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Hello and welcome to the ArchiCAD Video Series!
The intelligent ArchiCAD model is made of highly parametric elements,
which can be customized with graphical
or numerical parameters.
In order to maintain the consistency of your BIM models
you need powerful parameter management tools.
This video introduce you
the parameter transfer capabilities of ArchiCAD.
The time-consuming process of manual element configuration can be avoided
if you can pick up the required settings
from already existing model parts.
This process is really fast and simple:
keep the Alt key pressed,
move the cursor over the existing element
and click to pick up its settings.
This method is very accurate;
all parameters such as physical properties,
materials, floor plan representation settings,
layers or even IFC parameters
are collected from the existing building component.
Note that while the Alt button is pressed
the shape of the cursor changes to a pipette
to indicate that you are currently
in the parameter pick up mode.
Alternatively
you can click on the Pick Up parameter icon in the toolbar.
Let's see an example. We've just finished placing exterior walls in this project
and currently this is the actual setting of the Wall Tool.
Some partitions
ome partitions are already available on the floor plan and we'd like to create new ones
with the same parameters.
All we have to do is ALT+click
on any existing partition walls
and can immediately start placing new ones with the Wall Tool.
Let's open the setting dialog of a newly created partition.
All parameters are imported
from the initial element;
there is no need for further manual data entry.
In case we want to continue working on the building's exterior
we can just ALT+click again
on any external wall segment.
The very same workflow is available in 3D views.
Let's place some new structural columns identical to the existing ones.
First we click with the ALT button pressed on an existing column
and then place as many new instances as needed.
Please note
that the active tool
has automatically been changed
from wall to column during parameter transfer,
which makes the whole workflow
even faster.
Architectural design is an iterative process, which requires
the frequent modification of existing model parts.
With ArchiCAD's advanced parameter transfer solution the entire parameter set
of an element can be applied
on other ones quickly and easily.
Note that this solution works only between elements of the same type e.g.
wall to wall
slab to slab
and so on.
Let's see our next example:
This floor plan includes partitions of different types.
We'd like to convert
all the solid brick walls
to gypsum board partitions
similar to the selected one.
We can do it
in two very simple steps:
First, pick up the parameter of the gypsum board wall
with ALT+click.
Hold down the CTRL+ALT keys and move the cursor over the
solid brick wall element.
Click when the cursor changes
to a black syringe.
The parameters
of the first element are instantly applied on the second one without changing
its physical location.
Now repeat this step on the remaining walls.
Just CTRL+ALT+Click
as many times
as needed.
The very same method can be applied
on library parts as well.
Let's see an example. In the 3D view
we have noticed that the size and shape of the windows
are different
on the two sides of the building.
Furthermore
there were two different window objects used for modeling.
We would like all window instances to be the same as on the left size
so let's pick up their parameter with ALT+click.
Now we can inject their settings into the windows on the right side
with CTRL+ALT+Click.
Note that not only the windows' physical size and parameters have been modified but
also their library part has been changed.
Other typical modeling challenge is how to convert a GDL element into a new one
so that it inherits the parameters of the existing one.
For example in this project we designed rectangular windows
but our client wants us to change them to arched top ones.
We spent significant time setting their parameters and obviously
we do not want to lose this data.
Selecting the windows and switching to a different library part
is not a solution
because then we would lose the objects' current settings.
There is a really simple way to solve this issue:
Step 1.
Select all the windows to be modified
Step 2. Open the window setting dialog and locate the required
new window object
in the library browser.
Hold down the CTRL+ALT key combination and when the cursor changes
to an injection
click on the preferred new library part.
Check the result in 3D.
All the existing window instances have been updated
to arch top ones however their initial parameters have been preserved.
This method
is also very effective to handle different design alternatives
during the project's lifecycle.
Naturally
Naturally only those parameters can be transferred, which are available both
in the initial
and the new GDL objects.
Since the default ArchiCAD library
is developed according to strict standards parameter transfer works
smoothly
between library parts
of the same subtype.
Finally let's see a practical use of parameter transfer.
Promoting BIM standards in the architectural office
is essential
to reduce the risk
of design errors.
ArchiCAD Favorites allow you to manage
and access standard building components
with just one click.
However
in case of extensive favorite lists
it might be difficult to find the particular element you are looking for.
The graphical favorite concept is a smart way to organize and visualize your standard
BIM model elements. The idea is very simple:
Step 1. Place one instance of the standard BIM elements
(typical wall types, slabs, library parts etc.)
on a dedicated view. Step 2.
Arrange them in a logical way and add short description or preview pictures
for easier understanding.
Step 3.
It is recommended to save this favorite file as a module and hotlink it
into your active projects
so that you can easily remove it when not needed any more.
Step 4. When you are about to add new elements to your project
switch to that view in the Navigator,
which contains
your graphical favorites.
Step 5. Pick up the elements parameter with the pipette.
Step 6.
Return to the working view
and create the new elements.
Step 7.
Once the project is finished
you can delete the hotlinked graphical favorite module with the hotlink manager
in order to reduce the project file size.