ArchiCAD 12 Essentials

ArchiCAD 12 Essentials – Training Notes 2009

Starting a New ArchiCAD Project................................... 2 Basic Useful Tools.......................................................... 4

2D/3D Navigation............................................................. 4 Selecting Elements ........................................................... 4 Cancelling a Command or Selection .................................... 5 Mouse Clicking................................................................. 5 Deleting Elements ............................................................ 5

Tracker .......................................................................... 6 Guidelines....................................................................... 6 <Backspace> Key ............................................................ 6 Measure Tool................................................................... 7 The Eye-Dropper, or <Alt> Key.......................................... 7 Pre-Selection / Selection ................................................... 7 Trim/Adjust/Intersect/Split ................................................ 8

Tool Settings ................................................................. 9 Structural Tools vs Object-Based Tools................................ 9

Using ArchiCAD Geometry ........................................... 10 Element Snap Points....................................................... 10 Hotspots ....................................................................... 10 Wall Hotspots ................................................................ 10 Geometry Methods ......................................................... 11 Magic Wand (Spacebar) .................................................. 11

Editing Element Position.............................................. 12 Positional Accuracy ..................................................... 14 Walls & Openings ........................................................ 15

Special Snap Points ........................................................ 16 Section / Elevations .................................................... 17

Marker Lines ................................................................. 17 Elevation Effects ............................................................ 18

Pet Palettes ................................................................. 19 Dimensioning .............................................................. 20

Automatic Dimensioning.................................................. 21 Layers.......................................................................... 22 DWG Import ................................................................ 25

DWG Import Methods ..................................................... 26 DWG Translators............................................................ 27

Roofs ........................................................................... 28 Stories......................................................................... 30

Story Settings ............................................................... 30 Trace & Reference.......................................................... 31

View Preparation & Printing ........................................ 32 Navigator...................................................................... 32

Layout Book (Printing) ................................................ 33 Definitions .................................................................... 33 Master Layouts .............................................................. 33 View <> Layout Book Procedure ...................................... 34

Keyboard Shortcuts ..................................................... 35

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Starting a New ArchiCAD Project When starting ArchiCAD, you will be prompted to choose one of three options:

1) Create a New Project: If you choose this option, the “Set up Project Settings” section offers two choices for the settings of a new blank project in ArchiCAD. Use a Template:

Every office should have an existing office-specific customised template. It is not recommended to use the supplied “ArchiCAD 12 Template.tpl” file, contact DCS and ask for a copy of a more appropriate template file

When starting a new project based on a template, you are in fact opening a copy of this template file which is named “Untitled”.

Use Latest Project Settings:

In normal practice, please do not use this option, use the Template option instead.

2) Open a Project: If you choose this option, you will be given two choices: (i) Browse for a project (ii) Select one entry from the list of the Recently-used projects, which displays a list of recently accessed projects

3) Sign in to a Team Project: Teamwork projects are collaborative projects, geared towards experienced ArchiCAD users. At an initial learning stage of ArchiCAD, using Teamwork is not suggested. The “Set Up Work Environment” option is used to select a custom/pre-defined layout of ArchiCAD Toolbars, shortcuts etc. The “Standard Profile 12” is perfectly normal for most users at this stage.



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The standard screen areas include: 5 1. Toolbox – This contains all standard modelling tools, which can be

collapsed/expanded in four separate areas (Select/Design/Document/More) 2. Info Box – This gives a small subset of tool settings (specific to the current

selected tool/element) 3. Main Toolbar – This shows some standard Windows tools and also ArchiCAD-

specific tools 4. Navigator - The Navigator gives a basic breakdown of the building including

Stories, Sections/Elevations, Details, 3D Documents etc – double-clicking on any entry will automatically restore that view to the current window. The Navigator is both an extremely important and useful palette.

5. Quick Options - Quick Options (Tools > Palettes > Quick Options) gives access to frequently-used Layer Combinations. Model Views Options, Pensets and Scales – once familiar with the internal options of an ArchiCAD file this palette becomes very useful.

6. Main Working Area – Shows as either a 2D or 3D window, or a Layout sheet



Basic Useful Tools

2D/3D Navigation

In any 2D window: (F2 = Floor Plan) Roll <ScrollWheel> = ZOOM IN/OUT Hold <ScrollWheel> + Move Mouse = PAN Double-click <Scroll Wheel> = ZOOM ALL

In any 3D window: (F3 = 3D Window) Roll <ScrollWheel> = ZOOM IN/OUT Hold <ScrollWheel> + Move Mouse = PAN (both Axo & Perspective) Hold <SHIFT> + <ScrollWheel> + Move Mouse = 3D ROTATE (both Axo & Perspective) Double-click <Scroll Wheel> = ZOOM ALL

Selecting Elements A number of different methods are available for selecting elements in 2D or 3D. Single Selection

• The ‘Arrow’ tool is the first tool in the Toolbox • Holding the <Shift> key, with any other tool active

A single Left-Click will select any element Crossing (Multiple) Selection Instead of single-clicking elements, a crossing selection can be made, with creates a temporary rectangle, and which selects any elements that are crossed or fully-enclosed by the rectangle

(i) Single <Left-Click> ‘in space’ (to begin the rectangle) (ii) Move the mouse (iii) Single <Left-Click> ‘in space’ (to close the rectangle)

Adding to / Removing from a Selection By selecting any element, by holding the <SHIFT> key and a <Left-Click> will toggle the selection of an element: selected/unselected Deselecting all elements Very quickly elements can be deselected

