Free Online Archicad Viewer (No Signup)
Also opens DWG, DXF, STEP, IGES, IFC, SKP, STL, OBJ, GLB, FBX, 3DM and other 3D/CAD files. Drop any file on the viewer.
Works directly in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge
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What Is an Archicad File?
Archicad saves building projects as .pln files and project archives as .pla files. This viewer opens both directly on your device. An Archicad installation is optional: reading and displaying the file happens entirely in your browser.
The reader identifies Archicad files from their contents using the ROF FDB signature. Files from Archicad 25, 27 and 29 have been decoded and tested through the same container. The viewer also extracts the project preview image saved inside the file.
Explore the live Archicad pavilion sample to inspect the decoded building, its wall openings and terrain. The link opens the PLN with the model already rendered.
Who Uses Archicad Files?
Architects and building designers create PLN projects in Archicad. Clients, consultants and project teams can use this viewer to inspect supported building geometry, check a saved project preview and convert the decoded model for another workflow.
Common Use Cases
- Open a PLN project or PLA archive received from an Archicad user
- Inspect supported walls and the door and window openings cut through them
- Review slabs, pitched roofs, beams, columns and zones in 3D
- Compare the building geometry with its meshes and terrain
- Read the project preview image stored in the file
- Export decoded geometry as GLB, STL or OBJ, or save a view as PDF
Features
Open PLN and PLA
Read Archicad project and archive files directly in your browser. Choose a file or drag it into the viewer.
Archicad 25, 27 and 29
Files from these releases have been decoded and tested through their shared file container.
Walls with Openings
Supported door and window openings are cut through their host walls, so the building envelope shows the gaps.
Slabs and Pitched Roofs
Inspect supported floor slabs and pitched roof surfaces in their saved positions.
Beams, Columns and Zones
View supported beam and column geometry together with the project zones.
Morphs, Meshes and Terrain
Render supported morph faces, meshes and terrain alongside the building.
Saved Project Preview
Extract the project preview image carried inside the Archicad file.
3D Navigation
Orbit, pan and zoom to inspect the decoded building geometry.
Convert to GLB, STL or OBJ
Use Export to save the decoded geometry for other 3D tools and workflows.
Export as PDF
Save the current view as a PDF for a review or report. The export menu also offers the viewer's other supported targets.
Local File Processing
Opening and viewing a file happens on your device. Your browser reads the file directly, with no Archicad installation or upload required.
Live Pavilion Sample
Explore the included pavilion with its wall openings, roof, terrace structure and compact terrain.
Compatibility & Format Notes
Tested files come from Archicad 25, 27 and 29. These releases share the container read by the viewer. Both PLN projects and PLA archives are recognized from the file contents.
Rendering covers supported walls with door and window openings cut through them, slabs, pitched roofs, zones, beams, columns, morphs, meshes and terrain. The supported door and window representation is the opening in its host wall. Coverage depends on the element geometry and records stored in each project. Exports use the geometry the viewer decodes.
Embed on Your Website
Add this viewer to your own site with a single line of HTML. Click Embed in the toolbar to generate an embed code, or use the snippet below with your own file URL.
Your Files Stay on Your Computer
Your Archicad files are parsed entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, stored, or shared unless you explicitly click the Share button. Shared files are hosted for 90 days then deleted.
Frequently Asked Questions
â–¶How do I open a PLN or PLA file?
Choose your file or drag it into the viewer. The browser reads the Archicad file directly and displays supported geometry. Opening and viewing work locally, with no Archicad installation or upload required.
â–¶Which Archicad versions have been tested?
Files from Archicad 25, 27 and 29 have been decoded and tested. These releases use the same container, identified by the ROF FDB signature in the file contents.
â–¶Which building elements does the viewer render?
Supported geometry includes walls with door and window openings, slabs, pitched roofs, zones, beams, columns, morphs, meshes and terrain. Door and window support means the opening cut through the host wall. Coverage depends on the element records saved in the project.
â–¶Can I see the preview saved in the project?
Yes. The reader extracts the project preview image carried inside the PLN or PLA file, alongside the supported building geometry.
â–¶Can I convert an Archicad file to another format?
Yes. Use Export to save decoded geometry as GLB, STL or OBJ, or save the current view as PDF. The menu also offers the other output formats supported by the viewer.
â–¶Is there an Archicad model I can try?
Yes. Open the pavilion sample to explore a rendered PLN with wall openings, a pitched roof, terrace beams and columns, and terrain.