Hotlinks/Reference files

[Anonymous]

I work for a residential home builder. We have many options available that can replace other options. For example, say in a master bathroom, you can have a choice of two different showers with two different tubs. For the purpose of showing the customer, it is convenient to be able to have all options shown and being able to turn them on and off as needed. I have used MircoStation for the last 20 years. I have only been using Archicad for about two weeks now so I have a lot to learn!! It seems that Hotlinks are the most similar to the reference files in MircoStation. However I don't see a way to turn off or on a Hotlink without attaching and detaching it.

[Karl Ottenstein]

The key is the Hotlink's "Master Layer". See the "Place Hotlink" Help topic here:
https://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/guides/archicad-21/archicad-21-reference-guide/collaboration/hotli...

In order to control visibility of one or more hotlinks separately from other elements in the project, give the hotlink it's own special 'master layer'. In your example, create a new layer for each possible master bathroom option to have that control.

A caution once you get beyond showing design options and doing construction documents: unless you create filters in your schedules to show only the customer-selected option, if all option modules are still linked, but with only one visible for drawings/schedules - all of the various showers and tubs (e.g.) will show up in your schedules. A little thing - but just anticipating the question you'll have in about a month. 😉

Karl

Edit/PS: Tip: Because these module visibility layers are 'special', you might choose to group them by giving them all the same prefix, so that they sort together, or giving them all the same extension, so that you can filter them together in the Layer Settings dialog.

[Anonymous]

In my experience, having options in the same space cause trouble in the long run. Especially if you're intending to take the model through construction phase. Concept only work isn't such an issue but fiddly.
Often its easier to build separate models and get the setouts, schedules correct.
Optioneering is never easy and often a messy process until you get comfortable with office standards. Learn to manage layers, master layers, nested modules and scheduling and you'll soon find a rhythm.