Multiply elements in Archicad

[Andrea Polgar]

 The Multiply command in Archicad quickly creates multiple copies of selected elements, keeping spacing, pieces or both consistent and saving time with repeated items like columns, lights, or beams. It can copy elements in a line, arc, radial pattern, grid or along a selected path using precise distances or counts. To use it, select elements, go to Edit > Move > Multiply, choose settings, and click in the model to define spacing.

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Actions to choose

• Drag multiplies the copies along a drawn straight path or clicked polyline.

• Rotate multiplies the copies along an arced path.

• Elevate stacks the copies with a vertical displacement. (Available only in Floor Plan and 3D Window.)
• Matrix places the copies in a rectangular matrix defined by two perpendicular reference lines.

 

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Multiply methods

Increment & Spread	Define both number of copies and spacing graphically.
Increment	Predefine the number of copies, but you define their spacing graphically.
Distribute	Set number of copies; spacing auto-calculated between start and end points.
Spread	Set a fixed distance between each copy, choose the number of copies graphically.

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Key settings

• Copies: Choose how many instances to create.

• Spacing: Set the exact distance between copies.

• Vertical Displacement: In the 2D window, type a number to move each new copy higher than the last one. In the 3D window, you can check a box to turn on vertical movement for the copies.

• Pick Path/Arc before Input: This option is available with the Drag or Rotate methods. Elements are distributed along a preselected path.

• Randomise: Each copy will randomly rotate the original selected element(s) along the path/arc in relation to the start point of the input.

• Rotate to Path: Each copy will rotate the original selected element(s) to be perpendicular along the path/arc in relation to the start point of the input.

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How to Distribute/Multiply Elements Along a Path

Before you start, make sure you have a path placed. This can be a polyline, a spline, an arc or a line. The path will need to be a single element, so if you want to make a path of more than 1 segment, make sure to use a polyline or a spline.

• Place on instance of the element you would like to distribute on the beginning of that path.

• Select that element.

• Start the Multiply tool (Edit > Move > Multiply or use Pet Palette).

• Choose "Along Path" in the Multiply dialog.

• Make sure that in the lower part of the dialogue you have "Pick Path before Input" ticked.

• Set the number of copies or spacing.

• Select whether you want the copies to be rotated according to the direction of the path, randomly, or not at all, and then click OK

• Click Ok.

• Click on the path.

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Simple workflows

Evenly spaced columns in a hallway:

• Select a column, choose Multiply > Drag and Spread.

• Enter spacing (e.g., 3.00 m), then click direction along the corridor.

or

• Select a column, choose Multiply > Matrix and Spread.

• Enter spacing (e.g., 3.00 m) for the X (First input) and Y (Second input) directions

• Click direction along the corridor.

 

Seats around a circular stage:

 

• Select a chair, choose Multiply > Rotate. and Spread.

• Enter angle step (e.g., 30°).

• Pick rotation centerpoint.
• Deifne number of chairs graphically.

 

Trees along a curved property line:

• Draw or trace the curve, select a tree object, choose Multiply > Drag.

• Define Input Method and spacing and/or count.

• Check "Pick Path Before Input".

• Click the path.

• The first click defines the start point.

• Drag to begin placing.

• Tip:

  • Select "Randomize"  - Each copy will randomly rotate the original selected element(s) along the path/arc.

  • Select "Rotate to Path" - Each copy rotates so it is perpendicular to the path at its spot.

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