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ARCHICAD Training Lesson Outline
Objects in ARCHICAD are used for a wide variety of purposes including 3D building components, equipment, entourage and landscaping. They also can be 2D only, and used for annotation.
Graphisoft supplies a robust library of objects (and of course doors, windows, and other resources) for each version of the program. Most parts get carried forward from one version to another, with some replacements and new ones added each year.
The Object Settings dialog is divided into sections: on the left are tools to search and pick library parts, on the right, the settings for the selected or default library part.
Each part will have somewhat different settings, but in general there are panels to determine:
- Preview and Positioning - overall dimensions and orientation
- Settings - detailed configuration options, often set up using graphical guides and popup menus
- Floor Plan and Section - settings for symbolic representation and visibility
- Model - some objects will have an option to override individual settings with a single Surface
- Classification and Properties - info regarding type, placement, and schedule info
- Layer - determines visibility in different Views and Layer Combinations
Object Parameters and Placement
Different controls are available depending on whether you are looking in the Info Box or Object Settings. For example, you can change the Base elevation and Height in the Object Settings, however you have more choices in the Info Box and can change the Bottom and Top (which would affect the Height) or switch modes to Base elevation and Height. When you move an object up or down in space, sometimes it’s simpler to edit the Object Settings rather than the Info Box, so you don’t distort or change the height.
Placement can be made using several geometry options. I demonstrate and explain each one.
Multiple objects can be selected and parameters edited in the Object Settings dialog. Parameters that are common between different parts (especially families such as cabinets) can be adjusted without affecting other parameters or attributes.