Arch Workbench/en: Difference between revisions

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The Arch workbench provides modern [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_Information_Modeling BIM] workflow to FreeCAD, with support for features like [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industry_Foundation_Classes IFC] support, fully parametric architectural entities such as walls, structural elements or windows, and rich 2D document production. The Arch workbench also feature all the tools from the [[Draft Workbench]].


{{Docnav
'''Note''': The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_Information_Modeling BIM] functionality of FreeCAD is now progressively split into this Arch Workbench, which holds all the base BIM tools, and the [https://github.com/yorikvanhavre/BIM_Workbench BIM Workbench addon], that you can install via menu Tools->Addon Manager, that adds a new interface layer on top of the Arch tools, with the aim to make BIM workflow in FreeCAD more intuitive and user-friendly.
|[[Std_Base|Std Base]]
|[[Draft Module|Draft Module]]
|IconL=Freecad.svg
|IconR=Workbench_Draft.svg
}}


[[Image:Workbench_Arch.svg|thumb|128px|Arch workbench icon]]
[[Image:Screenshot arch window.jpg]]

{{TOCright}}

== Introduction ==

The [[File:Workbench_Arch.svg|24px]] [[Arch_Module|Arch Workbench]] provides a modern [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_Information_Modeling building information modelling] (BIM) workflow to FreeCAD, with support for features like fully parametric architectural entities such as walls, beams, roofs, windows, stairs, pipes, and furniture. It supports industry foundation classes ([[Arch_IFC|IFC]]) files, and production of 2D floor plans in combination with the [[File:Workbench_TechDraw.svg|24px]] [[TechDraw_Workbench|TechDraw Workbench]].

The Arch Workbench imports all tools from the [[File:Workbench_Draft.svg|24px]] [[Draft_Module|Draft Workbench]], as it uses its 2D objects to build 3D parametric architectural objects. Nevertheless, Arch can also use solid shapes created with other workbenches like [[File:Workbench_Part.svg|24px]] [[Part_Module|Part]] and [[File:Workbench_PartDesign.svg|24px]] [[PartDesign_Workbench|PartDesign]].

The BIM functionality of FreeCAD is now progressively split into this Arch Workbench, which holds basic architectural tools, and the [[File:Workbench_BIM.svg|24px]] [[BIM_Workbench|BIM Workbench]], which is available from the [[File:Std_AddonMgr.svg|24px]] [[Std_AddonMgr|Addon Manager]]. This BIM Workbench adds a new interface layer on top of the Arch tools, with the aim of making the BIM workflow more intuitive and user-friendly. See [https://yorik.uncreated.net/blog/2020-010-freecad-bim-guide FreeCAD BIM migration guide].

The developers of Draft, Arch, and BIM also collaborate with the greater [https://osarch.org OSArch community], with the ultimate goal of improving building design by using entirely free software.

[[Image:Screenshot arch window.jpg|600px]]


== Tools ==
== Tools ==
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These are tools for creating architectural objects.
These are tools for creating architectural objects.


* [[Image:Arch_Wall.png|32px]] [[Arch_Wall|Wall]]: Creates a wall from scratch or using a selected object as a base
* [[Image:Arch_Wall.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Wall|Wall]]: creates a wall from scratch or using a selected object as a base.
* [[Image:Arch_Structure.png|32px]] [[Arch_Structure|Structural element]]: Creates a structural element from scratch or using a selected object as a base
* [[Image:Arch_CurtainWall.svg|32px]] [[Arch_CurtainWall|Curtain Wall]]: creates a curtain wall from scratch or using a selected object as a base. {{Version|0.19}}
* [[Image:Arch_Structure.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Structure|Structural element]]: creates a structural element from scratch or using a selected object as a base.