• Using the Arrow tool, <Left-Click> ‘in space’ • Press <Esc> a number of times



Cancelling a Command or Selection At any stage in ArchiCAD, pressing the <ESC> key a number of times will cancel

(i) The current active Command (ii) The current Selection (iii) Revert to the Arrow Tool

Mouse Clicking <Left-Click> is generally used for:

• Selecting a tool from the Toolbox • Drawing / Placing Elements in the model/layout • Picking points for Dimensioning • Selecting elements

<Right-Click> is generally used for: Showing a Context Menu for ‘Cut/Copy/Paste’ or ‘Drag/Rotate/Mirror’ or ‘Display Order’

Deleting Elements There are many ways to delete an element(s) after it has been placed in the model – it must be selected first before it can be deleted:

• Context Menu – Using a <Right-Click>, choose the ‘Delete’ entry • Pulldown Menu – From the ‘Edit’ pulldown menu, choose the ‘Delete’ entry • Keyboard – the <Delete> key (not the <Backspace> key)



Tracker This tool is the key to all coordinate input and element reposition. Coordinate and distance values are displayed in the Tracker box (which follows your mouse movements) and is available in any editable window type. The Tracker gives a dynamic feedback on such values as lengths and angles It is not recommended to turn the Tracker option off, but if accidentally the Tracker is off, it can be turned on via the Toolbar button shown below.

Simple progression of wall lengths, using the Tracker

Guidelines

Guide Lines are 2D drafting elements which help the user find special points and projections while editing, shown as orange/blue dotted lines. The cursor can snap to Guide Lines, which is extremely important for drawing accuracy. Some Guide Lines are extended from existing element edges/arcs, others pop up temporarily while you move the cursor - Multiple Guide Lines can be used. Guide Lines are available in all 2D windows and are available with any tool. The Guidelines can be turned off via the Toolbar button shown. This is not recommended as it is one of the most useful new features in ArchiCAD. At any stage, (using a <Right-Click>) an option will appear “Remove All Guidelines” allowing the available Guidelines to be removed (without affecting the current command) which ‘cleans up’ the screen.

<Backspace> Key With any polygon-based drawing tool, it is possible to undo the last point(s) chosen/clicked by pressing the <Backspace> key – this doesn’t exit/stop the current command, it simply steps back through the chain of points.



Measure Tool

The Measure tool draws a temporary ruler between two (or more) points. It displays the horizontal, vertical and radial distance between the two points and the angle between their positions. As well as calculating the distance components between two points, the Measure tool also calculates cumulatively distances (e.g. fire exit travel distances) and area bounded by previously chosen points.

The Eye-Dropper, or <Alt> Key

The EyeDropper tool is very useful in that it makes the settings of the selected/clicked element,

(i) the default settings of the element tool (ii) the active element tool

This is a very easy way of inserting duplicate elements (esp. windows/doors) without having to know/copy all the settings manually.

Pre-Selection / Selection Selection of elements is typically carried out using the Arrow tool (found first in the list of tools) or by holding the <Shift> key when any other tool is selected. ‘Pre-Select’ is a feature based on the position of the cursor over elements in ArchiCAD 2D or 3D windows. “Pre-Select” shows any elements bordered in a (default) thick blue. It will feedback a small amount of information relating to the 'pre-selected' element. By clicking a 'pre-selected' element, it will show selected in a (default) cover green. Using <SHIFT> allows for multiple selections of elements. The <TAB> key allows a cycle through elements (when the "Multiple Elements" option is shown) when more than one element has been found at the cursor position. This is very useful when a number of elements occupy the same area in a drawing, e.g. a polyline on a fill.



Trim/Adjust/Intersect/Split

Trim: (Scissors) Allows geometry to be cut back to the nearest intersecting edge. There is no requirement to choose a “trimming edge” - simply clicking on the element will trim it. The shortcut <CTRL> invokes Trim at any stage

Split: (Red Axe) This command allows you to split elements along a line segment, arc or polygon edge. This applies to slabs, walls, beams in 2D/3D and lines,arcs, fills, zones in 2D.

Adjust: (Yellow Arrow) This command adjusts (extends or trims) the endpoints of Walls, Beams, Arcs and Lines to a line or arc segment or polygon edge. The elements to be adjusted must be selected first before the tool can be activated.

Intersect: (Corner) This command allows the adjustment of two selected Lines, Walls or Arcs with each other by having them meet at their endpoints’ nearest point. This feature is similar to AutoCAD’s “Fillet with Radius 0”



Tool Settings Every ArchiCAD tool has a settings dialog box controlling all the individual settings of that tool. There are four ways to access these dialog boxes:

• Double-click the icon in the Toolbox (Preferred Option)

• Single-click the icon in the InfoBox • Select an element > Right-click > choose the

“…….. Settings” entry • Use the Shortcut <CTRL>+T

A typical settings dialog box is shown. Note: The “default” settings of a tool are shown when the dialog is accessed with no existing elements selected. The actual settings of existing elements are shown when the elements are selected, and then the dialog accessed. Changing the settings of an existing element does not affect default settings (or “future element settings”).

Structural Tools vs Object-Based Tools The Design Tools are separated in two major categories, (Structural and Object-based) and their respective settings dialog boxes are all similarly distinctive.

Structural • Wall • Slab • Roof • Mesh • Beam • Column

Object • Window • Door • Skylight • Object • Lamp • Stair

Other tools (in the Documentation Toolbox panel) have different types of Tool Settings layout but are relatively easy to figure out.



