Stair design is notoriously detail-heavy, requiring adherence to building codes (rise/run ratios, headroom, landing depths). ArchiCAD 19’s native stair tool, while improved over earlier versions, still lacked the granular control needed for highly customized stairs. StairCAD filled this void by offering:
You might ask: Why not just upgrade to ArchiCAD 26 or 27?
Valid reasons to stay on ArchiCAD 19 with CADimage:
Caveats:
Layout and Sheet Management:
Drawing Production and Export:
Schedules, Lists, and Data Management:
Quality Control and Model Checks:
Productivity Shortcuts:
The Performance Tax ArchiCAD 19 was a 64-bit app, but it wasn't the multi-threading beast we have today. CADimage Tools loaded a lot of GDL scripts. If you had a file with 50+ CADimage windows and a complex staircase, expect your spinning beach ball (or hourglass) to get a serious workout. Regeneration times on sections could push you to make a coffee run.
The Interface Clash CADimage used its own floating palettes. In ArchiCAD 19 (which was pushing the Palette system to its limit), these often got lost behind the main window or reset their positions every time you sneezed. You spent as much time hunting for the "Update Elevation" button as you did drafting.
Version Lock-In Hell This is the tragic flaw for the v19 user. CADimage Tools were strictly version-locked. If you are using ArchiCAD 19 today, you are using the final version of CADimage that supported that build. There are no bug fixes. There is no support for Windows 11 or macOS Ventura+. You are sailing a pirate ship held together by duct tape and muscle memory.
It is important to note that CADimage Tools are largely considered "legacy" software today. CADimage Tools Plugins For Archicad 19
The technology and intellectual property behind CADimage Tools were eventually acquired, and the developer team evolved their offerings. Today, the successors to these tools are found primarily in the ENCINA plugins (ENCINA Frame, ENCINA Keynotes, etc.).
For users still running Archicad 19 (often due to legacy hardware or project retention requirements), finding licenses for CADimage Tools is now difficult, as they are no longer actively sold or supported by the original vendors.
Modeling complex balustrades and fences in Archicad 19 could be tedious using the native Railing tool (which was still evolving) or standard Columns/Beams.
No software suite is without flaws. For ArchiCAD 19, CADimage Tools had a few notable limitations: Caveats: