ArchiCAD scale vs PlotMaker Scale

[Steve Jepson]

What is the best scale to draw ArchiCAD details that will be imported into PlotMaker at a bigger scale?

I like to construct the ArchiCAD detail in 1/4" = 1'-0 but if I need the detail to be 1 1/2" scale in PlotMaker the line weights and fonts are not right.

I can use the resize the texts and markers option in PlotMaker but it won't resize the pen weights.

The problem is if I get it to look good in PlotMaker at 1 1/2" scale the pens weights are not suitable for constructing the detail in 1/4".

Should I be constructing the detail in ArchiCAD at some other scale?

In the past I have been printing from ArchiCAD-no PlotMaker, so I construct the detail at 1/4" in ArchiCAD then resized it so I can print everything at 1/4" scale and still have my details at what ever scale I needed them.

There must be a better way.

What is the best way to draw details so that what you see is what you get while constructing them, pens, scale, dimensions, fonts, markers, etc...and still be able to display them correctly in PlotMaker at various scales.

I suspect that it is better to construct the detail in ArchiCAD at the same scale you will display the detail in PlotMaker. Are the details to be constructed in a different window than the floor plans for this reason?

Also, when I make a new detail using the "Create Independent Detail" tool All i can see in plotmaker is the dimensions. Yes I have tried to turn on all layers. Still only the dimensions are showing when I import a view set of the detail made with the independent detail tool. Is there a better way to import this kind of detail?

[LiHigh]

In reality, all drawing are in 1:1 scale.

You can create detail at any scale you want. But you need to set the correct output scale in Viewset. By default, a pen width of 1mm will always stay 1mm regardless of the scale. Similarly, a font size of 1mm will stay 1mm regardless of the scale.

Usually, I like to work with Pen weight turn off.

[Karl Ottenstein]

Hi Steve,

The ability to change scale in PM is something that should be used only when absolutely necessary IMHO, not as a normal working method (except for not-to-scale perspective line drawings, etc.).

The views for your details in AC should be defined with the same scale as you intend to use in PM so that you are working with what you intend to see.

If, even after that, you want heavier line weights in PM at 1 1/2" scale ... change the pen table for that drawing in PM itself. Most likely, you would have the same pen table for all similarly-sized details ... and you just alt-click, ctrl(cmd)-alt-click to transfer the pens from one drawing to another in PM after having customized one (for all time= template).

Anything in the detail window will import into PM. Sounds like you're saying you are missing markers, leaders and text? If so, then your layer combination is most likely set to 'custom' for your defined view or you have redefined the layer combination or layers. Get what you need to see in AC at the proper scale, layer combo, display combo, dimension units, etc. and redefine that (independent) detail view. Update in PM ... is everything there now? Should be. As a last resort (have seen this happen VERY rarely), delete the drawing in PM and re-import.

HTH,
Karl

[Steve Jepson]

Thanks Karl, that is just what I needed to know. Everything is working great now.

I appreciate your participation on the ArchiCAD-Talk forum very much.

[Karl Ottenstein]

Thanks, Steve.