Using ArchiCAD Geometry

Element Snap Points As with all CAD packages, ArchiCAD gives visual feedback with respect to mouse position on existing elements. Endpoint / Midpoint : Shown as a CheckMark, or as a Solid-Filled Pen Edge : Shown as a Tripod/Mercedes sign, or as a Half-Filled Pen Centre Point: Shown as a Crosshair, when cursor rested over arc or circle Perpendicular: Shown as a tilted right-angle Intersection: Shown as an ‘x’

Hotspots When elements in ArchiCAD are selected, (depending on the element) hotspots are displayed at various locations on the elements, e.g. at endpoint and midpoints. These hotspots are black filled dots, which along with visual feedback, allow for modification of elements.

Wall Hotspots One important point to note is the display of walls by simply hotspots (representing the Reference Line)

The Reference Line is critical to note as this edge allows the full context of Pet Palettes to be accessed (more advanced, but very important) and also is of concern when choosing Composite and Material definitions of walls.



Geometry Methods Nearly all modelling tools in ArchiCAD have a drawing/geometry method option, which dictates how the actual geometry of the element will be created by the user. Common geometry methods include

• Line • Polyline • Rectangle • Polygon • Angled Rectangle

Do not confuse a “Line” method with Line geometry, as the “Line” method applies to both the Wall and Beam tools. See samples below of various tools and the geometry methods available. Roof Tool

Slab Tool

Wall Tool

Line Tool

Where a small black triangle exists in any of the Geometry Methods buttons, it means there are more options available from that button – simply <Left-Click and Hold> on the button to access the other options. (This is very important when drawing Walls).

Magic Wand (Spacebar) The Magic Wand option is invoked by holding the Spacebar, and can be used in many tools. The Magic Wand effect is to copy available perimeter geometry and use that perimeter to create new elements. Classic uses of the Magic Wand are for placing Slabs and Zones in a wall-divided area, or in offset-copying elements. When the <Spacebar> is held down the cursor will change from the standard ‘arrow’ symbol to the ‘wand’ symbol



Editing Element Position Reposition of Elements (Post-placement editing of elements) There are many ways to edit the position of an element(s) after it has been placed in the model, but importantly the elements must be selected first before a relevant command can be chosen

• Context Menu – Using a <Right-Click>, goto the Move entry • Pulldown Menu – From the ‘Edit’ pulldown menu, goto the Move entry • Shortcut Key – See below • Pet Palette – See later section, but not frequently used to re-position elements

Shortcut Keys Drag: <CTRL>+ D Rotate: <CTRL>+ E Mirror: <CTRL>+ M .... a copy: After pressing on the basic shortcut keys, tap <CTRL> key once (Notice the + beside the cursor) .... multiple copies: After pressing on the basic shortcut keys, tap <ALT> and <CTRL> keys together once (Notice the ++ beside the cursor) ‘Multiple copies’ is not the same as AutoCAD ‘Array’ command, it simply means copies placed in random locations – when all copies are placed, press the <Esc> key twice to complete the command.

Workflow: Moving an element(s) (i) Select the element(s) (ii) Choose the required reposition command, by any means available (iii) Complete the reposition command (iv) (If necessary, choose the left/right hand corner direction) (v) Click outside the wall, (the window cill side)

Nudging Elements Instead of constantly using the Drag command, a quick way to move elements on the screen is to use the ‘Nudge’ feature:

(i) select one, or more, elements (ii) use <Shift> + an arrow key to move the element left, right, up or down

The distance by which the element(s) move, the ‘Nudge factor’, can be changed by entering a new value for “Snap Grid” found in the dialog box, View > Grid Options > Grids & Background. A selected element may be nudged in larger increments, use <Shift> + <Alt> + an arrow key. The distance by which the element(s) move, the ‘Nudge factor’, can be changed by entering a new value for “Construction Grid” found in the dialog box, View > Grid Options > Grids & Background.



Multiplying Elements: <CTRL>+ U This function is similar to AutoCAD’s array command, allowing a number of identical elements to be created in a specific pattern at equal spacing from each other, using one the following methods:

• ‘Drag’ along a straight path defined by the reference line • ‘Rotate’ along an arc, using the angle specified in the reference arc • ‘Elevate’ a vertical displacement • ‘Matrix’ along two perpendicular reference lines

In the lower half of the dialog box, the distribution options determine how the start and endpoint of the reference line will be interpreted.

• ‘Increment’ spaces the copies by an incremental distance equal to the length of the reference line or reference arc.

• ‘Distribute’ spaces the copies evenly between the start and endpoints of the reference line or reference arc.

• ‘Distribute-1’ spaces the copies evenly between the starting point and the endpoint of the reference line or arc, but the distance is divided by the (Number of copies+1) and no copy will be placed at the endpoint.

• ‘Spread’ spaces the copies of the multiplied element to equal distance from each other along the reference line or arc all the way until the reference is drawn. In this case, instead of defining the number of copies, you set the spacing in length or in degrees between two neighbouring copies.

Vertical displacement will define the value that is added to the elevation of each subsequent copy of the multiplied object, even during dragging, rotating or arraying the copies.



Positional Accuracy (e.g. Place a Column 500mm from a corner point of two walls, placing windows at certain distances from other windows/openings) It is critical to place any elements in an ArchiCAD model in the correct position, and also use a productive method of placement. Some techniques involve placing elements in a fixed/known locations and then moving in a secondary step, or in other cases, drawing construction elements first to generate a given point.

