topic Re: Shell Segmentation in Modeling

Shell Segmentation

Tazo Kikoria — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 15:10:47 GMT

Hi there. I had trouble making Shell curves smoother. I've seen the similar topic before but the shell construction method is not the same so I want to ask again.

I am making a small church project with one tiny nave:

I am using Geometry Method: Extruded but the thing is I want the shell to have more segments so it will look smoother in the section. Now this is how it looks like:

P.S I want to know if there's a solution of this issue using particularly shells (not other methods like morph etc.).

Re: Shell Segmentation

Ahmed_K — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 15:42:14 GMT

the shell segmentation is calculated by the 3D engine , and can't be adjusted,

1 solution to this is to create the shell using magic wand, and set it's settings to create a a curve based on small segments.

Betreff: Shell Segmentation

runxel — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 15:52:31 GMT

It's possible to adjust the Shell segmentation, but it involves a bit of tinkering with the Registry (if you're on Windows).

I have documented it here before, but in German. Just use a translator.

I wish GS would just bring it into the tool settings, because you need to go through this whole ordeal everytime you upgrade to a new Archicad version. Also it only affects your own computer – so your colleague will still see the shell to being rendered like in 1980.

Re: Shell Segmentation

David Maudlin — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:42:24 GMT

Tazo Kikoria:

If the shape is shown correctly in your 3D image, then you could use the Shell Object rather than the Shell Tool. The Shell Objet has a parameter for resolution, so you can increase it as desired. You may need 2 Objects: one for the concrete and a second for the interior finish.

You should add a Signature to your Profile (click the Profile button near the top of this page) with your ArchiCAD version and operating system (see mine for an example) for more accurate help in this forum.

David

Betreff: Shell Segmentation

MASz — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 00:56:01 GMT

Just noting something I did not realise: You have to adjust any existing shells drawn in, or draw new ones for the registry setting to take effect. Otherwise the old segmentation will be displayed.

I have made numerous attempts over the years to get Graphisoft to implement segmentation control across the board, and every time it has been ignored.

I have made a wishlist item about this: https://community.graphisoft.com/t5/Wishlist/Allow-segmentation-3d-resolution-control-for-all-tools/idi-p/668324?search-action-id=127416543042&search-result-uid=668324

It currently has not received many votes, despite it being one of the most important issues in Archicad in my opinion. I don't even mind registry entries so much - but why only shell? There are a couple of registry entries in GSModeler that don't really seem to do anything, unless I am missing something. I've also asked for some sort of registry entry listing explaining what does what if they are going to be lazy and not put things in the interface, but this was ignored as well.

Betreff: Shell Segmentation

Lingwisyer — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:04:20 GMT

Does the regestry modification affect curves in CPs?

You have to adjust any existing shells drawn in, or draw new ones for the registry setting to take effect.

That is interesting, and a bit odd. Does it survive a round trip from a computer without the registry edit?

Betreff: Shell Segmentation

MASz — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 03:27:09 GMT

It does not affect complex profiles. Unfortunately there does not appear to be any way to increase segmentation other than using more control points in the complex profile.

I was wondering that 2nd question myself. I am not sure, but it is pretty messy. Yet another reason why there should be an actual setting in the shell itself.

Re: Shell Segmentation

Spacefolders — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:08:18 GMT

Hi all!

Had the same issue, I finally endend creating a custom profile beam... This is a workaround, but it currently fits my needs.

First post here, I know, I need a proper signature 😉

Betreff: Shell Segmentation

Funfun Yan — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 01:47:27 GMT

Does this registry trick do effect the segments of curved edge floor?

Re: Shell Segmentation

Ahmed_K — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:37:34 GMT

it works

Re: Shell Segmentation

Barry Kelly — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 04:37:48 GMT

Just remember that any registry changes you make will affect your machine only.

As soon as you open the file on another machine, you wont see the changes.

Barry.

Re: Shell Segmentation

Lingwisyer — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:28:41 GMT

Anyone checked to see if it survives the round trip?

Re: Shell Segmentation

Barry Kelly — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:58:20 GMT

If you have made the registry change on your machine, when ever you open the file you will see the change.

It is just on any other machine without the same registry setting, they wont see it.

It doesn't change the geometry, just how you view it.

It is not like the RESOL setting in an object that belongs to the object.

It is a machine setting, particular to your machine.

Barry.

Re: Shell Segmentation

Lingwisyer — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 07:44:27 GMT

But as MASz mentioned:

Just noting something I did not realise: You have to adjust any existing shells drawn in, or draw new ones for the registry setting to take effect. Otherwise the old segmentation will be displayed.

So it does not dynamically change when you modify the registry. It might just be a re-draw thing, in which re-opening the file will resolve, but if it is not, it might not survive a round trip.

Ling.

Re: Shell Segmentation

Barry Kelly — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 07:03:43 GMT

Ah, so it must be baked into the shell as you model it then.

My mistake, sorry.

Still all users would have to make the same setting if the shells are to be modelled on different machines and you want them all to look the same.

Barry.