It would be incredibly useful to have the ability to link text fields within Archicad, much like you can in InDesign. This feature would allow users to create dynamic, interconnected text elements, even across multiple layouts or views, and link them to external text files (e.g., TXT, CSV, Word documents).
Proposed Features:
-
Linked Text Fields:
-
Allow users to link two or more text fields so that one text field automatically updates whenever the content of the other changes.
-
Text fields can span across different layouts or views, maintaining consistency across the project without manual updates.
-
External File Linking:
-
Enable text fields to link directly to external files (e.g., .txt, .csv, .docx) so that content can be populated automatically.
-
Changes in the external file (like a CSV or TXT) would automatically update the linked text field in Archicad when the file is updated or reloaded.
-
Customizable Linking Options:
-
Allow users to choose specific columns/rows from a CSV or specific sections of a Word document (such as paragraphs or titles) to link directly to text fields in Archicad.
-
Provide options for automatic refreshing or manual update triggers for the text fields.
Why This Is Valuable:
-
Streamlines Documentation: When dealing with large projects or repetitive elements (like room names, materials, and schedules), linking text fields would save time and reduce errors from manual data entry.
-
Improves Efficiency: Any change made in external files (e.g., material lists, specifications, or schedules) will automatically reflect across all linked text fields, saving a significant amount of effort.
-
Cross-Layout Consistency: Enables the use of consistent text across multiple layouts or drawing sheets, without needing to copy-paste and manually update each instance.
-
Data Integration: Allows for better integration with external data sources, like project specifications or schedules, which are often maintained outside of Archicad in formats like Excel, CSV, or Word.
Open