topic Re: Custom profile frame changed to mesh won't allow to change the material in Modeling

Custom profile frame changed to mesh won't allow to change the material

kielbasa — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 21:14:55 GMT

Hi,

I created an antique frame using the beam and column tool, assigning the same custom profile to both.

However, when I converted the entire frame to a mesh, I couldn't change the material under the object properties tab like I normally would. I mean I can change it, but it doesn't change on the object surface, why ?

Additionally, is there a way to draw such a frame using a single tool instead of separately using beams and columns ? For example, something like a rectangle with an assigned custom profile?

I use archicad 18.
thanks

Operating system used: Windows win 10, ac 18

Re: Custom profile frame changed to mesh won't allow to change the material

Barry Kelly — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:24:47 GMT

@kielbasa wrote:

Additionally, is there a way to draw such a frame using a single tool instead of separately using beams and columns ? For example, something like a rectangle with an assigned custom profile?

I use archicad 18.
thanks

There are two ways I can think of.

One is to use an object (polyline object) that allows you to use a complex profile.

Only problem is I a pretty sure objects can't use profiles in version 18, but I could be wrong about that.

However, there is no need because you could use a wall with a complex profile.

Create the frame laying flat with the walls.

Add a slab the overall size of the frame and give it an ID of WALLHOLE.

Now select walls and slab and save as a 'door object'.

It will automatically rotate for the door and will cut a hole in the wall the same shape as the WALLHOLE slab.

You don't actually need that slab if it is a rectangular frame.

You don't even need to convert to morphs.

In the latest version, you will also find you can control the end angles of columns and beams, so you don't even need to convert them to a morph.

Barry.

Re: Custom profile frame changed to mesh won't allow to change the material

kielbasa — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 01:37:11 GMT

Thanks Barry, that's a good idea.

But the main problem I'm struggling with is marked below - I created moulding panels on a reception desk and I'm trying to change the material, but I cannot.
The chosen material is brown, but the moulding appears as white.
The moulding was created with beams and custom profiles, and then changed to a 'morph'. I know I could change the material in the custom profile menu by changing the core material, but these objects are no longer custom profiled beams; these are 'morphs', and I'd like to avoid going back and creating them from scratch.
Any ideas?

Re: Custom profile frame changed to mesh won't allow to change the material

Barry Kelly — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 01:39:02 GMT

It looks to me like the material override button is not active.

The surface material should change.

Barry.

Re: Custom profile frame changed to mesh won't allow to change the material

kielbasa — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 21:25:24 GMT

It would have been too easy.

In AC18 there's no way I can press this button. I can't override material for 'morphs'

Re: Custom profile frame changed to mesh won't allow to change the material

Lingwisyer — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 01:55:04 GMT

No button even if you open the settings dialogue?

Re: Custom profile frame changed to mesh won't allow to change the material

kielbasa — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 05:29:33 GMT

No.

I found in the other thread that I can sub-select surfaces, open pet pallete and change its material there, but I can't do that either.

I can sub-select edges only, not the surfaces. The magnet button is on....