ArchiCAD - Passo A Passo

S t e p
b y
S t e p
E d i t i o n
I n t r o d u c t o r y
Thomas M. Simmons
Published by
GRAPHISOFT
ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step, Introductory Edition Published by Graphisoft Visit the Graphisoft website at http://www.graphisoft.com for local distributor and product availability information. Graphisoft R&D Rt. (Developer, international inquiries) Graphisoft Park 1, 1031 Budapest, Hungary Phone: (36.1) 437-3000 Fax: (36.1) 437-3099 General Information/e-mail: mail@graphisoft.hu Technical Support/e-mail: techsup@graphisoft.hu Graphisoft USA 235 Kansas Street, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA Fax: (36.1) 437-3099 Technical Support/Phone: (415) 703-9777 Technical Support/e-mail: techsupport@graphisoft.com Sales Information/Phone: (800) 344-3468 Sales Information/e-mail: info@graphisoft.com Graphisoft UK Ltd. 188-194 York Way, London N7 9AS, United Kingdom Phone: (44) 171-700-9930 Fax: (44) 171-700-9939 e-mail: mail@graphisoft.co.uk Copyright 1998 by Thomas M. Simmons, ARCHVIEW and published by Graphisoft. All rights reserved. No part of this book, including interior design, cover design and icons may be reproduced or transmitted in any form (electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher. Package and book cover credits: Image: National Theater Budapest. Design: Ferenc Bn and A Studio 90. Graphics: Dune Studio. Modeling in ArchiCAD, rendering with Artlantis Render. Final design by Graphisoft R&D Rt. Publishing & Design Department. First printing. ARCHVIEW Visit our website at http://www.archview.com for information on ARCHVIEW products and services. Trademarks ArchiCAD is a registered trademark and PlotMaker, GDL are trademarks of Graphisoft. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft, Inc. Macintosh and QuickTime are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. AutoCAD is a registered trademark and DXF and DWG are trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
About the Author

Thomas M. Simmons
The ArchiCAD Step by Step Training session was developed by ARCHVIEW and used with the ArchiCAD training course at the San Francisco Institute of Architects. The author, Tom Simmons, spent 7 years as an architect and the Director of Design Technology for Esherick, Homsey, Dodge and Davis Architects before starting his company, ARCHVIEW, Inc. While at EHDD Architects, he was instrumental in integrating and managing ArchiCAD on projects ranging from single family houses to libraries and aquariums. He is also the developer of ProjectStart and ProjectResource, management and organizational utilities for ArchiCAD.
Acknowledgments
Step by Step for ArchiCAD 6.0 required the contribution of a number of people besides the author. I would like to thank each of them for their help and expertise in bringing this book to print. Trying to write a study guide based on a product under development was a challenge that could not have been meet had it not been for individuals from Graphisoft such as Ferenc Lazar, David Marlatt and Vertesi Laszlo. I would particularly like to thank David Antoniuk and Norberto Melendez from the ARCHVIEW staff. Their help was instrumental in forming the words, concepts and ideas to help communicate the steps in the book and CD-ROM.
CONTENTS
Introduction Part 1 - Concepts and Tools
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Introduction to ArchiCAD Tools and Palettes Cursor Forms Editing and Notation The 3D Environment
1 4
7 19 25 29 39
Part 2 - Creating a Virtual Building

6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. Option Settings Drawing Preferences Project Setup Walls and Columns Doors and Windows Slabs and Stairs Furniture and Equipment Ceilings and Lights Roof Plan Site Layout Sections and Elevations TeamWork Creating a Library Part
46
49 53 57 61 67 73 79 83 89 95 101 107 113
Part 3 - Visualization
19. 20. 21. 22. 23. Materials Rendering Settings 3D Cutaway VR Object VR Scene
116
119 123 129 133 137
Part 3 - Visualization (continued)

24. Animation 25. Sun Study 141 145
Part 4 - Project Information

26. Project Zones 27. Listing Project Information
148
151 155
Part 5 - Document Layout

28. 29. 30. 31. PlotMaker Drawings PlotMaker Layouts Hotlinks and Archives Working with Consultants
164
167 171 175 179
ii
I
T
Introduction
Welcome to Step by Step for ArchiCAD 6.o
he Step by Step Self-Study Kit for ArchiCAD 6.o is designed as a 16 to 20 hour introductory course that will guide you through a project. By the end of this course, you should have a basic understanding of ArchiCAD concepts, tools, drawing techniques and modeling. The steps highlight the implementation of a project, methods of design and the application of tools for construction documents. The intention of this step by step course is to offer a consistent and organized process for learning ArchiCAD based on an architectural project. These steps guide you through the following lessons: Understanding ArchiCAD concepts, CAD set-up and management, Creating floor plans, sections and elevations, Building a 3D model, Placing dimensions and text, Viewing and interactive options for the 3D environment, Editing in the 3D environment, Methods and effects for photorendering, Visualization using animation, Object VR and Scene VR, Application of sun studies and cut-aways, Creating schedules and project information, Plotting and printing, Working with DWG and DXF formats, and Creating and changing library parts.
ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Introduction
Introduction
Each step guides you through the process to be learned, the information necessary to build the exercise, and what to do for that step. The steps also contain diagrams of tool palettes and dialogs that provide quick references to tools used in that exercise.
How the Book and CD-ROM Work Together

The book was written based on five sections that start with the introduction of concepts then move through the construction of a virtual building. The interactive CD-ROM provides a virtual assistant to answer questions with real time movies of each step. All you need to use the interactive is a standard web browser. Whenever you see an icon like this...
CD
...it means there is a movie demonstrating the step. It is that simple!
ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Introduction
ONE
CONCEPTS
AND
TOOLS
1. INTRODUCTION TO ARCHICAD 2. TOOLS AND PALETTES 3. CURSOR FORMS 4. EDITING AND NOTATION 5. THE 3D ENVIRONMENT
T E P S
N E
T O
I V E
Introduction to ArchiCAD
Overview
The first step begins with ArchiCADs workplace. Here you will learn the basic windows of the working environment combined with how to customize these windows as your personal workspace. This exercise will also introduce the concepts of objects and how an objects parameters influence the way an object is defined.
Process to Learn
ArchiCAD Workplace Floor Plan Window Section/Elevation Window 3D Window Concepts Object Environment Parameters The Help System Introductory Exercise
Starting the Step

