Week #2 – Get Organized

This week we’re going to focus on getting organized!

Part 1 looks at the concept of a standardized Project Folder. You can set up a special folder that you duplicate every time you start a new project. This folder will have subfolders already set up for different types of information – the PLN (and alternate, backup and archive copies), exported files (such as DWG, PDF, and possibly PLT/HPGL or Zip), renderings, and other support or accessory files.

BONUS: You may download a copy of the standard folder demonstrated in the Part 1 video.

Part 2 introduces the concept of a project template or TPL file. This is a special file type that is often used by ArchiCAD to start a new PLN file. In fact, a TPL file is really just a PLN file with a different file extension that signals to ArchiCAD to create an untitled copy of the file when you open it.

A TPL file saves you time when starting a new project, since it can retain your preferred View Map and Layout Book information and structure. You can create a TPL file from any of your project PLN files – this segment of training shows you how.

Part 3 explores how you can develop your template file further. What can you put into it that will help you be more successful, and make it quicker to start on a project and work on it throughout it’s life cycle? This segment examines the additional information and structures that you can include in your template by studying MasterTemplate – a commercial product created by Bobrow Consulting Group.

All of the techniques, ideas and approaches used in MasterTemplate can be added to your own template. This training module will give you lots of ideas for how to develop your template further.

I look forward to reading your comments, questions and feedback!

Eric


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
2-1. Set Up A Standard Project Folder

This 16 minute segment is the first part of week #2: Get Organized. After a brief introduction to the week's materials, the video focuses on how to set up a standard folder that you will duplicate every time you start a project.

2-2. Create A Project Template (TPL) File

This 20 minute segment explains how to create a TPL or template file that you can use whenever starting a new PLN file. A template saves you time when starting a new project, since it can retain your preferred View Map and Layout Book information and structure.

2-3. Developing A Template File

This 19 minute segment is the third and final module for Week #2: Get Organized. How far can you take a template file? What can you put into it that will help you be more successful, and make it quicker to start on a project and work on it throughout it's life cycle?

Let us know how you feel... (One comment so far)

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  1. Avatar photo
    Stephen Kelly
    14 years ago

    I have a lot to learn, and look forward to new instructions.
    The videos for the first week, are logical and i have followed mot – to a certain extent.
    I’m now starting on the practical lessons.