topic 2D GDL object – keeping fill always behind text when objects overlap in GDL

2D GDL object – keeping fill always behind text when objects overlap

GrudenJ — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 07:12:17 GMT

Hi, I’m having an issue with the 2D display of a custom GDL object.

The object consists of a circular outline, a cyan hatched fill that acts as a background area, and some text (an ID number and description). Within a single instance everything looks correct: the fill sits in the background and the text is clearly visible on top of it.

The problem occurs when I place two instances close to each other. If the cyan fill of one object overlaps the text of another instance, the fill is displayed over that neighboring text. So even though the internal drawing order of each object is fine, between separate instances the fill of one can cover the text of another.

What I would like is for the fill to always behave like a true background element and never cover text from any instance of the same object.

Is there a way in GDL to control this kind of behavior, or is this simply how Archicad handles 2D drawing order between different object instances?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Re: 2D GDL object – keeping fill always behind text when objects overlap

Piotr Dobrowolski — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:11:40 GMT

Impossible... objects do not talk to each other, and even if they did or You used a workaround with writing to a text file and read the content in the other object, it probably did not help much - the drawindex position is independent by object, and You cannot put something from one object in between the positions in other.

But, there is a light in a tunnel: why not use the label for textual information?

Re: 2D GDL object – keeping fill always behind text when objects overlap

A_ Smith — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:49:44 GMT

Unless you create ONE object that can have multiple, all that data points in it. Something like Dynamic PolyLine ER. Though you would need to hide all lines and create additional variables to represent and be able to edit data you want.
If there is no need to make schedules based on these data points, I agree with Piotr Dobrowolski - labels are easier.

Re: 2D GDL object – keeping fill always behind text when objects overlap

GrudenJ — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 07:11:38 GMT

I do have to create schedules based on this data, since this is data for an arboristical cadaster. But I guess i can just use a label for the textual elements. Thanks alot!

Re: 2D GDL object – keeping fill always behind text when objects overlap

Barry Kelly — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 07:17:34 GMT

Is this a custom object that you have made?

If so you could make the position of the text moveable and add a hotspot so you can drag it out of the way.

You can also script it so that when viewed in a schedule, the text does not move, so it will appear as default.

Barry.