* [[File:Arch CompRebarStraight.png|48px]] [[Arch_CompRebarStraight|Rebar tools]]: the Reinforcement Addon augments the Arch Workbench Structures.
* <span id="rebar_tools">Rebar tools</span>
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar_Straight.png|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar_Straight|Straight Rebar]]: Creates a Straight reinforcement bar in a selected structural element
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar_Straight.png|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar_Straight|Straight Rebar]]: creates a Straight reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar_UShape.png|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar_UShape|UShape Rebar]]: Creates a UShape reinforcement bar in a selected structural element
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar_UShape.png|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar_UShape|UShape Rebar]]: creates a UShape reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar_LShape.png|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar_LShape|LShape Rebar]]: Creates a LShape reinforcement bar in a selected structural element
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar_LShape.png|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar_LShape|LShape Rebar]]: creates a LShape reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar_BentShape.png|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar_BentShape|Bent Shape Rebar]]: Creates a Bent Shape reinforcement bar in a selected structural element
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar_BentShape.png|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar_BentShape|Bent Shape Rebar]]: creates a Bent Shape reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar_Stirrup.png|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar_Stirrup|Stirrup Rebar]]: Creates a Stirrup reinforcement bar in a selected structural element
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar_Stirrup.png|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar_Stirrup|Stirrup Rebar]]: creates a Stirrup reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar_Helical.png|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar_Helical|Helical Rebar]]: Creates a Helical reinforcement bar in a selected structural element
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar_Helical.png|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar_Helical|Helical Rebar]]: creates a Helical reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar.png|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar|Rebar]]: Creates a custom reinforcement bar in a selected structural element using a sketch
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar_ColumnReinforcement.png|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar_ColumnReinforcement|ColumnReinforcement]]: creates a reinforcing bars inside a Column Arch Structure object.
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar_ColumnReinforcement.png|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar_ColumnReinforcement_TwoTiesSixRebars|ColumnReinforcement TwoTiesSixRebars]]: creates a reinforcing bars inside a Column Arch Structure object.
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar_BeamReinforcement.png|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar_BeamReinforcement|BeamReinforcement]]: creates reinforcing bars inside a Beam Arch Structure object.
** [[Image:Arch_Rebar.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Rebar|Rebar]]: creates a custom reinforcement bar in a selected structural element using a sketch.


* [[Image:Arch_Floor.png|32px]] [[Arch_Floor|Floor]]: Creates a floor including selected objects
* [[Image:Arch_Floor.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Floor|Floor]]: Creates a floor including selected objects
* [[Image:Arch_BuildingPart.png|32px]] [[Arch_BuildingPart|Building Part]]: Creates a building part including selected objects
* [[Image:Arch_BuildingPart.png|32px]] [[Arch_BuildingPart|Building Part]]: Creates a building part including selected objects
* [[Image:Arch_Building.png|32px]] [[Arch_Building|Building]]: Creates a building including selected objects
* [[Image:Arch_Building.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Building|Building]]: Creates a building including selected objects
* [[Image:Arch_Site.png|32px]] [[Arch_Site|Site]]: Creates a site including selected objects
* [[Image:Arch_Site.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Site|Site]]: Creates a site including selected objects
* [[Image:Arch_Window.png|32px]] [[Arch_Window|Window]]: Creates a window using a selected object as a base
* [[Image:Arch_Project.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Project|Project]]: Creates a project including selected objects
* [[Image:Arch_SectionPlane.png|32px]] [[Arch_SectionPlane|Section Plane]]: Adds a section plane object to the document
* [[Image:Arch_Reference.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Reference|Reference]]: Links objects from another FreeCAD file into this document
* [[Image:Arch_Window.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Window|Window]]: Creates a window using a selected object as a base
* [[Image:Arch_SectionPlane.svg|32px]] [[Arch_SectionPlane|Section Plane]]: Adds a section plane object to the document


* [[File:Arch CompAxis.png|48px]] [[Arch CompAxis|Axis tools]]: The Axis tool allows you to places a series of axes in the current document.
* Axis tools
** [[Image:Arch_Axis.png|32px]] [[Arch_Axis|Axis]]: Adds a 1-direction array of axes to the document
** [[Image:Arch_Axis.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Axis|Axis]]: Adds a 1-direction array of axes to the document
** [[Image:Arch_AxisSystem.png|32px]] [[Arch_AxisSystem|Axes system]]: Adds an axes system composed of several axes to the document
** [[Image:Arch_Axis_System.svg|32px]] [[Arch_AxisSystem|Axes system]]: Adds an axes system composed of several axes to the document
** [[Image:Arch_Grid.png|32px]] [[Arch_Grid|Grid]]: Adds a grid-like object to the document
** [[Image:Arch_Grid.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Grid|Grid]]: Adds a grid-like object to the document