To begin this step, double-click the file named STEP-01 contained in the Step by Step folder. STEP-01
Step 1 Introduction to ArchiCAD
The ArchiCAD Workplace

This step introduces the visible elements of the ArchiCAD working environment. They will help you find your way around the ArchiCAD Workplace and understand the role each component plays in using ArchiCAD. In many respects, the ArchiCAD Workplace is similar to conventional design and drafting environments. We like to think that ArchiCAD begins where your drafting table leaves off. The ArchiCAD Workplace is designed to provide you with tools that look and feel comfortable, but having all the power and precision available to a computerized system. When an ArchiCAD file is opened, it opens to the floor plan of a virtual building. Here we can view the 3 components of ArchiCADs Workplace; the Floor Plan window, Section/Elevation window and 3D window.
Working Environment
The working environment allows an interactive drawing process between the floor plan, elevation, section and 3D window. Elements are updated in all views to reflect current changes to the model.
3D Window
Linked Drawing Environments
Section/Elevation Window
Floor Plan Workspace
ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Step 1
The Floor Plan Worksheet Window

The center of the ArchiCAD workplace is the Floor Plan Worksheet. This window plays two roles at the same time: It displays a representation of the project as a traditional architectural drawing. It is a 2D/3D modeling environment that is interactive with the Sections, Elevations and 3D workspace. With the Floor Plan window open, we can view the plans for both floors of this building. To move up a story, click on Stories in the QuickViews Palette and then double click on Second Floor. Menu Bar Info Box Story Level File Name Control Box Coordinate Palette Quick Views Palette
Toolbox
Floor Plan Window Scroll Bar Zoom In Zoom Out Pan
Scale Previous/Next View Fit in Window The Floor Plan Worksheet is like a sheet of drafting paper. However, a traditional mechanical drafting board is limited by the size of the paper you can fit on it, while the ArchiCAD Worksheet can be as big as you want it to be. You can pan and zoom the window within the full drawing space to obtain the best view of the work you are doing.
The Section/Elevation Window

Using the Section/Elevation tool in the Toolbox, you can generate any number of sections or elevations of your project which will appear in separate windows.
The Section/Elevation window is interactively linked to both the Floor Plan and 3D Windows. Elements selected in this window are recognized as walls, columns, slabs, roofs, windows, doors, lights and library parts. These elements are fully editable using the same editing tools as you use in the Floor Plan Workspace. You can also add drawing elements to this window using the 2D drafting tools, place objects and text blocks on the section/elevation and even copy and paste parts of it to the floor plan for completing detailed working documents. Section/Elevation views are saved with your project model file. It is also possible to save them as separate files in a variety of drawing formats by using the Save As... command under the File menu.
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The 3D Worksheet Window

The 3D Window is used for three dimensional visualization of the architectural project and as a project editing environment. Either the complete project or just parts you select will be displayed in the 3D Window. Block, wireframe, hidden line and shaded views are available in all types of parallel and perspective projections. The 3D Window serves a variety of functions: In your design phase, the 3D Window will serve as a source for visual feedback of your work. It is an interactive window, so you can move freely about in the 3D environment both in Parallel and Perspective projections. The elements in this window, like the Floor Plan and Section/Elevation Window, are completely editable. For PhotoRenderings, the 3D Window sets the view that will be used to produce a final photorendering. For output to other applications, a 3D file can be exported from the 3D Window. In the production phase of your project, accurate 3D images optimized for plotter output can be generated from this window.
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The Concept of Parametrics

An ArchiCAD innovation, parametric object definition, allows a single stored object (ie: window, door, light, stair, truss, etc.) to represent dozens of similar objects by simply changing their height, thickness, material and dozens of customized parameters. Each object can also be re-saved under another name allowing you to quickly build up your own specific library. To view an example of how parameters are used, double click on the "Window" tool in the "Toolbox". The window has various parameters that can create a window with different forms, shapes, sizes and materials.
Library Part Name
Display Mode Button
Select Library Parts Menu
Next & Previous Button
Empty Opening
Rotate Button
To create changes to the selected window, click in any of the Parameters with your cursor and change the settings (ie: width, depth, length, height, etc.). As you change the settings, view the window in top view, side view, hidden line 3D view, shaded 3D view and as a preview picture using the "Display Mode" button. When you click on the arrows (>>) at the top right of the dialog box, various window symbols appear in the dialog. The arrows (<< and >>) are used for browsing through the library and the Search button is used to select a specific window type in any folder.
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ArchiCADs Help System

