Choose a Trace Reference from an external source

[Gerald D Lock]

Selecting a trace reference is currently limited to internal references only.

If I want to use another ArchiCAD project file as a trace reference, I have to follow this work-flow:

1. save each view in a Drawing Tool-compatible format (dwg, pmk etc.)
2. create an independent worksheet
3. place the drawing
4. choose the drawing as trace reference

which is fine if the referenced project is not changing. If it is, I need to re-save each view and (auto-) update the drawing.

The Choose Reference palette is almost identical to the Place Drawing palette, except for the options to browse for external sources (PLN or Teamwork)

WISH = please add this level of functionality to the Choose Reference palette

Image below shows this simple interface functionality (this is a Photoshop mock-up)

[Barry Kelly]

You can always import the layouts from another PLN and they will remain linked to the other file and will update when required.
Use the Organiser to drag them into your current file.
Then you could use those layouts as your trace reference.
Barry.

[Stress Co_]

Barry wrote:
You can always import the layouts from another PLN and they will remain linked to the other file and will update when required.

You could also place a drawing (View) from "an external Source" into a new/existing layout.
Saves having to open the source file and it'll be update-able.

[Anonymous]

Stress wrote:

Barry wrote:
You can always import the layouts from another PLN and they will remain linked to the other file and will update when required.

You could also place a drawing (View) from "an external Source" into a new/existing layout.
Saves having to open the source file and it'll be update-able.

Sorry for reviving the old thread. Just came across this issue in Archicad 18.
I have module file for various unit layouts and would like to reference the host file in these layouts while I'm editing them (all done as per Archicad Reference Guide). However when I save and close the module files some of them save the references from the host file and some don't (next time I open them its not there). Is it a glitch or am I doing something wrong. Thank you in advance.

[Anonymous]

if you save it as a PLN file it should retain the placed reference drawing. MOD files always lose them...

[Achille Pavlidis]

This is very much needed!!!

[Marc H]

For modeling, you can also hotlink your external file and place an instance onto an independent worksheet, then set that worksheet as a trace reference. In plan, objects and 2D graphic elements will show up even as you change stories.