Attributes Management between Hotlinks and host file

[Leire Bilbao]

We use Archicad 27 and managing attributes between the hotlinks and the host file is a nightmare. Whenever we create or change an attribute in the main file, we need to export it from there and import it in the new file. Unless there is a trick that I don't know (please tell), this is tedious and creates problems.

I remember seeing somewhere that it is being improved but I don't see it on the roadmap... Does anyone know if it has been improved in Archicad 28? Where is this on the roadmap?

Thank you

Operating system used: Mac Intel-based Sonoma 14

[Emilien_1989]

Hey,

In my opinion, here's a good sum up about attributes management: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BbfFE3jr6rk

But here's how we do it at work (I don't know if it's the proper way but it works for us):

- No editions on template's attributes so they stay identical in each file

- new attributes, wether in the host or the hotlink files, are systematically created within a specific index range + with specific prefix for the name e.g.

Let's say you have two buildings (A and B) so two hotlink modules. New attributes created in building A file will be created with an index starting from like 200 to 299, new attributes for B will go from 300 to 399, etc. The good thing is once you edit your first index number through the attribute manager (e.g. 200), every new attribute in this files will go on from this number.

Now just use a prefix when naming new attributes for each file e.g. "A_drywall_10" "B_concrete_20" so you don't have any conflict in the host file.

CONS : if you want to create the same attribute in each file, I found it easier to tolerate duplicates than to properly manage it through your files. (e.g. You may have "A_drywall_10" "B_drywall_10") BUT

PROS : Clear and easy attribute management with no conflict at all while creating or editing attributes. All you have to do is refresh your hotlink modules in the host file and you can easily identify what is what.

Hope this helps and any better option from the community is more than welcome 😉

[Leire Bilbao]

Thanks Emilien.

We do need to edit the attributes in use and create new ones for all files all the time as we are still developing our standards, so it is still tedious, even if we are organised and have a system like you describe.

The time I spend managing the attributes is absurd and I would like the rest of my office to be able to do changes easily in an intuitive way.

I just saw a wish of a central attribute manager which would be an improvement: https://community.graphisoft.com/t5/Wishlist/Central-Attribute-manager-as-a-Library-container/idi-p/...

[Lingwisyer]

If I know I will be creating multiple Hotlinked files, I will create an "attributes.pln" file and ALL attribute modifications will be made there, then sync'd to the relevant files.

Ling.

[Leire Bilbao]

Yes, I use my host file like that, but still the syncing is annoying and it is difficult for the rest of my team