A single firm may have native German, Italian, and English speakers working on the same server project. With Archicad Language Packs, each workstation can set its preferred UI language. The underlying BIM data (geometry, IFC properties, quantities) remains identical across all machines. Your German draftsperson sees "Bauteil," while your American project manager sees "Element"—both looking at the same digital building.
It is crucial to distinguish between a Language Pack and a full Localized Version of Archicad.
| Feature | Archicad Language Pack | Full Localized Archicad | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | UI Translation | Yes | Yes | | Default Templates | No (uses existing) | Yes (local standards: DIN, BS, ABNT) | | Calculator Units | No (metric/imperial remains) | Yes (e.g., Swiss version uses M, CM, MM correctly) | | Attribute Schemes | No | Yes (pre-configured layers/intelligent categories) | | Cost | Free (with valid license) | Requires separate installer / license |
Verdict: If you are a solo freelancer needing to read a foreign menu, use the Language Pack. If you are opening a Hong Kong CIC BIM standard project, you likely need the full localized Chinese version of Archicad. archicad language pack
Last updated: 2026
For Archicad versions 24 through 28
Archicad's "language packs" have traditionally functioned as separate, version-specific software installations rather than simple, switchable plugins. However, with the release of Archicad 28, the introduction of the Global Library has fundamentally changed how language-specific content is managed. Key Language Pack & Library Concepts
Global Library (Archicad 28 & Later): All library content is now included in every installation folder, regardless of the primary software language. Users can load specific language-based library packs (e.g., GER, USA, AUS) using the Library Manager. A single firm may have native German, Italian,
Interface Localization: The core user interface language is still determined by the specific installer used. Changing the interface usually requires downloading and installing a different language version of the entire software.
Library Localization Preferences: In newer versions, you can adjust which language version of a library part (like a window or door) is used through Window > Toolbars > Edit GDL Library Parts > Library Localization Preferences. Unable to run multiple language versions of ARCHICAD
Graphisoft offers Language Packs for a wide range of regions, including but not limited to: Last updated: 2026 For Archicad versions 24 through
Once installed, changing the language is not done in the "Preferences" menu (ironically). Instead:
Alternatively, on newer versions (Archicad 25+), you might find a language switcher directly on the login splash screen.
If you are managing a BIM server with users from different linguistic backgrounds, here are three tips to keep the peace: