ArchiCAD Basic Training – Module 2
2-2. Precise Placement of Elements

ArchiCAD Training –  (Quick Start Course – 2-2)

This 27 minute video lesson shows you how to place elements precisely where you need them using special snap points and custom guidelines.

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:  Precise Placement of Elements

Let us know how you feel... (27 comments so far)

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  1. AndrewRobb
    9 years ago

    Hi Eric,
    Just finished the QSC 2.2 video and I am yet again amazed by how cool Archicad is.
    And I would not know this without your excellent tuition.
    I was initially overwhelmed by Archicad until I signed up for your courses but now I am rapidly gaining the confidence to start on the projects for my Building Design Course here in Australia
    Cheers
    Andrew


  2. JohnVerdon
    9 years ago

    Hi Eric Bobrow,
    I am glad to be a new member!
    Quick question I have is regarding ArchiCAD SE 2014 window insertion.
    When inserting a window there are several options.
    The “sun” icon pops up, which I take as to be indicating the exterior side of the window assembly.
    The second set of options to a curved arrows from the right and left window jambs. What is this indicating? Hinge side? This also appears when using a fixed or double hung window.
    Lastly, what determines the location of the window symbol being set on the exterior or interior.

    Thanks in advance and happy to be an ArchiCAD user

    John Verdon


    • Eric Bobrow
      9 years ago

      John –

      Welcome to the Best Practices Course website and to the world of ArchiCAD!

      Re inserting a window, the extra option for right or left jambs indicates the hinge side; you’ll use it for specifying the orientation for windows that swing from one side, or for asymmetrical windows. For symmetrical fixed or double hung windows, it doesn’t matter very much since the window will look the same either way.

      Re the location of the window, the “sun” icon will determine the basic placement reference, which is usually oriented towards the exterior of the wall. Note that ArchiCAD does not assume or know this based on your model, even though as a human and an architect you might think it could figure it out. There is a checkbox option for windows and doors to Flip the element (you’ll find this in the Info Box or in the Window or Door Settings), which keeps the original reference side however it will re-orient the hinge or opening side to the other direction.

      Eric


  3. Stewart Hart
    11 years ago

    In Version 16 the keyboard short cut for “Create Guidelines Segment” is shift L.
    I love the course. It has greatly increased my ArchiCAD skill set.


    • Eric Bobrow
      11 years ago

      Stewart –
      Thank you for sharing the updated info for the keyboard shortcut, as well as for your kind words about the course!
      Eric


  4. Dave
    11 years ago

    Dear Eric,

    I’d just like to make a suggestion that you put a link to the program “Enounce” (which can be found on google and has a 7day free trail and $30 full version) It speeds up videos without distorting the sound. I’m not trying to market it, I’m just saying that it helped me a lot because often times the videos progress a little slower than the ideal rate on the stuff thats easy to understand.
    The desired rate of each movie depends on each person and with enounce you can control that and speed up the learning process. I believe it would help out your business if you put a link to it or incorporated it into the website somehow. You could even use it to market your system because you could tell people that they can control the rate at which the videos play.

    Thanks a lot! your program is definitely worth the money and so is enounce so I suggest to anyone reading this that they use it in combination with this program.

    THanks again eric,

    Dave


    • Eric Bobrow
      11 years ago

      Dave –

      I fully agree with you – Enounce MySpeed is awesome and I use it a lot.

      In fact, I have a page on this website talking about Enounce under the Extras menu:
      http://www.acbestpractices.com/member-home/extras/enounce-myspeed/

      On that page is a link to their website where people can download a free 7 day trial.

      Eric

  5. Avatar photo
    Katharina
    11 years ago

    Dear Eric,

    On placing 2 windows lets say 6 feet from each other. I tried this and it also worked: I set the existing window to Geometry method: side. Than using the measure tool I measured 6 feet from the edge of this window (tracker input 6 feet). Than tabbed the TAB! key, this gave me guidelines (in this case straight and circle lines) and I could precisely place my next window.

    Please tell me if I can use this method or if better not, why?

    Kind regards

    Katharina

  6. Avatar photo
    NestorToribio
    12 years ago

    I can’t watch 2-2.Precise Placement of Elements. Can you help me?
    thanks in advance!!!!


    • Eric Bobrow
      12 years ago

      Nestor –
      I apologize – I had neglected to add the access rights for this lesson for the new FastTrack! Course members. I have corrected this now, and you should be able to watch the video. Welcome to FastTrack! and the Best Practices Course website!
      Eric

      • Avatar photo
        NestorToribio
        12 years ago

        Thanks Eric!!!!