For example: • Place a Door at a wall corner • Select the Door • Move the Door 900mm • Deselect the Door

These are a little long-winded and do not represent a productive method of placement, or ‘positional accuracy’. There are SIX steps in the most productive process: (but in reality when the user becomes familiar with the process, it is simply one overall process)

(i) Ensure the required tool is active and setup correctly (ii) Place (NOT Click) the cursor over an existing

reference point, ensuring checkmarks appear (iii) Consider the directions/distances relative to the

reference point (iv) Type the appropriate list of characters in the correct

sequence, as per the samples given below (Note the Tracker will appear once the Axis step is completed)

(a) Axis : X or Y (b) Distance : (always true value) (c) Direction : + or –

e.g. X 2500 + or Y 1000 - or X 2000 - Y 2000 + Note how the cursor changes position

(v) Press the <Return> key as the equivalent of a mouse click, basically mimicking the first click on the current tool/command

(vi) Complete the command with any further required steps



Walls & Openings (Wall, Door and Window Tool Settings Dialog) Openings (Doors & Windows) are objects, available from the default Object Library. They are ‘parametric’ – essentially each individual object can be placed with an infinite number of sizes. Openings (Doors & Windows) inherit attributes from the walls they are placed in. Openings can only exist in one wall. Window Placement Workflow: (i) Select the window, set-up all the relevant parameters (ii) Choose to place the window by midpoint or corner (iii) Click on the required wall edge (iv) (If necessary, choose the left/right hand corner direction) (v) Click outside the wall, (the window cill side) Door Placement Workflow: (i) Select the door, set-up all the relevant parameters (ii) Choose to place the door by centre-point or corner (iii) Click on the required wall edge (iv) (If necessary, choose the left/right hand side corner direction) (v) Click outside the wall, (the door cill side), also noting the door swing side. The ‘Swing Side’ is dictated by the relative position of the ‘eye’ symbol to the opening position – the door will always swing ‘towards the eye’. Doors should always be placed to swing towards the exterior wall face (to allow reveals to work from the exterior) and later they can be ‘Flipped’ (in Settings Dialog) to switch to an internal swing. Opening ‘Anchor Point’ It is very important to decide how to place the Opening, either by corner point or midpoint, and this will normally be dictated by the room in which the opening will reside. If the ‘Corner Point’ option is chosen, it requires an additional <Left-Click> to place the opening.



Additional Opening Parameters Typical window settings/parameters to consider:

• Height/Width/Cill Height/Reveal Depth/Placement Anchor • Corner Treatment • Sill type • Cavity Closure

These settings can be found in the many sub-panels in the third main panel on the right-hand side of the Window/Door Settings Dialog.

Special Snap Points

‘Special Snap Points’ help positioning or drawing new elements from a specific point located on an edge of another element. The use of this tool is equivalent to AutoCAD’s combination of Measure/Divide and Point Style Activating special snap points will place temporary nodes at the division points based on the current Special Snap Point commands in the Standard toolbar. This is very apparent when resting the cursor over a wall element. Special Snap Points include:

• Midpoints (Default) • Division points (up to 20, set manually) • Points located at a specific percentage from an endpoint (entered manually) • Points located at a given distance from an endpoint (entered manually)

Special Snap Points can be defined either on the entire length of a linear or circular element or element edge or on a segment closed by two intersections. All Special Snap Point options are accessed from the pulldown menu located beside the toolbar icon.



Section / Elevations

Marker Lines Sections and Elevations create automatic 2D views based on their orientation to the 3D model. They are both found as tools in the Document area of the main Toolbox. All placed Sections/Elevations are listed in the Navigator, which is (in turn) the easiest way to open the Section/Elevation view itself (by double-clicking on the Navigator) entry) The content of the Section/Elevation is simply based on position of the elevation line and the direction in which the elevation ‘looks’. The standard settings panels include

• General – Deals with Market Name, Marker ID, Range • Marker Head – Dealing with geometry shown for marker symbol • Marker – Dealing with text settings of marker head

Workflow for placing a Section/Elevation Marker Line: (i) Activate the Section/Elevation tool. (ii) In the Info Box or Section Default Settings, e

all the correct settings are chosen nsure

(iii) Choose an input method (either Straight Line or Staggered Line) from the Info Box and draw a Section line on the plan. • Straight line: left-click once to define each end of the line. • Staggered line: left-click as many times as needed to define each segment of the Section line, then left-click the last point to complete the input line.

(iv) The Eyeball cursor appears. (v) With the eyeball cursor, left-click on either side of

the line to set the orientation of the linked Section marker.

(vi) The Marker is automatically placed after the section line is completed – the Section/Elevation should now appear also in the Navigator

Opening a Section / Elevation:

There are two standard methods for opening a Section/Elevation view (i) Via the Navigator as discussed earlier (ii) By selecting an Section/Elevation element in Floorplan

• Right-click > Choose “Open Section” or “Open Elevation”

Section /Elevation Updating Status A Section can have one of three statuses: Auto-rebuild Model, Manual-rebuild Model, and Drawing - A Section’s status defines the link between the Section, the model and its rebuild method. In the two statuses (“Auto-rebuild” and “Manual-rebuild”), any changes made in a Model Section window can be updated in the Floor Plan window, as well as in the 3D window and in other Section windows, and vice versa. A Section/Elevation with the “Drawing” status, construction elements are translated into 2D fills, arcs and lines. Changes made in this kind of window are not updated in other windows – this is not the optimum setup for a Section/Elevation as it loses its link with the model.



