Arch Module

    From FreeCAD Documentation
    This page is a translated version of the page Arch Workbench and the translation is 3% complete.
    Outdated translations are marked like this.
    Arch workbench icon

    Introduction

    The Workbench Arch.svg 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 Workbench TechDraw.svg TechDraw Workbench.

    The Arch Workbench imports all tools from the Workbench Draft.svg 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 Workbench Part.svg Part and Workbench PartDesign.svg PartDesign.

    The BIM functionality of FreeCAD is now progressively split into this Arch Workbench, which holds basic architectural tools, and the Workbench BIM.svg BIM Workbench, which is available from the Std AddonMgr.svg 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.

    Screenshot arch window.jpg

    Tools

    These are tools for creating architectural objects.

    • Arch Wall.svg Wall: Creates a wall from scratch or using a selected object as a base.
    • Arch Structure.svg Structure: Creates a structural element from scratch or using a selected object as a base.
    • Arch Rebar Straight.svg Straight Rebar: Creates a straight reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
    • Arch Rebar UShape.svg U-Shape Rebar: Creates a U-shape reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
    • Arch Rebar LShape.svg L-Shape Rebar: Creates an L-shape reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
    • Arch Rebar Stirrup.svg Stirrup: Creates a stirrup reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
    • Arch Rebar BentShape.svg Bent-Shape Rebar: Creates a bent-shape reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
    • Arch Rebar Helical.svg Helical Rebar: Creates a helical reinforcement bar in a selected structural element.
    • Arch Rebar.svg Custom Rebar: Creates a custom reinforcement bar in a selected structural element using a sketch.
    • Arch CurtainWall.svg Curtain Wall: Creates a curtain wall from scratch or using a selected object as a base.
    • Arch BuildingPart.svg Building Part: Creates a building part including selected objects.
    • Arch Project.svg Project: Creates a project including selected objects.
    • Arch Site.svg Site: Creates a site including selected objects.
    • Arch Building.svg Building: Creates a building including selected objects.
    • Arch Floor.svg Level: Creates a floor including selected objects.
    • Arch Window.svg Window: Creates a window from scratch or using a selected object as a base.
    • Arch Roof.svg Roof: Creates a sloped roof from a selected wire.
    • Arch Axis.svg Axis: Adds a 1-direction array of axes.
    • Arch AxisSystem.svg Axis System: Adds an axis system composed of several axes.
    • Arch Grid.svg Grid: Adds a grid-like object.
    • Arch Space.svg Space: Creates a space object.
    • Arch Stairs.svg Stairs: Creates a stairs object.
    • Arch Panel.svg Panel: Creates a panel object from a selected 2D object.
    • Arch Panel Cut.svg Panel Cut: Creates a 2D cut view from a panel.
    • Arch Panel Sheet.svg Panel Sheet: Creates a 2D cut sheet including panel cuts or other 2D objects.
    • Arch Nest.svg Nest: Allows to nest several flat objects inside a container shape.
    • Arch Equipment.svg Equipment: Creates an equipment or furniture object.
    • Arch Frame.svg Frame: Creates a frame object from a selected layout.
    • Arch Fence.svg Fence: Creates a fence object from a selected post and path.
    • Arch Truss.svg Truss: Creates a truss from a selected line or from scratch.
    • Arch Profile.svg Profile: Creates a parametric 2D profile.
    • Arch SetMaterial.svg Material: Creates a material and attributes it to selected objects, if any.
    • Arch MultiMaterial.svg Multi-Material: Creates a multi-material and attributes it to selected objects, if any.
    • Arch Schedule.svg Schedule: Creates different types of schedules.
    • Arch Pipe.svg Pipe: Creates a pipe.
    • Arch PipeConnector.svg Connector: Creates a corner or T-connection between 2 or 3 selected pipes.

    Modification tools

    These are tools for modifying architectural objects.

    • Arch Survey.svg Survey: Enters or leaves surveying mode.

    Utilities

    These are additional tools to help you in specific tasks.

    • Arch Component.svg Component: Creates a non-parametric Arch component.
    • Arch SplitMesh.svg Split Mesh: Splits a selected mesh into separate components.
    • Arch MeshToShape.svg Mesh to Shape: Converts a mesh into a shape, unifying coplanar faces.
    • Arch CloseHoles.svg Close holes: Closes holes in a selected shape-based object.
    • Arch Check.svg Check: Check if the selected objects are solids and don't contain defects.

    Preferences

    • Preferences-arch.svg 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