Wall dimensions

[Anonymous]

Is there a way I can view the wall dimensions without using the dimension tool? Something like clicking a line in Autocad and showing the lenght of it.

[Anonymous]

It's there, visible in the info box as shown here... Just select the wall you're interested in.

(hmm - server not attaching my jpg - will try later ...)

[David Larrew]

I think what Kim is referring to is the "Element Information" palette. You can activate it from "Window/Palettes/Element Information" pull-down menu. Be sure to turn "on" the length option button in the Palette.

This palette is a great information tool and GS did a great job of hiding it from users.

[Anonymous]

Ah. It preferred a PDF but failed every time with the JPG. Here you can see the width of the selected wall. The only click required is the one to select the wall.

[Anonymous]

Yes - for length there's the element info palette.

Sorry - I was thinking of width for some reason. (well - probably because I was recently asked that by an ex-AutoCAD user, and that doesn't show in the element info).

Didn't read properly...

[Anonymous]

Oh yes - and another (older) method for reading length is to select the wall then start to stretch one end of the wall by pulling it's end node, but move it back to its original point, that end node (with the checkmark cursor) - look in the coordinates palette (one I always keep open) and see the dimension for 'r'.

Make sure the little triangular shaped button next to the r is always depressed.

[Anonymous]

And of course, then there's the 'measure tool' - an icon of a scaled ruler in the standard toolbar.

Many ways to measure...

[Anonymous]

I tried David's suggestion but the "element information" is sort of messed up. I selected a wall to try if this works but it showed that the thickness is 2 centimeters and I know it's 25 There are also 2 "side lenght" indicators and both show different dimensions (35 cm for the first one and 40 for the second one when the real side lenght is 352 cm).

And yes, I know about the dimension tool but I get tired of constantly using it and clicking around to see something that I know can be seen in an information field somewhere in ArchiCAD. Maybe I got too used to ACAD's way of work

[Anonymous]

FIRSTLY
Sounds to me like you need to go into

Options...
Project preferences...
Dimensions

Set all your dimension types in there to mm or cm or whatever you work in - there are linear dimensions, area dimensions level dimensions, and allsorts!


SECONDLY - always ensure you're measuring perpendicular or parallel to the element or you'll obviously get inaccuracies - the cursors change shape to give you feedback on this - check out the help menu to see.

THIRDLY
Find a person in your area who has used ArchiCAD before to teach you these very basic pieces of information. Your reseller is really the person you should be contacting about these types of things.

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And... the 'dimension tool' is different from the 'measure tool'. The one I was referring to is not a dimension tool because it doesn't put dimensions onto your drawings, it just gives you lengths for your own information.
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Learn the names of the toolboxes and palettes to enable you to talk about the same tools as the people here on the forum giving you tips.
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PUT a signature into your profile giving details of your OS, AC version, and other computer specifics. It helps to know what your setup is when someone's trying to help you.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tips. I'll put a signature.