Finch 101: Generating Floor Plans in Archicad

In this tutorial, we demonstrate how to generate unit plans directly inside Archicad using Finch.

Step 1: Open Your Archicad Model

1. Open your Archicad project.

2. Set up your building layout, including:

   • Unit mix

   • Unit shapes

   • Corridors and circulation spaces

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Step 2: Launch the Finch Plugin - Download here

1. In Archicad, open the Finch menu.

2. Click Launch Finch.

3. Dock the Finch plugin panel as needed.

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Step 3: Set Exterior Wall Properties

1. Select the exterior walls in your model.

2. Open Wall Properties.

3. Navigate to ID and Categories.

4. Set the wall Position to Exterior.

This ensures Finch recognizes facade walls and correctly calculates daylight.

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Step 4: Start Plan Generation

1. In the Finch plugin, click Generate Plan.

2. Click anywhere inside a unit boundary to define the unit shape.

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Step 5: Review the Generated Unit Shape

1. Confirm the detected unit shape is correct.

2. Verify that daylight is being detected along exterior walls.

3. Adjust the entrance locations as needed.

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Step 6: Generate Plan Options

1. Click Generate Plan.

2. Wait for plan options to appear.

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Step 7: Review Available Plan Libraries

1. Review the plan results:

   • Basic users see plans from their personal plan library.

   • Enterprise users see shared organization plans and Finch-generated plans.

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Step 8: Filter Plan Results

1. Apply filters to narrow results, for example:

   • Two bedrooms

   • Two bathrooms

   • Region-specific plans (e.g. United States)

2. Review the filtered plan options.

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Step 9: Assign a Plan to the Zone

1. Select the plan you want to use.

2. Click Assign to Zone.

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Step 10: Review Generated Geometry in 2D

1. Confirm that:

   • Walls and doors are generated.

   • Space types are assigned as zones.

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Step 11: Review Generated Geometry in 3D

1. Switch to a 3D view.

2. Review the generated geometry.

3. Continue refining and detailing the model as needed.