ArchiCAD has several systems to provide help: 1. When you begin an action, the Prompt Box will prompt you for the next action. The Prompt Box is part of the Control Box and can be displayed by clicking on the prompt icon(Mac) or maximize icon (Windows) at the upper right of the Control Box palette.
Prompt Box
2. Integrated into ArchiCAD is the ability to launch several separate sources of help documentation in HTML or PDF format. This documentation can be viewed while still in the ArchiCAD application. To access the documentation, go to the Help menu and select the desired subject from the pop-up menu. Select the subject from the list to open the help documentation.
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Introductory Exercise
CD The following exercise will demonstrate a simple introduction to the ArchiCAD environment. In it you will use some of the tools available and change their settings. You will then create two simple intersecting walls, insert an object into the wall, and create a quick 3D view of the results. As you follow this exercise it is not necessary that your information and settings exactly match those shown. If you have not already opened the ArchiCAD file named Step-01 on the Introductory Steps CDROM, go to the CD-ROM and double-click the ArchiCAD file named Step-01 in the Step by Step folder. You can use this file to begin the following exercise.
The Wall Tool should be active in the Tool Palette. Move your cursor to the upper left part of your screen and click once to set the beginning of the wall. Move the cursor Horizontally to the left. Click again to finish the wall. Your wall should be similar to the one below.
Go to the Window menu and select 3D Window to see a 3D view of the wall that you built. The wall that you drew in plan is not just a 2D wall made up of lines and fills, but an actual object. It is a wall with various architectural building properties.
Select Floor Plan to return to the floor plan window.
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Double-click on the Wall Tool in the Tool Palette. A Dialog Box appears that allows you to customize the properties of selected walls or new walls that are yet to be drawn. Change the wall construction by clicking and holding on the existing fill pattern. A pop-up menu will appear. Here you can select other wall properties. These changes affect the wall globally, in plan, elevation, section, 3D and in listing information. Select the fill indicated below by moving your cursor in the pop-up menu.
Draw a new wall and notice the fill pattern and plan dimensional changes.
Select Undo from the File menu (twice) to undo the two walls that you drew. Now select the Wall Tool again and draw a new wall. This time hold the Shift key down before clicking to end the wall. This will constrain the walls horizontally or vertically. Draw a horizontal wall. To connect a wall to this new wall place the cursor on the corner shown. The cursor changes to a checkmark, indicating that the cursor is perfectly aligned with that corner of the wall.
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Once the cursor appears draw another wall, but this time vertically, with the Shift key held down. The walls should look similar to those below.
Now double-click on the Window Tool. This dialog allows you to customize the settings for the selected window. Review the different settings. In this case use the defaults.
With the Window Tool selected move the cursor over one of the walls until it changes into a Mercedes form. Now click on the wall. A hole appears where the window will be placed. Next click to define on which edge of the wall opening the window will actually be placed.
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Now go to the Window menu and select 3D Window to see a 3D view of the wall and placed window. To see a shaded view as in the image to the right, go to the Image menu and select Shading.
Select Window and then Floor Plan from the menu. Now select Create Element List from the Calculate menu and choose Basic. This creates a simple list of information that tracks all the drawn building elements and their related information. The list you created here is very simple, but you can gather information such as material, surface finish, quantity, volume, price, etc. All this listed information changes dynamically as any changes are made in the Plan, Section, Elevation, 3D or Tool Setting windows.
These exercises are just an introduction to ArchiCAD. The tools, dialog boxes, and information presented here are just a few of those available. These tools, and others yet to be explained, are very powerful and integrated, yet always easy to learn and use. The rest of this Step by Step manual will guide you through the ArchiCAD application in more detail.
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18
Tools and Palettes

Overview
The second step will review the 5 main palettes used by ArchiCAD. This will give you an overview of how to use the palettes, the purpose of the palette and how to access the palettes. This exercise will also demonstrate how to customize the palette shapes and sizes for your individual setup.
Process to Learn
Toolbox Palette Coordinate Palette Control Palette Info Box Palette Quickviews Palette Shapes Show and Hide Palettes Customizing Palettes
Starting the Step

STEP-02 Open a new ArchiCAD file with the default settings. To do this, hold down the Alt key (Windows) or Option key (Macintosh), then go to the File menu and choose New and reset.
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Step 2 Tools and Palettes
Overview of Palettes
Toolbox
Arrow Wall Window Object Slab Mesh Dimension Level Dimension Angle Dimension Label Fills Circle/Arc Hot Spots Section/Elevation Radial Dimension Elevation Dimension Text Zones Lines Splines Camera & QTVR
(Toolbox is shown as expanded)
Control Box
Marquee Column Door Light Hip Roof
Compressed :
Compress/Expand Lever
Expanded :
General Controls: Offset tools Extension lines Grouping control
Perpendicular Modifier Parallel Modifier Bisector
Command Prompt
Coordinate Box
User Origin Modifier Grid Angle Edit Grid Reset Grid Snap Cartesian X Coordinate Cartesian Y Coordinate Polar Radius Angle Radius Z Coordinate Gravity
QuickViews
Add New View Pop Up
Absolute (grayed triangle - position absolute to a specific project point) Relative (black triangle - position relative to the point you draw from)
Element Fill & Type Layer Settings
Names of Saved Views Preview Window
Info Box
Tool Specific Controls Elevation Info Elements Layer
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Information
Customizing the Workplace: The tools and palettes can be customized to your preferences. To do this, go to the Window menu and select Floating Palettes and Palette Shapes. Here you can change the shape and size of your palettes. Also, each individual palette can be turned on or off by selecting Hide or Show.
Divisions of the Toolbox : Selection Tools 3D Tools Notation Tools 2D Tools Visualization Tools
What to Do
1. Review Each Tool - Review the dialogs for each tool by double clicking the tool. Note that each tool has various settings for Floor Plan, Section, Model and Properties. The diagram below shows some of the typical options available. The diagrams on the next page elaborate further. Floor Plan Settings Model Settings Properties Listing Attributes
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Object Parameters: Size Parameters Custom Parameters
Floor Plan & Section: Line/Pen Parameters Section Attributes
Model:
Listing: Element ID No. Listing by Property applied by criteria and/or assignment
Object Material
2. Info Box : The Info Box allows you to easily choose among construction methods, change geometry methods, and view instant feedback on the elevation and layer information of construction elements. It also allows you to reach the most important settings of any element and directly modify some of their parameters. The items displayed in the Info Box vary based on which ArchiCAD tool is currently selected. Review the Controls for Each Tool : In this exercise, click each tool in the Toolbox and observe how the Info Box settings differ for each tool selected. A few typical controls are shown below: Arcs/Circles Tool Door Tool Wall Tool Dimensions Tool
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CD
3. Coordinate Palette : The Coordinate Box shows you the precise location of the ArchiCAD cursor within both the Cartesian and polar coordinate system for your drawing. This allows for entering and viewing very accurate numeric information through the keyboard, in addition to or instead of the mouse. This Box also allows you to turn the snap grid on or off, turn gravity on or off, and move the user origin. Draw a Wall Segment : Drawing information numerically input through the keyboard can be used to define specific angles, lengths or location points. With the triangle depressed in the Coordinate Box, click to start drawing a wall. Enter 4-8 or 1.60 m for x, 0 for y and Return. You now have a 4- 8 or 1.60 m wall.
+y
The Coordinate System

