new AMT license at $195, saving $49. You may click here to buy this bundle.

To celebrate, we have arranged to offer a 10% discount on all Cadimage Tools products and upgrades for AMT users. Simply visit the Cadimage Tools website and shop for whatever you wish, then enter the promo code “AMT” (don’t type the quote marks) to receive 10% off your invoice.

Cadimage Tools has a special 2-4-1 deal going through December 18. Buy one Tool or Suite, and receive a free Tool or Suite of equal or lesser value for FREE! There is no limit, so you can buy more than one and get an equal number of licenses without charge.

You can use the AMT promo code to get an additional 10% off, so if you buy now, you’ll get everything for even less than half-price! NOTE: The 2-4-1 special applies to new purchases only, not upgrades.

Disclosure: Bobrow Consulting Group earns a commission on Cadimage Tools sales that are placed using the AMT promotion code. We believe their products are very useful, and proudly recommend them to all our clients. We thank Campbell Yule of Cadimage Tools for his patience and support.

Archicad 24 and NBS Chorus ‘Small Works’

NBS Chorus is a cloud-based platform, that allows building industry professionals to create specifications. NBS Chorus for Small Works is a brand-new package created specifically for architects, engineers and designers who write specifications for smaller works and projects. Providing you have an internet connection and web browser, NBS Chorus will work on any capable device,... more

Graphisoft announces Archicad 24

Graphisoft has announced details of Archicad 24, delivering design tool improvements, enhanced design workflows and significant productivity improvements to its core design processes. Available on both PC and Mac operating systems this latest version includes: Integrated Design with Structural Analytical Models, MEP tools, and model quality checking. Change tracking and model... more

Cloud Based Working

By now, almost everyone will have heard of and used the cloud. The cloud simply refers to servers that are accessed over the internet, rather than localised servers and computers in the workplace. By using cloud based systems, you can access your files, especially when working remotely. Cloud-based systems Google has an expansive list of apps which are cloud-based. Google Drive,... more

Introducing our referral program

There is no greater endorsement of excellence in products and services than a recommendation. At Applecore Designs we pride ourselves on delivering a valued, trusted service, and we are always thrilled when our customers speak highly of us to their peers and colleagues. ‘Recent independent research has proven that out of the new studios that became our client during 2019, 100%... more

Blackhawk move from Revit to ARCHICAD

Blackhawk Design and Build made the easy switch from Revit to ARCHICAD and have not looked back. We talked to the Company Director and Chartered Architectural Technologist, Scott Walker to find out why they made the switch to ARCHICAD and how the software has helped his studios design processes and productivity. Blackhawk Design and Build are a family run architectural design and... more

Architects join the fight against COVID-19

COVID-19 around the world has had a dramatic impact on all of our lives and it has had significant ramifications for the construction industry too. One of the most inspiring effects has been the way that so many people are now using their professional skills for completely new purposes. Many architectural studios are among those who are working hard to stop the spread of the virus that... more

Our updated COVID-19 statement – remote working

As coronavirus impacts people not only in the UK but worldwide, our hearts go out to all those who have been affected, directly or indirectly. We would also like to thank the healthcare workers and  local communities around the world who are on the front line working to contain COVID-19. The coronavirus pandemic has changed how we live in an incredibly short amount of time. As... more

Applecore Designs 25th Birthday Award Winners

The votes are in and the judges have awarding out of all the individual category winners, the submission they felt best represented excellence and best practice during the past two decades. The big moment is finally here. We are thrilled to reveal the winners of the Applecore Designs 25th Birthday Awards. 25th Birthday Award, Sustainable Project Winner -  Mikhail Riches Goldsmith... more

Effective ARCHICAD remote working during a pandemic

As coronavirus continues to spread, employees might be asked to work from home. Therefore, employers should look at reviewing possible remote working. But not everyone is prepared to get their work done remotely. Evaluate what software, information and other resources you will need to access in order to maintain your productivity. In recent days we have received more and more... more

25th Birthday Sustainable Project Award

Our 25th Birthday Awards recognise leading architectural studios, design collaborations and project sharing best practice; inspiring others to adopt model based design and better ways of working that deliver outstanding results. The following projects have been shortlisted for the Applecore Designs Sustainable Project Award with the winner being announced on 19 March 2020. Eurobuild... more