ArchiCAD for Mac Geometric Description Language file
File type: Source code and script file
A .gsym file is a binary Geometric Description Language (GDL) resource used by ArchiCAD for Mac. It may contain one or more text tags.
The file stores data for an ArchiCAD GDL object, including its scripts and related object information.
File type category:
Source code and script file
Date updated: September 30, 2026
GDL is Graphisoft's parametric object-definition language, created for ArchiCAD and also used by other applications. It can describe a three-dimensional model, a two-dimensional model, property data, a user interface, and a parameter handler. These definitions can be parametric.
A GDL object is a container for GDL scripts, default parameters, optional binary data, and additional information such as a preview image. A GSYM file stores this type of data for use as an ArchiCAD object or library resource.
The format is associated with ArchiCAD for Mac. ArchiCAD is also available for Microsoft Windows. The associated MIME types are model/vnd.gdl and model/vnd.gs.gd.
Open or load a .gsym file with ArchiCAD, using its library or object-management tools rather than a general text editor. Because the file is a binary GDL resource, a text editor will not display it as a complete, readable source file.
The format is associated with ArchiCAD for Mac, while the software linked with this record runs on Microsoft Windows. If the file does not load, it may require the ArchiCAD version or library environment for which it was created.
If conversion is needed, load the object in ArchiCAD and use the export commands available for the model or other usable content.
Such an export may preserve the object's geometry but generally will not preserve its GDL scripts, parametric behavior, interface, and library metadata.
Software applications that handle other tasks involving gsym files:
Microsoft Windows
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