Basic ArchiCAD Training

Prepared By:
Eng. Hagar Shaker.
Sales and Marketing Architecture Engineer
hagar@bimes.com

Supervised By:
Eng. Fady Londy.
BIM Consultant
fady.londy@bimes.com

Egypt Office:
7 Al Bergas St, Garden City, Cairo, Egypt
Phone: +20 227 92 1480 Fax: +20 227 92 2503 Mobile: +2 0114 414 6008

Dubai Office:
PO Box: 502847, DIC, Unit 2207-Tower A, Business Central Towers
Internet City, Dubai, UAE Phone: +971 4 428 1317 Fax: +971 4 428 1319

[Type text] Page 0

Table of Contents:
www.bimes.com

Chapter 1: Intoduction to ArchiCAD.

-How to start opening ArchiCAD.

- Open a project.
- Create a new project.
- Resetting the ArchiCAD interface.
- Tool Box menu.
- Info Box menu.
- Adding tools to ArchiCAD interface.
- ArchiCAD Navigator.
- Resetting model space Grid.
- Resetting ArchiCAD working Units.
- Resetting working Grid.
- How to make Work Sheet in ArchiCAD?
- How to place sketch in ArchiCAD?
- ArchiCAD Story Settings.
- ArchiCAD Project Info.
- ArchiCAD 3D Projection Settings.
- ArchiCAD Tool Box.
- Select tool.
- Edit tool.

Chapter 2: Grid Tool, Wall Tool & Column Tool.

- Grid Tool.
- Grid Element from Tool Box.
- Grid Element from pull down menu Design.
- Layer Settings menu.
- Wall Tool.
- Walls Info Box.
- Wall Default Settings.
- Column Tool.
- Columns Info Box.
- Column Default Settings.

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 Chapter 3: "Control Box" & "Tool Bar" menu.
- Control Box menu.
- Tool Bar menu.

Chapter 4: Column, Beam & Slab tool.

- Beam tool.
- Beam Info Box.
- Beam Default Settings.
- Slab tool.
- Slab Info Box.
- Slab Default Settings.

Chapter 5: Smells & Solid Elements Operations:

- Smells modeling.
- Putting Footings & Smells.
- Using Solid Elements Operations for Footings & Smells.
- Solid Elements Operations.

Chapter 6: Creating Axis & Columns drawings:

- Annotation and Documentation.
- Annotation.
- Documentation.

Chapter 7: Roof Tool:

- Roof tool in ArchiCAD.

- From Tool Box menu.
- From pull down menu Design.
- Roof tool Info Box and Roof Default Settings.
- Roof Info Box.
- Roof Default Settings.
- Single-Plane Roof type.
- Multi-Plane Roof type.
- Application on Single-Plane Roof tool.

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 Chapter 8: Mesh Tool:
- Mesh tool in ArchiCAD.
- From Tool Box menu.
- From pull down menu Design.
- Mesh tool Info Box and Mesh Default Settings.
- Mesh Info Box.
- Mesh Default Settings.
- Nodes edit palette in 2D Model.
- Nodes edit palette in 3D Model.
- Mesh using Magic Wand tool.
- Add hole to Mesh using Magic Wand tool.
- Add points to Mesh using Magic Wand tool.
- Place Mesh using Total station file.
-Create roof from Mesh.
Chapter 9: Doors & Windows tools:
- Door tool in ArchiCAD.
- From Tool Box menu.
- From Door Default Settings menu.
- Window tool in ArchiCAD.
- From Tool Box menu.
- From Window Default Settings menu.
- Documentation for Door & Window tools.
- Adding dimensions to openings.
Chapter 10: Stair Tool:
- Stair tool in ArchiCAD.
- From Tool Box menu.
- From Stair Default Settings menu.
- Stair Settings.
- How to create new stair.
- How to create irregular shape of stair.
Chapter 11: Shell Tool:
- Shell tool in ArchiCAD.
- From Tool Box menu.
- Shell Default Settings menu.
- Shell Info Box menu.
- Editing of shell tool.
- Define Shell Contour tool.
-Creating Dynamic roof from shell tool.
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 Chapter 12: Curtain Wall Tool:
- Curtain Wall tool in ArchiCAD.
- From Tool Box menu.
- Curtain Wall Default Settings menu.
- Curtain Wall Selection Settings menu.
- Curtain Wall edit in 3D Model.
- Application on Inclined Curtain Wall.
- Application on two Inclined Curtain Walls.
Chapter 13: Morph Tool:
- Morph tool in ArchiCAD.
- Morph Info Box menu.
- Editing of Morph tool.
- Application on Morph tool.
- Zoning tool in ArchiCAD.
- From Tool Box menu.
- Zoning Info Box menu.
- Zoning Default Settings.

Chapter 14: Document Tool Box:

- Dimension Tool.
- Level Dimension Tool.
- Text Tool.
- Label Tool.
- Fill Tool.
- Line Tool.
- Arc/Line Tool.
- Polyline Tool.
- Detail Tool.
- Drawing & Work Sheet Tools.
- Section Tool.
- Section Default Settings.
- Section in 2D Model.
- Elevation Tool.
-Elevation in 2D Model.