Elevation Effects (Section/Elevation Tool Settings Dialog) The visual effects from Elevations are

• Coloured Surfaces • Vectorial Hatching • Sun Shadows • Distant Area

These visual effects require more calculation time, so there is a trade-off as to how and when to use these effects Coloured Sections is a feature which can improve the stylised effect of a section by displaying coloured surfaces, representative of the material of the surface in the Section/Elevation view. The colour shown is based on the Material Settings of the element

• Use the ‘Fill Uncut Surfaces With …’ option to turn on/off Material Colours (either choose ‘None’ or ‘Own Materials Colours (Non-Shaded)

Vectorial Hatching improves representation in Section/Elevation by displaying hatched/filled surfaces (uncut) based on material settings A modelled element has materials applied to its surfaces - this material has, in turn, a Vectorial hatching setting When the S/E has its Vectorial hatching setting turned on, all blank surfaces are updated to include their respective fills.

• Use the ‘Vectorial Hatching’ option to turn on/off the Fill patterns Transparency allows elements to show transparent in this specific window, i.e. seeing furniture and internal elements through the glazed openings in walls.

• Use the ‘Transparency’ option to turn on/off the Fill patterns Sun shadows can cast an accurate shadow representation based on either in accurate Long/Lat/North positions or an incorrect (but preferable) 45deg typical sun position The shadow representation can be defined per Section/Elevation like any fill element.

• Use the ‘Vectorial Sun shadows’ option to turn on/off the Shadow option • Use the Fill Pattern options to define the Sahdwo type, e.g. ‘50%’ Fill & ‘Light

Grey’ pen



Pet Palettes Pet Palettes (PP’s) allow modification of geometry according to the current view and the change required. Almost all PP’s include the following command options as standard: - Drag / Rotate / Mirror / Multiply / Elevate (relative to the element(s) selected) Depending on the area chosen on the element (i.e. Slabs / Roofs / Fills / Zones / Polyline / Walls etc) further options become available based on the area selected e.g. a node or edge

Workflow: To invoke a Pet Palette

(i) select an element and (ii) click it again on an appropriate location that needs to be modified (edge/node)

On an Edge:

• Add new node • Add curvature • Add curvature (by tangent) • Offset edge only • Add to Polygon • Subtract from Polygon

On a Node:

• Move node • Round / Fillet • Offset all edges • Add to Polygon • Subtract from Polygon

Typical uses of Pet Palettes include:

• Reshape slabs to fit room/area redesign • Editting Roofs • Offsetting edges of elements • Adding Niches/Recesses to rooms • Removing holes from polygon shapes

Structural elements tend to have more hotspots options. Object-based elements (such as Windows and Doors) tend to use the 'Stretch' (last) option most. 2D and 3D P.P.s show different icons for options, but still hold the same command options.



Dimensioning The standard Dimension Tool has a common Settings Dialog controlling fonts, font effects, colours, arrowheads, etc. The Geometry methods available include linear, cumulative, elevation.

The orientations of dimensions include horizontal and vertical (distinct), aligned and arc length In ArchiCAD 12, the placement method has been updated and shows a dynamic placement preview which help in both orientation and offset distance from geometry. Dimension placement workflow:

(i) Select the tool (ii) Setup the properties (iii) Select the points to be dimensioned (iv) Double-click to accept these points (v) With the hammer icon, click to place the dimensions

To remove a complete dimension chain

(i) Click on any dimension line within the dimension chain (ii) Press <DEL> to delete the chain

To insert/append a new dimension to an existing chain

(i) Select the existing dimension chain (ii) Hold the <CTRL> key and click on the new point to dimension (iii)

To remove a single dimension from a chain (i) Select the single extension line and delete

Dimensions need to be setup and placed/managed with respect to the current scale, as they are specified to a printing height (not a model height) It is very common to place dimensions shown at a particular scale on their own separate layer e.g. “Dimensions 1:100” as it is common for dimensions to be shown in only some (not all) drawings e.g. Site Plan vs Ground Floor Plan Dimension Units display can be controlled by Preferences (Options > Project Preferences) and can be also be applied/switched to any available views.



Automatic Dimensioning (Document > Document Extras > Automatic Dimensioning) Automatic Dimensioning can add automatic associative linear Dimensions to selected elements. Workflow:

(i) Select all appropriate elements (walls) on the Floor Plan (ii) Goto the Document > Document Extras > Automatic Dimensioning > Exterior

Dimensioning command (iii) Set the options in the dialog box as desired (esp. "Dimensions on all four

sides") (iv) Define the direction of the dimension lines i.e. click on an existing wall edge –

this step is required for instances where the building edge may be perpendicular to each other, but not horizontal/vertical in plan.

(v) With the hammer cursor, click to place the dimension line (the innermost dimension line will relate to where the mouse is clicked)

Exterior Dimensioning takes walls and openings into consideration. Up to four dimension lines are placed automatically:

• the opening dimensions, • the dimensioning of the interior walls, • the facade dimensions • the overall dimension

but rarely are all four dimension sets required. Typically, the Automatic Dimension defaults will place more dimensions than is necessary so it is common to remove the middle two options from the dialog displayed.



Layers (Document > Layers > Layer Settings, or CTRL+L. or <APPLE>+L) Why are Layers used?

• Organisation of elements • Presentation in different drawings

An Office-specific layer setup is always to be considered – the supplied Graphisoft layering setup is only a sample and not to be considered a working system. Typically, layers are created for each element type with multiple variations for element specifics, e.g. “Walls – Structural”, “Walls – Partition”. There is a Extension property available for layers (which is not frequently used) but can be incorporated for systems of “Proposed” and “Existing”, and allows the same layer name to be created.

