different design options

[ahmad525]

hey all.

so i have different design package options in a master. 

to explain it better, i have a master plan for a single storey house. the client will select a master plan and within the plan he get to choose packages.

(kitchen package with different upgrades)

im trying to implement all the different packages in the master plan.

i know i can use hotlink but im assuming we cant hotlink internal elevations only floor plan?

i was thinking in putting them on layers but this will create some additional steps to whoever is documenting.

is there a way to implement the different design options in like layer combination that allow the whole project to full under? 

any suggestion is appreciated.

snippet below is just indicative and shows the different packages im after. 

[Barry Kelly]

Why not just use the Design Option Manager.

No need for extra layers then.

All option are in one file.

The client chooses what they want and you then merge them with the main model.

Barry.

[ahmad525]

hey barry,

sadly im still using AC25. im thinking in upgrading to 27 but it hasnt been a year yet so i thought its still have bugs, but they are releasing AC28 already so im not sure anymore. plus upgrading to 27 i will end up with a bigger library and merged libraries. 

[Barry Kelly]

That is why you need to say what version of Archicad you are using in your posts.

Or better still add it to your signature so it is always there.

27 has been out over a year now.

28 is the current version.

I am not sure of your concerns with the library.

Existing jobs can keep using the 25 library or you can use 27 library and load migration libraries as well.

New jobs just use the 27 library.

If you stay in 25 then you will have to save modules (correct no elevation annotation) that you can place or use layers to control the options which as you surmise could get messy.

There is another option with renovation filters.

Not what it was designed for, but you can set elements to show only when certain filters are active.

So you can set up filters for option 1, option 2, option 3, etc.

Only thing is you couldn't have separate options (filters) for 3 kitchens as well as 3 bathrooms, because you can only activate 1 of the 6 filters.

Barry.

[ahmad525]

yes i understand

apologies.

i have 23 masters that were drawn in AC25. if i want to start opening them in AC27 i will have to migrate libraries and will make the files sizes too big n the server. 

yeah im already using renovation filter for different facades on the design .

it seems the only viable option im left with is to upgrade to 27. 

thanks barry 

[Barry Kelly]

The libraries are not stored in the job file (except for embedded library), so migrating the libraries should not make any difference to the file size.

I guess give one a try and see what happens (keep a copy of the original 25 file just in case you want to go back).

27 (or 28) is the way to go if you want design options.

It can still get a little complicated, but it is very good.

Barry.