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 Chapter 1: Introduction to ArchiCAD:
How to start opening ArchiCAD:

- Start ArchiAD window will appear:

Open a Project:

To open a ready exiting project:

Then you can either choose

browse for a solo project (Single
working project) or a teamwork
project or selecting a saved file.

Setting up the working environment

either choosing:

- Last profile used: The last

interface you have set and used.
- Default profile: using the ArchiCAD
interface as if you are opening it
for the first time.

These are 3 default work

environment with
different interfaces.

Then press the Open tab

to start using ArchiCAD.

Page | 5
 Creating a new Project:

To create a new project.

Setting the project settings

and choose either Use a
Template or Use Latest
Project Settings .

Use a Template you can

use the ArchiCAD default
Templates or you can
make your own template
and choose it.

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 Opening ArchiCAD File:
ArchiCAD is opening and collecting data.

ArchiCAD interface for opening it for the first time:

Page | 7
Resetting ArchiCAD interface:
- Tool Box menu:

Tool Box contains all orders in

ArchiCAD where each order with its
logo and name which makes it easily
used.

It can be minimized in shape to give

bigger model space.

- Info Box menu:

Info Box by default is

found in this place, by
pulling it out and drag it
and drop you can change
its place which would be
easier to use.

Info Box after putting it

in the side, gives you more
options to use where they
are the same when it was
in its default place.

Page | 8
 - Adding tools to ArchiCAD interface:

From pull down

menu, Windows,
Palettes and choose
tools you need to add.

Adding Coordinates
which is responsible
for project X,Y,Z and
angle.

Then, pull it down

and change its place.

Adding Control box and also pull it to

change place as shown beside Coordinates.

Adding Trace & Reference

and pull it down Info Box.

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- ArchiCAD Navigator:

Appears in the right side for

ArchiCAD, and it shows:

- Project Map: where the stories

of the project are found.
- View Map.
- Layout Book.
- Publisher Sets.

*These all will be discussed later.

- Resetting Model space Grid:

Delete the elevation lines that appear on your working grid.

This warning message will appear,

press Delete Viewpoint, another
Warning message will appear and
press Delete anyway.

Page | 10
- Resetting ArchiCAD working Units:

From pull down menu,

Options and from
project Preference
choose Working Units
and reset unit according
to your project units.

To reset the Model Unit &

decimals, also Layout Unit
& Decimals.

- Resetting working Grid:

From pull down menu,

View then Grid and
Editing plan option choose
Grid & Background.

Spaces To change
between Background
Grid lines. color.

To change
Grid Rotation Grid Line
and angle of color.
Rotation.

Page | 11
 - How to make Work Sheet in ArchiCAD?

From Pull down menu,

Document, Documenting
Tools choose Create
Independent Work Sheet.

Put you Reference ID

for your Work Sheet.

Work Sheet From Pull down menu File,

will appear in External Content choose Place
Navigator. External Drawing.

Browse for your Project

File and press Open.

Set your Project File Drawing

Your Project will appear
Unit to insert the file with the
in the 2D Model.
same Units then Press Place.

Page | 12
- How to place sketch in ArchiCAD?

Set Model Scale same as your From More menu in Tool Box
sketch scale before opening sketch. choose Figure tool.

Open Figure Default Settings.

Press Open to browse for your sketch.

NOTE:
For un-scaled sketches, press (Ctrl + k) on
Sketch, and from any element you have
its scale dimensions and use it as scale.

Page | 13
- ArchiCAD Story Settings:
As mentioned before, Project story is found in the Navigator.
To reset the Project Stories: From pull down menu, Design
and choose Story Settings.

Add stories and Change the

rename them. story height.

- ArchiCAD Project Info:

From pull down menu File the
Info and choose Project Info.

Add all project information you need.

Page | 14
- ArchiCAD 3D Projection Settings:
Adding project location is very important as ArchiCAD gives you a full Sun studies and Analysis.

From pull down menu, View

and from 3D View Options
choose 3D Projection Settings

Press More Sun to

select the location
of your project.

For Project
North Direction Press Cities to
select the location of
your project.

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- ArchiCAD Tool Box:
ArchiCAD Tool Box is divided into 4 main categories:

Select Design Document More

Select Tool:
Used for selection.

Arrow Tool
Marquee Tool

Design Tool: Documents Tool: More Tool:

Used for Modeling. Used for Documentation. Contains Extra Tools.

Page | 16
 - Select Tool:

- Arrow Tool: Selection Methods:

Partial Elements, Entire Elements
or Direction Dependant.

Selection Type:
Used for Normal/Subelem.
elements
selection.

Geometry Method: Quick selection.

Polygonal, Rectangle or *Must be activated
Rotated Rectangle. for easier selection.

- Marquee Tool:

Used for
elements
selection.
Geometry Method:
Selection Methods: Polygonal, Rectangle or
Rotated Rectangle.
Single Floor/All Floors.

