With ArchiCAD 12, multi-core processors become the recommended and standard platform for higher performance computing.   Areas that will see noticeable improvement include 2D and 3D navigation and 3D model generation including sections and shadow casting.    In addition to the raw speed improvements which can contribute to a user’s bottom line, the improved feeling of responsiveness will contribute to an overall better design environment in which to work.

This capability enables users to easily design and document curtain wall systems.  The Curtain Wall tool is based upon the new ArchiCAD “System Technology” which will serve as a foundation for future system oriented building components.  Based upon a flexible hierarchical structure of schemes, physical members and additional accessories, users can easily control & change both the entire system and the smallest detail throughout the entire project.

More about the new Curtain Wall tool

This function enables users to work in the rich composite structure environment of walls and slabs while being able to easily coordinate the load-bearing structure with engineers.  Showing and exporting only the load bearing (core) structures, instead of filtering these structures out of the whole model one by one, have great advantages when communicating with other disciplines such as structural applications.

More about the Partial Structure Display option

Management & visualization of the whole Hotlink structure and recursive updates of nested Hotlinks results in smaller files and faster updates. Users will benefit from greater productivity and better coordination when using Hotlink Modules, especially on large projects.

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The StairMaker tool in ArchiCAD 12 brings significant improvements in several areas: Stair Settings offers many more parameters allowing users to adjust the Floor Plan symbol display of stairs to conform to local standards. StairMaker now includes four new standard stair types: Single Winder at Lower End; Single Winder at Upper End; Single Winder U-Return; Double Winder U-Return. Users will not need additional manual drafting on the 2D symbol. 
More about StairMaker improvements

This innovative capability allows users to use any 3D view of the model as the basis for creating a document where dimensions, annotations and additional 2D drawing elements may be added. This helps designers more easily communicate their design intent to owners, consultants, contractors and subcontractors.   This new level of clarity in communication helps users to spend less time on design iteration with owners and reduce the amount of construction issues which increase cost and project schedule. 
More about 3D Document capabilities

ArchiCAD 12 introduces a new system of Fill Management and new Fill capability including translucent solid and image fills.   These capabilities allow architects to remain in the ArchiCAD environment when preparing documents for competitions and client presentations.   
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A quick way to move elements on the screen is to use the “Nudge” feature: select one or more elements, then use Shift + arrow key (Left/Right/Up/Down) to move the element left, right, up or down. Best of all, Nudge works in the 3D window too, where you can nudge elements left, right, up or down on a horizontal plane. No other application offers this very useful capability in 3D.
More about the Nudge feature

Users may now select any objects in 2D or 3D and align and distribute them by placing elements along a certain path or in a defined pattern. The use of align and distribute commands makes it easier to arrange repetitive elements. These capabilities will speed the design and document generation experience. 
More about the new Align & Distribute feature

A new ACIS import option will convert AutoCAD® 3D Solids, Regions and Bodies into GDL Objects. With Attribute Purge, when you save an ArchiCAD file as DWG, only those ArchiCAD attributes will be included which are actually used in the project. 
More about DWG enhancements

Improved dimensioning input logic makes it easy to visualize dimension lines and adjust dimension points on the fly. Intuitive graphical feedback helps the users to reduce the time spent on dimensioning: no need to define dimensioning line direction before placement; you can change it on the fly. 
→ More about dimension input improvements