What is the PLA file format?
File with a .pla extension stores a complete project archive created with Archicad, bundling all associated objects and resources required by that project. The .pla format is a proprietary binary archive developed by Graphisoft that supports compression. .pla is a single-file container that stores all required project resources, including:
- .pln project file(s),
- Library parts linked with the given project,
- Images and backgrounds associated with the project,
- Library properties,
- Textures applied to project objects.
.pla files offer 3D project portability and a convenient archiving solution. .pla files are also an easy way to transfer project resources between workstations. It is worth mentioning that it is good practice to archive not only the library parts used by the project, but whole libraries in case other parts are needed during project development.
The default format used by Archicad for storing 3D projects is .pln. .pln files are based on the BIM model and do not contain objects used by the project, but only references to them. If a given project uses non-standard object or texture libraries, it is advised to ensure that the user with whom the project is shared has access to proper resources that match the version used by the project, or the project might not open correctly. .pla files allow avoiding such situations by saving all resources in a single archive. Users export a .pla by choosing the Save As option in Archicad and can choose which library elements to include. For open BIM data exchange, Archicad also supports .ifc, while individual library objects use the .gsm format.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWA .pla is project data, not an executable, so opening one in Archicad/BIMx is safe. Practical notes: .pla files are large because they embed all libraries; version compatibility is the usual headache (a newer-version .pla won't open in older Archicad). As always, only open project files from people you trust and beware disguised double extensions (project.pla.exe).
Format details
in a nutshellPrograms that open PLA files
Windows2 apps
Archicad (28)
Paid File > Open the .pla - Archicad is the native BIM editor that creates and reads it (free trial and education licenses available).
BIMx Desktop Viewer (for exported models)
Free You can't open a .pla directly, but if the sender publishes a BIMx hyper-model from it you can walk through the project in 3D for free. 
macOS2 apps
BIMx Desktop Viewer (for exported models)
Free Open a BIMx model exported from the .pla to view the building in 3D (view-only). 
Android1 app
BIMx (mobile)
Freemium Open a BIMx model exported from the .pla for a 3D walkthrough on Android. Not the .pla itself.
BIMx (mobile)
Freemium View a BIMx hyper-model (exported from the .pla in Archicad) - 3D + 2D walkthrough on iPad/iPhone. Cannot open the raw .pla. Technical details
deep spec| Developer | Graphisoft |
| Format type | Proprietary binary archive; not human-readable |
| Primary purpose | Self-contained archive of an Archicad BIM project with all embedded dependencies |
| MIME type | application/octet-stream |
| Compression | Internal compression supported, reducing archive size compared to an uncompressed export |
| Bundled resources | Archicad project data (.pln), library parts (.gsm objects), textures, background images and library properties |
| Portability | Opens on machines without installed project libraries - all referenced resources are embedded in the archive |
| Export method | Generated via File → Save As in Archicad; user selects which library elements to include |
| Platform | Windows and macOS via Archicad 27/28 |
| Versus .pln | Unlike the standard .pln project file, .pla embeds all linked library objects rather than referencing them by path |
| File size | Typically larger than an equivalent .pln file due to bundled library parts and texture data |
| Version metadata | Stores Archicad version information; older .pla files are converted when opened in a newer Archicad release |
| Released | 1980s-1990s (ArchiCAD / Archicad by Graphisoft); current in Archicad 27/28 |
| Specification | www.graphisoft.com |
PLA conversions
Community Q&A
asked by usersNo questions yet - be the first to ask about PLA files.
