Lost that 'Open' Dialog?

Have you lost that Open dialog when you start Archicad, and do you want to get it back?

Hold down the  'Alt' key and select File>New>New and Reset All

Warning - this will wipe all your preferences and so you will need to use Work Environment to save (beforehand) and then re-import your preferred setup (afterwards).

Libraries

Introduction

• Only libraries that correspond with the version of Archicad must be used. A 15 project must not have 14 libraries loading.
• Only BIM server libraries should be used, even for standalone files. This way you can be sure you are up to date. There should be no entries under 'linked libraries'.
• For teamwork files only BIM server libraries can be used (and embedded parts of course).
• For jobs with one PLN file there is no need for a job specific library. All job specific parts must be embedded. (Embedded parts can be exported later - if so desired).
• Migration libraries are available and should only be used where a file is migrated between different AC versions (refer notes below).

The BIM server libraries available at GBA are as follows:

Libraries for AC15:

ArchiCAD Library 15

• Default ArchiCAD library - also includes Cadimage parts.

GBA AC15 Library

• Custom Library
• GBA Textures Template
• Street & Traffic Library
• Transportation Library
• ArchiCAD Nov 2010.lcf
• Australian Essential Library 15.lcf

Libraries for AC14:

ArchiCAD Library 14

• Default ArchiCAD library - also includes Cadimage parts.

GBA AC14 Library

• Custom Library
• GBA Textures Template
• Street & Traffic Library
• Transportation Library
• ArchiCAD Nov 2010.lcf
• Australian Essential Library 14.lcf

Libraries for specific jobs:

These are only created on an "as-needs" basis for projects where multiple files need to access common customized library parts.

• XXXX (project name) Library YY where XXX=Job number, YY =AC version

Migration

Libraries for Migration are installed on your C: drive. These must be used only when moving a file between versions. Read ArchiWiki article here on how to do this:

http://www.archicadwiki.com/LibraryMigration

Especially note the section in STEP 3 - embedding placed objects. When this process is properly completed only placed objects from the migration libraries are embedded in the file, hence the migration libraries are NOT available on the BIM server.

Sharing a file & library management

When a standalone file is to be shared via teamwork, please ensure it is only using BIM server libraries prior to sharing it. 

Note

Although the contents of the GBA AC14 Library and GBA AC15 Library appear the same they are not. The libraries are upgraded between versions.

BLOG TIPS - links and labels

LINKS

To the right of this page are some “Archicad blog links”

When you get some time consider visiting these – you might find some that grab your interest!

LABELS

To the right of this page below  “Archicad blog links” are “Labels”

A new LABEL has been added called ‘PROCEDURE’. This makes it easy to find all posts that describe GBA office procedures. Over time procedures may evolve and the intent is that in future the post is edited rather than re-posted. That way when you visit the blog you can be confident you will always get the latest information.

Project Notes

File>Info>Project Notes

Project Notes is a little known and used tool, but from a QA point of view, invaluable.

Have you spent time referencing standards to determine car park numbers, or such?

What do you do with your notes?

Consider using Project Info – which conveniently date stamps your new entry as you open the Project Info window. Paste or type into there any notes, instructions from client/ consultants etc.- very useful if you need to revisit such info at a future date.

Please note that only raw text is accepted (“wish list”- Project Notes accept images!).