-x +x
Drawing start point
-y
1. Click to start wall.
2. Type x=4-8 or 1.60 m and y=0
3. Hit Return or Enter to finish.
4. Control Box : The Control Box gives you the ability to constrain the drawing angle and cancel or confirm the current drawing operation. It also allows you to suspend or activate grouped elements, choose extension line settings, select offsetting commands, and provides active tool specific help in the Command Prompt area during different drawing steps. Review the Control Box : Select different tools from the Tool Palette and draw a simple shape with each one. Observe the Command Prompt area during the Tool operations for help. 5. QuickViews : The QuickViews palette allows you to move around different preset and userdefined views at various zoom levels and locations, both on the floor plan worksheet and in Section/Elevation windows. Go to Quick Views : Open the file Step-02.1 and click the QuickViews window in the upper right hand side of your screen. If the window is not there go to Window in the menu and Floating Palettes and Show QuickViews or click on QuickViews in the display bar at the bottom of the Floor Plan.
CD
QuickViews
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Create New Views : Fit your drawing to the entire ArchiCAD window by going up to the Display menu and then Fit in Window. Notice the small window. Now zoom in tightly on part of the drawing. Once again look at the small window and notice how the gray square updates according to what portion of the drawing appears on your screen. This rectangle is your Quick View area. These views can be saved by clicking on the triangle in the upper right corner and selecting Save Current View. Select other options in the save dialog, and when you are done the new view should be listed in the scrollable list. QuickViews for Stories QuickViews Preview Save/Delete/Redraw view options Saved Section/Elevation Quickviews Saved Quickviews on the current story List of Stories
QuickViews for Sections/Elevations
Save Options
Enables QuickView across all Stories or just on current Story Enables a QuickView to show only the current contents of the view displayed
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Cursor Forms
Overview
In this step, you will learn how ArchiCADs intelligent cursor provides automatic snaps, editing and selection functions. The cursor is designed to change form as it responds to a variety of functions in the working environment. This step will explore techniques of applying cursor forms to drawing methods.
Process to Learn
The Intelligent Cursor Types of Cursor Forms Drawing Cursor Display Cursor Functions of the Cursor How to use the Cursor Accuracy of the Cursor Preferences for the Cursor
Starting the Step

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Step 3 Cursor Forms
Overview of Cursor Exercises

Exercise 1 Exercise 2 Exercise 3
Construction line of wall
Exercise 4
Exercise 5
Arrow : Empty area on the worksheet
Cross Hair : Empty area for other tools other than Arrow
Empty Pencil : Checkmark : Snapping to a node Drafting pencil in an empty area or hotspot.
Filled Pencil : Snapping to node or hotspot
Exercise 6
Exercise 7
Exercise 8
Exercise 9
Exercise 10
Perpendicular Sign : Striped Pencil : Snapping to a Snapping to an perpendicular edge edge
Intersection : Mercedes Sign : Snapping to a Snapping to an crosspoint of edges edge
Tangent Sign : Snapping tangentially to an edge
Exercise 11
Exercise 12
Exercise 13
Exercise 14
Exercise 15
Trident Sign : Hammer : Moves marquee or Finishes a process contents of a paste such as placing a dimension chain
Magic Wand : Allows automatic operations
Eyeball : Orientation of door or window
Double Eyeball : Locates position of edge placed door/ window
Exercise 16
Exercise 17
Exercise 18
Exercise 19
Exercise 20
Half : Cross Hair temporarily shows center of element
Division : Cross Hair temporarily shows division of element
Percentage : Cross Hair temporarily shows percentage location
Distance : Cross Hair temporarily shows distance location
Cursor Alignment : Creates extension line from current drawing element cursor
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Step 3 Cursor Forms
Information
ArchiCAD uses an intelligent cursor to aid, simplify and speed the drawing process. Various cursor forms are used by ArchiCAD depending on the type of tool and function selected. When the Construction Line on two walls meet, ArchiCAD will automatically clean up wall intersections. Turning on and off this menu item affects the visibility of Construction Lines for all walls.
What to Do
Upon starting this exercise, disable Clean Wall Intersections to see the wall construction lines. CD 1. Arrow: With the file Step-03 open, you will see a single wall similar to the diagram in Exercise 1. Select the arrow tool in the Toolbox and note that the cursor is now shown as an arrow. This is your selection tool. 2. Cross Hair: Now select a different tool. Note that your cursor now appears as a Cross Hair. This indicates that ArchiCAD is waiting for you to begin an operation using that tool. 3. Checkmark: Now drag your tool over the corner of the wall. A checkmark will appear indicating that the cursor is snapping to the corner of the wall. Drawing elements will always have hot points to snap to. 4. Empty Pencil: Now select the wall tool and begin drawing a wall. An empty pencil will appear after you begin drawing with the tool. This indicates that you are in the drawing mode. Click again to complete the wall. 5. Filled Pencil: Click again as indicated in the diagram and drag the empty pencil across the edge of the wall. Note that on one edge of the wall the pencil shows as striped and the other edge as empty. This is because a wall has an active edge called a construction line 6. Perpendicular Sign: Now drag the striped pencil to a point that appears perpendicular to the wall. The intelligent cursor will indicate you are snapping to a perpendicular edge. 7. Striped Pencil: Now drag the empty pencil across the end of the wall. Note that on the end of the wall the pencil shows as filled. This is because a wall has a hot point at the 4 corners. 8. Intersection: Now draw a wall crossing the other wall as shown. Now drag your cursor to the intersection of the 2 walls. The cursor changes to a crosspoint, indicting the you are snapping to an intersection.
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Step 3 Cursor Forms
9. Mercedes Sign: Now put your cursor along side the edge of the wall. Notice how it changes to a mercedes sign. This indicates that you are snapping to an edge. 10. Tangent Sign: Draw a wall to a tangent edge on the circle as shown. The cursor will change to a tangent sign indicating you are snapping to the tangent edge. 11. Trident Sign: Click on the marquee tool in the Toolbox. Now draw a marquee window as shown. Notice that the cursor changes to a trident sign when placed over the marquee area. When the trident appears, you can click and drag the marquee you have drawn. 12 Hammer: The hammer is used to confirm an operation such as dimension or a slab. To place a dimension, highlight the dimension tool, click your cursor at both ends of the wall and then double click to place the dimension. The hammer that will place the dimension. 13. Magic Wand: The Magic Wand allows automatic operations such as wall tracing and creating fill boundaries. As an example, select the line tool and draw 4 lines to create a box. Now click on the fill tool, click the Magic Wand button and click inside the box to place the fill. 14 to 15. Eyeball & Double Eyeball: The eyeball and double eyeball indicates which side to confirm an operation. Highlight the door tool and drag your cursor to the edge of the wall until it turns to a mercedes sign. Click on the wall edge and an eyeball will appear. As you move the eyeball the insertion point of the door changes.
Insertion point selection 16 to 19. Markers for Half, Divisions, Percent & Distance: Turn on the Marker button on the Coordinates Palette and select Half. Now drag your cursor across the edge of the wall. A line marking the middle of the wall will appear. These are hot spots on the wall that your cursor can snap to. They are only temporary and will disappear after a few seconds. Marker button Numeric input Marker selection Repeat the above step to place a Marker for Divisions, Percent and Distance. 20. Cursor Alignment: ArchiCADs cursor has a Rubber Band Line that can align distant points and edges. This Rubber Band Line has three modes : Horizontal Perpendicular Vertical
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Editing and Notation