Note That:
- These Selection Tools can be used for all elements that will be discussed
in the next chapters.
- These Selection Tools can be used in both Models 2D and 3D.

Page | 17
 Edit Tool:
Move Tool:
Move Selection.

From pull down

Rotate Selection.
menu, Edit
choose Move a
Mirror Selection.
list of moving
tools will appear. Move Selection
Vertically.

Shortcuts for Copy, Cut or Delete

these moving Elements from
tools will appear story to another.
beside.

From Multiply choose the action you want to

make for your selected element/s with Number
of copies, Vertical displacement & different
orders.

Number of Copies will appear

with multi-directions with the
distance between each element.
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 Align Tool: Distribute Tool:

Element Settings Tool: Reference Line and Plane Tool:

Page | 19
 Reshape Tool:

Page | 20
 Chapter 2: Grid Tool, Wall Tool & Column Tool:
- Grid Tool:
There are 2 ways to make Grid in ArchiCAD
From Tool Box

From pull down

menu, Design
From More and choose
Grid System

- Grid Element from Tool Box:

Setting
Dialogue to
reset your
Grid
Element

Page | 21
- Grid Element from Tool Box:

Floor Plan:

Select the Stories

Floor Plan
you would like the
Shape of Grid
Grid to appear in
line in Plans.

You can choose Grid Color

one from three
shapes. Grid Line Type.

Marking the
Grid Labeling.

Section/Elevation:

Section/Elevation
Setting of Grid
line in sections &
elevations.

Grid Color.
You can choose
one from three
shapes.

Grid Line Type.

Marking the
Grid Labeling.

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Naming rules:
Start naming with A
Naming of with auto-naming
project Grid. (A,B,C,) & can
Can be changed change style.
anytime.

Adding Prefix

Adding Suffix

Marker:

Marker font
size.
Marker font style

Marker size.

3D View:

How to show
Grid Level in
Grid in 3D
3D Model.
Model.

Layer settings Grid color in

for Grid. 3D Model.

Page | 23
- Grid Element from Tool Box:

Grid Geometry :

Straight line
Grid
Curved from 3
points.
Curved from
center point

- Grid Element from pull down menu Design:

General Settings:

Straight line Grid

Curved Grid
Putting elements or
objects with their
Angle of Rotated
settings between
Grid
every intersection
Grid lines. Put Dimensions for
Grid
Putting Beams
with their settings Put total
between Columns Dimensions for
Page on
| 24Grid lines. Grid
Grid Elements & Naming rules:
*Same as mentioned Before.

Anchor point as
from where to pick
the Grid

Grid Positions:

Number of Grid
Vertically & Horizontally
with their spacing which
are editable anytime in
2D model& 3D model.

Example of 2D Model for Grid.

Example of 3D Model for Grid.

Page | 25
Elements are signed into layer by default according to ArchiCAD layers settings.
- Layer Settings menu:

Pull-down menu,
Options, Elements
Attributes & choose
Layer Settings.

Priority Create New Layer

*will be Write the Name
discussed later. of Layer you want,
e.g: AR-EXT-Wall

Wire Frame Layer

in 3D Model
Lock Layer Un Lock Layer

Un Hide Layer Hide Layer

Create New Layer Combinations

You can combine views for Drawings &
show it in Quick Options down in
Navigator.

Page | 26
- Wall Tool:

Setting Dialogue Tool

Box of Walls is same as
in Info Box with small
differences.

Walls Info Box:

Shapes of walls: Curved Walls:
Center point & Radius,
Straight Line Walls:
Circumference and Tangential.
Single, Chained,
Rectangular & Rotated
Rectangular.

Polygonal Wall
Trapezoid Wall

Reference Line of Walls:

The line where to pick

your wall.

*Same as Anchor Point. *All previous tools are

found same as in Wall
Default Settings.

Page | 27
Wall Default Settings:

- Geometry and Positioning:

Types of Walls:
Resetting which story
Structure,
will you add your wall.
Generic &
Custom.

Resetting level of
starting the Wall top.

Wall shapes.
Level of ending Wall
bottom to story.

Level of ending Wall

bottom to Project Zero

- Floor Plan and Section:

You can set your wall

line thickness & hatch
in both plans &
sections.

- Model:

You can set your wall

faces colors of
materials of your 3D
Model.

Page | 28
- Tags and Categories:

Setting Tags and Setting

Categories is Structural
very important. Function
is important.
Wall ID
eg. : Walls Interior.
Walls- Exterior.

Classify your The place of

Element. Wall.

Put your Wall in its Layer according

to your Layers Template.

Note That:
- Tags and Categories are important in extracting B.O.Q (Bill Of Quantities)
and also during selection which make it easier using Find and Select tool.

From keyboard press

(Ctrl + f)

- If height of wall in a story exceeded the story height, it will appear in the above story plan.

