In architectural design, presentation is everything — and virtual reality is rapidly becoming the most powerful way to communicate your ideas. If you’re using Archicad to design your projects, you’re already well-positioned to make the leap from screen to spatial experience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to take your Archicad model into VR — what tools you can use, how to prepare your files, and how to choose the right workflow for your goals.
Turning your 3D model into a virtual walkthrough allows your clients, stakeholders, or instructors to step inside your design before a single brick is laid. This can help visualize the space and avoid situations like "oh, this looks so smaller now that the walls have been built."
Real-time spatial understanding
Faster client approvals
More immersive design critiques
Competitive differentiation in portfolios and pitches
Related reads:
VR Architecture: The Future of Design and Client Communication
Virtual Walkthrough vs Render: What’s the Difference?
Good VR starts with a clean model. Whether you're exporting for a simple walkthrough or a full immersive scene, a few prep steps will go a long way:
Open your project in 3D View
Use Fit to Window to focus on relevant areas
Temporarily hide heavy or nonessential elements like cars, trees, or distant buildings
Group your layers and simplify the geometry for better performance
Archicad doesn't export directly to VR formats, but it does support several common 3D file types that are compatible with popular VR tools.
Go to File > Save As
Select Wavefront OBJ (.obj)
Save the file and accept the default export settings
This will create an .obj, .mtl, and a folder with textures
You can also consider exporting to .3DS, .FBX, or .DAE depending on your target platform.
Here’s where the real decision happens. Depending on your technical comfort and goals, you have several options:
A lightweight, browser-based platform that turns 3D models into walkable tours you can share via link or QR code.
No installs or plug-ins
Works on desktop, tablet, phone, or VR headset
Ideal for client presentations, portfolios, and real estate demos
Twinmotion is a real-time visualization tool with built-in VR support.
Strong render quality
Compatible with Archicad via direct link
Requires more setup and hardware than browser-based options
Best used for higher-end presentations and real-time flythroughs
A popular real-time rendering plugin compatible with CAD and BIM software applications including Revit, SketchUp, Rhino, Archicad, and Vectorworks.
Offers VR viewing via headset
Requires local installs and high-spec PC
More plug-in-driven and visual render-focused
High-powered game engines used to create custom VR experiences.
Maximum flexibility and realism
Steep learning curve
Best for tech-savvy users or long-term visualization pipelines
Once you’ve processed your model in the platform of your choice, you can share it in multiple ways:
Send a link (Visiofy, Twinmotion Cloud)
Embed it on your website or Behance
Include it in your PDF portfolio using a QR code or hyperlink
Open your tour in the headset browser (for web-based tools)
Use headset apps with native support (Twinmotion Presenter, Unity builds)
Launch the model from your PC with link or desktop viewer
Architecture students are adding VR tours to portfolios and final presentations
Design firms use VR to preview proposals in competitions and public consultations
Builders and developers offer immersive home previews for pre-sale units
Read: Best Platforms to Build and Share an Architecture Portfolio
Start small: If you're new to VR, begin with a single room or simple massing model
Keep things lightweight: Clean geometry = smoother walkthroughs
Test on multiple devices before sending links to clients
Use hierarchy in your presentation: combine renders, drawings, and VR
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach — but thanks to Archicad’s flexible exports and a growing set of VR tools, going from model to immersive experience is easier than ever.
Whether you're looking for browser simplicity (like Visiofy), render realism (like Twinmotion), or custom control (like Unity), there's a path from Archicad to VR that fits your workflow.