Edificius Tutorials: Learn Architectural BIM Step by StepEdificius is a BIM (Building Information Modeling) software developed by ACCA software that focuses on architectural design, visualization, and documentation. It integrates 2D drafting, 3D modeling, rendering, and BIM data management into a single environment, helping architects and designers streamline workflows from concept to construction documentation. This tutorial-style article will guide you step-by-step through the core concepts, workflows, and practical techniques to learn Edificius effectively, whether you’re a beginner or transitioning from other CAD/BIM tools.
Who this article is for
This guide is designed for:
- Students and new graduates learning architectural BIM.
- Architects and designers switching from CAD to BIM.
- BIM managers and coordinators seeking to standardize workflows.
- Visualization artists wanting integrated modeling and rendering.
What you’ll learn
- The Edificius interface and basic setup
- Creating and organizing projects and BIM objects
- 2D drawing and 3D modeling workflows
- Working with walls, floors, roofs, stairs, and openings
- Parametric families, components, and object libraries
- Documentation: sections, elevations, schedules, and IFC export
- Visualization and real-time rendering with integrated engines
- Collaboration and interoperability (IFC, DWG, IFC coordination)
- Tips for optimizing performance and managing large projects
Getting Started: Installation and Setup
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System requirements
Ensure your machine meets the recommended specs: modern multi-core CPU, at least 16 GB RAM (32 GB recommended for large projects), dedicated GPU with up-to-date drivers, and sufficient SSD storage. -
Installation and licensing
Download Edificius from ACCA’s website, follow the installer, and activate your license (trial, subscription, or perpetual). Familiarize yourself with license manager and cloud-based license options if available. -
Workspace layout and preferences
Open Edificius and explore the main areas: the Project Browser, Properties panel, 2D/3D viewports, and Toolbars. Customize units, templates, and keyboard shortcuts to match your office standards.
Understanding the Interface
- Project Browser: organize levels, views, and objects.
- Properties Panel: edit parameters of selected elements (materials, dimensions, semantic data).
- 2D View: draw plans and annotate.
- 3D View: model and visualize in real time.
- Object Library: access parametric components, furniture, and materials.
- Render/Real-time Engine Controls: adjust lighting, sun study, and produce photorealistic images.
Tip: Use split views (plan + 3D) to see changes instantly as you model.
Basic Modeling Workflow
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Create levels and grids
Start by setting up building levels and gridlines (if needed) to anchor elements. -
Drawing walls and openings
Use wall tools to draw external and internal partitions. Apply materials and assign thickness, structural role, and layers. Insert doors and windows from the library or create custom openings. -
Floors and slabs
Draw slabs by boundary or by extrusion. Assign properties such as thickness, layering (finishes, structural), and material. -
Roofs
Create pitched or flat roofs using parametric roof tools. Define slopes, overhangs, and layer composition. -
Stairs and ramps
Use automatic stair generators or draw custom stairs. Set parameters: tread, riser, landings, and railing types. -
Structural elements and families
Insert beams, columns, and other structural members. Learn to import or create parametric families/components for repeated objects.
Parametric Objects and Libraries
- Library Management: browse the built-in library for doors, windows, furniture, plants, and MEP placeholders.
- Editing Families: modify parametric families to match project requirements—change dimensions, materials, and connection points.
- Creating Custom Objects: create complex objects by combining primitives and assigning interactive parameters.
Example: Create a custom window family with adjustable width, height, frame type, and thermal properties to reuse across project variants.
Documentation: Plans, Sections, and Schedules
- Generating Views: create floor plans, elevations, and sections from your 3D model. Adjust view ranges and visibility settings.
- Annotations and Dimensions: add tags, notes, and automatic dimensions. Use associative dimensions where possible.
- Schedules and Bills of Quantities: extract data-driven schedules (doors, windows, walls) and export to Excel or CSV.
- Drawing Sheets: assemble views on layouts, add title blocks, and export to PDF or DWG for consultants.
Visualization and Rendering
- Real-time Rendering: use Edificius’ real-time engine to navigate the model with materials and lighting applied.
- Photorealistic Renders: set up cameras, adjust sun position, exposure, and environment settings to produce images.
- Materials and Textures: assign PBR materials, edit texture maps, reflectivity, and bump maps for realistic surfaces.
- Animation and Walkthroughs: create path-based walkthroughs or flyovers to present designs to clients.
Quick tip: Use exposure and color grading subtly; over-processing reduces realism.
Interoperability and Collaboration
- IFC Export/Import: export the model to IFC for collaboration with other BIM tools; map properties and classifications before export.
- DWG/DXF Exchange: import site plans or 2D details from consultants; use snapshots and reference layers.
- Linking Models: coordinate with structural and MEP models by importing their IFC files and managing clashes externally or via coordination tools.
Best practice: Keep a coordinated workflow with naming conventions and a shared BIM execution plan.
Advanced Features and Workflows
- Parametric Design: use scripting or parametric tools within Edificius (if available in your version) to automate repetitive tasks.
- Energy Analysis: run preliminary energy or daylighting analyses to inform early-stage decisions.
- Phasing and Renovation: model existing conditions, phases, and demolition to manage renovation projects.
- Templates and Standards: create office templates with standard views, title blocks, and object libraries.
Performance Optimization
- Worksets and Linked Models: split large projects into smaller linked models.
- Use proxies or low-detail representations for heavy furniture and entourage.
- Purge unused families and materials; limit texture sizes for viewport performance.
- Increase GPU memory and use SSD drives for faster file read/write.
Learning Path and Resources
- Start with simple projects: model a single-family house end-to-end.
- Follow structured tutorials: follow Edificius’ official tutorials, then attempt community-created walkthroughs.
- Practice importing/exporting with other BIM tools to learn interoperability quirks.
- Build a personal library of families and templates for repeated efficiency gains.
Example Step-by-Step Mini Project (Single-Family House)
- Create project and set levels (Ground + First).
- Import site plan as DWG and scale it.
- Draw external walls, insert windows and doors.
- Add floor slabs and roof.
- Model a simple staircase and railings.
- Place furniture and assign materials.
- Create sections and elevations.
- Produce a photorealistic render of the main living space.
- Generate door/window schedules and export to Excel.
- Export IFC for coordination.
Tips and Common Pitfalls
- Always save versions frequently and use incremental file saves.
- Maintain clear layer and object naming conventions.
- Avoid overly dense textures; they slow down rendering and modeling.
- Verify IFC export mappings to prevent data loss in coordination.
- Learn shortcut keys to speed up repetitive modeling tasks.
Conclusion
Edificius provides an integrated environment for architectural BIM, combining modeling, documentation, and visualization. Learning it step-by-step—starting from basic elements (walls, floors, roofs) then progressing to families, documentation, and interoperability—lets you harness its full potential for architectural projects. Regular practice, template creation, and maintaining good BIM management practices will significantly shorten project delivery time and improve coordination.
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