You can reset this from

FLOOR PLAN DISPLAY

Page | 29
- Column Tool:

Setting Dialogue Tool

Box of Columns is
same as in Info Box
with small differences.

Columns Info Box:

Add Column to Layer.

You can choose your
column shape with
covering skin from:
Rotate Column from
Rectangular, Circular or
core or from outer skin
Complex Profile.

Height of Column in
current story.
Veneer on Column
(Finishing Material).
Level of Column from
current story.
Rotated Column.

Column Dimension.

Vertical/Inclined
Column. Freestanding/Wrapped
Column.

Page | 30
 Column Default Settings:

- Geometry and Positioning:

Height in current
story.
Dimension.

Level from
current story.
Freestanding/Wrapped
Column.
Veneer on Column
(Finishing Material).
Rotated Column.

Vertical/Inclined
Column.
Anchor Point.

- Floor Plan and Section:

You can set your

Column line
thickness & hatch in
both plans & sections.

- Model:

You can set materials color of

Column in your 3D Model.

Page | 31
 -Tags and Categories:

Setting Tags and Setting

Categories is Structural
very important. Function
is important.

Column ID
eg. : C 01 , C 02,

Classify your
Element. The place of
Columns.

Put your Column in its Layer

according to your Layers Template.

Note That:
- Tags and Categories are important in extracting B.O.Q (Bill Of Quantities)
and also during selection which make it easier using Find and Select tool.

- Layers Settings for Columns is according to your working template.

- According to BIMES template, our naming system to Columns Layer as an example is:
AR MOD- COLUMN
AR DOC COLUMN
STR MOD- COLUMN
STR DOC - COLUMN

Page | 32
 Chapter 3: "Control Box" & "Tool Bar" menu:
- Control Box Menu:

Pull down menu Options, Windows,

Palettes and choose Control Box

Group & Suspend Grouping

Magic Wand.
Elements with each other.
(ALT + G): Group.
Special Snaps
(ALT + G): Suspend.
are used with
Snap points View

Make Elements Make Offset

Perpendicular from Elements.
to each other.
Make Mid Point
Make Elements Parallel in Elements.
to each other.
Make Multi-Offset
Bi sector
from Elements.
for angles.

Snap points View.

Division wall with No.

Half wall distance.
of divisions you insert.

Have Distance
Have Percent for your wall.
from your wall.
Page | 33
- Tool Bar Menu:

Tool Bar is activated when you are

selecting the element you want to use it on.

Trim Fillet/Chamfer
Adjust
Do not work on groups.
Suspend Groups

3D Cutaway
Split = Cut.

Trim Elements Mark-up Tool

Intersect Resize
to Roof/Shell

Redo
Gravity Measure (M)
your order.
Undo
your order. Find & Select Element Snap

Trace &Reference
Grid Snap
Pick up Parameters

Inject Parameters
after picking up
parameters.
Guide Lines Show/Hide Tracker

Page | 34
 Chapter 4: Beam & Slab Tools:
- Beam Tool:

Setting Dialogue Tool

Box of Beams is same
as in Info Box with
small differences.

- Beam Info Box:

You can choose your

Beam shape with Add Beam to Layer.
covering skin from:
Single, Chained,
Rectangular or Curved.
Drop of Beam
in current story.
Rectangular or
Complex Profile.
Level of Beam from
current story.

Horizontal Beam.
Beam Dimension.
Inclined Beam.
Hole Shaped on Beam.
Surface on Beam.
Hole Contour on Beam.
Page | 35
 Beam Default Settings:

- From Geometry and Positioning:

Drop in current
Dimension.
story.

Level from
Rectangular/Complex
current story.
Profile Beam

Horizontal/Inclined
Beam Reference Axis
Offset

- From Floor Plan and Section:

You can reset your

Beam line thickness
& hatch in both plans
& sections.

Page | 36
- Slab Tool:

Setting Dialogue Tool

Box of Beams is same
as in Info Box with
small differences.

- Slab Info Box:

You can choose your Add Slab to Layer.

Beam shape with
covering skin from: Reference Line Location:
Polygonal, Rectangular Top, Bottom, Core Top or
& Rotated Rectangular. Core Bottom

Basic or Drop of Slab in

Complex Profile. current story.

Slab edge angle:

Level of Slab from
Vertical or Custom
current story.
angle.

Surface on Slab. Slab ID

Page | 37
 Slab Default Settings:
- Geometry and Positioning:

Drop of Slab
Basic or
Complex Profile.
Level from
current story.

Reference Line Location:

Slab edge angle: Top, Bottom, Core Top
Vertical or Custom or Core Bottom
angle.

- Using Magic Tool to make Slab of Walls automatically.

Put Walls and click on Using Magic Tool or

its edges, Reset Slab press Space to put Slab
settings. on walls.

Page | 38
 - Selecting Slab a pull down menu will appear:

Insert Node. Edit Segment Offset all

Using Tangent. Edges.

Curve Edge. Offset Edge.

Add to Polygon.

Subtract from Polygon.

Drag.

Custom Edge Settings.

Rotate.

