Did you know you can test different designs in Archicad without saving separate files or copying elements around?
With Design Options, you can explore alternatives for facades, layouts, materials, and create combinations to find the best match.
Here’s how it works:
How to use Design Options
Create Design Option Sets
- Use the main model for elements that remain consistent across all variations.
- Open the Design Options tool.
- Create sets for the specific elements you want to explore. For example:
- Living Room Layouts
- Kitchen Designs
- Add multiple options under each set to represent different design possibilities.
Model in the Design Option
- Start modeling directly in the selected Design Option.
- Use the pencil icon to ensure you’re editing the correct option.
Duplicate for Efficiency
- If a second layout is similar to the first, duplicate the existing option.
- Modify the duplicated option as needed instead of starting from scratch.
Relink Misplaced Elements
- Accidentally place an element in the wrong option or the main model?
- Use the ‘Relink’ feature to move it to the correct Design Option.
Use the Fade Environment for Clarity
- Turn on the fade environment while editing.
- This highlights differences, making modifications easier to spot.
Finalizing and Comparing Options
- Open one eye icon per set to build combinations of Design Options.
- Assign finalized combinations to specific views for better presentation.
- Add views with different combinations to your layout.
- Compare them side-by-side to evaluate and showcase alternatives.