Overview
In order to productively use the tools we have learned, some key methods of editing and notation must be examined. This exercise will introduce these methods, in which several of the tools are used in simple yet important editing and notation procedures.
Process to Learn
Editing Grid Controls Offset Controls Multiply Command Resize Command Stretch Command Explode Command Notation Text Label Dimension
Starting the Step

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Step 4 Editing and Notation
Dialog and Palette Settings

Dimension Settings
Construction: Base-line Cumulative Linear
Multiply
Input dimension here if elements/objects are also to be multiplied vertically. Choose the method of duplication here.
Disables dimension's ability to dynamically update with drawing changes.
Label Settings
Resize
These areas allow precise control of resizing by numeric input. Enable or disable options for the selected elements.
Text entry for Label
Text Settings Offset Tools

Moves Project Origin Changes Grid angle Switches Grid between defined Angel setting and Default Grid setting. Bisect between angles Multi-Offset Line/Polyline Offset Line/Polyline
Grid Tools
Text line spacing Text justification Text anchor Point upon insertion.
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Menu Options
Group and Ungroup selected elements Will change the drawing order of elements/objects relative to each other Lock and Unlock selected elements Elements/objects are exploded into simple elements Undo Select to stretch elements or objects Select to bring up Resize settings Adjust and Trim elements Choose to Drag, Rotate, Mirror or Elevate an element Select to bring up Multiply settings
What to Do
1. Drawing Grid: The Grid provides an easily adjustable and accurate Reference Grid on which to draw. The default is a horizontal and vertical grid system, however the grid can be rotated. Set the Grid to the Default Orientation: In the Coordinate Box make sure that the Default horizontal/vertical Grid is active by clicking on the appropriate icon button.
Click here for Default Reference Grid.
Create a New Reference Grid: Click on the the Modify Grid icon shown below. CD
Click here to indicate that a new reference Grid angle is going to be defined.
Immediately after clicking on the button, draw a line anywhere in the Floor Plan window. When drawing the line, enter any numeric angle information in the Coordinate Palette Box if needed. The first click will also define a new user origin.
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2. Setting Mouse Constraints: Constraining the mouse allows you to draw automatically at preset angles, such as 0, 90 and 45 degrees relative to the active Reference Grid. Edit Mouse Constraints: Go to Options...Preferences...Mouse Constraints in the menu. Here you can set which Reference Grid is used as the Active Grid. If you create a Skewed Grid, as in the previous exercise, here is where you indicate if you want your cursor to react relative to the Skewed Grid or to the Default Reference Grid when you draw your plan elements.
Check this box to draw relative to the Default Reference Grid. Check this box to draw relative to a defined Skewed Reference Grid.
CD
3. Offset Controls: ArchiCAD features the ability to create new lines, slabs, roofs, walls and curves that are a controlled distance from the existing elements from which they are offset. You can make single or multiple offsets in one command. Create a Single Offset Element: Draw a series of walls as shown below or use the series of walls in the Step-04 ArchiCAD file. To offset these walls, select the Wall Tool and select the single offset button in the Control Box. Then click on the Magic Wand. Move the Magic Wand over to the walls. Click on the walls with the Magic Wand and drag the desired distance away from the walls. Click to Finish.
Select lines to Offset
Click and drag on the lines.
Double-click on desired spot to end.
Select the Single Offset button
Select the Magic Wand button
Control Box
Select the Single Offset button
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Create Multi-Offset Elements: Creating multiple Offset Elements is almost identical to creating Single Offset Elements. Follow the same steps as previously mentioned except in this case choose the Multi-Offset Tool. When dragging to Offset, every click location will create a new Element. Double-click to finish.
Select lines to Offset
Click to create copies.
Double-click to end.
CD
4. Multiply: The Multiply command creates any number of exact copies of selected elements using the following options : - Drag multiplies the copies along a straight path defined by the reference line. - Rotate multiplies the copies along an arc, using the angle specified in the reference arc or numerically. - Elevate stacks the copies with a vertical displacement. - Matrix creates a group of columns and grids with the option of vertical displacement. Multiply in One Direction Select Column to Multiply: Draw a column or select the column in the Step-04.1 file. Select Multiply... : Select Drag from the Actions. Enter three copies and leave vertical displacement at zero. Select Distribute from the distribution choices. Drag Copies: Click on the object and drag any direction. Notice the ghosting of the copies that are created. Click to place your desired endpoint and to finish.
Multiply in Multiple Directions Place a Column in Plan : Draw a column or select the column in the Step-04.1 file. Select Multiply... : Select the Matrix button from the Choose an Action area. Enter 4 copies Along First Stroke, 5 copies Along Second Stroke and leave vertical displacement at 0. Select Distribute from the distribution choices. Click on the column and drag the copies horizontally. Click to place the copies. Drag vertically to distribute the copies vertically. Click to finish Matrix.
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CD
5. Resize: The Resize command allows you to select objects/elements and change their physical dimensions along with the selected objects/elements spatial relationship. Create Several Elements to Resize: Place several library objects, enter some text, and draw a wall, similar to the diagram shown or select them from the Step-04.2 file. Select Elements to Resize: Select the wall and a library part to resize. Access the Resize... command from the Edit menu. Deselect Define Graphically and enter 150 into the percentage box. Make sure that both the library part and wall/column options are checked. Click OK and then click in the Floor Plan window to complete the command.
Before Resize...
After Resize.... Notice that affected items do not stay in the same location.