* [[Image:Arch_Roof.png|32px]] [[Arch_Roof|Roof]]: Creates a sloped roof from a selected face
* [[Image:Arch_Roof.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Roof|Roof]]: Creates a sloped roof from a selected face
* [[Image:Arch_Space.png|32px]] [[Arch_Space|Space]]: Creates a space object in the document
* [[Image:Arch_Space.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Space|Space]]: Creates a space object in the document
* [[Image:Arch_Stairs.png|32px]] [[Arch_Stairs|Stairs]]: Creates a stairs object in the document
* [[Image:Arch_Stairs.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Stairs|Stairs]]: Creates a stairs object in the document


* [[File:Arch CompPanel.png|48px]] [[Arch CompPanel|Panel tools]]: Allows you to build all kinds of panel-like elements.
* Panel tools
** [[Image:Arch_Panel.png|32px]] [[Arch_Panel|Panel]]: Creates a panel object from a selected 2D object
** [[Image:Arch_Panel.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Panel|Panel]]: Creates a panel object from a selected 2D object
** [[Image:Arch_Panel_Cut.png|32px]] [[Arch_Panel_Cut|Panel Cut]]: Creates a 2D cut view from a panel {{Version|0.17}}
** [[Image:Arch_Panel_Cut.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Panel_Cut|Panel Cut]]: Creates a 2D cut view from a panel {{Version|0.17}}
** [[Image:Arch_Panel_Sheet.png|32px]] [[Arch_Panel_Sheet|Panel Sheet]]: Creates a 2D cut sheet including panel cuts or other 2D objects {{Version|0.17}}
** [[Image:Arch_Panel_Sheet.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Panel_Sheet|Panel Sheet]]: Creates a 2D cut sheet including panel cuts or other 2D objects {{Version|0.17}}
** [[Image:Arch_Nest.png|32px]] [[Arch_Nest|Nest]]: Allow to nest several flat objects inside a container shape {{Version|0.17}}
** [[Image:Arch_Nest.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Nest|Nest]]: Allow to nest several flat objects inside a container shape {{Version|0.17}}


* [[Image:Arch_Frame.png|32px]] [[Arch_Frame|Frame]]: Creates a frame object from a selected layout
* [[Image:Arch_Frame.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Frame|Frame]]: Creates a frame object from a selected layout
* [[Image:Arch_Equipment.png|32px]] [[Arch_Equipment|Equipment]]: Creates an equipment or furniture object
* [[Image:Arch_Fence.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Fence|Fence]]: Creates a fence object from a selected post and path. {{Version|0.19}}
* [[Image:Arch_Truss.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Truss|Truss]]: Creates a truss from a selected line of from scratch. {{Version|0.19}}
* [[Image:Arch_Equipment.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Equipment|Equipment]]: Creates an equipment or furniture object
* [[Image:Arch_Profile.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Profile|Profile]]: Creates a parametric 2D profile. {{Version|0.19}}


* Pipe tools {{Version|0.17}}
* [[File:Arch CompPipe.png|48px]] [[Arch CompPipe|Pipe tools]] {{Version|0.17}}
** [[Image:Arch_Pipe.png|32px]] [[Arch_Pipe|Pipe]]: Creates a pipe {{Version|0.17}}
** [[Image:Arch_Pipe.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Pipe|Pipe]]: Creates a pipe {{Version|0.17}}
** [[Image:Arch_PipeConnector.png|32px]] [[Arch_PipeConnector|Pipe Connector]]: Creates a corner or tee connection between 2 or 3 selected pipes {{Version|0.17}}
** [[Image:Arch_PipeConnector.svg|32px]] [[Arch_PipeConnector|Pipe Connector]]: Creates a corner or tee connection between 2 or 3 selected pipes {{Version|0.17}}


* [[File:Arch CompSetMaterial.png|48px]] [[Arch CompSetMaterial|Material tools]]: The Material tools allows to add materials to the active document.
* Material tools
** [[Image:Arch_SetMaterial.png|32px]] [[Arch_SetMaterial|Material]]: Creates a material and attributes it to selected objects, if any
** [[Image:Arch_SetMaterial.svg|32px]] [[Arch_SetMaterial|Material]]: Creates a material and attributes it to selected objects, if any
** [[Image:Arch_MultiMaterial.png|32px]] [[Arch_MultiMaterial|Multi-Material]]: Creates a multi-material and attributes it to selected objects, if any {{Version|0.17}}
** [[Image:Arch_MultiMaterial.svg|32px]] [[Arch_MultiMaterial|Multi-Material]]: Creates a multi-material and attributes it to selected objects, if any {{Version|0.17}}
* [[Image:Arch_Schedule.png|32px]] [[Arch_Schedule|Schedule]]: Creates different types of schedules
* [[Image:Arch_Schedule.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Schedule|Schedule]]: Creates different types of schedules


===Modification tools===
===Modification tools===
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These are tools for modifying architectural objects.
These are tools for modifying architectural objects.