Mirror. Elevate. Multiply.

From 3D Model and by selecting Slab Edge:

The Same Tabs will Stretch.

appear with extra one

Priority of Beams & Slabs:

ArchiCAD can differ Drop

Beam and Beam using
Priority.

Page | 39
 Chapter 5 : Smells & Solid elements operations:

-Smells Modeling:
- From Layer Settings make New layers for Footings with a naming system:
ST-MOD-RC-FOOTINGS
ST-MOD-PC-FOOTINGS
ST-MOD-RC-SMELLS ST MOD RC - FOOTINGS
ST-MOD-PC-SMELLS
ST-MOD-COLUMNS

Classifying elements into Elements Classification

layers is very important is very important for
for documentation. B.O.Q.

- Change elements type:

Select element Press Copy Settings

you need, From then, choose element
Find & Select type and Paste from
tool. same tab.

- Smell using Beam tool:

Adjust Smell Setting

parameters. Tags & Categories

Page | 40
 - Putting Footings and Smells:

Joining Footings
with Smells.

Smells with different drops

will have different IDs.

Copy Smells using

Multiply

Footings must cut Smells.

Using
Solid Elements Operation. Increase priority of
Footings.

Page | 41
 - Using Solid Elements Operation for Footings & Smells:

Pull down menu, Design

and choose
Solid Elements Operations.

The being cut element SMELL

The Cutting element FOOTING

Choose Subtraction

Then Execute

NOTE:

Do Not operate Solid Element Operations for

large number of elements together as this will
slow down the file you are working on.

Page | 42
-Solid Elements Operation:

Useful for complex shapes and in

BIM for Designers &
Consultants.

Subtraction

Deleting and of the elements

in Solid Element Operation
will cancel the tool.
Putting your Operator
Element in Hidden Layer
to see the result cutting.

Subtraction with upward extrusion

Subtraction with downward extrusion

Page | 43
 Chapter 6 : Creating Axis & Columns Drawings:
- Annotation and Documentation:
For Annotation:

Creating New Layers:

For Annotation: ST-DOC-ANN-COLUMNS
For Documentation: ST-DOC-DIM-COLUMNS

Axis & Columns Model:

Create Layer Combination with Layers
you need them to appear in it.

Shifting between
Floor Plan Model: Layer Combination
Create Layer Combination with Layers layers is through
you need them to appear in it. Quick Options.

Page | 44
 For Documentation:

Putting
Dimensions
on Model

All Edits in
Dimensions
Settings are
according to
your
presentation

-Adding Labels to elements.

Select element
from Tool
Box then
press (Ctrl+A),
then from
Put
settings mark
Documentation
Labels.
in specified layer.
Adding element
ID to label

Page | 45
 Chapter 7: Roof Tool:
Roof tool in ArchiCAD:
- From Tool Box menu:

Settings in Tool Box

menu is same as in
Roof Default Settings.

- From Pull down menu Design:

From Design,
Design Tools and
choose Roof tool.

Page | 46
Roof tool Info Box and Roof Default Settings:

- Roof Info Box:

You can choose

Add Roof to Layer.
Roof type:
Single-Plane.
Basic/Composite
Multi-Plane.
Roof.
Single-Plane Roof:
Complex Roof. Angle of
Rectangular Roof. Inclination.
Rotated Roof.

Thickness.

Cover Hatch for

Plan and Elevation.
Multi-Plane Roof:
Complex Roof.
Rectangular Roof. Cover Fill:
Rotated Roof. Add/Remove
.

- Roof Default Settings:

Cover Fill in
plan and
Basic/Composite
Section.
Roof.
Show or Hide.

Roof Types.
Angle is not
activated.
Roof Edges Angle. Activate it by
changing Cut Fill
hatch.

Page | 47
 Single-Plane Roof type:
-Complex Roof:
Rectangular/Square Roof.

Rotated Roof.

Roof Plan with fill. Roof Plan without fill.

Inclined Roof Model.

- Roof Edit in 2D & 3D Model:

2D Model edit:
Editing tool box will appear with:
Move node, Fillet, Offset,
Add/Subtract polygon, Drag,
Rotate, Mirror, Elevate or Multiply.

3D Model edit:
Editing tool box will appear with:
Insert node, Curve edge, Edit
segment, Offset edge, Add/Subtract
polygon, Drag, Rotate, Mirror,
Elevate or Multiply.

Page | 48
Multi-Plane Roof type:
-Complex Roof:

Make Roof easier

especially in Classic
Building forms.

Selecting Walls edges and use

Magic Wand to make Roof.

-Square/Rectangular Roof:
In one Direction: In Two Directions:

-Rotated Square/Rectangular Roof:

In one Direction.
In Two Directions.

Page | 49
Application on Single-Plane Roof tool:

Having inclined roof on walls. Select all walls of

roof.
You need to delete extra wall
height above inclination.

From pull down menu,

Design, Connect and from
By selection tool, select which Trim Elements to Roof/Shell.
wall part you need to keep.