Select Elements to Resize Graphically: Select the same items from previous step. Access the Resize... command from the Edit menu. Enable Define Graphically. Make sure that both the library part and wall/column options are checked. Click OK and then click in the Floor Plan window to select first resize reference point. Move the cursor in a diagonal manner and click at second location to define second reference point. A rubberband boundary will appear indicating the increase or decrease in size. Click to finish.
First boundary point
Second boundary point
Resize boundary
Resize Complete
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6. Stretch: The Stretch command is used to stretch or shrink any selected ArchiCAD construction element. This command allows the endpoint of the selected element to be moved to a new position, stretching or shrinking the element, while the other endpoint will remain at its original position.
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Draw Several Construction Elements: Draw a Wall, Line and place a Library Part or use or the elements from Step-04.3 file. Stretch Elements: Select the Wall and then choose Stretch from the the menu. Click on the wall endpoint to move it to another location. A stretch vector will appear. Click to Finish. Repeat the stretch commands with the other construction elements.
Before stretching.
Select and drag endpoint of wall.
Select and drag corner of object.
After stretching.
7. Explode: The Explode command allows you to literally explode any complex construction element into basic ArchiCAD construction elements. Complex construction elements are: walls, library parts, windows and doors, columns, slabs, roofs, stairs and dimensions. When exploded these elements are automatically transformed to groups of lines, fills, curves or other basic elements. Once exploded they cannot be un-exploded except by using the undo command. Draw Several Construction Elements: Draw a Wall, Line and place a Library Part or use the elements from Step-04.4 file. Explode the Elements: Select the Wall and choose Explode from the Tools menu. The wall is now a grouped set of basic elements. Go to the Tools menu and select Suspend Groups. Now select a wall edge and delete it. The wall Fill is now also an independent Fill. Note that all 3D information is lost when an element is exploded. Repeat the Explode command for the other construction elements and see how they are broken down.
Wall before Exploding.
Wall after Exploding and the resulting grouped elements.
Exploded elements ungrouped & moved.
8. Text: This sophisticated labeling tool offers multi-line texts, full-scale font options, multiple styles and justification in any direction. Draw a Non-Breaking Text Block: To create a non-breaking text block, double-click with the Text tool active. You can immediately start typing your text. The text line will continue until you stop typing or hit Return to start a new line.
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Draw a Breaking Text Block Area: To start a line of text, simply draw a rubberband rectangle by clicking twice with the Text tool on the worksheet. A one-line block with the defined width remains on the screen, including a flashing text cursor indicating your position in the text block.
Type within the Text Block Area: Once the flashing text cursor appears one can start typing. Type until the words wrap and continue onto the next line. At any time, by hitting return, one can start a new line of text without letting the text block control the return.
9. Label: Labels are single line text blocks optionally linked to construction elements, allowing you to identify or comment elements or parts of your design. Labels can be framed or unframed, with leader and arrowhead. Draw Arrowhead and Leader of Label: Click where you want to place the arrowhead to point on the floor plan. Draw a rubberband line from your starting point and click where you want the first section of your leader to end. Draw another rubberband line in the direction set by the Label Settings dialog box for the label handle. Clicking where you want the end of the handle will open the label text box automatically.
Label handle. Arrowhead location.
Type Label Text: Type the label text you desire (up to 25 characters) in the text box and click the OK button or hit Enter to complete the operation. A label with the default settings will be placed.
Finished Label.
10. Dimension: The ArchiCAD Dimension tool is a powerful and sophisticated feature that allows you to add customized dimension lines to your projects. CD
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Configure the Settings for the Dimension Tool: Open the Dimension tool by double-clicking on its icon. Configure the settings. Make sure that the Linear setting is enabled.
General Dimension Settings
Construction Methods Witness Line Appearance Static Dimensions
Select First Dimension Point: Select the Dimension tool by clicking on its icon. Next select the Horizontal Geometry Method. Mark the first reference point by clicking on a wall node the Cancel button in the Control Box will become active.
Vertical Geometry Method Horizontal Geometry Method Skew Geometry Method
Select Remaining Dimension Points: Click on each endnode of the wall and window, then double-click to close the dimension chain. Hitting the Delete key once or pressing the OK button in the Control Box will also display the Hammer cursor.
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The 3D Environment
Overview
The underlying principle of ArchiCAD is that a building is created on the computer not as lines but as a virtual building complete with 3D information. This step introduces how to view and edit the virtual model environment and the types of options available. You begin the lesson using the 2 basic methods of the 3D Settings, parallel projections and perspective settings.
Process to Learn
Types of 3D Views Perspective Settings Parallel Settings Editing in 3D Navigating in 3D More Sun Pre-sets... Marquee Selection Options Imaging a Single Story Imaging All Stories
Starting the Step

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Step 5 The 3D Environment
Dialog and Palette Settings

Parallel Projection Settings
Predefined projection types Camera & sun dial
Parallel projections come predefined with 12 projection types including predefined axonometrics and side, top and bottom views. You can also create custom axonometrics by entering values for angles and ratios of coordinates.
Perspective Projection Settings
Perspective projections can be altered by moving the camera and sun point or by setting parameters such as viewpoint location, elevation and target location, width of the viewing cone and sun position. To reset the camera, Shift-Click for the view point and Option-Click for the target point.
Marquee Control Options

