topic Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL? in Libraries & objects

New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

dcerezo — Wed, 24 May 2023 09:57:22 GMT

Hey guys,

I have been trying to make the switch from Revit to ArchiCAD for several reasons that I won't go into here.

I am trying to recreate a project I completed in Revit, in ArchiCAD.

In the project I have some 4 panel folding doors by NanaWall. Boy was I floored when I dug into how I would recreate these doors in ArchiCAD.

GDL? Dude. Really. What the f*$% is that! I mean, really, c'mon, you have to learn to program to create a window or door that currently doesn't exist in the library.

This fact alone has me really reconsidering whether I should stick with Revit.

Is Graphisoft looking at abandoning this? Is importing Sketchup models a workaround? Are those imported Sketchup models parametric once inside ArchiDAD?

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

Karl Ottenstein — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:31:01 GMT

I let someone else answer your cheerful post.

But, there is a sliding/folding door in the GDL repository here on the forums. I have not looked at it to see if you can modify the frame to look like a nanawall, or if the 2D symbol will work...

http://archicad-talk.graphisoft.com/object_depository.php?

see attached screenshot

Karl

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

dcerezo — Tue, 12 May 2009 19:27:43 GMT

Thanks for answering Karl and for providing a link to that door.

My point still stands though: what if no one has created the specific object I need? Why should I have to hope that others have created the objects I need OR learn GDL?

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 May 2009 20:52:16 GMT

I think you'll find that whatever system you use, there will be a certain amount to learn. I guess that even in Revit, creating a door must require some skill, and there will be differences in two doors created by people with different levels of expertise.

In the same way, many (perhaps most) people use ArchiCAD without ever using GDL. There are many generic and product-specific libraries available for ArchiCAD, so chances are you will be able to find something ready-made to fill your needs. If not, let me know and I'll see if I can make something for you.

On the other hand, if you do take the time to learn GDL, this will give you a greater degree of independence.

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 May 2009 21:09:18 GMT

what if no one has created the specific object I need? Why should I have to hope that others have created the objects I need OR learn GDL?

Until Graphisoft provide a simplified graphical way of creating complex parametric library parts you either have to learn GDL, or get someone to make it for you. There are a number of people out there that will code any object you like for a price, if it isn't already available.

If you struggle to make a parametric library part, it is often quicker to create a dumb, one-time-use object made from simple elements such as walls and slabs. There are multiple threads describing the process. Here's one with a few links in - Linky

To help you learn GDL, find someone who knows what they are doing to give you a one-on-one lesson so you at least understand some of the basics. Trying to learn from complex books can be a daunting task for a new user.

If you want to use ArchiCAD generally, it is useful to know a little GDL anyway to help you along. It is common to want to slightly adjust the existing parts, so any knowledge gained is not wasted!

Good luck!

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

Richard Morrison — Tue, 12 May 2009 23:27:59 GMT

Here's a link that you should find helpful: http://www.archicad.ca/Downloads/DNC-Cookbook-4/Intro-to-Object-Making.pdf

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

Thomas Holm — Wed, 13 May 2009 09:55:46 GMT

Peter wrote:
...Until Graphisoft provide a simplified graphical way of creating complex parametric library parts you either have to learn GDL, or get someone to make it for you. ...

Beg to differ on this. I may be a moron, even though I'm an architect. But I've used Archicad for more than 15 years now, sometimes for relatively complex tasks, and I've never learnt GDL. Whatever people complain of, the majority of the delivered library parts are of high quality. And there are amazingly advanced objects available on the net, in the depository etc, for free.
Also, I've got Objective. And when all else fails, I've been able to make my own objects using Archicad's built-in tools. No parameters, no GDL.

I agree that if you want high-level flexibility, you should learn GDL and make your objects parametric. But you are in no way forced to do so! You can enjoy the advanced workflow enhancements of Archicad completely without GDL, if you just take advantage of the presets delivered by your reseller, do the tutorials, and read the Help file and manual when necessary.

You might have to apply some lateral thinking now and then, though.

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

dcerezo — Wed, 13 May 2009 16:44:45 GMT

Well ok. Sounds like although gdl is "there," I probably will not need to use it. It also sounds like I should be able to find anything I will need.

Time will tell.

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

Erika Epstein — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:12:18 GMT

How you get from A to B in revit may not be the same, so tell us what you are trying to accomplish and then we can address that problem(s).

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

dcerezo — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:48:20 GMT

Erika,

At the time, I wasn't trying to specifically do anything. I have been trying to learn ArchiCAD in my spare time as I want to switch. At some point, I asked myself, "how do I create my own custom doors, or windows, or furniture" like I do in Revit all the time?

