Very old projects

Going forward this should be less of an issue, but if you have a really old project, all the old libraries have been downloaded for your use:
S:\05 Project Resources\05.100 Archicad Support\05.101 Archicad Libraries

BIM Objects APP for ArchiCAD

If you are interested, there is another source of objects...

http://info.bimobject.com/archi-cad/21892/Page

The BIMobject® app for ArchiCAD is easy to install and will create a new tool bar (menu tab), where you can reach all of the real BIM objects from real manufacturers in a easy and convenient way.

The APP lets you quickly and easily browse the BIMobject® cloud database online and filter among all objects from building- and interior manufacturers. A simple click on download and the BIM objects appears in the ArchiCAD users project and ready for placement and further configuration.
Newly added content is visible immediately from within the ArchiCAD application.

The installation file has been placed in
05 Project Resources\05.100 Archicad Support\05.102 Archicad Reference\AC17\2 Add-ons\1Copy to desktop and Run these installers as administrator\WIN OS

The following page guides you  through registration and installation.
http://info.bimobject.com/archicad-help

Remember to Copy  the install file to your desktop, right-click on the file and select "Run as Administrator".
(You will need to have registered at BIM Object so that you have an API key ready when you next use ArchiCAD, as outlined on the help pages).

Note that the code you are given is unique to you, and that it can also be used in other software such as  Artlantis, Revit, SketchUp and so on!

New help center

http://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/

GRAPHISOFT’s ArchiCAD-integrated knowledge base. Help Center aims to aggregate the wealth of ArchiCAD knowledge available on the internet in a single, easy-to-search website and plug this functionality right into ArchiCAD.

Publishing large sets of drawings

When publishing large sets of drawings, updating the title block and filling out revisions can take a considerable amount of time.

Often this process is slowed by a layout refreshing all views when it is opened, and for elevations and sections this can be slow.

A simple technique to use time more wisely:

• Go to layout view
• Open Publisher and create a publisher set of all layouts as PDFs
• Publish this to a folder on your PC which you can delete later. 
• Do something else while the set is  published (or schedule during a break).
• Then go through layouts updating titleblock, revisions etc. 

This method means you don't wait for content to update as you open each layout.

Note: of course you must not leave layouts and open a view, or ArchiCAD will think you have changed something in the model and begin refreshing the layouts again…

AC17 announced

http://www.graphisoft.com/archicad/archicad_17/overview/

AC17 - SU will be integrated (...one less add-on) and what is the future of GDL?

Sketchup will be integrated

But a not so promising future for GDL after all the years of promises?
http://www.graphisoft.com/products/archicad/parametric_objects/downloads/

Addressing Library loading reports

Do those red items on the Library Loading report bug you? Here is a good article that might help...
http://blog.cadimage.com/2013/04/why-am-i-getting-a-library-loading-report/

ECODESIGNER STAR

With ArchiCAD 17  an add-on will be available for Energy Anaylsis, called ECODESIGNER STAR

http://www.graphisoft.com/products/ecodesigner/

https://edstarbeta.graphisoft.com/#/login

Here is an interesting article - do you think this is a worthwhile tool for GBA to investigate?
http://enr.construction.com/technology/bim/2013/0212-energy-modeling-tool-called-archicad-ecodesigner-star-will-produce-codecompliance-reports-.asp

Warning regarding Library Part renaming

Recently encountered issue with an unstable file - caused by a renamed library part!

A library part used in the project was renamed using the Finder or File Explorer to the same name of a macro call used by it.

http://www.archicadwiki.com/Troubleshooting/3dRunOutOfMemory

Libraries for ArchiCAD16

Introduction

• Only libraries that correspond with the version of Archicad must be used. A 16 project must not have other 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).

Libraries for AC16

File>Library & Objects>Library Manager

ArchiCAD Library 16

Default ArchiCAD library - also includes Cadimage parts.

