Autocad user trying to learn ArchiCAD

[Anonymous]

Hi,

This is my first post and I have a question for you all...

I am an Autocad and ADT user, who relies heavily on the command line for inputing the distances and lengths of lines/walls I am drafting. I like inputing the exact number and it drawing what I want.

So far in ArchiCAD I have had difficulty doing this, I cannot find a way to do so, I have been using the grid and snap to grid capability to draw my walls in, but the constant staring at the computer monitor to make sure I am going the right distance is hard on my eyes.

I am half way through reading the manual, and that has been helpful. I have weak eyes and I like using the commands that allow me to input the lengths of elements so I do not have to constantly stare at the monitor.

Any advice you all have to give is appreciated.

Thanks, EAB

[Eduardo Rolon]

It is really simple.
1) Select wall tool, do a click where yo want to start (checkmark icon if you are snapping to an existing object or the origin)
2) move the mouse in the direction you want to go and press Shift to make orthogonal
3) Release the mouse, keep holding down the shift key
4) Press "R" and release Shift
5) Don't touch the mouse or the keyboard, take a break, and look at the info palette at the bottom of the screen, you will see some distance text highlighted.
6) Type the distance and press enter/return. Remember that AC is backwards than AutoCAD in that if you don't specify if it is inches/feet it will assume it is feet ( 1.5 in AC = 1'-6", in AuoCAD = 1.5")
7) if you want to change the angle type "A" and write it, press enter.
repeat as necessary

[Anonymous]

Thanks, I will try that sequencing.

[__archiben]

short of having some training, it would be worth reading the 'techniques' section of the reference guide (Help>ArchiCAD 9 Reference Guide) . . . particularly those concerning origins and constraints and coordinates.

HTH
~/archiben