• Archicad 10
• MacTel version

Archicad 10 for Intel based Macintosh

A version of Archicad 10 for Intel based Macintosh computers running Mac OS X was first released on 30 August 2006. This version is fully file and feature compatible with the already shipped Windows XP and PowerPC versions, with a few small exceptions noted below. It is distributed on a separate CD, and there is no fee to users to switch between any of the three supported platforms.

Questions related to Archicad 10 Intel Mac version:

Q: When do I need this Archicad 10 version?
A: This version runs natively on the new series of Macs that use Intel processors.

Q: I already have Archicad 10 commercial version. How do I get my copy of Archicad 10 for Intel Mac?
A: Archicad 10 for Intel Mac is published as a separate CD. Please contact your reseller for a copy. It is also available as a download for US customers. After installation, be sure to go to the Help Menu and select 'Check for Updates', as the CD and download versions have been improved with free bug-fixing and feature-improving updates.

Q: Is this new Archicad version a so-called "Universal Binary"?
A: "Universal Binary" means software that runs natively both on PowerPC and Intel-based Macintosh computers. Because of the different release dates, Graphisoft chose to deliver the two versions separately. The CD labeled "Macintosh® OS X 10.3/10,4" contains the native PowerPC version that will not install on Intel Mac. The CD labeled "Macintosh® OS X 10.4 (Intel version)" contains the native Intel version and will not install on a PowerPC Mac. While the PowerPC version's application folder can be copied onto an Intel Mac, it will run in PPC emulation mode ("Rosetta") and will be considerably slower than the native Intel version.

Q: Does this version also support the new Intel Xeon based Mac Pro?
A: This version supports all Intel-based Macs, including the Core-Duo based series and also Xeon-powered Mac Pro.

Q: Do I have to get my protection key re-programmed?
A: No. Protection keys are cross-platform. However, you should update your WIBU driver (the software that recognizes the protection key). Please see Running_both_AC_10_and_AC_9_on_Intel_based_Macintosh

Q: Is there an education version?
A: Yes. The free Intel Mac educational version is available at https://eduregistration.graphisoft.com/

Q: I am a student and I already have a serial number. Do I need a new serial to run the Mac Intel version?
A: No. Serial numbers issued previously will work. You can download the Intel Mac student version at DOWNLOAD.com

Q: Can I use my existing third party add-ons for Archicad 10?
A: No. You have to check the vendor's web site for a version compiled for the Intel Mac platform.

Q: What is the status of Graphisoft add-ons for Intel Macs?
A: All standard add-ons run natively on Intel Macs and are updated as part of downloadable updates. "Goodies" also run natively and can be downloaded via the Help menu. Some add-ons are not yet available for Intel Macs because of issues beyond our control. The SketchUp import plug-in is not yet available because Google has not ported SketchUp and the development kit to the Intel Mac yet. Similarly, the MaxonForm interface add-on is not yet available natively because MaxonForm (Cinema 4D) has not been ported to the Intel Mac by its manufacturer yet either. The Spotlight plug-in is not yet available for the Intel Mac either.

Q: What limitations are there with the native Intel version of ArchiCAD 10?
A: There are a few small limitations. (1) ArchiCAD 10 on an Intel Mac cannot save files back to the format of prior versions, e.g., ArchiCAD 9. If backwards-saving is essential to your workflow, there is a work-around. If you have access to a PPC Mac, you can copy the ArchiCAD 10 application folder from that machine onto your Intel Mac, giving you two application folders for ArchiCAD 10: the native Intel one and the copied PPC one. If you start the PPC version, you can open your project and save it back to the desired prior version. Because the PPC version runs in emulation mode (slow), you should only use this copy for this specific purpose and should otherwise use the native Intel version. (2) As mentioned above, the SketchUp and MaxonForm add-ons are not available for the Intel Mac yet.

Q: Is there a Developer Kit available for Intel Macs?
A: Yes. Check out our developer site

Q: I am not an Archicad user. How can I get a demo version of the software?
A: Please contact the nearest Archicad reseller

Links:

• Announcement on graphisoft.com: http://www.graphisoft.com/support/IntelMac/

• Announcement on Archicad-Talk: http://archicad-talk.graphisoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=12065

• Performance test: http://www.graphisoft.com/support/IntelMac/performance/