• Each element is placed on a layer (except Doors & Windows) • Each tool has a current layer, modifiable at any stage. • Highlighted elements show their layer in the Info Box. • Layers can be shown/hidden, locked/unlocked, solid/wireframe.

Layer Combinations are a retrievable snapshot of a full layer setup, e.g. some layers are shown, some layers are hidden.

• Layer combinations are created based on current layer setup. • Layer combinations are available via the Layer dialog, or more importantly Quick

Options. The main use of the layer combinations of your model is for alternate representation. e.g. Structural Elements, Electrical, Furnished



Element Information (Window > Palettes > Element Information) The Element Information Palette displays information about the dimensions of element(s) selected on the Floor Plan. With this feature, you can get instant feedback on some simple quantities that do not appear in the elements’ settings dialog boxes, without having to use any listing commands. The Information Content buttons in the top section of the palette define what information will be shown. If none of the buttons is active, only the number and type of the selected elements is displayed. The six buttons display, from left to right:

• ID, Layer and Linked Property information • Length, circumference and thickness values • Area values / Height values / Surface Area values / Volume values

These pieces of information can be combined, saved and printed by choosing from the pop-up menu commands in the top right corner of the palette. The Element Information display can be extremely useful for:

• Measuring polylines for exit distances • Showing multiple selected slab/fill areas



Grouping (Edit > Grouping) Groups allow elements to be linked together for positional change. The best simple example of grouping is a dining set arrangement, 6 chairs and a table Elements can be held on different layers within the same group but the layer states still reflect in the group

• Once grouped, elements will drag/rotate etc. together. • You may not change parameters of individual elements that are grouped. • The grouping effect does not create an object; all elements are still kept as

original. The indicator to show an element is part of a group is the hotspot display:

(i) Solid hotspot – Not grouped (ii) Hollow hotspot - Grouped

"Suspending" groups temporarily removes group links, allowing modification to individual elements but still keeps the historical group links there to be reactivated When AutoGroup is turned on, Walls for example, when created via Polyline/Rectangle are automatically grouped, therefore not available to be individually edited unless ungrouped/suspended. The best option is to turn AutoGroup ‘OFF’. “Suspending Groups” and turning AutoGroup Off are NOT the same; they are related but not the same. The shortcuts for Grouping elements etc. are listed as follows: Group <CTRL>+G (or <APPLE>+G) Ungroup <CTRL>+<SHIFT>+G (or <APPLE>+<SHIFT>+G) Suspend Groups (toggle) <ALT>+G All Selected & Grouped :: All Selected & Ungrouped ::Some Selected & Groups Suspended



DWG Import DWG information may be imported into any project

(i) via XREF (Linked) – File > External Content > Attach XRef (ii) via Merge (Unlinked) – File > File Special > Merge (iii) via the Drawing Tool – File > External Content > Place External Drawing

Each has their own benefits, depending on the specific use of the DWG info after it is brought into the ArchiCAD project. All methods allow access to the DWG geometry, which in turn allows ‘tracing’ of these elements with new ArchiCAD geometry. XREFs

• Allows linking/updating to original DWG • Separate layers inherited (in separate layer area) to match the DWG layers, each

can be hidden/shown – all locked as standard • May not modify any of the DWG element

MERGE

• Not linked to original DWG • Allows editing and modification of individual elements (lines, arcs, text etc.) • Separate layers inherited from DWG file and mixed with existing ArchiCAD layers

– can cause housekeeping issues (EXTERNAL) DRAWING

• Allows linking/updating to original DWG • No extra layers created • May not modify any of the DWG geometry elements • May explode the drawing which gives an equivalent ‘Merge’ state



DWG Import Methods In all the methods outlined below, you may be prompted to find SHX files. These SHX files relate to the way DWG files store information relating to font files. ArchiCAD uses the standard TrueType font connection whereas DWG uses a more complex method, which involves these SHX files. The ArchiCADWiki site http://www.archicadwiki.com/TechNotes/prevent_prompt_for_missing_shx_file_when_generating_DWG_file deals with a solution to this. Another note is shown in the ArchiCAD-Talk forum: http://archicad-talk.graphisoft.com/viewtopic.php?p=100533

XREFs (i) File > External Content > Attach XRef (ii) Click on the ‘Browse’ button and locate the DWG (iii) Choose the Translator option (iv) Click on Attach

(Note the ‘square’ hotspots associated with the imported geometry - denoting uneditable elements.

Merging Due to the different layer structures normally seen between AutoCAD and ArchiCAD projects, it is often best practice to merge DWGs to a temporary ArchiCAD file, modify and then introduce the modified elements into the live project.

