For teams working simultaneously on a single building, ArchiCAD utilizes the .TPL and .BPN formats for management. A .TPL file is a Project Template. Templates are essential for firms to maintain standards, as they pre-define layers, pens, favorite tools, and structural settings. On the other hand, the .BPN file is an automatic Backup Project. ArchiCAD generates this file every time you save your .PLN. If a main file becomes corrupted or a mistake is made, changing the .BPN extension to .PLN allows you to recover the last saved version of your work.
The primary file extension for ArchiCAD is .PLN, which stands for Solo Project file. This is the native format used for day-to-day design. It contains all the 3D model data, 2D drawings, views, and layout sheets created within a project. However, the .PLN file does not store the actual BIM objects, such as furniture or windows; instead, it creates links to external libraries. This keeps file sizes manageable but requires users to manage their library paths carefully to avoid "missing object" errors. archicad file extension
ArchiCAD has an auto-save feature, which generates files (Backup Project File). For teams working simultaneously on a single building,
This is the server-side project file (or the local cache file when "Leaving" a project). You never manually open a .bim file directly from your file explorer; it is managed through Archicad’s "Open Teamwork Project" dialog. On the other hand, the
Go to > Libraries and Objects > Save Selection As > Object .