* [[Image:Arch_CutPlane.png|32px]] [[Arch_CutPlane|Cut with plane]]: Cut an object according to a plane.
* [[Image:Arch_CutLine.svg|32px]] [[Arch_CutLine|Cut with a line]]: Cut an object according to a line. {{Version|0.19}}
* [[Image:Arch_Add.png|32px]] [[Arch_Add|Add component]]: Adds objects to a component
* [[Image:Arch_CutPlane.svg|32px]] [[Arch_CutPlane|Cut with plane]]: Cut an object according to a plane.
* [[Image:Arch_Remove.png|32px]] [[Arch_Remove|Remove component]]: Subtracts or removes objects from a component
* [[Image:Arch_Add.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Add|Add component]]: Adds objects to a component
* [[Image:Arch_Survey.png|32px]] [[Arch_Survey|Survey]]: Enters or leaves surveying mode
* [[Image:Arch_Remove.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Remove|Remove component]]: Subtracts or removes objects from a component
* [[Image:Arch_Survey.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Survey|Survey]]: Enters or leaves surveying mode


===Utilities===
===Utilities===
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These are additional tools to help you in specific tasks.
These are additional tools to help you in specific tasks.


* [[Image:Arch_Component.png|32px]] [[Arch_Component|Component]]: Creates a non-parametric Arch component
* [[Image:Arch_Component.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Component|Component]]: Creates a non-parametric Arch component
* [[Image:Arch_cloneComponent.png|32px]] [[Arch_CloneComponent|Clone component]]:
* [[Image:Arch_Component_Clone.svg|32px]] [[Arch_CloneComponent|Clone component]]: Produces Arch Components that are clones of selected Arch objects (not to be confused with [[Draft Clone]])
* [[Image:Arch_SplitMesh.png|32px]] [[Arch_SplitMesh|Split Mesh]]: Splits a selected mesh into separate components
* [[Image:Arch_SplitMesh.svg|32px]] [[Arch_SplitMesh|Split Mesh]]: Splits a selected mesh into separate components
* [[Image:Arch_MeshToShape.png|32px]] [[Arch_MeshToShape|Mesh To Shape]]: Converts a mesh into a shape, unifying coplanar faces
* [[Image:Arch_MeshToShape.svg|32px]] [[Arch_MeshToShape|Mesh To Shape]]: Converts a mesh into a shape, unifying coplanar faces
* [[Image:Arch_SelectNonSolidMeshes.png|32px]] [[Arch_SelectNonSolidMeshes|Select non-solid meshes]]: Selects all non-solid meshes from the current selection or frm the document
* [[Image:Arch_SelectNonManifold.svg|32px]] [[Arch_SelectNonSolidMeshes|Select non-solid meshes]]: Selects all non-solid meshes from the current selection or from the document
* [[Image:Arch_RemoveShape.png|32px]] [[Arch_RemoveShape|Remove Shape]]: Turns cubic shape-based arch object fully parametric
* [[Image:Arch_RemoveShape.svg|32px]] [[Arch_RemoveShape|Remove Shape]]: Turns cubic shape-based arch object fully parametric
* [[Image:Arch_CloseHoles.png|32px]] [[Arch_CloseHoles|Close Holes]]: Closes holes in a selected shape-based object
* [[Image:Arch_CloseHoles.svg|32px]] [[Arch_CloseHoles|Close Holes]]: Closes holes in a selected shape-based object
* [[Image:Arch_MergeWalls.png|32px]] [[Arch_MergeWalls|Merge Walls]]: Merge two or more walls
* [[Image:Arch_MergeWalls.svg|32px]] [[Arch_MergeWalls|Merge Walls]]: Merge two or more walls
* [[Image:Arch_Check.png|32px]] [[Arch_Check|Check]]: Check if the selected objects are solids and don't contain defects
* [[Image:Arch_Check.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Check|Check]]: Check if the selected objects are solids and don't contain defects
* [[Image:Arch_IfcExplorer.png|32px]] [[Arch_IfcExplorer|Ifc Explorer]]: Browse the contents of an [[Arch_IFC|IFC]] file
* [[Image:IFC.svg|32px]] [[Arch_IfcExplorer|Ifc Explorer]]: Browse the contents of an [[Arch IFC|IFC]] file
* [[Image:Arch_ToggleIfcBrepFlag.png|32px]] [[Arch_ToggleIfcBrepFlag|Toggle IFC Brep flag]]: Forces a selected object to be exported as an [http://www.buildingsmart-tech.org/ifc/IFC4/final/html/schema/ifcgeometricmodelresource/lexical/ifcfacetedbrep.htm IfcFacetedBrep].
* [[Image:Arch_ToggleIfcBrepFlag.svg|32px]] [[Arch_ToggleIfcBrepFlag|Toggle IFC Brep flag]]: Forces a selected object to be exported as an [http://www.buildingsmart-tech.org/ifc/IFC4/final/html/schema/ifcgeometricmodelresource/lexical/ifcfacetedbrep.htm IfcFacetedBrep].
* [[Image:Arch_3Views.png|32px]] [[Arch_3Views|3 Views from mesh]]: Creates top, frontal and side views from a [[Mesh Module|mesh]].
* [[Image:Arch_3Views.svg|32px]] [[Arch_3Views|3 Views from mesh]]: Creates top, frontal and side views from a [[Mesh Module|mesh]].
* [[Image:Arch_Schedule.png|32px]] [[Arch_MakeIfcSpreadsheet|Create IFC spreadsheet...]]:
* [[Image:Arch_Schedule.svg|32px]] [[Arch_MakeIfcSpreadsheet|Create IFC spreadsheet...]]: Creates a spreadsheet to store [[Arch IFC|IFC]] properties of an object
* [[Image:Arch_ToggleSubs.png|32px]] [[Arch_ToggleSubs|Toggle Subcomponents]]: Shows or hides the subcomponents of an Arch object.
* [[Image:Arch_ToggleSubs.svg|32px]] [[Arch_ToggleSubs|Toggle Subcomponents]]: Shows or hides the subcomponents of an Arch object.


