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Project data & BIM
About BIM-based management of attributes, schedules, templates, favorites, hotlinks, projects in general, quality assurance, etc.

Character padding limit in expressions

Abraham Smith
Booster

Hello, I'm having a problem with expressions that I haven't encountered before, and I hope you can clarify my doubt.

I've been doing some translations using the "SUBSTITUTE" expression, based on a previous expression that takes as values ​​some acronyms from the name of the Composite or Complex Profile, also modeled with walls. The issue is that if I call another "SUBSTITUTE" expression, I get an "Unknown Error" which limits my ability to create a translation database for these acronyms, but I can't find a way to overcome that limit. See images below:

 

No errors

Captura de pantalla 2025-11-28 105856.png

 

"Unknown Error"

Captura de pantalla 2025-11-28 105834.png

 

I look forward to your comments. Regards

 

Operating system used: Windows 11

BIM Manager
3 REPLIES 3
Laszlo Nagy
Community Admin
Community Admin

I wonder if it is the sheer number of nested functions in the Expression that is causing the error.

You could try reducing the number of SUBSTITUTE functions in the Expression and see if it works.

Or, you could start from the other direction: start with only 5-10 SUBSTITUTE functions and increase them gradually, see if you hit some limit where the error message starts occurring.

So, basically, you should start debugging the Expression.

Loving Archicad since 1995 - Find Archicad Tips at x.com/laszlonagy
AMD Ryzen9 5900X CPU, 64 GB RAM 3600 MHz, Nvidia GTX 1060 6GB, 500 GB NVMe SSD
2x28" (2560x1440), Windows 10 PRO ENG, Ac20-Ac29

Hi Lazlo, thanks for your reply.

 

I ran some tests and found that the limit is 59 "SUBSTITUTE" functions, because if I reach 60 functions, I get an unknown error. I'm sharing screenshots below.

 

59 "SUBSTITUTE"

Captura de pantalla 2025-12-10 091929.png

 

60 "SUBSTITUTE"

Captura de pantalla 2025-12-10 091908.png

 

Is there any way to increase the limit to at least 100 functions?

 

I did the same test calling this property with 59 "SUBSTITUTE" functions, and I can add another 59 functions. I did it three times, and it keeps calling without any problem.

 

Captura de pantalla 2025-12-10 093353.png

 

Captura de pantalla 2025-12-10 093805.png

 

Could this be a limitation of the expression window?

 

Is there any way to increase the number of functions allowed in the expression window?

 

I look forward to your response.

BIM Manager
Laszlo Nagy
Community Admin
Community Admin

If creating three expressions is a viable route for you, I would recommend that for now. If this is indeed a limitation in Archicad, we will not be able to circumvent it or modify it; only the developers can do that.

I would also recommend that you report this to your local reseller, so they can investigate and confirm if this is a bug or a limitation.

Loving Archicad since 1995 - Find Archicad Tips at x.com/laszlonagy
AMD Ryzen9 5900X CPU, 64 GB RAM 3600 MHz, Nvidia GTX 1060 6GB, 500 GB NVMe SSD
2x28" (2560x1440), Windows 10 PRO ENG, Ac20-Ac29

Setup info provided by author