| Vectorworks | ARCHICAD | Notes |
| Classes | Layers | In AC Layers can also be controlled via Layer Combinations |
| Design Layers | Stories | Scale in AC is controlled via Views. Note that some Elements are scale- sensitive, i.e. they may change their LOD according to the selected Scale. |
| Viewports / Saved Views | Views / View Map | |
| Sheet Layers | Layout | Output Resolution in AC is controlled in the Publisher |
| Graphic Attribute Overrides | Model View & Pen Sets & Graphic Override Styles | in AC Graphic Attributes are controlled on an Element / Type Level, i.e. they can not be changed via the Class as in VW |
| Object Info | Info Box | |
| Organiser | Navigator | |
| Resource Browser | Object Library | |
| Symbols | Objects | |
| Workgroup Referencing / Project Sharing | Hotlink Manager & Drawing Manager | AC allows multiple Users to work concurrently in one file via Teamwork |
| Workspace | Work Environment | |
| Batch Export | Publisher | |
| VectorScript | GDL |
ARCHICAD file types.
Please note ARCHICAD files come in the following formats:
PLN = standard ARCHICAD file format (extension) containing a single standalone ARCHICAD Project
PLA = ARCHICAD Archive, used to archive old projects and potentially contains all linked objects and textures (similar to an Indesign package)
BPN = a backup file which gets automatically created once you save your ARCHICAD file
MOD = an ARCHICAD module file omits unused attributes from the file.
TEAMWORK = these files can only be accessed by connecting to a Graphisoft BIM Server
LCF = Library Container File