Project Specific Libraries

Specific folders for shared libraries are created on the BIM Server on an "as-needs" basis, for projects where multiple standalone and/or teamwork files need to access common customized library parts. These are created by the CAD Manager on request.
XXXX (project name) Library YY where XXX=Job number, YY =AC version

Other 'libraries'

Any other library parts that are used will be added individually from the BIMcomponents portal or individually selected by a windows explorer type interface, and in doing so are added to the 'Embedded Library'. Parts can be added from the AC16 folder via the ‘Load other object’ button in the Object Dialog

Migration

Libraries for Migration are installed on your C: drive during ArchiCAD installation. 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.
If you are unsure please seek assistance - rather than corrupt BIM Server libraries.

Sharing a file with Teamwork -  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.
 These notes are a small part of those available on the ArchicadWiki http://www.archicadwiki.com/Teamwork/ManageLibrary

Notes

GBA AC16Library

The ‘old’ GBA libraries are available on the server …05 Project Resources\05.100 Archicad Support\05.101 Archicad Libraries. Parts can be added (embedded) from the AC16 folder via

• the ‘Load other object’ button in the Object Dialog. OR
• drag and drop from Windows Explorer.

Contents:

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

LIBRARY PARTS

Graphic Creation of Custom Library Parts and Components

Saving 2D Symbols as Library Parts
Saving 3D Elements as Library Parts
Saving 3D Model Elements as Rectangular Doors and Windows
Saving Custom-Shape Doors or Windows
Creating Custom Components for Doors, Windows, Curtain Walls

Converting (importing) parts

RemoveTriangulationFromImportedObjects

Using library parts

Parameter Transfer Between Objects

Warning: Library Part Makes Project Unusable

A library part used in the project was renamed using the Finder or File Explorer to the same name of a macro call used by it. This made the library part call itself ad infinitum (recursive). 

Update to BIMx (in case you missed it)

(on iOS and Android)

http://blog.cadimage.com/2013/03/graphisoft-releases-feature-upgrade-to-bimx-mobile/

· Real-time 3D Cutaway function;
· Improved rendering technology;
· Increased performance.

With the real-time 3D Cutaway function, users can dynamically cut the BIMx model with a horizontal cutting plane. This offers a floor plan-like overview of the entire model allowing users to locate internal model parts that may be hard to find using the explore method. 3D Cutaway provides an easy-to-understand view for non-professional viewers.

SSDs & ArchiCAD

All new GBA PCs are being ordered with an SSD*, and some older ones have been retrofitted with these.

The main benefit is much quicker start times when you turn on your PC and when you launch software.
To get the most out of it for ArchiCAD, there is a work technique that will speed you up further - only if you are working on  a standalone (PLN) file (Not applicable to teamwork).

1. Go to the Project 'CAD Files' folder.
2. Right-click on the 'CAD Files' folder and create a shortcut for that folder. 
3. Rename the shortcut with the project number or name (as you like) and move on to your desktop (please don't leave the shortcut in the project directory).
4. Copy the PLN(s) you need to work with on to your desktop. 
5. Open the PLN files on your desktop as you need to work with them.
6. Remember, your computer is not backed up, only the server, so you must copy the file back on to the server at the end of every day. To do this close the file, then drag it onto the shortcut icon. 

*-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid-state_drive

Publisher

The CAD manual asks that all Publisher sets are set to theRecord Issued folder of that project.


Please do not set to your desktop

or to a date specific folder

New tutorial: import IFC and DWG manufacturer components

A real useful guide to making parts for your projects.

http://archicad-talk.graphisoft.com/viewtopic.php?p=212319#212319

An interesting read on the history of BIM...

http://www.archdaily.com/302490/a-brief-history-of-bim/

Shortcuts you didn't know about?

Thanks - Cadimage: http://blog.cadimage.com/2012/12/shortcuts-you-didnt-know-about/

When ArchiCAD was first done a lot of the shortcuts used in Wordpad would work in ArchiCAD

This has changed over time but a some of them still do, here are some which come in handy

CTRL+Backspace     –     deletes the entire word instead of just one character

CTRL+5      -     another way of doing Select all

CTRL+HOME    -     moves cursor to start of text instead of start of line

CTRL+END     –     moves cursor to end of text, instead of end of line

BIM objects

Graphisoft have entered a new agreement with BIMstop.
Add to your resource links - I've added it to the links on this blog.
http://bimobject.com/