===Preferences===
===Preferences===


* [[Image:Std_DlgParameter.png|32px]] [[Arch_Preferences|Preferences...]]: Preferences disposable in Arch Module.
* [[Image:Preferences-arch.svg|32px]] [[Arch_Preferences|Preferences]]: preferences for the default appearance of walls, structures, rebars, windows, stairs, panels, pipes, grids and axes.


===File formats===
===File formats===


* [[Arch IFC|IFC]] : Industry foundation Classes
* [[Arch_IFC|IFC]]: industry foundation classes
* [[Arch DAE|DAE]] : Collada mesh format
* [[Arch_DAE|DAE]]: Collada mesh format
* [[Arch OBJ|OBJ]] : Obj mesh format (export only)
* [[Arch_OBJ|OBJ]]: Obj mesh format (export only)
* [[Arch JSON|JSON]] : JavaScript Object Notation format (export only)
* [[Arch_JSON|JSON]]: JavaScript Object Notation format (export only)
* [[Arch 3DS|3DS]] : 3DS format (import only)
* [[Arch_3DS|3DS]]: 3DS format (import only)
* [[Arch_SHP|SHP]]: GIS Shapefiles (import only)


== API ==
== API ==


The Arch module can be used in [[Python]] scripts and [[macros]] using the [http://www.freecadweb.org/api/Arch.html Arch Python API] functions.
The Arch module can be used in [[Python|Python]] scripts and [[macros|macros]] using the [http://www.freecadweb.org/api/Arch.html Arch Python API] functions.


