topic Re: Attribute Index-Nr. with High Numbers ... Known Issues?? in Project data & BIM

Attribute Index-Nr. with High Numbers ... Known Issues??

GabrielGG — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 11:31:54 GMT

Hello,

I'm working on an attribute management concept for the office, and I would like to know if there are any known issues when using very high numbers in the attribute IDs (for example, up to 20,000 or 50,000).

This doesn't mean that I'm going to have 50,000 attributes. I already know that having so many attributes in a project will slow it down.

I just want to know if, by defining attribute ranges and placing some at high ID numbers, I can expect any problems, or if the attribute ID is simply a reference number in the Archicad system and its length is not relevant.

Thanks

Gabriel

Operating system used: Windows 11

Betreff: Attribute Index-Nr. with High Numbers ... Known Issues??

runxel — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 11:42:38 GMT

There are quite a bunch of people who are doing it like that, like @Nathan Hildebrandt. I think there have been no problems with that at all.

Since this is an identifier only and no math is being done with these numbers I think you should be fine.

Re: Attribute Index-Nr. with High Numbers ... Known Issues??

Barry Kelly — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 15:19:10 GMT

No problem at all and no limit that I know of.

The number can't be super big though as you may not be able to see it in some of the dialogues.

I don't have Archicad open at the moment, but I recall there being an issue with the length of the numbers.

I could be mistaken though and might be thinking of something else.

But you can use large index numbers.

50000 is definitely no problem.

Barry.

Re: Attribute Index-Nr. with High Numbers ... Known Issues??

Nathan Hildebrandt — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 23:16:31 GMT

I haven't pushed the attribute numbers too far since my time at FTA. My current attribute numbers are well down from that number. @scottjm might be able to chime in about numbers and limitations he may have found.

Honestly when you have a large number of attributes I suggest keeping them in a separate file and then bringing them into your project files on an as needed basis by Index Number using the Attribute Manager. It keeps your live project files light, so you don't have extra data in the file potentially slowing it down.

Regards Nathan

Re: Attribute Index-Nr. with High Numbers ... Known Issues??

Barry Kelly — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:59:48 GMT

The Attribute Manager will only show up to 6 characters for the index number, although larger numbers will work.

The Attribute Palette is adjustable in width.

There should be no need to go beyond a 6 character index number.

I find 4 characters (up to 9999) is enough for me to organise my attribute groups.

Barry.

Re: Attribute Index-Nr. with High Numbers ... Known Issues??

GabrielGG — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:17:36 GMT

Thank you everybody!

Now I can continue working on this with more confidence!

We were planning build our Attributes in a separate File as commented by @Nathan Hildebrandt.

We really want to keep the Template neat for the Teams starting new projects.

Thanks to everybody.