topic Standard GraphiSoft Metric Template in Project data & BIM

Standard GraphiSoft Metric Template

MikeC — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 15:38:00 GMT

I have recently installed the US version of ArchiCAD, so when I create a new project there are two templates available: AC27 Template.tpl and ArchiCAD 27 Generic Template.tpl which are configured in Imperial. Where can I find the equivalent GraphiSoft standard installed metric templates that I assume would be available when starting a project elsewhere in the world?

Thanks,

Mike

Operating system used: Mac Intel-based 13.6.3 Ventura

Re: Standard GraphiSoft Metric Template

Barry Kelly — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 01:03:39 GMT

Just change your working, calculation and dimension units to what you want.

Ensure all views are set to use the metric dimension style that you set up.

Barry.

Re: Standard GraphiSoft Metric Template

MikeC — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 08:56:03 GMT

Hi Barry, thanks, I could do that, but I think (not sure) there's a lot more to it than that. For instance, if I place a wall with a ~~layer~~ composite that is 5-1/2 inches, it would display as 139.7 mm. But no one in the metric world would be sizing walls like that. I want to be able to create designs that are actually sized in metric, not just converted.

Mike

Re: Standard GraphiSoft Metric Template

Barry Kelly — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 03:17:16 GMT

@MikeC wrote:

if I place a wall with a layer that is 5-1/2 inches, it would display as 139.7 mm.

Of course. (where is that head slap emoji)

Your attributes will be referring to imperial sizes as well.

You could fix all those up as well, but it will be a manual process.

Someone from US or Canada may need to reply to say if there is available a metric template.

Or maybe you local Archicad support (distributor) may have something set up?

Otherwise, you could download the INT version and use the template from that.

But then it may not have any US-centric attributes.

Barry.

Re: Standard GraphiSoft Metric Template

Lingwisyer — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 08:35:29 GMT

Though it you are using a metric template, I assume the job is not taking place in the US so not having US-centric attributes would not be such a big issue?

Re: Standard GraphiSoft Metric Template

Aaron Bourgoin — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:09:18 GMT

Alas Barrry, there is nothing. We've had to make one ourselves which is fine, but the lack of a metric template extends to issues with operations like opening an IFC file, opening a metric DWG, not to mention units for structural analytical files.

These should be in the box. Have been asking for a longtime, but it falls on deaf ears.

Re: Standard GraphiSoft Metric Template

Aaron Bourgoin — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:09:59 GMT

the hard conversion of preset elements is also very irksome.

Re: Standard GraphiSoft Metric Template

MikeC — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 19:37:31 GMT

So, I contacted my local rep - thanks Barry! - and he gave me the following advice...

REP: "The best way to get it is through the INT version. Download it and you get the metric library. Just don't mix and match the 2 libraries. But if you do, you will need to be careful about the libraries."

ME: "Does that mean I can use both installations, depending on the project?"

REP: "Yes, but keep the projects separated. Just don’t exchange files, objects or copy/paste between the 2 templates without checking your attributes.

It has different doors and windows, but the biggest issue pertains to attributes. An object has a fill assigned to it and that fill has an index number that points to a different fill within the other version. All this can be resolved through the Attribute manager, but it can be a hassle."

Mike

Re: Standard GraphiSoft Metric Template

Aaron Bourgoin — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 20:30:24 GMT

respectfully, the rep's suggestion is nothing more than a workaround.

Archicad USA needs a metric template..., and a hockey rink object.

Re: Standard GraphiSoft Metric Template

MikeC — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 20:48:32 GMT

I completely agree. It seems totally bizarre to me that one isn’t available. Or that they don’t have a more elegant solution. Setting aside another 9GB of my hard drive is a little painful.

Re: Standard GraphiSoft Metric Template

Barry Kelly — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 01:18:21 GMT

You can un-install the INT version after you have copied out the template and if you need it the library.

The template you can use in your USA version.

The template contains all of the attributes and measurement settings, so you don't need the INT software.

There are differences between the llibraries (mainly doors and windows), so ideally they should be kept separate.

But there is nothing stopping you using the USA library in the INT template.

Objects are actually all metric as far as I know - it is the Archicad settings for Working Units that displays the settings in imperial or metric.

I have not compared the INT and USA templates so can not comment on the differences between attributes.

If a USA object uses pen 1 and pen 1 is black in the USA template, then you use the same USA object in the INT template but pen 1 is red, then that will be an issue.

I guess, compare the two and see what differences there are.

It is the pen sets, line types, fills, surfaces and building materials that you need to compare.

If they are the same then you should have no trouble using either template with either library.

If those attributes are different then you will be better off using the USA template with USA library (with imperial measurement settings) and the INT template with the INT library (and metric measurement settings).

And don't copy and paste between the two.

Barry.

Re: Standard GraphiSoft Metric Template

Lingwisyer — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 01:26:09 GMT

In the Australian CI Essentials library

Re: Standard GraphiSoft Metric Template

Barry Kelly — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 01:36:22 GMT

Because we play so much ice hockey here in Australia that we need an ice hockey rink object for all of out plans. 🤣

Barry.