== Tutorials ==
== Tutorials ==


* [http://yorik.uncreated.net/guestblog.php?tag=freecad Architecture workflow]: An example of how FreeCAD can begin to have its preliminary place in an architecture workflow.
* [http://yorik.uncreated.net/guestblog.php?tag=freecad Architecture workflow]: An example of how FreeCAD can begin to have its preliminary place in an architecture workflow.
* [[Arch tutorial]] (v. 0.14)
* [[Arch tutorial|Arch tutorial]] (v0.14)
* [http://yorik.uncreated.net/guestblog.php?2012=180 Quick arch overview on Yorik's blog] (v. 0.13)
* [http://yorik.uncreated.net/guestblog.php?2012=180 Quick arch overview on Yorik's blog] (v0.13)
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTDOeHapv_E Video presentation of the Arch workbench] (2016)
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTDOeHapv_E Video presentation of the Arch workbench] (2016)
* [[Arch_panel_tutorial|Arch panel tutorial]] (v. 0.15)
* [[Arch_panel_tutorial|Arch panel tutorial]] (v0.15)
* [[Manual:BIM modeling|BIM modeling chapter from the FreeCAD manual]]
* [[Manual:BIM modeling|BIM modeling chapter from the FreeCAD manual]]
* [[Import_from_STL_or_OBJ|Import from STL or OBJ]]
* [[Import_from_STL_or_OBJ|Import from STL or OBJ]]
* [[Export_to_STL_or_OBJ|Export to STL or OBJ]]
* [[Export_to_STL_or_OBJ|Export to STL or OBJ]]


{{Docnav
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|[[Draft Module|Draft Module]]
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[[Category:User Documentation]]
[[Category:Arch]]

Revision as of 19:24, 29 September 2020

Arch workbench icon

Introduction

The Arch Workbench provides a modern building information modelling (BIM) workflow to FreeCAD, with support for features like fully parametric architectural entities such as walls, beams, roofs, windows, stairs, pipes, and furniture. It supports industry foundation classes (IFC) files, and production of 2D floor plans in combination with the TechDraw Workbench.

The Arch Workbench imports all tools from the Draft Workbench, as it uses its 2D objects to build 3D parametric architectural objects. Nevertheless, Arch can also use solid shapes created with other workbenches like Part and PartDesign.

The BIM functionality of FreeCAD is now progressively split into this Arch Workbench, which holds basic architectural tools, and the BIM Workbench, which is available from the Addon Manager. This BIM Workbench adds a new interface layer on top of the Arch tools, with the aim of making the BIM workflow more intuitive and user-friendly. See FreeCAD BIM migration guide.

The developers of Draft, Arch, and BIM also collaborate with the greater OSArch community, with the ultimate goal of improving building design by using entirely free software.

Tools

These are tools for creating architectural objects.

  • Rebar tools: the Reinforcement Addon augments the Arch Workbench Structures.
    • Straight Rebar: creates a Straight reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
    • UShape Rebar: creates a UShape reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
    • LShape Rebar: creates a LShape reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
    • Bent Shape Rebar: creates a Bent Shape reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
    • Stirrup Rebar: creates a Stirrup reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
    • Helical Rebar: creates a Helical reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
    • ColumnReinforcement: creates a reinforcing bars inside a Column Arch Structure object.
    • ColumnReinforcement TwoTiesSixRebars: creates a reinforcing bars inside a Column Arch Structure object.
    • BeamReinforcement: creates reinforcing bars inside a Beam Arch Structure object.
    • Rebar: creates a custom reinforcement bar in a selected structural element using a sketch.
  • Floor: Creates a floor including selected objects
  • Building Part: Creates a building part including selected objects
  • Building: Creates a building including selected objects
  • Site: Creates a site including selected objects
  • Project: Creates a project including selected objects
  • Reference: Links objects from another FreeCAD file into this document
  • Window: Creates a window using a selected object as a base
  • Section Plane: Adds a section plane object to the document
  • Axis tools: The Axis tool allows you to places a series of axes in the current document.
    • Axis: Adds a 1-direction array of axes to the document
    • Axes system: Adds an axes system composed of several axes to the document
    • Grid: Adds a grid-like object to the document
  • Roof: Creates a sloped roof from a selected face
  • Space: Creates a space object in the document
  • Stairs: Creates a stairs object in the document

Modification tools

These are tools for modifying architectural objects.

Utilities

These are additional tools to help you in specific tasks.

Preferences

  • Preferences: preferences for the default appearance of walls, structures, rebars, windows, stairs, panels, pipes, grids and axes.

File formats

  • IFC: industry foundation classes
  • DAE: Collada mesh format
  • OBJ: Obj mesh format (export only)
  • JSON: JavaScript Object Notation format (export only)
  • 3DS: 3DS format (import only)
  • SHP: GIS Shapefiles (import only)

API

The Arch module can be used in Python scripts and macros using the Arch Python API functions.

Tutorials