Select bottom
walls to keep.

Select upper
walls to keep.

Page | 50
 Chapter 8: Mesh Tool:
Mesh tool in ArchiCAD:
- From Tool Box menu:

Settings in
Tool Box
menu
is same as in
Mesh
Default
Settings.

- From Pull down menu Design:

From Design,
Design Tools and
choose Mesh
tool.

Page | 51
Mesh tool Info Box and Mesh Default Settings:

- Mesh Info Box:

Add Mesh to Layer.
Choose Roof type:
- Polygonal.
- Rectangular. Regular Sloped Mesh.
- Rotated Rectangular.
- Regular Sloped.

Structure:
- Top surface only.
- With skirt.
- Solid body.
Thickness.

Level from story.

- Mesh Default Settings:

Structure:
Thickness. - Top surface only.
- With skirt.
- Solid body.
Level from story.
Edges show
in 3D Model.

Fill of Mesh in
Plan and Section.

Add Mesh to Layer.

Page | 52
 - Nodes edit palette in 2D Model:

2D Model edit:
Editing tool box will appear with:
Move node, Fillet, Offset,
Add/Subtract polygon, Drag,
Rotate, Mirror, Elevate or Multiply.

- Nodes edit palette in 3D Model:

3D Model edit:
Editing tool box will appear with:
Insert node, Curve edge, Edit
segment, Offset edge, Add/Subtract
polygon, Drag, Rotate, Mirror,
Elevate or Multiply.

- Mesh using Magic Wand tool:

Draw Splines with Mesh

shape, using Magic wand
tool to create a mesh.

Page | 53
 - Add hole to Mesh using Magic Wand tool:

Selecting Mesh, using Magic

wand tool press on line of hole.

- Add points to Mesh using Magic Wand tool:

Selecting Mesh, using Magic wand

tool press on line of to add point on.
You can repeat it on other lines.

Page | 54
- Place Mesh using Total station file:

From pull down menu, Design and

Place Mesh from Surveyors Data.

Text file for Toll Station

from Surveyors.

This way is easy to

put a land with a
lot of leveling in
one step.

Page | 55
- Create Roof from Mesh:

From pull down menu, Design

and Design Extras, choose
Create Roof from Mesh.
This is a free plug-in.

You can then delete the

Mesh and select Roof.
Use Roof tool for any edits.

Separate polygons of
different levels in roof.
You can delete them,
and also you can change
its materials.

Page | 56
 Chapter 9: Doors & Widnows Tools:
Door tool in ArchiCAD:
- From Tool Box menu:

Settings in
Tool Box
menu
is same as in
Door
Default
Settings.

- From Door Default Settings menu:

- Geometry and Positioning:

Libraries
of Height.
Doors
Shapes. Width.

Sill/Header Associated to
Value. wall or
vertical
Anchor if there is
Point. inclined wall.

Page | 57
 - Parameters:

Adjusting
some
parameters
in Door.

- Hinged Door Settings:

More settings for Door details.

Details in 2D model.
Change from Sensitive
to detailed scale.

- Tags and Categories:

Doors ID is very
important for L.O.O
List Of Openings.

Page | 58
 Window tool in ArchiCAD:
- From Toolbox menu:

Settings in
Tool Box
menu
is same as in
Window
Default
Settings.

Note:
All settings tools of windows are same as Doors tools.

- Documentation for Doors & Windows Tools:

Setting marker style.

ID Text Marker
Orientation. Shape.

Hide Extension
To copy settings of a
line for ID.
Door to another (Alt)
and press on door, then
(Alt+Ctrl) and press on
the target door to drop
it on.
Page | 59
 - Adding Dimensions to openings:

Select
Dimension from
Toolbox and
choose the points
to add dimensions
on, By default
ArchiCAD will add
openings
dimensions if you
didnt refer to.

To add openings height on dimension, from

Dimensions tool, Dimension Details mark
on Display the Height of openings as well

Page | 60
 Chapter 10 : Stair Tool:
Stair tool in ArchiCAD:
- From Tool Box menu:

Settings in
Tool Box
menu
is same as in
Stair Default
Settings.

- From Stair Default Settings menu:

- preview and Positioning:
- Parameters:

If floor height
Dimension
is mentioned,
of Stair.
Riser & Thread
will be locked.
Height
of Floor. Slab
Structure
Stair &
Library. Railing
Structure.

Page | 61
 - Stair Settings:

Reset all stair

settings
according to
your stair
design.

Selecting on stair, you can edit it from

2D model from the pick colored points.

2D & 3D model edit, will

change in stair settings.

Structure settings are

applicable anytime.

Page | 62
 - How to create new stair:
Create Stair, choose from Stair Type
Selection and also you can create ramp

- Geometry and Flight Settings:

Resetting Floor
Height, Flight Width, Flight Settings
Flight Length, & Dimensions
Landing Length. of risers and
threads.

- Structure and Landing Settings:

Choose
Structure Type. Finishing
materials for
Stair Slab stair parts
Thickness. and faces.