The marquee allows you to custom select areas for imaging with two control options:
Selects current story Selects all stories
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Menu Options
Access to the 3D environment settings is gained through this menu item.
What to Do
CD 1. 3D Projection Settings: Before you display a 3D view or ask for a photorealistic rendering, you can choose from a number of view options in the 3D Projection Settings dialog box. There are two main dialog boxes for 3D views: Parallel Projection Settings and Perspective Settings. 3D Projection Settings - Parallel Settings: With the Step-05 file open, open the 3D Projection Settings dialog under the Image menu. Using the Parallel Settings dialog, try different parallel projections to view the model such as axonometric, top, side and other view options as shown below. To change your viewpoint, drag the camera around the house and click OK. To change the sun position, drag the sun around the house.
Custom axonometric Top view Isometric axonometric Frontal axonometric Monometric axonometric Dimetric axonometric
Parallel Projection Pre-sets
Side view
Bottom view
Isometric bottom
Frontal bottom
Monometric bottom
Dimetric bottom
3D Projection Settings - Perspective Settings: Open the 3D Projection Settings dialog, under the "Image" menu. Click the Perspective button at the top of the dialog and use the Perspective Settings dialog. To try different perspective views, drag the end of the camera and/or the focal point to a different position and click OK.
Target Position
Camera Position Sun Position
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2. Marquee Tool: Use your Marquee Tool to highlight specific areas. The model will be clipped at the Marquees boundaries. The thin marquee images one floor and the thick marquee images all floors. Marquee an Area: Select the marquee tool. Choose the thin marquee. Select an area of the plan and then view either a parallel or perspective projection to see the result.
Thin marquee.
Thick marquee.
3D View of marquee effect.
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3. Interactive 3D Window: The 3D Window allows for interactive 3D motion. Interactive navigation through your model is available in both Parallel and Perspective modes. The following steps will guide you through various options for determining position and movement in the 3D virtual environment. Review the Parallel Projection interactive tools: View Setting: -Parallel -Perspective Animation Controls
Target Lock Camera Mode Turn Tool
Edit Mode Sensitive Cursor Switch Pointer Lines Switch Perpendicular projection to clicked surface Target Point to clicked surface Undo Reset Viewpoint Reset Roll Angle
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Navigate the 3D Window - Parallel Projections: Create a Parallel Projection. - Click on the Camera Mode button and then on the Turn Tool. - Place the cursor on the 3D window and click and drag the mouse slowly upward. Drag the mouse downward. Now try left to right. You are rotating the model about its axes. - Click on the Target Lock button and then repeat the different rolling procedures. Notice the difference in the way the Model rolls. - Click undo. - Click Frontal View then click on a surface you want to view in elevation. The view resets to the elevation of that element. Review the Perspective Projection interactive tools: Turn Tool Lateral Move Tool Walk Tool Camera Target Lock
View Cone Angle
Reset Viewpoint Reset Roll Angle
Navigate the 3D Window - Perspective Projections: Create a Perspective Projection. - Click on the Camera Mode button and then on the Turn Tool. - Place the cursor on the 3D window and try different rolling directions. - Try using the Turn Tool, Lateral Move Tool, and Walk Tool. Notice the movement. - Click on the Target Lock button and repeat the previous Tool selections and maneuvers. - Notice the difference in the movement of the Model using the different Modes. - Change the View Cone Angle to 80. Look at the change in the window. - Change the View Cone Angle to 20 and look at the change in the window. 4. Editing in 3D: The 3D window also allows for editing and creating elements interactively in 3D. The editing can be accomplished in the Parallel Projection or Perspective Projection windows. The methods for either window are the same, but simpler viewing is an advantage in the Parallel Projection window. The following steps will demonstrate simple 3D editing in the Parallel Projection window.
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Create a Parallel Projection to Edit: Use the Parallel Projection from the the previous step. - Click on the Edit Mode button to enable 3D editing. This allows you to select elements in the 3D window, similar to the Floor Plan function. - Click on the Sensitive Cursor Switch. This enables the cursor to snap to any element node. If this is off, the cursor will only snap to nodes in the current reference plane. - Click on the Pointer Lines Switch. This links the coordinate axes and the cursor with dotted lines. This a very helpful tool that allows you to see the spatial location of the cursor on screen when you are editing or creating elements. - Move the cursor over several Wall nodes to see the results. Move cursor over a Wall node
Click on the following: Edit Mode Sensitive Cursor Switch Pointer Lines Switch
Select a Wall to Edit: Click on the face or node of a wall. The wall nodes will be highlighted indicating the wall is selected. Click on other walls to see the results. Stretch the Wall: Select a wall. Click and hold the cursor on a wall node. A pop-up edit menu appears. Here you can select various functions to apply to the selected wall. Select the Vertical Stretch option. Now move your cursor down the wall. A dashed ghost preview of your stretch effect is displayed as you move the cursor. Release the cursor at the location shown below.
Vertical Drag Horizontal Drag Horizontal Stretch Vertical Stretch
Click on wall
Click and hold on a node to see the edit option available.
Select the vertical stretch option.
Move the cursor to the required spot. Click to end operation.
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The Modified Wall: Once you click your cursor to end the Stretch operation, the 3D window automatically updates itself. After the update you can see how the 3D edit appears.
Updated 3D Window view
5. More 3D Editing: Other elements can also be edited in the 3D Window. In fact, almost all operations from the plan window can be done in the 3D window. Now that you have tried editing a wall in 3D, try editing the window or dragging a copy of the window in 3D.
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TWO
CREATING
VIRTUAL BUILDING
06. OPTION SETTINGS 07.

