managing the library manager

[Anonymous]

What's the best way in actual practice to organize the various library objects, texture maps, etc when two people are working on the same project but located remotely, not on the same network. Is it better to have a central library "repository" for all the objects/textures/etc, or is it better to have the objects/textures/etc specific to the job in that job folder. The problem I have is that if it's in a central file, that file could/will get huge, and since the objects/textures/etc have to be sent with an object, we may be looking at having to send huge support files when we send the AC file back and forth.

[Erika Epstein]

This works best if you each have the same set of libraries on your local computer to load.

It does mean that you have to remember to send any new parts to each other, but these are quite small and are easily emailed individually.

[Anonymous]

Erika, thx for the reply. So do you suggest the "central" library or "job specific" library (i.e. a library folder within the project)? If we put them in a central file, I don't think that we could remember which files to send over if we end up with hundreds there!

[Erika Epstein]

Josephus,
I set up libraries in 4 folders:

1. Archicad library (located within Archicad) in the "ArchiCAD Library" folder

Under Erika's Libraries
2. Your office library: custom library parts that are available for use on any project.

3. XXXX(project name) Library: custom library parts specific to a project. This could be a stair, door, window etc.; It will only be used on this project.

4. Bought/3rd party libraries. These are libraries (individual or sets of library parts) such as Smart Parts, Tom's Superzone, Door & window Builder, anything you have bought from objectsonline etc. If it is easier, you could keep this under number 2. That I keep my custom parts in a separate folder is my personal preference only; they could easily be in the same folder.

Regarding your question " I don't think that we could remember which files to send over if we end up with hundreds there!", it seems unlikely, but never say never. Over the years I find that there are just a few bought libraries that I keep using and then the occassional library part I purchase through objectsonline. What has been growing is my office library as I create more custom scripted libraries for my own use (number 2 above).

The libraries that I keep in section 4 are in their own folders. This includes the AC Libraries in pla form for projects from older versions of AC that are compatible with AC9 and are posted on tr.graphisoftus.com. I don't load them for new AC9 projects, only the older ones that require them. Not sure? Load an older project with AC9 library only and see what if any library parts are missing.

I think you will find this is a lot easier and more manageable than it first seems.

HTH