Cadimage Tools [upd]
Cadimage Tools (now often referred to as a suite of plugins developed by Central Innovation to enhance the productivity and design capabilities of
Who Should Avoid It?
- Students (expensive; schools rarely allow third-party add-ons).
- Large institutional firms (better off with Archicad’s core tools or custom GDL).
- Users on a strict budget (the core Archicad tools can do most of this, just slower).
- Parametric detailing: Create complex, repeatable details (e.g., trim, flashings, custom moldings) with adjustable parameters rather than redrawing each instance.
- Productivity macros: Automate repetitive tasks (e.g., renumbering elements, batch-renaming views, aligning objects) to reduce manual errors.
- Standards enforcement: Apply company-specific defaults for layer names, pen sets, and drawing scales to keep documentation consistent across teams.
- BIM-friendly object library: Provide ready-to-use objects (ladders, roof accessories, skylight trims) that are BIM-aware—carry correct classification, materials, and schedules.
- Documentation helpers: Tools for tidy annotations, automated label placement, and sheet generation that speed the produce-review-publish cycle.
These tools are designed to reduce the "paperwork" and manual drafting burden: cadimage tools
Originally founded in 1989 in Auckland, New Zealand, the Cadimage Group was a private developer of multimedia and design software. In August 2016, the group was acquired by Central Innovation. More recently, as of early 2026, Graphisoft (the creators of Archicad) took over CI Innovation, leading to further integration of these tools into the official Archicad ecosystem. Compatibility and Access Cadimage Tools (now often referred to as a
- Coverings: For quickly applying and quantifying wall and floor finishes (tiles, cladding) with accurate area calculations.
- Cabinets: A flexible joinery solution for kitchens and custom joinery that updates automatically when room dimensions change.
- Reinforcement: Tools for adding rebar to concrete elements, essential for structural coordination.