That's when I found out about GDL. In revit, you basically draw your object using masses and boolean operations, and you add parameters to the object to control height, width, angles, visibility in 2d vs 3d, etc. It's great.

My initial reaction was that GDL was nuts compared to how Revit does it.

But apparently, everything I need is out there somewhere so I may never have to use GDL.

I'm skeptical about that, that's why I said, time will tell.

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

Anonymous — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:10:05 GMT

So does Revit have any weaknesses?

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

dcerezo — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:05:37 GMT

Oh yeah it does! Some of my personal favorites:

1. Dimensioning tools are undeveloped at best.
2. The Site tools are pretty limited and you have to use workarounds to do basic things like curbs, gutters, etc.
3. The text tools are ho-rri-ble! I mean Wordpad has better text tools than Revit.
4. No 3D Documenting like ArchiCAD.
5. Materials Editor is straight from 1989.
6. No framing tools (other than modeling each stud individually, etc). Then again, I don't know if ArchiCAD does this either.
7. Presentation tools are limited.

There are a bunch of other things, but they have more to do with "how" revit does things. Not always the best.

Oh yeah, and this new ribbon interface that it has now has turned out to be a true disaster. Even Autodesk admits that.

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

Anonymous — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:38:45 GMT

Right, I see what you mean. Sounds rather grim. I hope you're finding ArchiCAD is better in these areas. To answer your question about wall framing: while it's not a standard part of ArchiCAD, you can get an add-on from Cadimage Tools.

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

dcerezo — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:44:49 GMT

I think I will definitely be making the switch. Getting used to a different interface is challenging, but not a show stopper.

I checked out the Cadimage website and that looks promising.

BTW, I noticed on there something called Keynote Manager. How does ArchiCAD handle Keynotes now? Are they just typed in with the text tool or are they parametrically tied to the item (like wall material, or detail object) like in Revit?

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

Anonymous — Wed, 13 May 2009 22:08:29 GMT

There are a few options when placing notes. ArchiCAD has a text tool and a label tool.

The simplest approach is to type text directly into a label. Alternatively you can use a label to automatically display the ID of a placed element. With some basic GDL you can create smarter labels that automatically display more information about the elements to which they are attached.

Cadimage's Keynote Manager allows you to import standard notes (from an Excel spreadsheet) to ArchiCAD. You can then place these notes as independent labels, or you can link the notes to ArchiCAD elements.

If you link key notes to an ArchiCAD element, you can then attach a label to that element in any view in which the element appears. The label can display all or a selection of the linked notes. Perhaps that is similar to Revit's approach?

For plans, sections, etc. the notes can be displayed as simple keys, and then scheduled. For details the notes can display the full description.

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

dcerezo — Wed, 13 May 2009 22:15:57 GMT

Ooh, I think Revit may have ArchiCAD on this one.

In Revit, when you set the structure of a wall let's say, for example, 2x4 studs, with 1/2" gypsum on either side, and batt insulation, the keynote information is "built in".

So let's say you cut a section of a wall, and you're detailing it, you click on the "keynote" tool and just click on the portion of the wall that you want to keynote. If you hover over the insulation and click to place the keynote, the text will appear (R-19 BATT INSULLATION, for example). Or if you want a number instead of text, the number will show up in a box. Then all you have to do is just drag a keynote legend onto the sheet. A keynote legend automatically updates itself to only show the actual keynotes on that sheet. If you were to click on that insulation keynote and delete it. It would automatically disappear from the legend on that sheet only.

Very cool actually.

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

Anonymous — Wed, 13 May 2009 22:25:07 GMT

Yes that sounds cool. It sounds similar to Cadimage's approach, but of course integrated directly into the base software.

Oddly, though, many of our clients find it more intuitive to simply place an independent keynote onto a drawing. So its nice to have both approaches available.

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

Brett Brown — Wed, 13 May 2009 22:45:47 GMT

Here's an example how the Revit keynote system works Andrew. http://www.cadclips.com/Revit9-KeyNotes.aspx
I would think it is a GS job to make labels/keynotes work like this? A bit better than your "Attach notes"

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

Anonymous — Wed, 13 May 2009 23:56:33 GMT

Of course an add-on will never be as slick as what Graphisoft could do. But on the other hand, the Keynotes Manager provides a good deal of intelligence to the process.

While the Revit keynotes look good in a demo, it would be interesting to know how good they are in practice?

Re: New to ArchiCAD; What the hell is GDL?

dcerezo — Wed, 13 May 2009 23:59:16 GMT

Well, at our office, we use keynotes and they work great. Every now and then we have to edit the keynote file in order to add a note that doesn't exist (like if we're going to call out a product name, etc).

We really have no complaints.