AI + GDL

[Patrick M]

I spent way too much time trying to teach chatbots, like chatgpt and gemini, the gdl help manuals/cookbook/etc... every script they threw at me was total garbage.
It turns out the 'full version' of claude is actually really useful for generating scripts, and even includes help guides for setting up parameter lists and trouble shooting bad script!

I threw a complex light fixutre together with a cut sheet, manuf. image, and a basic parameter:
"I need a light fixture from the attached cut sheet and image. It needs hotspots for each arm's angle and length. It needs a parameter for pendant length from the ceiling and a hotspot at the mounting point. max polygon count should be 15,000"

I didn't even need to request a 2d symbol, but I have no doubt it would edit the symbol to be whatever I need it to be given a few revised prompts.

I definitely recommend claude for GDL assistance!

object attached, for anyone curious.

Operating system used: Mac Apple Silicon

[Ahmed_K]

The perfect workflow for me so far is giving github the access to the libpacks, 

And it does the extraction process into xmls, and then with claude ai, you can apply any mass editing on the graphisoft library objects, and.it compiles back the edited objects to test thrm, 

This scope should be covered by archicad soo , this isa game changer, especially for doors and wi.dows

[Jeff Griffin]

I’ve also been experimenting with editing GDL objects using Claude, and I’m amazed by what’s possible—even with zero GDL programming experience.

In my work, I coordinate with structural engineers on custom home designs (log, timber, conventional framing, and steel) to develop complete architectural and structural drawing packages. I took my favorite framing object (Framing EMK 12 by Erich Karp) and asked Claude to help me add a few practical parameters. After several iterations, I turned it into a versatile framing tool specific to my needs with a custom 17-page interface. Key updates include:

1. Expanded member types. Round logs, standard steel shapes (W, HSS, channels and angles), with multi-ply headers and beams, alongside the object's original solid sawn lumber and heavy timbers, I-joists, glulam, LVL, PSL and LSL. 
2. Posts and adjustable multi-ply columns. Any member can stand upright as a post. Multi-ply 2x, LVL or LSL columns have 3D grips to adjust each ply's top and bottom (useful for showing trimmers against king studs), and the column top can be linked to a story above.
3. Native log controls. Built-in settings for taper (inches per 10 ft), butt-end orientation, tail shape, and top, bottom and side flats, without complex profiles or solid element operations, while keeping the individual lengths of sloped logs schedulable.
4. Smart floor plan labels. Flexible text for member mark, quantity, size, spacing, pitch and length, with a span arrow across repeating members; any of which can be toggled on/off (useful when reviewing supplier layouts).
5. Span checker. Estimates the allowable span for joists, rafters, beams and headers, and the capacity of single posts, with tributary widths, point loads and an overhang. It prints a warning beside any member that's over, and reports end reactions in kips and a minimum bearing length.
6. Code cross-check and Michigan snow loads. Compares each member against the prescriptive span tables in the Michigan Residential Code 2015 or IRC 2015 to 2024, and fills in the ground snow load from a 83 county and jurisdiction picker. The object can even suggest the county from the Project Location coordinates, and highlights the selected county on the map in the dialog.
7. Takeoff and schedules. Reports member count, cut and stock lengths and board feet, and produces a one-line summary for ArchiCAD schedules.

My main goal with these updates is to get a much better ballpark on floor depths and beam sizes during early schematic design, well before formal structural engineering takes place. The span checks are estimates only; the engineer of record's design governs.

Smart Integrated Floor Plan Data

Michigan Snow Load Selector

Span Checker