Quick command to remove duplicate library parts

[Anonymous]

I guess this would just be too easy but I am among the many who just don't get why I keep needing to deal with the library manager.

I guess I worked on an older project created in 9 on 10 today and then later opened a different project that was fine when I closed it last and it showed up with the dreaded dots where all the symbols are. I can't ever figure out what is missing from the file by way of the library manager since all the libraries I would ever need are already listed as installed on the file so I just drag over the exact same libraries that are already there and of course I always end up with several thousand duplicate parts. The symbols are back but now the file is dragged down by the several 1000 duplicates when opening up.

I have done a quick search here and it seems that there is a way to remove the parts but it all seems a bit complicated and time consuming. Is it too much to hope for that there is a "remove duplicate library parts now" command?

blip! gone. The file is as it was when last worked on and closed.

Why is it so ridiculously easy to add duplicate libraries/parts and so mysterious on how to remove them?

update...and so now all my files have "missing libraries" and when I drag over the folders the "helpful" (make that maddening) manager indicate are missing the only result is that they all end up with 1000's of duplicate parts/names.

How and why can a file that was set up and only worked on by this machine by this version of ArchiCAD end up with missing library parts when opened up again. I sure as heck didn't remove them. The frustration of this system is mind-boggling. Why the manager is never satisfied and always is waiting to screw up my file is like an having to hold on to an electric fence that scrambles your brain. The documentation available is unfortunately not very helpful either.

Just my rant.

Hard to not want to stick with other CAD programs

Thanks though

Tad

AC10
Mac OS9

[Steve Jepson]

That works great as long as the Library you are wanting to do this with is in .lcf format. It will not work with older Libraries.

Damon is using AC10. Will he need to do it the way I expained it to him to get at his AC9 Libraries or the way you explaind it to him?

As always, there is never only one way to skin a cat.

[Karl Ottenstein]

Steve wrote:
Damon is using AC10. Will he need to do it the way I expained it to him to get at his AC9 Libraries or the way you explaind it to him?

Nobody should EVER do it the way you explained it Steve! There is no need to open a template, yada, yada as you directed. Sheesh.

For 10 and above, Extract the LCF. For 9 downwards to when things were in folders by default, you'll notice that the library itself is a PLA. Just open it!

As always, there is never only one way to skin a cat.

Yes, but lately, your posts list the most unlikely and confusing methods. As Ben said, please think before posting.

Cheers,
Karl

[Steve Jepson]

Like the way ~archiben said that you can not extract shadows?

Is that an example of what you mean by posting with out thinking lately?

Perhaps it is you who are not thinking about why I have suggested taking the library parts from a template that has been configured to the way you like it, as apposed to the library parts you will get from the original library.

Hopefully the readers will understand the main point.

The way ArchiCAD comes set up to use the Libraries is not the only way to do it.

[James Murray]

Pardon me, but the advice to 'not load any libraries' and access every single object via the Load from Dialog Box sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

Those parts are indeed loaded, and when you move the project anywhere you're going to have the worst Library Manager/Missing Parts experience of your life.

Library management is a pain, but it can't be avoided. You need a robust method you can count on when weird things happen. You have to know it well before you can ignore it.

[Steve Jepson]

Did you not read that I was recommending a default library?
One created in the folder style better described by andyro?

When you move the project, do it as .pla

Keep in mind that he said he is using version 9 and 10.

He may not have any knowledge of a .lcf file.

Answer his question based on that.

Especially considering that you think I have not explained it properly.

Also, keep in mind that what I have explained to Damon does work, and as I said, he might like to do it that way better.

My guess is that all of you are doing something very much like this because you also know that the way ArhciCAD comes set up to handle libraries is not very good.

[Steve Jepson]

James wrote:
Pardon me, but the advice to 'not load any libraries' and access every single object via the Load from Dialog Box sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.

Those parts are indeed loaded, and when you move the project anywhere you're going to have the worst Library Manager/Missing Parts experience of your life.

Library management is a pain, but it can't be avoided. You need a robust method you can count on when weird things happen. You have to know it well before you can ignore it.

http://www.archicad.ca/?p=63

This is what I am talking about. A better way to do it.

[Rakela Raul]

thank god guns are also virtual here

[James Murray]

Perhaps I misunderstood:

You don't have to load any libraries at all. You can get them via the Load other Objects...From Dialog Box.

I know you have been at it a long time and you have things working. But I think where new users are concerned, it's better to advise more standard methods, especially about fundamentals such as libraries.

I am specifically addressing this piece of advice, which distracted from your discussion of what is a PLA/LCF and why might you want to extract it.

No, I don't extract the AC library for daily use, having decided not to get into the business of maintaining it on top of all my own stuff.

Yes, library management needs to be torn out and done over.

[Steve Jepson]

As I said from the begining.

The orthodox guru's will be all over this one.

Poor Damon, he may still need someone to answer his question based on the ArchiCAD 9 and 10 he is using.

[James Murray]

http://www.archicad.ca/?p=63.

That's an excellent post. Duplicates are not an issue when using the AC library non-extracted. (Though @#$% macros certainly are.) Missing parts are not an issue once you've mastered library management. This is the correct answer to the original question, IMHO.