(i) File > New (From appropriate ArchiCAD template) (ii) File > File Special > Merge (iii) Select *.dwg (iv) Skip (all) shape file dialogs (v) Choose the methods (i.e. translator to use, and story to place) (vi) Place the elements (vii) Grouping - Either select all elements and choose Edit > Grouping > Ungroup

once, or simply Suspend Groups (also from Edit > Grouping) (viii) Select all elements (<CTRL>+A, or <APPLE>+A) (ix) Goto Edit > Reshape > Edit Selection Settings ( or CTRL+SHIFT+T) to change

all elements to one layer (i.e. "DWG - Imported") (x) Deselect all elements and re-activate Groups

Drawing (i) Click on the Drawing Tool, located in the ‘Document’ section of the Toolbox (ii) Click on the Floorplan (iii) Browse to, and select, the DWG (iv) Choose the Scale Factor (the Drawing Tool does not rely on a DWG Translator) (v) The drawing will then be placed on the Floorplan (vi) The border of the Drawing acts like the perimeter of a Slab, in that Pet

Palettes can be used for manipulation (vii) (Note: The Drawing Tool can be used for other file-types esp. images and

PDFs)


http://www.archicadwiki.com/TechNotes/prevent_prompt_for_missing_shx_file_when_generating_DWG_file

http://www.archicadwiki.com/TechNotes/prevent_prompt_for_missing_shx_file_when_generating_DWG_file

http://archicad-talk.graphisoft.com/viewtopic.php?p=100533


DWG Translators (File > File Special > DWG-DXF Translation Setup) To allow DWGs created with different units to be brought in ArchiCAD, (and also to export DWGs from ArchiCAD) it is required to setup a number of DWG-DXF Translators Note: These translator files do not form part of a template and must be stored in a central server location in an office, or copied from PC to PC in an office. A standard set of Translators would at least contain two appropriately-named translators, e.g. ‘DWG Metres’ and ‘DWG Millimetres’. ArchiCAD comes with a number of translators as default, the “Special Built-In Translator” being important as this is the one which will be duplicated and edited where necessary. Workflow – To create a new Translator:

(i) Goto File > File Special > DWG-DXF Translation Setup (ii) Select the “Special Built-In Translator” (iii) Click ‘Duplicate’ (iv) Click ‘Rename’ giving appropriate name e.g. ‘DWG Millimetres’ (v) Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Drawing Unit’, choose ‘1 millimetre’ (vi) Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Save Options’

• Under ‘Save Layout Into’ choose ‘Paper Space with Cropped Views Contents’

• Under ‘Saving Floor Plan’ choose ‘Explode complex ArchiCAD Elements’

(vii) (Repeat for another translator “DWG Metres” with appropriate settings) (viii) Click ‘Save Settings and Close’

This setup of Translators is a once-off step, for each required PC in an office – translator files can be copied from machine-to-machine to give a standard setup across an office. There may be other requirements for more Translators at a future time but this is an unusual occurrence after the initial two new translators have been made.



Roofs Roofs are typically treated as a single object The principal settings of roofs are:

• Pitch • Thickness • Pivot Line Height • Edge treatment

The pivot line height is the sole elevation dimension applied to a roof, and everything else is controlled by trigonometry. Workflow: Place a roof

(i) Select the tool (ii) Choose the geometry method (most

commonly 'Polygon') (iii) Draw the Pivot Line (length is

irrelevant) (iv) Click the upward slope direction

(relative to the Pivot Line) (v) Draw the Roof polygon

Trimming Roofs This process is based on a 'cutting roof' and executed via the CTRL key (an extension of Trim) The three ways of editing a roof include:

(i) Ridge edge : Where roofs intersect and will form a ridge (ii) Gable/Eaves edge : Where roofs intersect to form a hip/valley (iii) Pet Palette manipulation

2B) Hold the <CTRL> key, and click on the GABLE edge of the other roof

2A) With the Arrow tool, select one of the roofs as a “cutting” roof

1A) With the Arrow tool, select one of the roofs as a “cutting” roof

1C) Repeat, selecting opposite roofs at each step

1B) Hold the <CTRL> key, and click on the RIDGE of the other roof



Automatic Roof Tool Can be used as a very good start point in a complex shape roof outline The tool gives a pitched (trimmed) roof face for each line segment drawn. Once the Automatic Roof is placed, each individual segment is editable – this allows a fast initial solution for complex roof surfaces by using the Automatic Roof option

Trim-To-Roof (Design > Trim To Roof) The tool creates a non-associative method of cutting walls (and other elements) to roof geometry. Workflow:

(i) Select the walls/columns/beams to be trimmed (ii) Also select the roof elements to be used as cutting surfaces (iii) Goto Design > Trim To Roof (iv) Choose the default ‘Top surface’ option (v) Click OK to complete the operation

If any element is moved after the operation, the cuts will remain on the original elements – to restore the geometry:

(i) Select the element(s) (ii) Goto the Tool Settings for that element (iii) Goto the Model panel (iv) Choose ‘Undo Roof Trim’ (v) Click OK



Stories

Story Settings (Design > Story Settings, or <CTRL>+7, or <APPLE>+7) Stories in ArchiCAD are used to divide space vertically and replicate the story structure of a real building. Stories are typically used for drawing each Floor Plan of multi-story structures separately. Each story in the project is displayed, by name and number, in the Navigator’s Project Map. Double-click on the story name to display it in the Floor Plan window.

The current Story name appears in the title bar of the Floor Plan Window.

Navigating through Stories Moving up and down through stories can be achieved through two methods

• Shortcut Keys : <CTRL>+<UP> and <CTRL>+<Down> • Navigator: Double-clicking on any story entry will restore that story to the current

view



Trace & Reference (Window > Palettes > Trace & Reference) In ArchiCAD, you can choose to display two different views in any model or layout window:

(i) the “Active” Content - the actual model or drawing you are currently working on

(ii) the “Trace Reference”, optionally placed alongside, on top of or underneath the currently Active content.

This Trace Reference acts as a kind of underlay, making it easy to compare multiple model views/drawings on the same screen.

