Download & Setup

Overview

The ARCH.id.s platform utilizes a unified deployment architecture. Instead of managing dozens of individual plugin files, a single core .msi installer delivers our entire ecosystem directly into Autodesk Revit.

Whether you are using our suite of Free WPF Add-ins (like Smart Array and Pattern Set-Out) or logging into our Premium Web Overlays (like Vellum and Mylar), the download, setup, and license management processes are entirely centralized.

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1. Download & Installation

To install or update the ARCHids ecosystem on your machine:

1. Close Revit: Ensure all active instances of Autodesk Revit are completely closed.
2. Access the Portal: Log into your ARCHids Client Console.
3. Download the Installer: Navigate to the Download Access tab and download the latest ARCHids Core Suite Installer (.msi).
4. Run the Installer: Double-click the downloaded file and follow the standard Windows installation prompts. The installer will automatically detect your installed Revit versions (2025+) and place the necessary add-in manifests.
5. Launch Revit: Upon opening Revit, navigate to the newly added ARCHids ribbon tab. You will be prompted once by Revit to “Always Load” the add-in publisher certificate.

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2. Licensing & Activation

ARCHids utilizes a hybrid access model. You do not need to create an account or activate a key to use our Free WPF Add-ins.

Accessing Free Tools

Tools located under the General, Interior Design and Architecture panels on the ribbon are completely free. Once the software is installed, these tools are immediately unlocked and ready for use in your projects without any activation steps.

Activating Premium Overlays (Vellum & Mylar)

Premium tools require an active subscription or trial key. ARCHids uses a Floating Seat license model, meaning you can install the software on as many computers as you want, but your key will only allow a specific number of concurrent active users at the same time.

To activate a premium seat on your current machine:

1. Open Revit and navigate to the ARCHids ribbon tab.
2. On the far right, open the Account dropdown panel.
3. Click Manage License… 4. Paste your purchased or trial License Key into the window and click Activate.
4. The system will authenticate your hardware footprint and instantly unlock the premium overlay tools.

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3. License & Seat Management

Because Premium licenses use floating seats, it is important to manage your active machines, especially if you are transitioning from an office desktop to a home laptop.

Releasing a Seat (Signing Out)

When you are finished working on a machine, you can release the seat back into your firm’s available pool:

1. Open the Account dropdown on the Revit ribbon.
2. Click Sign Out and Quit.
3. Confirm the prompt. Your local security tokens will be cleared, your Revit ribbon will revert to the standard “Unregistered” state, and the seat is immediately available for another user.

Checking Account Details

To quickly verify which key is active on your current computer, open the Account dropdown and click Account Details. This window displays your Machine Name, Hardware ID, and current lease status.

The Online Dashboard

If you forgot to sign out of an office computer and need to access a premium tool from home, you can manage your network remotely:

1. Log into the Online Dashboard.
2. Locate your active Subscription Tier.
3. Expand the Currently Checked-In Workstations list.
4. From here, Administrators can view exactly which machines are occupying seats and remotely revoke access to free up the floating pool.