How to control section markers independently from section drawings in Archicad

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This article describes two ways to manage the Section tool so that the section marker on the floor plan can be positioned independently from the section drawing width on layouts. The methods use a custom GDL Section Marker object and Archicad’s native linked section markers.

Issue description

When placing section drawings on layout sheets, some designers prefer the width of the section drawing and the section sign on the floor plan not to align. If the section marker is shortened on the plan to keep the marker visible and tidy, details may be lost in the actual section drawing because the 3D cut line becomes shorter. The goal is to keep a full, accurate section cut (for documentation and details) while displaying a shorter or differently positioned section marker symbol on floor plans.

Solutions

Solution 1: custom Section Marker

This solution uses a duplicated and modified version of the built‑in Section Marker object that allows the marker symbols to move independently of the 3D cut line.

A custom GDL Section Marker object is used where the end symbols on the floor plan can be offset from the true 3D cut line, without changing the real section extent. The 3D section cut remains full length for documentation, while the visible marker line and heads in the plan can be shortened or shifted for a cleaner floor plan display.

Steps

1. Install the custom marker object

   • Download the custom Section Marker GDL object file.

   • Download the related macro file required by the object.

   • Add both files to the project’s Embedded Library using the Library Manager.

2. Set the custom marker as default

   • Open the Section tool settings.

   • In the Marker settings, select the installed custom Section Marker object as the marker type.

   • Store this configuration as a Favorite if recurring use is required.

3. Place sections with the custom marker

   • Place sections as usual with the Section tool on the floor plan.

   • The custom marker will generate regular section views and maintain standard 3D links and updatable drawings.

4. Adjust marker symbols independently

   • On the floor plan, select the section marker.

   • Move or offset the marker end symbols as desired, independent of the 3D cut line extent.

   • If the visual line between the symbols and the true cut line is no longer desired, hide the original section line and use the marker’s own linework instead.

5. Handle graphical limitations

   • If the marker symbols are moved closer or farther than the original extents, the section line may no longer visually connect to the heads.

   • In such cases, hide both ends of the standard section line and manually adjust the custom marker’s lines for a clean graphic result.

Solution 2: linked section markers 

This solution uses Archicad’s native ability to place linked markers that reference an existing section view while the real section marker remains hidden or on a separate layer.

Linked section markers on the floor plan act as graphic references only and do not generate new viewpoints. These markers are linked to an existing section view or drawing, while the original section marker that actually cuts the model can be kept hidden or placed on a separate layer.

Steps

1. Create the real section

   • With the Section tool, place a standard section marker that defines the true 3D cut line and generates the section view.

   • Adjust the marker’s length to include all necessary model details for documentation.

2. Hide or isolate the real marker

   • Assign the real section marker to a dedicated layer if separation on the floor plan is required.

   • Hide this layer in relevant floor plan views, or set the marker display so the marker is invisible in plan while still generating the section view.

3. Place linked section markers on the floor plan

   • Activate the floor plan view where the simplified graphic is needed.

   • Use the Section tool and set the marker type to Linked Marker in the tool settings.

   • Draw the linked marker line in the desired position and with the desired marker length on the floor plan.

4. Link the marker to the existing section

   • In the marker’s settings, choose the marker reference option to link to an existing viewpoint, view or drawing.

   • Select the already created section view (or layout drawing) that represents the real section cut.

   • Confirm the settings so the linked marker displays the information of the chosen section.

5. Maintain consistency between markers

   • When the real section marker’s position or extent is modified, adjust the linked markers manually to keep graphic alignment and notation consistent.

   • Verify that all linked markers still reference the correct section view after significant layout or view changes.

Choosing a method

The custom Section Marker object offers an integrated, flexible workflow where symbol positions can be adjusted while all model links remain in a single tool setup.Linked section markers use only built‑in Archicad features, require no scripting, and provide a straightforward way to keep clean graphics at the cost of manual coordination between real and linked markers.

Solution	Key Principle	Pros	Cons
Custom Section Marker	Custom GDL marker object allows movement of section symbols separate from cut line	Integrated with section view, more flexible, maintains linkage	Some graphical limitations, requires custom GDL use
Linked Section Markers	Independent linked markers for visual clarity on plan	Simple to implement, native feature	Manual updates needed

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These techniques were originally shared by Community members, @Yves and @vlahtinen. If you’d like to explore the original discussion, click here to read the full thread!

This article is part of the ‘Tip of the Month’ series on Graphisoft Insights, highlighting valuable community-driven solutions for modeling challenges. Try these methods in your next project and experience the difference in model quality and efficiency.