topic Re: Lost my layer combinations after opening an AutoCad file in Project data & BIM

Lost my layer combinations after opening an AutoCad file

Anonymous — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:00:56 GMT

I am using a module file to work on a smaller commercial project (8000S SF) in a large building. I am using a BIM server to manager all libraries. On another project (a separate, residential project not in this building) I created a PLA file so I could take the project to the site on my laptop yesterday. I saved it with just the used library objects. Two things happened today. I opened the main commercial project file and then opened some dwg files of AutoCad details from the client that they wanted me to use. They used viewports for layers combinations. When I opened my MOD file it said it couldn't find the library for the residential PLA file. ?? After I opened the file none of the library objects I had placed were available. I checked the layer combinations and they had all changed to the same viewports that were in the AutoCad dwg import. None of these changes had happened on the main PLN file, just the MOD file.

I did not use the residential PLA file at the site yesterday and did not update any of the files on the office computer.

Re: Lost my layer combinations after opening an AutoCad file

Anonymous — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:02:02 GMT

OK, I shut down my computer and reopened the main commercial file and then opened the MOD file from the hot link manager. The MOD file doesn't have the AutocCad viewpoints as layer combinations now, but they still do not match the main PLN file. They are from another on of my old settings and not anything recent. I checked all the template files I have saved and none match. Very confusing.

Re: Lost my layer combinations after opening an AutoCad file

Karl Ottenstein — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 16:53:41 GMT

As noted by Scott in reply to your post in this other thread:
http://archicad-talk.graphisoft.com/viewtopic.php?p=207198#207198

a MOD file does not contain full project information.

Think of a MOD file as a stored copy of the clipboard (e.g., from a Copy/Paste operation). It does not have libraries, views, any attributes other than those used by the stored elements, etc.

(When you open a MOD file, the 'other' information seen (beyond the MOD content) is a reflection of the last project/template file opened.)

Confusion over MOD files has existed for as many years as they have been part of ArchiCAD, so don't feel bad.

Hotlinked Modules does not refer to MOD files - but to any kind of module linked into a project. For many purposes, a PLN (full project file) is the more sensible source for your hotlinks.

Re: Lost my layer combinations after opening an AutoCad file

Anonymous — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 20:04:58 GMT

Thank you Karl. I was hoping that using a MOD file would be more versatile. I will try to link PLN files instead as you suggest.

Re: Lost my layer combinations after opening an AutoCad file

Anonymous — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 16:06:04 GMT

Hello,

Just as Karl said.

Renaming the .MOD to .PLN before opening preserves
the original MOD attributes.

Re: Lost my layer combinations after opening an AutoCad file

Anonymous — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 17:24:55 GMT

Thanks, just rename it before opening or do a save as to.pln?

Re: Lost my layer combinations after opening an AutoCad file

Anonymous — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 17:37:45 GMT

I think opening a MOD is not the best way
to work due to these limitations discussed here.

But renaming to PLN in the Finder before opening it,
preserves the original attributes.

Re: Lost my layer combinations after opening an AutoCad file

Anonymous — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 17:52:19 GMT

Thank you