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
Open your Archicad project.
Set up your building layout, including:
Unit mix
Unit shapes
Corridors and circulation spaces
Step 2: Launch the Finch Plugin - Download here
In Archicad, open the Finch menu.
Click Launch Finch.
Dock the Finch plugin panel as needed.
Step 3: Set Exterior Wall Properties
Select the exterior walls in your model.
Open Wall Properties.
Navigate to ID and Categories.
Set the wall Position to Exterior.
This ensures Finch recognizes facade walls and correctly calculates daylight.
Step 4: Start Plan Generation
In the Finch plugin, click Generate Plan.
Click anywhere inside a unit boundary to define the unit shape.
Step 5: Review the Generated Unit Shape
Confirm the detected unit shape is correct.
Verify that daylight is being detected along exterior walls.
Adjust the entrance locations as needed.
Step 6: Generate Plan Options
Click Generate Plan.
Wait for plan options to appear.
Step 7: Review Available Plan Libraries
Review the plan results:
Basic users see plans from their personal plan library.
Enterprise users see shared organization plans and Finch-generated plans.
Step 8: Filter Plan Results
Apply filters to narrow results, for example:
Two bedrooms
Two bathrooms
Region-specific plans (e.g. United States)
Review the filtered plan options.
Step 9: Assign a Plan to the Zone
Select the plan you want to use.
Click Assign to Zone.
Step 10: Review Generated Geometry in 2D
Confirm that:
Walls and doors are generated.
Space types are assigned as zones.
Step 11: Review Generated Geometry in 3D
Switch to a 3D view.
Review the generated geometry.
Continue refining and detailing the model as needed.
Last updated