Cadimage Tools Plugins For Archicad 19 Here
The CADimage Tools suite for ArchiCAD 19 is not a single plugin but a collection of integrated add-ons. The most prominent tools include RoofCAD, StairCAD, Door and Window Builder, Graphic Override Tools, and Smart PDF Export. Each addresses a specific pain point.
Is CADimage Tools for ArchiCAD 19 interesting today? Absolutely. It’s a time capsule of when third-party developers truly outpaced Graphisoft’s native tools.
Who needs this review?
The Final Score (relative to its era): 8.5/10 Minus 1 point for the performance lag. Minus 0.5 for the floating palette rage.
The Bottom Line: Using CADimage Tools on ArchiCAD 19 feels like driving a classic 1980s Porsche 911. It’s faster, louder, and more charismatic than the modern family sedans (AC26/27), but it will occasionally try to kill you with a crash when you least expect it. If you can find a stable license, never let it go. If you are starting fresh? Upgrade your ArchiCAD. The ghost of CADimage lives on in modern workflows, but the v19 magic is strictly for the museum—or the brave.
Supercharge Your Archicad 19 Workflow with Cadimage Tools If you are still using Archicad 19, you already know it was a landmark release for performance, introducing predictive background processing and a refined UI. However, even with these native improvements, many architects find themselves spending too much time on manual documentation and complex modeling. This is where Cadimage Tools (now often referred to as Ci Tools) become essential. CADimage Tools Plugins For Archicad 19
These plugins are specifically designed to bridge the gap between "standard" BIM and the highly detailed, custom requirements of professional practice. Key Cadimage Tools for Archicad 19
The Cadimage suite for version 19 focuses on productivity and "getting things done with less frustration". Here are the heavy hitters:
Doors + Windows: This is arguably the most popular tool. It allows you to design custom configurations—sliding, folding, or complex glazing—far beyond what the standard library offers.
Coverings: A must-have for detailing. It lets you apply realistic claddings like weatherboards or metal siding in 2D and 3D views automatically.
Cabinets: Designing custom joinery becomes intuitive. You can create accurate kitchen and bathroom cabinetry that schedules correctly. The CADimage Tools suite for ArchiCAD 19 is
Keynotes: Eliminates the tedium of manual labeling by linking your notes directly to a database, ensuring consistency across all drawing sets.
Objective: For when standard GDL objects won't cut it. This tool lets you manipulate, bend, and rotate objects in 3D to create custom components on the fly. Why They Matter for Archicad 19 Users
While Archicad 19 introduced features like the 3D Surface Painter and better Labeling, Cadimage tools enhance these by adding specialized parameters. For example, while you can label elements natively, the Keynotes tool automates the "tedious" parts of documentation. Similarly, while Archicad 19's Roof tool is powerful, the Cadimage Coverings tool adds specific "West Coast contemporary" detailing and easier edge adjustments that native tools often lack. Installation & Compatibility
It is important to note that Cadimage plugins are version-specific. A plugin designed for Archicad 20 will not work with Archicad 19. To install them:
How to: Install the Cadimage Tools if you ... - MyCi Knowledge Base The Final Score (relative to its era): 8
How to: Install the Cadimage Tools if you already have the Cadimage Installer on your computer * Launch the Cadimage Installer. .. MyCi Knowledge Base Cadimage tools - Graphisoft
No software suite is without flaws. For ArchiCAD 19, CADimage Tools had a few notable limitations:
The suite was modular, allowing firms to buy only what they needed. Other popular tools included:
You might ask: Why not just upgrade to ArchiCAD 26 or 27?
Valid reasons to stay on ArchiCAD 19 with CADimage:
Caveats: