topic Re: Multiple selection changes in Modeling

Multiple selection changes

Tom Krowka — Fri, 26 May 2023 13:19:38 GMT

I have windows all over the house. The client would like to change them from white inside and outside trim to white inside, green outside. (That would be the window sash, etc.) There are different types and sizes of windows. Is there any way to select them all, then change the color of all of them at once?

I'm not sure what the AC protocol is. Does it make any difference if I select windows through the marquee or the arrow tool. It seems AC changes the last one selected, or something.

I can't seem to get them all to change at once.

Thanks

Re: Multiple selection changes

Anonymous — Thu, 11 Nov 2004 15:21:04 GMT

I'm not sure if this is true in 9 but in 8 if one of the parts in the selection set had the values you were changing to (you already changed one windows trim color), the changes would have no effect. It only seems to work when the new value isn't used by any of the selected parts.

Unfortunately you can't filter out this level of material choice in the Find & Select dialog box.

Hope this helps,
Alex Thompson
PowerMac G5 2.0 DP, Mac OS 10.3.5

Re: Multiple selection changes

Tom Krowka — Thu, 11 Nov 2004 15:59:55 GMT

Seems kind of odd, but at least I know there is way to do it.

Thanks.

Re: Multiple selection changes

Anonymous — Thu, 11 Nov 2004 18:21:10 GMT

Thompson, wrote:
I'm not sure if this is true in 9 but in 8 if one of the parts in the selection set had the values you were changing to (you already changed one windows trim color), the changes would have no effect. It only seems to work when the new value isn't used by any of the selected parts.

True that if one of the materials shows up as being used in the dialogue box you can't toggle it. But just chose any other material, click OK, go back into the dialogue box and change them all to what you want. Doesn't take much time at all

Re: Multiple selection changes

Anonymous — Fri, 12 Nov 2004 08:43:39 GMT

I'm not sure what the AC protocol is. Does it make any difference if I select windows through the marquee or the arrow tool. It seems AC changes the last one selected, or something.

I can't seem to get them all to change at once.

Unfortunately, if the different types of windows used in project does not have the exact same parameter name (for your material f ex) and value string in the 3D script, AC only changes the parameter for all the latest drawn types of windows as you mentioned (the ones that has the same name ...)

Easiest way would be to use the "Find & Select/Name" choice and then one by one select the different .gsm names and do the changes in the wind's dialogue box. Then deselect those and go for the next .gsm window name.

Re: Multiple selection changes

Dave Jochum — Fri, 12 Nov 2004 21:16:18 GMT

Susanne wrote:
Unfortunately, if the different types of windows used in project does not have the exact same parameter name (for your material f ex) and value string in the 3D script, AC only changes the parameter for all the latest drawn types of windows as you mentioned (the ones that has the same name ...)

This makes a good case for eliminating the use of separate objects for each door and window type. There should be one window (or door) object with all the types handled as parameters (a la Theometric, or whatever it's called now.) It's very frustrating to have to set up (or change) multiple window types to all have similar sills, line weights, trim, etc.

Re: Multiple selection changes

Eduardo Bell — Fri, 12 Nov 2004 21:43:05 GMT

Easiest way would be to use the "Find & Select/Name" choice and then one by one select the different .gsm names and do the changes in the wind's dialogue box. Then deselect those and go for the next .gsm window name.

...and if you do it from within the 3D window (with shading on ) you can see how things are going as you go along.

Re: Multiple selection changes

Anonymous — Fri, 12 Nov 2004 22:31:06 GMT

Dave wrote:
Susanne wrote:
Unfortunately, if the different types of windows used in project does not have the exact same parameter name (for your material f ex) and value string in the 3D script, AC only changes the parameter for all the latest drawn types of windows as you mentioned (the ones that has the same name ...)

This makes a good case for eliminating the use of separate objects for each door and window type. There should be one window (or door) object with all the types handled as parameters (a la Theometric, or whatever it's called now.) It's very frustrating to have to set up (or change) multiple window types to all have similar sills, line weights, trim, etc.

You don't mention which libraries you have loaded. In ArchiCAD 9, with the use of "Subtypes" in library parts, many components of different objects of the same subtype can be changed without affecting all parameters of the objects.

The screenshot below, for example has 2 casement windows, one double hung and one awning window from the 9.0 library. They all started out with pine casin and a 1 1/2" sill extension. I selected them all at the same time in the 3D window, opened the Window Settings dialogue box and changed the outside casing color, the color of the exterior jamb and extended the sill from 1 1/2" to 6". Only the parameters changed by me changed in each of the windows.

This is one of the major improvements in 9.0 and why the use of Subtypes in Object creation is important.. As Susanne pointed out, in the old days windows with different names may have used different parameter names to do the same thing (for example, "mat_ext_cas" or "mat_cas_ext" for the same thing... the material to be used for the exterior casing") Subtypes have change this.

Re: Multiple selection changes

Dave Jochum — Sun, 14 Nov 2004 02:15:04 GMT

woodster wrote:
Dave wrote:
Susanne wrote:
Unfortunately, if the different types of windows used in project does not have the exact same parameter name (for your material f ex) and value string in the 3D script, AC only changes the parameter for all the latest drawn types of windows as you mentioned (the ones that has the same name ...)

This makes a good case for eliminating the use of separate objects for each door and window type. There should be one window (or door) object with all the types handled as parameters (a la Theometric, or whatever it's called now.) It's very frustrating to have to set up (or change) multiple window types to all have similar sills, line weights, trim, etc.

In ArchiCAD 9, with the use of "Subtypes" in library parts, many components of different objects of the same subtype can be changed without affecting all parameters of the objects.

This is true, of course. But it is only a weak, partial fix for the situations I was referring to. In your example, where you want to change only a few parameters of previously placed windows, the current programming works well. However, when building a model that contains several different window types that will share many parameters (interior colors/materials, exterior colors/materials, interior & exterior trim, sill configuration, line weights/colors, etc.) but not type-specific ones (obviously), the current situation of separate window objects does not allow one to quickly (such as with the eyedropper) transfer those parameters.

A typical house that I design (or remodel) will have 50-100 windows that are 30-60 separate objects, since even a 2-unit mulled double hung is not the same object as a 3-unit DH, let alone a single awning or a picture unit with a top-mulled hopper. With a single window object (Theo) I can set all the shared parameters up front, then create all the different window configurations for the project one-by-one.

The quickest work-around I've found is to ignore the shared parameters at creation and then FIND & SELECT them all afterwards to change them. But to be sure all windows change to the correct settings, I have to change them twice--first to wrong settings and then the correct ones.

I don't see any advantage to the current situation of separate objects. I'm not a "power user", so if I'm missing something here, please let me know.

Re: Multiple selection changes

Anonymous — Mon, 15 Nov 2004 05:57:01 GMT

Dave wrote:
The quickest work-around I've found is to ignore the shared parameters at creation and then FIND & SELECT them all afterwards to change them. But to be sure all windows change to the correct settings, I have to change them twice--first to wrong settings and then the correct ones.

I don't see any advantage to the current situation of separate objects. I'm not a "power user", so if I'm missing something here, please let me know.

No Dave, you are right. The current situation kind of s__ks. Though it is beginning to improve with the subtypes, there is still a ways to go. In fairness, it is an understandable problem in a program which has had parametric objects evolving for so long and with so many different versions and sources of library parts over the years.

It is made worse by the wide variety of ways that pens and materials are handled by different authors. A project with mixture of parts from various versions of ArchiCAD along with some 3rd party stuff can be a real chore to get consistent in the drawings and renderings.

In the mean time I do pretty much the same as you. Start selecting and placing whatever works from a design point of view, and then going back to fix them as a batch when the time approaches to render and print. I have found that favorites can help the process, but they are still a bit limited.

Re: Multiple selection changes

Karl Ottenstein — Mon, 15 Nov 2004 19:02:56 GMT

Dave wrote:
[However, when building a model that contains several different window types that will share many parameters (interior colors/materials, exterior colors/materials, interior & exterior trim, sill configuration, line weights/colors, etc.) but not type-specific ones (obviously), the current situation of separate window objects does not allow one to quickly (such as with the eyedropper) transfer those parameters.

If I understand what you're asking for Dave, you kind of have this capability now with 9.0, but only as you choose to place NEW windows (or doors) ... not to modify existing, placed ones.

9.0 has a new parameter transfer mechanism in the Object Settings dialog.

For example, suppose you have a wood casement window that you have set up with all of the materials, frame/trim sizes, etc that you want, and you now need to place a double casement, double hung, whatever.

Alt-Click (eyedrop) the placed casement with the desired parameters.

Open the Window Settings dialog, and locate the desired new window. Then ctrl-alt-click (syringe) onto the THUMBNAIL of the new window. On my computer, the syringe flickers and I have to be careful so that I see it to confirm that I am syringing the image of the desired window. All matching parameters have been transfered (materials, etc.). Now, choose your size and place the window ... it should match the original.

If that's not what you were asking, then maybe it will help someone with a different question. 😉 😉

Karl

Re: Multiple selection changes

Anonymous — Mon, 14 Feb 2005 23:28:17 GMT

Now that I am finally using AC9, I have tried this

9.0 has a new parameter transfer mechanism in the Object Settings dialog.

For example, suppose you have a wood casement window that you have set up with all of the materials, frame/trim sizes, etc that you want, and you now need to place a double casement, double hung, whatever.

In no way is this working for me. After ctrl-alt-click (syringe) onto the THUMBNAIL and placing the window All matching parameters have NOT been transferred (materials, etc.).

Re: Multiple selection changes

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Feb 2005 00:24:36 GMT

Jay wrote:
In no way is this working for me. After ctrl-alt-click (syringe) onto the THUMBNAIL and placing the window All matching parameters have NOT been transferred (materials, etc.).

Are you sure you are clicking the Thumbnail and not the Preview? Clicking the Thumbnail works every time.

Woody

Re: Multiple selection changes

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Feb 2005 01:48:55 GMT

woodster wrote:
Are you sure you are clicking the Thumbnail and not the Preview? Clicking the Thumbnail works every time.

Woody

Yes

Re: Multiple selection changes

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Feb 2005 02:47:09 GMT

Dave wrote:
...This makes a good case for eliminating the use of separate objects for each door and window type. There should be one window (or door) object with all the types handled as parameters (a la Theometric, or whatever it's called now.) It's very frustrating to have to set up (or change) multiple window types to all have similar sills, line weights, trim, etc.

Amen to that dave!
The windows as a whole could use some substantial rework.

Why cant we mull multiple units in one window object?
Why can we do a proper masonry opening - the current reaveal setting is backwards!
Why isn't there a single or double hung wdw type in the metal windows?
How about some parameters for light & vent values???

Does anyone know if Graphisoft is currently addressing these or similar issues???...or are we waiting for 3rd party developers to continue to fill the gap???

Re: Multiple selection changes

Karl Ottenstein — Tue, 15 Feb 2005 06:22:45 GMT

Jay wrote:
Now that I am finally using AC9, I have tried this
9.0 has a new parameter transfer mechanism in the Object Settings dialog.

For example, suppose you have a wood casement window that you have set up with all of the materials, frame/trim sizes, etc that you want, and you now need to place a double casement, double hung, whatever.
In no way is this working for me. After ctrl-alt-click (syringe) onto the THUMBNAIL and placing the window All matching parameters have NOT been transferred (materials, etc.).

Hmmm. There are a number of possibilities, Jay. One is that the windows you are using have the same English text prompts for the parameters, but the internal GDL parameter names differ. This could happen if you are using old windows, or transferring parameters of windows from a 3rd party library and AC 9 or 8.1 windows.

The subtyping in AC 8.1 and 9 make most parameters match consistently across windows though.

Since you are actually seeing the syringe (and presumably you see the thumbnail background change color), you've got the mechanics down. So, if it isn't the above, my only other guess is that somehow your registry settings got corrupted. Run REGEDIT and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Graphisoft and check the keys shown in the screenshot below to see that both of them are set to "1" (enabled).

If that's OK, experiment with a different door or window ... it may be that you've found a buggy library part.

HTH,
Karl

Re: Multiple selection changes

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Feb 2005 16:32:50 GMT

Thanks for all the replys & for Karl's ideas as to the problem. The original window objects were AC8.1, so that was not it. The problem was the procedures that I was using. Before ctrl-alt-click (syringe) onto the THUMBNAIL I was clicking on the object.
It does not work if you have selected an object BEFORE ctrl-alt-click (syringe) onto the THUMBNAIL.

It works now..

Re: Multiple selection changes

Link — Tue, 15 Feb 2005 16:58:46 GMT

It does not work if you have selected an object BEFORE ctrl-alt-click (syringe) onto the THUMBNAIL.

Nope - that's by design mate, so the method you are now using is the correct one.

Does anyone know if Graphisoft is currently addressing these or similar issues???...

Yes they are - ganging windows should be much easier in upcoming libraries.

Cheers,
Link.