Week #4 – Library Management & Migrating Projects
4-1. ArchiCAD 10, 11 & 12 – Library Management

ArchiCAD Training (Best Practices Lesson 4-1)

This 15 minute segment on Library Management is the first part of week #4.

I demonstrate the traditional strategy for library management that was used through ArchiCAD 12, and with variations, still applies today. The Library Manager in this segment is pretty much the same for ArchiCAD 10, 11 and 12.

I first create a new project, and show how to add to the standard ArchiCAD Library your office library as well as a project library folder. Then the same thing is shown for an existing project, and the topic of loading additional libraries is covered.

A new library part is created and saved, and one can see it take its place in the “Other Objects” folder in the Library Manager and in the Object Settings dialog. When it is moved into the project library, ArchiCAD loses connection to the part, but regains it after reloading the libraries.

NOTE: A later module of the Best Practices Course will focus on how to create your own library parts, including free-standing objects as well as doors and windows and subcomponents such as custom door panels.

Thank you for visiting the Best Practices Course website. The video lessons are available for members only. If you are an active member and would like to watch the ArchiCAD training video on this page, please login to the website. If you are not currently a member, please visit the following pages for more information and to sign up for the Best Practices Course, the QuickStart Course or for the Best Practices ArchiCAD Coaching Program. Eric Bobrow, Creator of the Best Practices Course

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ArchiCAD Training: ArchiCAD 10, 11 & 12 – Library Management

 

Let us know how you feel... (6 comments so far)

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  1. BillLewis
    10 years ago

    Where will I find out how to make custom wall types. Wish to build a wall with multiple elements such as stone siding, air gap, house wrap, studs, interior wall etc?


    • Eric Bobrow
      10 years ago

      Hi Bill –
      Custom wall types are generally managed with the Composites feature of ArchiCAD.
      Please check Week 20 for the training on Element Attributes > Composites.
      Eric

  2. Avatar photo
    Lilian Seow
    13 years ago

    I noticed the Missing Objects folder is on the LIbraries list. I find this quite confusing and misleading even though you have moved the objects to the appropriate library folder. Will this ‘missing objects’ folder remain on the list ?


    • Eric
      13 years ago

      Lilian –
      I’m a little confused. Are you referring to something in my lesson following something that I was doing – “even though you have moved…” Or are you talking about something in your own ArchiCAD environment?
      Eric

  3. Avatar photo
    Lilian Seow
    13 years ago

    Hi Eric,
    I’ve AC opened and the online tutorial running at the same time. And I’ve a screen issue…
    I work on imac [24″] and the one thing I find rather cumbersome is adjusting the AC screen. I have to size them one by one – drawing sheet, the navigator, favorite, info box, etc., esp when I’m toggling between online tutorial and computer. And the other is the 3D ; when i opened it from the navigator, the size adjusting corner got hidden at the bottom, behind the command prompt.

    I’m not sure if there is a better way of handling the AC opened windows – i’m not sure if ‘window’ is the correct word. I can send you screen shots….


    • Eric
      13 years ago

      Lilian –

      After you adjust the windows the way you like (for a particular context or purpose, such as watching the tutorials while working in ArchiCAD) you can save this configuration and quickly return to it. Go to the Options menu > Work Environment > [select any subitem] and select Palette Schemes. Save your current configuration with a name (e.g. “Tutorials”). There is a palette scheme set for default usage that you can return to when you don’t want to make space for the tutorial window; select the Standard Palettes scheme and Apply. When you want to work with the tutorials again, apply your Tutorials scheme.

      When a window is partially blocked by palettes, you can move the palette(s) out of the way by dragging them by their title bar; or you can drag the window to a new position by it’s title bar, and then have access to the resizing corner. The command prompt window is called the Status bar, and you can turn this off or on using the Window menu > Toolbars.

      Let me know if you need further guidance on this area.
      Eric