  7. ChesnelHenry
    12 years ago

    I have not used the program for many years. I am just beginning to get back with it. I have noticed that the toobox are a little small. Some tips as to how to increase the font. I have been trying to find it, but unsucessfull so far.


    • Eric Bobrow
      12 years ago

      Unfortunately, I don’t know a way to change the font or the size of the icons in the toolbox. Perhaps you could ask this question on ArchiCAD-Talk (http://archicad-talk.graphisoft.com), where there are many people who are veterans and there may be someone who knows if there is an answer to this question.
      Eric


  8. ChesnelHenry
    12 years ago

    I am using ArchiCad 15. I don’t see the dimensions show up when I use the wall tool. Can you help?


    • Eric Bobrow
      12 years ago

      It sounds like you have the Tracker turned off. You can turn it back on in the Toolbar – it’s just to the right of the Guide Lines and Special Snaps. Click the Tracker icon to turn it off or on.
      Eric


  9. ErikHanson
    12 years ago

    I can’t watch or downloud movies from 2-2.Precise Placement of Elements. Can you help me?
    Erik


    • Eric Bobrow
      12 years ago

      Erik –

      Is it only this video, or is it affecting many of the videos in the QuickStart Course?

      Perhaps you may not have successfully logged in to the website, in which case you would see a message on this page stating that guests do not have access to the course videos. I had the membership system send you an email with your login details, to make sure you have them handy.

      I just downloaded the video file without a problem, so there does not appear to be a problem with the video itself. To download files, you may need to right-click the DOWNLOAD link and select “Save Link As…” or “Save Target File As…” or a similar command (this varies for each browser).

      It is possible there was a temporary issue with the internet connection, so I suggest you try it again. Please let us all know what happens when you attempt it another time.

      Eric


  10. Mick Clarke
    12 years ago

    I am now learning a lot


    • Eric Bobrow
      12 years ago

      Glad to hear it!
      Eric


  11. LukaszMol
    12 years ago

    7 movies watched since yesterday (M1 and 2 parts of M2) :). Anyway I think one more info should be added to 2.2 movie. It is about Drafting Aids Toolbar which contains coursor snap options. I find it pretty useful when drawing wall at angle to snap via extension line to a certain point (perp. vert. hor.) Now my questions to Eric:
    1. Is changing coursor snap available “on the fly” somehow ?
    2. What is exact procedure to use this tool efficently ( my is far too long: line (wall) , guide line, lock to guide line, coursor snap change)
    3. Any additional tips & tricks about this sort of positioning ?

    As I haven`t watched the whole series yet I could ask for something that is explained in later movies. If so I hope you don`t mind ;).

    L


    • Eric Bobrow
      12 years ago

      Lukasz –

      Thanks for posting your comment. I’m glad you’re making progress in viewing the lessons of the QuickStart Course.

      This course is focused on basic, efficient usage of the tools and easy-to-remember methods. There are of course variations and additional options available for many processes. Using some of the optional Toolbars (such as the Drafting Aids) and keyboard shortcuts can be helpful in speeding up work once one is comfortable with the basics.

      The cursor snap variants are available via a keyboard shortcut, so they can be changed on the fly without needing to go to the button in the toolbar. These cursor snaps are only available when you are drawing or editing something, gesturing along a line, and you force ArchiCAD to constrain the angle to an axis or a guide line using the Shift key.

      While holding down the Shift key, type the letter Q and you will see the dotted line connecting your cursor (to the shift-constrained line) shift from horizontal to vertical to perpendicular and back again (it cycles).

      It’s easier done than said…try it…
      Eric


      • LukaszMol
        12 years ago

        That`s exactly what I was looking for :). Thank you very much for this tip.

        L

  12. Avatar photo
    MariyaLilith
    13 years ago

    Thanks for explaining how to create guideline segments.

    Mariya

  13. Avatar photo
    SalmaMussa
    13 years ago

    Now it is much clear to set elements at proper place. This quick start course is very helpfull. Before I expended my time drawing so many lines as guide lines to place the objects in places I want. Thank you.


    • Eric
      13 years ago

      Salma –
      I’m glad to hear that the QuickStart Course is making it faster and easier to get things done!
      Eric


  14. RossCahill-OBrien
    13 years ago

    Very good Eric, great to hear how to use the short guide line and using the return for enter, very good stuff. now I am off to try it out. thanks again.


    • Eric
      13 years ago

      Ross –
      Thanks for letting me know that you found the video useful!
      Eric