Extracting the ArchCAD 29 (and onwards) texture from the ArchiCAD library
Posted: Tue May 12, 2026 7:18 am
For instructions as to how to do this ArchiCAD versions prior to AC29, please refer to https://docs.otoy.com/ArchiCADH/ArchiCADPluginManual.htm#ArchiCAD/ExtractingTheArchiCADLibrary.htm
The ArchiCAD 29 Process
1) File->Library and Objects->doubleclick Surface Catalog.libpack->select Surface Catalog->Surface Catalog->Export->Make New Folder->C:\AC29SurfaceCatalog
You can export anywhere - however if you are copying the .pln file between PC's you need to extract the textures on each PC to the same folder.
After the export, File Explorer should show the following:
Delete the library you just exported by selecting the "Surface Catalog.libpack" library and clicking the "Remove selected library" button:
Now import the exported library into your project with the "Add" button:
In the OctaneRender for ArchiCAD plugin, select ‘Re-convert from ArchiCAD’ for any (GDL) materials which had texture maps inside the lcf library. Or reconvert all materials with the "Reconvert all materials from ArchiCAD" option in the Materials tab.
The above is .pln file specific – so you will need to do the above on a blank document and save as a template if you want the extracted libraries to be always loaded by default.
Thanks
Paul
The ArchiCAD 29 Process
1) File->Library and Objects->doubleclick Surface Catalog.libpack->select Surface Catalog->Surface Catalog->Export->Make New Folder->C:\AC29SurfaceCatalog
After the export, File Explorer should show the following:
Delete the library you just exported by selecting the "Surface Catalog.libpack" library and clicking the "Remove selected library" button:
Now import the exported library into your project with the "Add" button:
In the OctaneRender for ArchiCAD plugin, select ‘Re-convert from ArchiCAD’ for any (GDL) materials which had texture maps inside the lcf library. Or reconvert all materials with the "Reconvert all materials from ArchiCAD" option in the Materials tab.
The above is .pln file specific – so you will need to do the above on a blank document and save as a template if you want the extracted libraries to be always loaded by default.
Thanks
Paul