topic Re: Specifications. How to add images into archicad schedule? in Collaboration with other software

Specifications. How to add images into archicad schedule?

Anonymous — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 18:19:19 GMT

Hello everyone!
I would like to set up all interior schedules in Archicad (furniture, sanitary, finishes, appliances, etc.). I'm trying to automate everything in Archicad as much as possible.
I have already set up a sanitary schedule and now i want to do furniture schedule, but i don't see any option to add an image of a furniture into the schedule. Is that possible to do in Archicad?

And could you please share your experience in creating specifications for interiors. What software do you use.. maybe it may not make sense to create specifications in Archicad, or just use Excel or Google Sheets for it..Thanks!

Re: Specifications. How to add images into archicad schedule?

jl_lt — Sat, 26 Sep 2020 00:51:53 GMT

hi!, is this what you need?:

Re: Specifications. How to add images into archicad schedule?

Anonymous — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 15:52:11 GMT

Hi! Thanks for your answer!
this is not exactly what i was looking for, but i'm interested in how he added images into the schedule? (12:30 in the video)

Re: Specifications. How to add images into archicad schedule?

Karl Ottenstein — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 18:14:18 GMT

elina wrote:
I would like to set up all interior schedules in Archicad (furniture, sanitary, finishes, appliances, etc.). I'm trying to automate everything in Archicad as much as possible.
I have already set up a sanitary schedule and now i want to do furniture schedule, but i don't see any option to add an image of a furniture into the schedule. Is that possible to do in Archicad?

The only element-connected image I know how to place in a schedule (and I hope I'm wrong) is the GDL Preview Image, which is a fixed image stored as part of each library part. It does not reflect how the object has been parametrically modified. Line drawings without materials are possible of course and do show the modified object. I know of no way to include a render in the schedule - or any generic image file - that will be logically attached to the cell to move dynamically, and to dynamically reflect the changing appearance of the placed object.

As you can see in the attached, the GDL Preview image is static and does not reflect any parameter changes. Notice the sofa where I modified it to be longer and have 3 cushions and different legs... the preview image is still 2 cushions.

Using the Image or Drawing tool to place an image in a blank cell in a schedule is asking for trouble, as when the schedule re-formats due to new/deleted elements - the images will not move with the proper elements and your documentation will be incorrect.

(I'm guessing that the video below scheduled special objects that included the image as the preview.)

Re: Specifications. How to add images into Archicad schedule?

Johnsly — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 10:51:46 GMT

Hello all, I am looking to do the same thing as in the original post, the GDL image preview is just not an option for me, because you have to create a new library part each time you insert a custom image in the preview.

Re: Specifications. How to add images into Archicad schedule?

In Cortasia — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 05:20:46 GMT

The video shows images inserted into a, very clean looking, schedule is possible. But it does not show what "(Add) Field" or "(Add) Criteria" allows this to be done?

Re: Specifications. How to add images into archicad schedule?

Karoly Horvath — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 16:04:28 GMT

I figured it is possible to add images as annotation to the 3d preview of an object. The image can cover the original preview.

This is almost good, but:

- It doe not work with modules

- the image, like any annotation, tends to disappear if the object changes or new objects coming in to the project...

I wish I could create a property that is an image, not jut text...

Re: Specifications. How to add images into archicad schedule?

max_min — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 23:41:25 GMT

It takes a bit of effort, especially if you have a lot of images, but here’s a method I’ve used in the past:

Drag the image into your floor plan ( or place as external content) not sure if it will have a difference once you turn it into an object if someone knows please let me know.
Save the image as an object by select the image and go to File > Libraries and Objects > Save Selection as > Object.
You can now place the image using the Object Tool on a plan.
If you add the schedule field “2D Plan Preview,” the image will appear in your schedule.

Additional tips:

I recommend placing these images in an underground story or using the Design Options feature so they don’t interfere with your regular modeling and documentation.
If you resize the object in the plan, the 2D Plan Preview field in the schedule will update accordingly.
Additionally, staying organized is important. Create a few folders in your library to store these images separately from surface textures. Also, use clear, descriptive names for your library parts. This way, you can easily identify them without having to set a preview image when saving each file as a library part. (but if you want to go the extra mile, Setting up the preview image would be worth it )

Re: Specifications. How to add images into archicad schedule?

Karoly Horvath — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:17:02 GMT

Saving the images as objects is an interesting idea, however it is of very little use.

Say for example I want to schedule my tapware.

I want to place tap objects, give them id's so I can tag them in plans and elevations, I can create properties to add things like supplier, product name, WELS rating etc. The only thing missing for a nice tapware schedule is a nice image of the selected products. Unfortunately the object preview image is no good, unless I can find the model of the exact tap brand that I want to specify.

In other words, the tap object is just a generic plan/3d representation of the selected product. It is good enough for documentation, but I would need to be able to add an image of the exact selected product for clarity. Having a separate image object would provide no help in this regard.

An Image Property on the other hand would be great!

Right now I just add the images to the layout, but that way there is no connection between the image and the scheduled object, so if the schedule changes, I have to re-arrange the images...

Re: Specifications. How to add images into archicad schedule?

Barry Kelly — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:41:59 GMT

@Karoly Horvath

Are these your own office objects or are they the default Graphisoft objects?

If they are in your own office library, then you could amend the 2D script.

Just thinking out loud here, as I have not tested this myself.

At the beginning of the 2D script add something like .. if GLOB_VIEW_TYPE = 9 (calculation), or maybe if GLOB_PREVIEW_MODE = 2 (listing) - (not sure which will be better), then if tap_type = XYZ then PICTURE2 XYZ.JPG, END, endif.

Then continue with the normal object script.

Obviously that is not the proper script (as I say just thinking out loud).

Then in the schedule display the 2D preview as well as the other object fields you want.

Hopefully the script will display the picture and then END the script if the object is listed in a schedule, but should display the normal object in the model.

Barry.

Re: Specifications. How to add images into archicad schedule?

Karoly Horvath — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:07:40 GMT

Thanks Barry,

Nice and interesting idea, however not a solution. (Or a solution, but way more complicated than updating the images in the layout book)

Even if the objects are from the office lib (whi h they are not), every project needs different taps. And not only taps. All kinds of fittings and fixtures need to be scheduled for every project. These are the schedules that many (most?) architects still do independently in Excel.

So still the best option would be if image properties could be created...

Re: Specifications. How to add images into archicad schedule?

Ahmed_K — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 08:54:05 GMT

I'm coming here because I'm searching for a solution too ,

Asking, images incorporated in a gdl objects can be schedueled or called from gdl parameters field ? For exemple the image from picture frame object,