updating library parts

[Anonymous]

I was just fine tuning some library objects and was wondering.. Is that ok to do while people have those libraries loaded? I know not to move library prats when people have the libraries open but can you fix them and should it be okay?

And how do you guys change library objects. I tweak them and should I be giving them a new name because in some cases I think it could screw up how they were used in past projects with different versions of that object?

Thanks,
Michele

[Anonymous]

Unless you are SURE that the revised library part will not change anyone's previous use, you should always rename it. I usually use a short code at the end of the descriptive file name. This could be a project abbreviation, company or personal initials, a six digit date, or whatever seems appropriate for your practice.

If you are FIXING a library part and WANT the existing instances to update go ahead and over-write the file. Users who are working when you do this will have to reload the libraries in order to get the changes. This also applies to BGArchiCAD which may be open on your own or others' machines.

[David Larrew]

Michele,

Be very careful when overwriting existing active library objects. Especially if you are changing overall sizing or interactive hotspots.

I usually "save as" a copy of the object with a temporary alternate name, test it, then "save as" over the old object.

It is also a smart idea to save a back-up copy of the original object until you know there are no problems stemming from your new changes.