.BPN File Extension

Archicad Project Backup File

Developer	GRAPHISOFT
Popularity	Average rating 3.5 / 5. Vote count: 15
Category	Backup Files
Format	.BPN
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an BPN file?

The .BPN file extension is used for Archicad Project Backup files. Archicad, developed by Graphisoft, is a popular Building Information Modeling (BIM) software used by architects and designers for creating detailed architectural plans and models.

More Information.

Archicad introduced the .BPN format as a part of its backup system to offer users a way to safeguard their work. The primary purpose of .BPN files is to provide a way to recover a project to a previous state, helping users avoid data loss and maintain project continuity.

Origin Of This File.

The .BPN file is a proprietary format used by Archicad to store backups of project files. These backups are created to ensure data integrity and recovery in case of file corruption or accidental deletion.

File Structure Technical Specification.

File Structure: .BPN files are typically compressed archives containing various elements of an Archicad project, including project files, object libraries, and configuration settings.
Technical Specification: The format is proprietary, and detailed technical specifications are not publicly documented. However, it is known that the .BPN files are tightly integrated with Archicad’s internal project management and backup systems.

How to Convert the File?

Windows

Restore the Backup in Archicad:
- Open Archicad on your Windows machine.
- Go to the “File” menu and select “Restore from Backup.”
- Choose the .BPN file you want to restore.
- Once restored, you can work with the project within Archicad, and save it in a different Archicad project format (e.g., .PLN or .PLA) if needed.
Export the Project:
- After restoring the project, you can export it to other formats supported by Archicad, such as .IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) or .DWG (AutoCAD).

Linux

Use Archicad with Compatibility Tools:
- Since Archicad is not natively available for Linux, you can use compatibility tools like Wine or run Archicad in a virtual machine with Windows.
- Follow the same steps as on Windows to restore the .BPN file and export it to a different format.
Transfer and Open in Windows:
- Another approach is to transfer the .BPN file to a Windows machine where Archicad is installed. Follow the Windows steps to restore and export the project.

Mac

Restore the Backup in Archicad:
- Open Archicad on your Mac.
- Use the “File” menu and select “Restore from Backup.”
- Locate and open the .BPN file.
- Once the project is restored, you can save it in Archicad’s project format or export it as needed.
Export the Project:
- After restoration, use Archicad’s export features to convert the project to formats like .IFC or .DWG.

Android

Indirect Method:
- Android devices do not support .BPN files directly.
- Use a desktop or laptop with Archicad to restore the .BPN file and export the project in a compatible format.
- Transfer the converted file to your Android device if needed for viewing or sharing.

iOS

Indirect Method:
- Similar to Android, iOS does not support .BPN files directly.
- Restore the .BPN file on a desktop or laptop with Archicad.
- Export the project to a compatible format and transfer it to your iOS device if necessary for viewing or sharing.

Others

General Approach:
- .BPN files are proprietary to Archicad, and other platforms or software do not support them.
- Use Archicad on a supported operating system (Windows or Mac) to restore and convert the project.
- Export the project to a more universal format (e.g., .IFC, .DWG) if you need to use the project with other software or platforms.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages:
- Data Safety: Provides a reliable way to back up projects, reducing the risk of data loss.
- Version Control: Helps maintain historical versions of a project, which is useful for tracking changes and reverting to previous versions if needed.
Disadvantages:
- Proprietary Format: Can only be used with Archicad, limiting the ability to access or use the files outside of this environment.
- File Size: Backup files can become large, depending on the size and complexity of the project.

How to Open BPN?

Open In Windows

Archicad: To open a .BPN file on Windows, you need to use Archicad. Open Archicad and use the “File” menu to restore a backup from the .BPN file.

Open In Linux

Archicad Alternatives: Archicad is not natively available for Linux. However, you might use compatibility layers like Wine or virtual machines to run Archicad on Linux. Otherwise, direct access to .BPN files is not possible on Linux.

Open In MAC

Archicad: On macOS, you can open a .BPN file using Archicad for Mac. Use Archicad’s backup restoration feature to access the contents of the .BPN file.

Open In Android

Not Supported: .BPN files cannot be opened on Android as Archicad does not have a mobile application for Android. You need to use Archicad on a desktop or laptop computer.

Open In IOS

Not Supported: Similar to Android, .BPN files cannot be opened on iOS devices because Archicad does not support mobile access. Files must be managed using Archicad on a desktop or laptop.

Open in Others

Other Platforms: .BPN files are specifically designed for Archicad, and other platforms or applications do not support them. The only way to manage and use .BPN files is through Archicad.