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I don't want to select "locked" layer objects

sd23
Participant

Hi, I am using Archicad26 at work and have a few questions about using Archicad.

As the title says, I don't want to select "locked" layer objects.

Other CAD apps such as Rhinocerous do not allow me to select locked layer objects, which comes in handy when creating models.
Does anyone know of a solution to this problem?

Thank you for your help.

14 REPLIES 14

Same here - sometimes we need to put collaborators drawings directly into the floor plan.

 

Our workflow is to put them onto a specific Layer and then use Quick Layer Palette's command Hide Selection's Layer mapped to a shortcut (Ctrl+Shift+H) to quickly turn it off when working on a Floor Plan. Then using another shortcut (Ctrl+Shift+W - Undo Quick Layer Actions) we can bring it back if needed.

 

(Screens are in Polish - sorry for that - but you get the idea hopefully)

 

LucaP_0-1724422033897.png

 

   LucaP_1-1724422074865.png

 

 

Łukasz Pietraszko
ArchiCAD 26 PL, since AC20 | WIN 10 Home
Intel Core i7-7700HQ 2.8 GHz | 16 GB RAM | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB | 500 GB SSD
Wlad222
Booster

I cannot believe we're still having this conversation about such a basic feature! It's absolutely infuriating that Graphisoft continues to ignore the needs of its users. How is it possible that in 2024, we still can't prevent locked layer objects from being selected? This should have been a standard feature years ago!It's clear that Graphisoft is more interested in lining their pockets than actually listening to their user base.

 

We pay a premium for this software, expecting it to evolve and meet our professional needs, yet we're stuck dealing with the same frustrating issues. The lack of attention to this feature request is a slap in the face to every loyal user who has supported Graphisoft over the years.Why is it so difficult to implement a simple toggle to exclude locked layers from selection?

 

This isn't rocket science—it's basic functionality that would significantly improve workflow efficiency. Instead, we're left to deal with unnecessary clicks and wasted time, all because Graphisoft refuses to prioritize anything other than their bottom line.Enough is enough! It's time for Graphisoft to step up and show that they actually care about the people who use their software daily. We deserve better than this neglectful attitude towards essential features.

scottjm
Advisor

My opinion on this that is something that is unlikely to change and my feeling is introducing such a feature would have a negative impact on the current UX. 

i can see the logic that sometimes there are layers that you want to just to be an unseoectsvie background, but there are also situations where I want to select an element on a locked layer to edit it. 

I frequently select objects that are on locked layers that I want to edit, so I select the element and unlock the layer through the quick layers palette make the edit and then relock the layer. Quick simple. 

 

If I was unable to select an element on the locked layer, I would have to go to Layers, work out which layer it is on, unlock that layer, then select the element and make the edit. 
If I can’t select it, how do I know which layer it is on? Would I still have the blue hover panel display when I hover over an element? It seems far move complicated. 

If we then accept that we have some layers that are unselectable when locked and some that are, then we’ve added an additional level of layer control that I believe is only going to confuse things.😵💫

 

Interested to know how Rhino handles this. 

The other thing I’m unsure how you would handle is how would show a limited set elements in 3D (F5) and some of the elements are on a locked layer if you can’t select the ones on locked layers. 

 

just my 2cents. 

Scott J. Moore | Fulton Trotter Architects | BIM Manager, Associate, Architect
Since AC13 | Current versions AC23.7000 & AC26.5002 | BIMCloud Basic | Python, GDL, VBA, PHP, SQL, CSS
Certified Graphisoft BIM Manger (2022)
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Wlad222
Booster

@scottjm 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights on this topic. It's clear that you have a deep understanding of the current workflow and the implications of introducing new features.

 

Regarding your points, why can't Archicad offer both options: locked selectable and locked unselectable objects? This dual functionality could cater to different user needs and preferences, enhancing the overall user experience. For instance, Rhino handles this aspect exceptionally well by allowing users to lock both objects and layers separately. In Rhino, both are unselectable by default, but snapping points are still accessible, which maintains the functionality without compromising the integrity of locked elements.

 

The primary purpose of locking something is indeed to prevent unintended modifications, so having the flexibility to choose between selectable and unselectable locked objects could be a significant quality-of-life improvement. It seems like a missed opportunity for Graphisoft to not implement such a feature, which could greatly benefit users by streamlining their workflow and reducing complexity.

Encouraging Graphisoft to consider these enhancements could lead to a more versatile and user-friendly platform.

Earthworm
Booster

@Sculptdesign You could use Design Options to lock your dwg. Create an option ie "DWG" and in Focus Editing select "Edit default only". Relink dwg to this option and you won't be able to select it 

 

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