AC20 - Repeating 2D details

[Anonymous]

Is the best workflow when drawing 2D details that are likely to occur more than once to create a 2D object?

[Barry Kelly]

You could do that and save those object in a library that you can load into any other job.

Or you can just create a master detail file.
Copy your details to this file when ever you create one in a job and then if needed in another job later you can copy from the master file.

It is also possible to make views in your mater file and then you can link to those views from any other job - but I wouldn't bother doing this as the linked file will always need to be available and if you change the master then all linked jobs may update (depends on your settings) which could be good or bad.

You can also save your details (selection) as a module if you draw them in the plan but I think I would stick with a simple copy and paste.

Barry.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Barry.

Sorry, I probably did I poor job of describing what I meant, I was referring to 2D elements that are repeated and that might change. I thought an object might be the best option for universal changes across a project.

[Barry Kelly]

No because if you save as an object you won't be able to edit it easily.
Unless you open the object and amend the script or the 2D symbol view).
Saving as a new object will not help as all existing placed instances will not update and you will have to manually replace them.

You might want to look at saving your selection as a module (must be done from plan though).

Barry.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Barry.

Are objects a pain to edit? Do they differ greatly from Families in Revit (which I'm used to editing)?

What is the main use of a module please? I've note heard of one until now!

[Barry Kelly]

You can save anything as an object (even as specialised objects like doors windows or even components - door panels, handles, etc.).
You can use these objects over and over within the same job or even export them for use in other jobs.

When it creates the object, Archicad will automatically generate scripts to generate what you have saved.
You need to edit these scripts and re-save the object if you want to change all placed instances of that object.

Re-creating the object and saving a new one - even with the same name - will not replace all placed instances.
All objects have a hidden unique identifying number (GUID) that is generated anew every time you save a new object.
Because it is a new GUID your already placed instances will not be updated as they have a different GUID.
Only editing the original object and re-saving it (not 'save as') will keep the same GUID and therefor update all placed instances.

Sorry I don't know anything about how Revit and families work.


Hotlink Modules are basically just groups of elements (2D & 3D) but must be save from the plan.
I think this might be like your Revit Families?

You save your elements as a module and this creates a .MOD file.
You can even use an entire .PLN file as a module.
When you edit the original source of the module you can then update all placed instances of that module or not.

Too much for me to explain here.
There are lots of post here about modules and also there is the HelpCentre ...

https://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/guides/archicad-20/archicad-20-reference-guide/collaboration/hotli...


Barry.

[Erwin Edel]

We create objects for elements like window frames, ventilation, trim, etc

If part of details repeat, I might do a module of that. But in our typical residential projects there is little need for that.

The problem I found with modules is that over time as you develop the details, things change and you end up reducing the number of elements in the module, which requires breaking it, considering if you will reuse the other parts that would stay, you need to go over the other details etc

Sometimes I find it quicker to copy / paste and just adjust as needed.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Barry and Erwin.

Modules are similar to groups in Revit then, thanks for introducing them to me and for the link.

I need to explore the GDL side of things