Starting Monday, Dec. 8, we will be moving to Archicad 8.1 and PlotMaker 3.1. This is a relatively minor feature update, with noticeable performance and interface improvements. No, it's not perfect, but it is better. Unlike the 7 to 8 update, we will move current projects over.
AC8 projects should open without complication in 8.1. You will need to change your library loading location slightly, then change it again once all the projects have been moved. Instead of loading Master LIB 8, load 1 Rill & Decker LIB and 2 Project LIB from within Master LIB 8, AND Archicad 8.1 Library from 2 Libraries.
There is one substantial feature improvement which you should employ immediately. Composites in AC8.1 offer the ability to control the line type and pen of the lines between the composite skins, separate from the fill pens. More on this here. You should modify your composites and your placed walls accordingly.
Other improvements:
• Keyboard shortcuts for tools. See Options | Customize | Keyboard Shortcuts, Tools tab. I'm still working on these; it's harder than it looks to make them intuitive and consistent. Feel free to chime in.
• Speaking of the keyboard, 'P' now works for switching on the Parallel and Perpendicular constraints.
• Wheel-scrolling works as it should in Navigator, Layers box, Object settings, etc. Minor but great.
• Visibility control for wall & beam end lines. Looks to me like a solution in search of a problem, but what do I know. Maybe hide the beam ends where they sit on wall intersections?
• Much less spinning rainbow ball in general use.