Importing Layouts w/ Project Chooser -Crashes in AC12

[Chazz]

Most people I talk to or do training with do not even know about the Project Chooser. I have tried to use it to copy over fully formatted layouts and all I get is the PLN locking up. I'm using the latest hotfixes and Libraries. I'm able to transfer views but when I try to import Layouts whole cloth, it just bonks.

Any thoughts? Does this work for anyone else?

Specifically, can you bring over layouts that include plan views with things like linked sections, elevations or details embedded in them?

[Eric Bobrow]

As Chazz's reseller, I have already replied to his personal email. However, given that the question is posted here, and Chazz directed me to this thread, I will take the opportunity to say a few things publicly that are relevant, both to his case, and to tech support as a whole. I'm adapting this posting from the email I sent to Chazz.

We have used this method successfully (bringing in Layouts from another project, complete with linked Drawings, through the Project Chooser). It does work in general, and should work for you.

That being said, if there is an issue when you try this, it could be specific to the actual file that you are trying to work with. You should try this with another file and see whether it's successful. Perhaps the file with all the details in it has a problem. You could try to bring in a sheet of details from another recent project (instead of from this particular PLN) to see if that works OK.

Let us know how it goes.

FYI, Graphisoft North America recently announced a new policy for technical support. As of January 1, 2009, Graphisoft handles "first-line" tech support, which means that users now are supposed to call 800-238-3992 or email support@graphisoft.com (instead of their reseller) with technical support problems. Graphisoft will refer "training support" (how-to questions and other advice, training and consulting) back to resellers who may opt to charge for the consulting services.

Graphisoft technical support is restricted to cases in which ArchiCAD does not perform according to the documentation. In your case, it would appear to qualify, since the program should be able to import Layouts from one project into another without undue delay. If your problem persists, please call or email Graphisoft and they will start a tech support case and work to resolve your issue.

Priority tech support for ArchiPLUS subscribers still is in place. With all tech support now handled by Graphisoft, active ArchiPLUS contract-holders will be served ahead of non-subscribers. Since you are covered by ArchiPLUS, you will get a response sooner than others who are not under contract.

Bobrow Consulting Group will continue to be available for email responses to questions without charge, as well as short phone calls. We have started to request permission to bill for consulting for additional assistance and trouble-shooting.

If you have any questions or comments about the new policies adopted by Graphisoft, please let us and/or Graphisoft know.

[Chazz]

Thanks Eric, and everyone else who posted. Good to know that, yes, some users are taking advantage of this powerful feature.

While I see the problem in all of the files I try this in, all of those files probably have some root in AC11 and maybe even AC10. Other users here have reported miscellaneous issues with files started in earlier versions OF ArchiCAD and up-saved to AC12. Trying the same thing in a squeaky fresh AC12 may well work but what a lot of WORK. Rebuilding all of the views and relinking and layouts and transferring the section /elevation data etc would take a lot of work for one file let alone the dozens we have active at once.

It could be that this problem just points to a broader issue of file and version integrity which, together with library migration issues, is becoming the absolute bane of this tool. The thing of it is that the data in these files is really complex so doing a meaningful test with a new file is tough without a lot of work. I'll forge ahead and let you know the situation.

[Eric Bobrow]

Chazz -

You shouldn't just live with or work around this problem. It appears to be a technical support issue.

Please call Graphisoft North America tech support at 800-238-3992 or email support@graphisoft.com and explain the issue. They will ask you to upload the two files (the destination file and the one from which you're trying to pull the layouts), to see if the problem is reproducible.

Alternatively, if you wish, you can have us troubleshoot on a consulting (fee-paid) basis.

One thought just occurred to me. I remember problems occasionally importing things from other files if there were warnings or dialog boxes that came up while loading that file. Basically, what we found in some cases was that warning messages (for example: missing libraries or library parts, drawings that the Drawing Manager says are unavailable, or missing/unlinked Hotlinked Modules) would hang up the background loading of the file.

My question, then, is: when you open the secondary file in ArchiCAD normally, do you get any warnings that you have to click through? If so, try to clean these up so that the file gives no warnings or errors of any kind and resave, then try bringing in the Layouts from that file.