Introducing BIMOM Scratch GDL: a visual block-based editor for creating GDL objects

vanpoly — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:19:16 GMT

Hello Graphisoft Community,

I am a developer from China, and I would like to share an experimental ARCHICAD add-on project I have been working on: **BIMOM Scratch GDL**.

The idea is to make GDL object creation more accessible by embedding a Blockly-based visual editor inside ARCHICAD. Instead of writing every GDL script manually, users can assemble visual blocks, generate GDL code, preview the result approximately, and create a `.gsm` library part directly in ARCHICAD.

Current workflow:

- Edit the object logic with Blockly blocks
- Generate Master Script, 2D Script, 3D Script, Parameter Script, and UI Script
- Preview the object with an approximate SVG / Three.js preview
- Send the generated scripts to the ARCHICAD C++ Add-On
- Create a `.gsm` object in the Embedded Library
- Store the Blockly workspace data inside the object for future editing

The current MVP is focused on ARCHICAD 28/29 and basic parametric objects. It supports built-in size parameters such as `A`, `B`, and `ZZYZX`, and I am working on improving script-context-aware GDL generation, parameter handling, validation, and reopening existing BIMOM Scratch objects from saved workspace data.

This project is not intended to replace hand-written GDL, and it is not a full reverse parser for existing GDL objects. My goal is to explore whether visual programming can help beginners, students, BIM managers, and architects create simple parametric objects more easily, while still producing real GDL-based `.gsm` objects.

I would be very interested in feedback from GDL authors, ARCHICAD API developers, educators, and anyone who has experience creating custom objects.

Some questions I am especially interested in:

- Would a visual GDL editor be useful in your workflow?
- Which GDL commands or object types should be prioritized first?
- What would be the most important features for education or office use?
- Are there recommended best practices for storing custom editing data inside `.gsm` objects?

Thank you for reading. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions.my Email: fanbaoron@163.com

Best regards,
A developer from China

Operating system used: Windows

Re: Introducing BIMOM Scratch GDL: a visual block-based editor for creating GDL objects

claudiuiancic — Mon, 11 May 2026 07:46:19 GMT

Great project! Keep up working on it. I'm shure many peole will appreciate it.
Can you make it available for macOS (arm) also?
Can you share it with us for testing/feedback?

Re: Introducing BIMOM Scratch GDL: a visual block-based editor for creating GDL objects

CarlsonWang — Wed, 13 May 2026 01:41:22 GMT

What an incredibly impressive approach! I would absolutely love to participate in the testing phase and share my detailed feedback.
Sincerely hope the official team will consider supporting this by granting broader permissions, allowing everyone to dive deeper into secondary development.

topic Re: Introducing BIMOM Scratch GDL: a visual block-based editor for creating GDL objects in GDL

Introducing BIMOM Scratch GDL: a visual block-based editor for creating GDL objects

Re: Introducing BIMOM Scratch GDL: a visual block-based editor for creating GDL objects

Re: Introducing BIMOM Scratch GDL: a visual block-based editor for creating GDL objects