Using Point Clouds in Archicad – Scan Built 3D


This guide outlines how to efficiently work with point cloud data inside Archicad. It is intended for architects, designers, and engineers who want to create highly accurate documentation and models from LiDAR scans.

Import the Point Cloud (.e57)


After cropping and downloading your .e57 file from the Web-Based Virtual Tour (see Tutorial here), open your Archicad project and switch to the floor plan view. Watch the short video demonstration, or follow the steps below to complete the import process.

1. Go to File > Interoperability > Import Point Clouds.

2. Locate and select the point cloud file with the extension .e57, then click Open.

3. The Create Point Cloud Objects dialog box will appear. Click Browse to choose a folder where Archicad will create and save an LCF file.

Note: This LCF file is used by Archicad to manage the point cloud and may need to be relinked in the libraries when opening the project on a different computer.

Enter a name for the new Point Cloud object in the Object name field if needed.

Then, click Create and Place to proceed.

4. The Place Point Clouds dialog box will appear.

Select Place Point Cloud origin at Project Origin.

Select a Home Storey, then click OK to continue.

Point Cloud Setup


1. Adjust Object Settings
Select the point cloud and open the settings window (Ctrl + T).

  • Assign it to an appropriate layer.

  • Check the box "Override Floor Plan Display Range". - Set a narrow display range, e.g. Top Plane Height: 1100, Bottom Plane Height: 1000.

  • Under "Floor Plan and Section", choose "Show on All Stories".

  • Click OK to apply the changes.

2. Align Vertically in Section View
Use a section marker with a narrow range and switch to the section view. Use Drag (Ctrl + D) to move the point cloud vertically so it aligns with the correct storey level.

3. Align Horizontally in Floor Plan
Return to the floor plan and use Drag (Ctrl + D) and Rotate (Ctrl + E) to shift the point cloud so its geometry (e.g. walls) aligns with where you want to model.

Tips and Tricks

Reduce Point Cloud Size to Improve Performance

Reduce the density of point clouds using free software like CloudCompare before importing into Archicad to improve performance.
Click here to see a tutorial on how to reduce point cloud size in CloudCompare.

Want Help Getting Started?


If you need a Point Cloud to Archicad file pre-setup with all tools ready to go—or just want a quick consult—reach out via email.