ArchiCAD is a Building information modeling (BIM) software; it’s widely adopted by structural and  architectural engineers worldwide. ArchiCAD has a huge set of tools that allows its user to configure the different building object such as walls, doors, slabs, windows and roofs. These tools could also be used to construct a virtual building create scenes with shadows, lighting display these either as still images or dynamically, as movies, or interactive virtual reality scenes, objects or environments.

Learning ArchiCAD is not only helpful but vital for architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers and designer as it’s a must have requirement/skill to join any design or contracting firm.

This post is a road map for anyone willing to start learning ArchiCAD online for free from scratch, the post will present and compare between the best online sources where beginners can start from and follow along.

If you just want the bottom line (the road map to learn ArchiCAD) and you don’t wish to read the entire article then go to the “Bottom Line” section at the end of the article.

Getting Started with ArchiCAD from Scratch

GraphiSoft Website

GraphiSoft Website is the first free online outlet where beginners can start learning ArchiCAD through video tutorials, it’s worth noting that GraphiSoft is the company developing ArchiCAD.

Structure: The training is divided into 5 sections, each section is divided into video lessons that covers various topics in ArchiCAD.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just select the section you’re interested in and click on the blue link and  a new window will pop-up and the video lessons will start playing.

Now, the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.
3. The material used through out the training can be downloaded for free.
4. It’s easy for beginners to start and follow along.

Cons

1. The only drawback is that you need to register in order to have access to the downloadable training material.

Verdict: This is the best free online outlet where beginners can start learning ArchiCAD through  video tutorials.

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Update: Not Available)

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven is the second free online outlet where beginners can start learning ArchiCAD through a text-based tutorial, you don’t have to register in order to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 6 sections, and each section covers certain topics in ArchiCAD.

Interface: The interface is very simple, you can navigate the training using the menu at the top right hand side of the page.

Now, the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-organized for beginners.

Cons

1. The training covers an old release of ArchiCAD through that won’t be a problem for beginners.

Verdict: This is the best outlet for ArchiCAD beginners who prefer text-based tutorials.

Eric Bobrow YouTube Channel

Eric Bobrow YouTube Channel is the third free online outlet where beginners can start learning ArchiCAD through video tutorials.

Structure: The “ArchiCAD Basics” playlist is divided into 8 video lessons, each of the lessons covers a certain topic in ArchiCAD. There are other ArchiCAD tutorials “playlists” on the channel.

Interface: Standard YouTube Interface.

Now, the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is available in English as well as Spanish.
3. The training is well-structured for beginners.

Cons

1. The training isn’t well-organized for beginners.

Verdict: This is a very good outlet for beginners to start learning ArchiCAd through video tutorials, but it’s worth noting that it’s not well-organized as the first outlet.

Shlece   

Shlece is the fourth free online outlet where beginners can start learning ArchiCAD through video tutorials, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into two parts, each part covers certain topics in ArchiCAD. The training covers the essentials that beginners should be familiarized with in order to start using ArchiCAD.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just play the video of the part you’re interested in.

Now, the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training covers the very basics of ArchiCAD.

Cons

1. The training covers an old release of ArchiCAD.
2. The training doesn’t cover as many topic as the first outlet.

Verdict: This is a good outlet for beginners to know the very basics of ArchiCAD, through it’s worth noting that it doesn’t cover as many topics as the first outlet and it covers an old release of ArchiCAD.

Bottom Line

The recipe for learning ArchiCAD for free

1. GraphiSoft Website is the best place for beginners to start learning ArchiCAD through video tutorials.
2. Katholieke Universiteit Leuven is the best place for beginners to start learning ArchiCAD through a text-based tutorials.

Remember that the first step is always the toughest step, and the aim of this post is to provide you with resources that will help you take your first step in ArchiCAD.