Cloud storage services like OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive offer convenience and accessibility, but they aren’t always the best option for storing Archicad project files. Graphisoft advises against using cloud-synced folders due to potential file corruption and save operation failures (article can be viewed here). If you decide to proceed with third-party cloud storage despite the risks, here are some essential settings and practices that can help minimize potential problems.
If You Insist on Using Cloud Storage…
While the safest approach is to avoid using cloud-synced folders for active Archicad projects, if you decide to proceed, consider these settings to minimize risks:
1. Store Files Locally
Ensure that your Archicad project folders are always stored locally and not just in the cloud. This setting ensures that Archicad can work with the files without syncing interference. Here’s how:
OneDrive: Right-click the project folder > Always Keep on This Device
Dropbox: Select the project folder in Dropbox > Right-click > Make Available Offline
Google Drive: Mark folders as “Available Offline”
2. Disable Real-Time Sync While Working
Temporarily pausing synchronization while working on a project can prevent conflicts.
OneDrive: Click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar > Settings Icon > Pause Syncing
Dropbox: Click the Dropbox icon > Select Dropdown at bottom > Pause Sync
Google Drive: Click the Drive icon > Settings Icon > Pause Syncing
After you finish working and save your files properly, you can manually resume sync.
3. Use a Third-Party Backup Utility
Instead of saving directly to a cloud-synced folder, consider working from a dedicated local project folder and setting up a third-party sync utility to back up the folder to the cloud on a scheduled basis. FreeFileSync is one such application that allows controlled synchronization without interfering with active files.
4. Archive Instead of Live-Syncing
A safer workflow is to manually archive project files to the cloud at the end of each work session instead of working directly within a synced folder. This prevents the cloud service from interfering with the active file while still ensuring that backups are available.
5. Use BIMcloud SaaS
Graphisoft’s BIMcloud SaaS provides a robust cloud-based collaboration platform specifically designed for Archicad projects. Unlike third-party cloud storage, BIMcloud is optimized for handling Archicad’s file structure, ensuring data integrity while enabling seamless remote access and teamwork.
Final Thoughts
While it is strongly recommended to avoid using third-party cloud storage for live Archicad projects, these settings and precautions can help mitigate some of the risks if you choose to proceed. Ensuring files are stored locally, pausing real-time syncing, and using third-party backup utilities are key strategies to prevent corruption and data loss.
For those working collaboratively, investing in BIMcloud is the best way to maintain a stable and efficient workflow without the risks associated with services like OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive.