How to change one setting for several elements at once in Archicad

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When working on large projects, it is often necessary to update specific parameters of many elements at once without changing anything else. This article describes two methods in Archicad that help update only the intended parameters while keeping all other settings unchanged.

Issue description

Bulk updates are often needed to change a single parameter (for example, height, width, or a classification) across many elements without affecting other properties. Using tools such as Inject Parameters can copy additional, unwanted settings, which may lead to inconsistencies and extra correction work. The goal is to update only selected parameters across multiple elements while maintaining full control over what is being changed.

 

Solution

Method 1: use interactive Schedules to edit parameters in a table view.

1. Create a simple Schedule that lists only the parameters to modify (for example, Element Type, Height, Width, Quantity).
   
   

    

2.  In the Schedule settings, enable Merge Similar Items. This groups identical elements together, instead of listing 20 separate walls with the same height. You'll see a single row, like in this example:
   
   
   3. In the schedule, change the parameter value in the relevant cell. All elements that are grouped in that row update automatically to the new value in the model.

Method 2: use the Find and Select Tool to modify elements settings

1. Open Find & Select from the Edit menu or use Ctrl+F / Cmd+F
   
   
2. Define selection criteria - for example:
   • Select all elements of one type (e.g. Wall) 
   • Add additional criteria if needed (e.g. Height, Width, Material, etc.)
     
     
3. Apply the criteria. The matching elements appear selected and highlighted in the active 2D or 3D window. 
   

    

4. Modify the parameters of the selected elements.

   • Use the Info Box to change the relevant fields, or

   • Open Element Settings (Ctrl+T / Cmd+T) to edit multiple settings at once.

Modify through Selection Settings

Modify through Info Box

Additional note:

Sometimes, when multiple elements are selected and some already have the desired value (for example, several walls are already 3.5 m high), it may be necessary to:

• Change the value temporarily to a different number (for example, 3.0 m).

• Then change it back to the desired value (3.5 m) so that all selected elements receive the same setting.

This approach is useful when a visual confirmation of which elements are being modified is required before applying the final value.

Outcome

Using Interactive Schedules or the Find and Select tool allows precise control over parameter changes across many elements. These methods help ensure that only the intended parameters are updated, prevent accidental changes to other settings, and support a consistent and efficient modeling workflow.

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These techniques were originally shared by Community members, @Laszlo Nagy and @Karl Ottenstein. If you’d like to explore the original discussion, click here to read the full thread!

This article is part of the ‘Tip of the Month’ series on Graphisoft Insights, highlighting valuable community-driven solutions for modeling challenges. Try these methods in your next project and experience the difference in model quality and efficiency.