Thickness of
upper Landing
connecting Settings.
structure.

Page | 63
 - Thread Settings:

Dimensions
of Threads. Finishing
materials of
risers &
Riser threads faces.
Height.

- Railing Settings:

Define
Railing.

Railing
Settings.

- Symbol Settings:
2D Model Stair
Presentation.

Page | 64
 Saving the Created Stair in library
with the name you want.

From Stair tool, you will find the Created Stair.

You edit the Created Stair at anytime.

Page | 65
 - How to create irregular shape of stair:

From Toolbox, using Using Line tool to draw

Fill tool and draw Line of travel for stair
the stair outline. from starting point.

From pull down

menu, Design and
choose Create Stair
Using Selection.

From Stair tool you will Create Stair settings

find the Created Stair. will appear to reset.

Page | 66
 Chapter 11: Shell Tool:
Shell tool in ArchiCAD:
- From Tool Box menu:

Settings in
Tool Box
menu
is same as in
Shell Default
Settings.

- Shell Default Settings menu:

Level of Basic/Composite
Shell. Shell.

Angle of
2D model starting Shell.
presentation.

Angle of
ending Shell.
Finishing
materials of
Shell faces.

Page | 67
 - Mesh Info Box menu:

Extruded Shell.
Revolved Shell.

Simple/detailed
Construction.

Simple Construction.

Ruled Shell.

Detailed Construction.
Draw dome profile.

Simple Construction.

Morphing Rule
Paired/Smooth.
Detailed Construction.
For twisted shapes.
Draw square from Line tool and make a
rotated copy from it.
Using Ruled-Detailed Shell and join the
point of rotated copy square.

Page | 68
 - Editing of Shell tool:

Shell can be edited in 2D & 3D model

Selecting Shell and press right

click to have the editing palette.
You will have an editing palette for
Shell axis and editing palette for
Shell node.

Nodes editing palette. Axis editing palette.

- Define shell contour tool:

Select Shell& right click on it and

Draw contour line & then it
choose Define Shell Contour.
will trim all extra Shell:
parts out of this contour.

Page | 69
 - Creating Dynamic Roof from Shell tool:
Use dynamic tool to
Use Wall tool to make walls.
draw the outline of roof.

You need to rotate the Enter Extrusion Length for Shell.

extruded shell to put it
as a roof on walls.

Select point in Shell and make Free Rotation.

Use Drag tool to put Shell roof on walls and increase height of walls to adjust it.

Crop extra wall height using Trim Element using

Shell from Connect in Design pull down menu.

Page | 70
 To make the roof plan with irregular shape,
Use Line tool to draw the shape of roof.

Select shell, right click to choose Define Shell Contour

then using Magic Wand to pick up the line of Shell.

Also, by selecting
To make holes in shell make circle or any shape on it.
Shell and with editing
Right Click on Shell and choose Create Hole on Shell,
palette you can make
Use Magic Wand to pick up shapes of holes.
the holes you need.

To edit holes, click on it and editing

palette will appear with its tools.

Page | 71
 Chapter 12: Curtain Walls:
Curtain walls tool in ArchiCAD:
- From Tool Box menu:

Settings in
Tool Box
menu
is same as in
Curtain wall
selection
Settings.

- Curtain Wall Info Box menu:

Curved curtain wall.

Polyline
curtain wall. Center Point and Radius,
Three Points, Tangential, or
Single/Chained
Radius and Axis.

2D Model View.
Thickness.

Boundary
curtain wall.

Page | 72
 - Curtain Wall Selection Settings menu:

Settings dialogue
while putting
you curtain wall.

Scheme Junctions
Shape of curtain wall. Connection of curtain walls panel

Accessories.
Editable in 2D & 3D Model.

Page | 73
 - Curtain Wall Edit in 3D Model:
Select Curtain wall and Edit menu will appear.
press on Edit.

Selecting nodes, and

After editing, if you didnt press
moving them for editing.
OK, this message will appear.

- Panels Selection and Edit:

Select Panels vertically or From panels settings

horizontally is much easier. you can choose to put
windows or doors.

Page | 74
 - Application on Inclined Curtain wall:

Having inclined curtain wall on Select wall & curtain wall and press
a vertical wall, you need to right click and choose connect
trim the extra part of the wall. then join wall to curtain wall.

This message will appear

to adjust the curtain wall.

Moving the inclined curtain wall

will make the wall stretched to
adjuct the new location.

Page | 75
 - Application on two Inclined Curtain walls:

Having inclined curtain wall on Select both curtain walls and

a vertical wall, you need to press right click and choose
trim the extra part of the wall. Split Curtain wall.
You have to make this step in
each curtain wall separately.

Select the extra

parts of curtain
walls are they
became
separated from Select both curtain walls and
them and press right click and choose
delete. Create Common Frame

Reset your frame.

Connection of both
curtain walls will appear
in 2D & 3D model.

Page | 76
 Chapter 13: Morph Tool & Zoning Tool:
Morph tool in ArchiCAD:
- From Tool Box menu:

Settings in
Tool Box
menu
is same as in
Morph
Default
Settings.