Any viewpoint, view or Layout can be a Reference beneath any active Model or Layout window. You will use any of the following as a Reference:

• Floor Plan • Section, Elevation, Interior Elevation • Detail, Worksheet • Layout, Master Layout

You can choose any Navigator entry to be a Trace Reference by either right-clicking in the Navigator, or by using the Trace & Reference palette

Trace & Reference Palette This palette is critical to using the Trace & Compare functionality. It holds numerous related functions: Show/Hide Reference Choose Reference Switch Reference with Active Drag Reference Rotate Reference Reset to Default Position Update Reference Co r Slider loIntensity Slider Temporarily Displace Reference Reference on Top Splitter Make Fills and Zones Transparent The Trace Reference may be turned on/off by choosing the Yellow/Blue icon in the main toolbar of by the keyboard shortcut <ALT>+<F2>



View Preparation & Printing

Navigator The Navigator is of high importance in the flow of an ArchiCAD project. It has a number of different panels, depending on the stage/process within the project.

• Project Map > Design • View Map > Preparation for Printing • Layout Book > Arrangements for Printing / Printing Process • Publisher > Output in different formats, e.g. DWG or PDF

Each panel is accessed via the buttons at the top-right corner of the Navigator.

A View is filtered version of a Floorplan or Section/Elevation – the filters than can be applied are

• Name • Layer Combination • Scale • Partial Structure Display • Penset • Model View Options • Dimension Units

The critical filters are Name, Scale & Layer Combination. The importance of the Name is to distinguish different views saved from the SAME model view, e.g. “Ground Floor Plan – Electrical”, “Ground Floor Plan – Structural” If a Layer Combination is not suitable, the view will record the current layer setup AT CREATION TIME and store them as “Custom”. Any of the filters can be changed by right-clicking on a view. Typically, at the start of the project there should be no defined views, ie. The View Map should be empty. (Note: As mentioned previously, the default Graphisoft template should not be used as the View Map and Layout Book are organised for demonstration purposes, but badly organised for practical work – the office template should have the View Map and Layout Book setup correctly.)



Layout Book (Printing)

Definitions Layout Book: (Green Icon) A collection of Layouts (One Layout Book per file) Layout: (Cream Icon) A printable sheet View: (White Icons) A snapshot (Plan/Section/Elevation) placed on a Layout (Multiple views on any one Layout) Master Layout: (Black Icon) A 'background' to a Layout

• Each Layout is assigned one Master (consider acetate sheets) • Master elements SHOW in red, but PRINT in real colours • Any number of Masters can exist • Shared amongst all Layouts, e.g.

o an A3 Master can be assigned to 5 Layouts o an A4 Master can be assigned to 2 Layouts

Master Layouts The Master Layout defines the size of the Layouts of the Layout Book. The line geometry, images, and text items that are placed on the Master Layout will appear on every Layout that uses it as a template. A Layout Book typically includes many Master Layouts. The default ArchiCAD template includes several pre-defined Master Layouts. You can use one of the predefined Master Layouts, or customize your own. Master Layouts include commonly used title blocks which are composed of 2D drawing elements and text items, including Autotext. The Master Layout can be accessed for editing, by double-clicking its name in the Navigator - Layout Book - This will open or activate the corresponding Master Layout. One of the Master Layouts will be applied by default to newly created Layouts - The default Master Layout is shown as earmarked.



View <> Layout Book Procedure (Saving and Placing a View onto a Layout)

(i) Click on the Navigator - PROJECT MAP (ii) Goto a Floor Plan/Section/Elevation/Detail (Double-click the entry to access it) (iii) Set the appropriate Layers and Scale for the view (iv) Right-click on the Story/Floor Plan entry in the Navigator, and choose 'Save

Current View' (v) Give appropriate name to View (i.e. set the Name option to 'Custom' under the

Identification Area) (vi) Click on the Navigator - VIEW MAP (Note that new view entry has been saved) (vii) Click on the Navigator - LAYOUT BOOK (viii) Double-click on the appropriate Layout to place the new view (again, double-

click on a Layout to access it) (ix) Click on the Navigator - VIEW MAP (x) Simply DRAG the view from the View Map list onto the Layout (xi) Select the View on the Layout and reposition as necessary (xii) Select the Layout and change the assigned Master if necessary.

Layout Book Setup as part of a working Template The standard setup (as given in the ArchiCAD 12 Template.tpl file) has a number of elements which suit the explanation of the working of an ArchiCAD project. Unfortunately, these settings do not suit the implementation of a working ArchiCAD project. Practically, there should be no existing, saved Views in a project at start-up. Only one Layout should be included, not a full collection of layout, unless this is understood within the office. All Master Layouts should be setup with office-specific names, and have their title-block information defined specific to the office/practice.



Keyboard Shortcuts (Options > Work Environment > Keyboard Shortcuts)

2D Window F2 3D Window F3 Story Settings CTRL+7 Up a Story CTRL+Up Down a Story CTRL+Down Show Trace Ref. ALT+F2 Measure M Find & Select CTRL+F Select All CTRL+A Take Parameters ALT Give Parameters CTRL+ALT Layers CTRL+L

Drag CTRL+D Rotate CTRL+E Mirror CTRL+M Elevate CTRL+9 Multiply CTRL+U ... a copy CTRL tap ... multiple copies CTRL+ALT tap Nudge (small) SHIFT+ (arrow) Nudge (big) SHIFT+ ALT+ (arrow) Group CTRL+G Ungroup CTRL+SHIFT+G Suspend Groups ALT+G (toggle) Last Layout used F7

All these options are accessible from: Options > Work Environment > Keyboard Shortcuts > Show current list in Browser


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