Dennis wrote:
1) What is the best way to set up your pen weights ? - considering the AC9 library objects' predefined colors, as well as other common objects such as MSA detailer. Seems like MSA and MaxATS as well as default ArchiCAD all have different pen setups.
The multiple pen sets in AC10 will relieve much of the headache of working with multiple sources like MSA and MaxATS, but in AC9 you will want to settle on a standard pen set that works for you. There have been quite a few discussions of this so a search is advisable.
I am a strong proponent of assigning pen numbers by function. That is, I generally use a specific pen for a specific purpose (this is an only and always proposition - the pen is always used for its specified function and only that pen is used for that function). For example I typically set up pen 1 to be the outline pen for cut elements (in plan as well as section views) and pen 2 for the section fill pen; pen 3 is the primary door & window pen; pen 4 is for floors in 2D & 3D and for walls in 3D; and so on.
The main advantage of this approach is that it is easy to remember what pen to use for what purpose and when the time comes to adjust your output it can be tweaked at the drawing level in PlotMaker (for now, in AC10 pen tables soon). This allows for variations due to differing needs for the same drawing. For example the section fill pen can be adjusted to just the right shade to poche a schematic design drawing, and the section outline pen can be thinned a little for 1:100 or fattened up a bit for 1:50.
Use of multiple pen settings for output also permits the easy use of greys, occasional spot color, and nicely colored site plans for presentations.
I have attached a PDF of one of my more typical pen tables (I have many clients and numerous variations). It may seem a bit cryptic in parts but should give you some idea of what I mean.
2) Related to the above question, which template / detailer should one start off using? Or am I expected to start off with blank ArchiCAD and build my own?
Use whatever template and/or detailer that seems most suited to your practice. You will inevitably be tweaking and adjusting it to your specific needs, but having a good starting point can save you a lot of head scratching.