- Morph Info Box menu:

Morph has Straight Morph

no thickness Rectangular, Free rotated rectangular
as Shell. Curved Morph
Center point and radius, Circumference

Polygonal
Morph.
Revolved Morph.
Draw Morph outline and
Box revolve around the chosen axis.
Morph.

Page | 77
 - Editing for Morph tool:
Using polygonal morph tool to make
square plane that can be extruded.

Editing palette in 3D Model

Pull/Push: Extruding surfaces.
Tube: Extend Morph faces.
Bulge: Add radial recess/extrusion on faces.
Offset All Edges: used for faces.
Add Points: To make new surfaces & faces.
Stretch: Stretch, Stretch from center, Skew.

Stretch: used on
Tube. faces & edges.

Bulge.

To select face or edge from a morph

shape press (Ctrl+Shift), select tool will be
in white color and select what you need.

Select surface and from settings

you can change its color & you
can delete a surface.

Use Check Solidity to return

back deleted surfaces.

Page | 78
 - Application on Morph tool:

Use Revolved Morph to draw this Select both Morph from pull down
shape and then make a copy of it. menu Design, Modify Morph
choose Union to make it one morph.

Morph is editable in 2D & 3D Model

Select Union Morph and press right

click and choose Check Solidity.

Draw profile and select it on 3D Model In 3D Model make the profile

and press right click and choose Tube. move on the path you made.

Page | 79
 Smooth Morph
Select Morph, then from pull down menu, Design,
Modify Morph and choose Smooth & Merge faces.

Any element in your Model can be used

as Morph and use its editing palette.

Select element and press right click and

choose Convert Selection to Morph.

Page | 80
 Zoning tool in ArchiCAD:
- From Tool Box menu:

Settings in
Tool Box
menu
is same as in
Zoning
Default
Settings.

- Zoning Info Box Menu:

Adding zone Inner Edge Zone.

to layer.

Reference Line
Manual zone
Zone.
PolyLine, Rectangular,
Rotated Rectangular.

Page | 81
 - Zoning Default Settings:
- Name and Positioning:

Zone Name.
Choose Zone
category.

Manual zone.

Inner Edge Zone.

Reference Line
Zone.

- Zone Stamp:

Adding text you want to

show in your Zone.

Page | 82
 - Settings:

Same settings found

in Zone Stamp.

- Area Calculations:

Adding area
calculations of walls,
columns and other
elements to Zoning.

- Tags and Categories:

Adding ID to
your Zoning.

Page | 83
 Chapter 14: Document ToolBox:
This Tool is used for Documentation for your project.

You can make

Documentation for
your project either
from ToolBox or
from pull down menu.

From pull down

menu, Document,
Documenting Tools.

- Dimension Tool:

ArchiCAD makes Dimensions

dynamic by default, as by changing
any of your project elements
Dimensions change automatically.

Set Dimensions to static

instead of dynamic.

Page | 84
 - Level Dimension Tool:

Level Dimensions used for

putting levels in Elevations &
Sections in your project.

- Text Tool:

Adding Text to
your project.

- Label Tool:

Adding tags to
Adding Labels to your labels.
your project.

Page | 85
 - Fill Tool:

Adding Fill to
your elements.

- Line Tool:

Choosing
Drawing Lines line type.
in your 2D & 3D
Model.

- Arc/Line Tool:

Choosing
line type.
Drawing Arcs &
Circles in your
2D & 3D Model.

Page | 86
 - Polyline Tool:

Choosing
Drawing Lines line type.
in your 2D & 3D
Model.

- Detail Tool:

Take Detail from your

project plans and sections
and will appear in you
Navigator Details
separated from you working
model and can be used any
time.

- Drawing & Work Sheet tools:

Tools used to insert

Drawings and external files
to your ArchiCAD file.

Page | 87
 - Section Tool:
Take sections for your projects that will appear with all details.

Press
Section and
mention on
plan the part
you need to
take your
section. All Sections you took
from your model will
appear in Navigator in
Section folder.

- Section Default Settings:

- General:

Name of
Section.

You can choose either any

changes in you project model
will appear in section or you can
make these changes manually.

Putting Section in layer.

eg.: 2D-DOC-MARKER-SECTION

Page | 88
 - Marker:

Set line of
section in Line type of
your model. Section.

- Marker Head:

Shape of
Fill type for your
marker head.
cutted Section.

- Marker Head:

Display Section
Markers place marker in model only or
in Section. in model & Printouts.

Page | 89
 - Marker Head:

Set Section Grid

in 2D Model.

- Section in 2D model:

Page | 90
 - Elevation Tool:
Take elevations for your projects that will appear with all details.

Press Elevation
and mention on
plan the part you
need to take your
Elevation.

Elevation Default Settings

All Elevations you took
are same as
from your model will
Section Default Settings.
appear in Navigator in
Elevations folder.

- Elevation in 2D model:

Page | 91