DRAWING PREFERENCES
09. WALLS & COLUMNS 10. DOORS & WINDOWS 11. SLABS & STAIRS 12. FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT 13. CEILINGS AND LIGHTS 14. ROOF PLAN 15. SITE LAYOUT 16. SECTIONS & ELEVATIONS 17. TEAMWORK 18. CREATING A LIBRARY PART
T E P S
I X
T O
08. PROJECT SETUP
I G H T E E N
Option Settings
Overview
This step begins the process of creating a virtual building that will be used throughout the rest of the tutorial. Before we begin constructing the building, standards need to be set for the project. We can customize options such as line types, pens, colors, fills, composites and zones to our specific project needs.
Process to Learn
Line Types Pens and Colors Fill Types Composite Structures Zone Categories
Starting the Step

Open a new ArchiCAD file with the default settings. To do this, hold down the Alt key (Windows) or Option key (Macintosh), then go to the File menu and choose New and reset. Save the "Untitled document as House Project.
STEP-06
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Step 6 Option Settings
Dialog Settings
Pens & Colors
Selection Box Pen Size Size by Point or Millimeter Move to manually adjust dash and gap Dash & gap numeric values Change Color Dialog Move arrow for more dash & gap options
Line Types
Pop Up Menu
Fill Types
Click squares on or off to change the bitmap pattern
Composite Structures
Vectorial spacing Vectorial angle
Both Fill Types and Composite Structures can be shown with either Bitmap or Vectorial patterns in Display Options: Bitmap Pattern Faster to display but cannot be scaled, zoomed or rotated. Vectorial Pattern Slower to display but can be scaled, zoomed and rotated.
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Menu Options
The Options menu is the place to setup and customize ArchiCAD to reflect your office standards and preferences.
Here are the menu access points to the various dialogue boxes in this section.
What to Do
The Virtual Building: The House Project document you just saved will be used as the basis of work for much of the remaining tutorial. Each step will build upon the model to create a virtual building for plans, sections, elevations, renderings, virtual reality and more. 1. Pens & Colors: ArchiCAD pen and color assignments are reviewed and modified using the Pens & Colors command. In ArchiCAD, pens are simulated drawing instruments which have a specific color and line weight. Create Custom Pens and Colors: Open the Pens & Colors... dialog from the Options menu. Place your cursor in a square within the selection box and drag it around the squares. Notice that the pen # and pen weight change with each color. Highlight a pen color and double click the square. A Color Picker dialog will appear allowing you to customize the pen color. 2. Line Types: When you choose the Line Types command, a dialog box is displayed allowing you to select, modify or delete the standard line types (solid, dotted, dashed, etc.). You can also define your own customized line or symbol line types. Create a Custom Line Type: Open the Line Types... dialog from the Options menu. Click New and enter the name Small Dashed. Enter the numeric values : Dash - .05 and Gap - .05. or manually change the line type spacing by selecting and dragging a flag. Create a Custom Symbol Line Type: Draw a simple group of elements. Select all the elements and copy the elements using the Copy command.
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Open the Line Types... dialog from the Options menu. Click New and select Symbol. Click on Paste line components. Enter the numeric values or manually change the Symbol line spacing and scale by selecting and dragging a flag.
Select Symbol Draw, select and copy elements. Paste elements and adjust spacing. Draw new Symbol Line.
3. Fill Types: Fills are geometric patterns that can display two faces: bitmapped and vectorial, but only one of the two at the same time. You can set this option in Display Options. CD Create a Custom Fill Pattern: Draw two lines as shown. Select the lines and copy them. Select Fill Types... from the Options menu. Click on New, select Symbol Fill, and type in a name. Click OK and then click Paste. The elements you pasted create a new Fill Pattern. Edit the Bitmap pattern by clicking in the box to create black or white pixels. An exact preview of the pattern is not necessary in the box area.
Paste elements to create pattern.
Draw, select and copy elements.
Modify Bitmap pattern, and see update here.
Select New and Symbol Fill
4. Composite Structures: Both Walls and Slabs can have composites structures. Columns have separate fills for their Cores and their Veneers. CD Create a Custom Composite Wall: As shown in the diagram at the beginning of this step, open the Composite Structures... dialog from the Options menu. Select Double Party Wall, duplicate and name it Wall. Highlight and clear Gypsum Firecode, Air Space and Steel. A new wall composite is now available.
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Drawing Preferences
Overview
This step demonstrates the method for defining the preferences for the project. Drawing preferences can range from setting the types of measurements used on a project to how sensitive the cursor is. This exercise will define how to define these preferences to your specific project and user needs.
Process to Learn
Drawing Units Dimensions Mouse Constraints Slab & Roof Outline 3D Imaging Data Safety Miscellaneous Quick Key Settings Scale
Starting the Step

Use your file from the previous step or open the file named STEP-07 contained in the Step by Step folder. STEP-07
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Step 7 Drawing Preferences
Dialog Settings
Sets accuracy & measurement. Click off for a slow computer or large project. Each dimension type has specific settings. Editing of settings affects only dimension type highlighted. Always check Autosave on. It is a temporary backup in case of a crash. This does not save to the original file! Backup copy will create a duplicate of the file when you save. These 3 options will constrain the mouse at specific angles when the shift key is down. This sets the sensitivity of the drawing cursor. By pressing the pop-up button you can choose a specific type of lineweight as it is to be shown below & above. This sets where the temporary folder is located for the Autosave. Scale affects text size & lineweight. Building information is drawn at actual scale.
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Menu Options
Access to the Drawing Scale is available through the menu or by clicking on the scale icon in the plan window.
Access to the Drawing Preferences is gained through this menu item.
What to Do
1. Set the Drawing Preferences : Before a drawing or model is started, it is important to setup the standard settings for the project. To set the preferences, go to the Options menu and select Preferences. At the top of the dialog is a pull down button that lists the available options. For the purpose of this exercise, review these options and set them to reflect the preferences as shown. Units: Go to the Drawing Units... under Preferences. Set the Length Unit to Feet & Fractional Inches or to Meters. Dimension: Dimension preferences provide a mechanism for customizing and storing different Dimensioning Standards. This is useful for working on several Projects with differing levels of accuracy (construction details versus site plans) or Projects being built in countries other than those in which they are designed. Mouse Constraints: The Mouse Constraints dialog box provides control over the angle pairs used for Mouse Constraint with the Shift key. Imaging & Listing: The 3D Imaging dialog box provides options for rebuilding the 3D Window, monitoring rendering progress, creating reports and dealing with error alerts. Remote Elements: This allows you to set the default for the line type depicting the outline of slab or roof above or below a story. The default is dashed. Data Safety: The Data Safety dialog box contains a number of features to minimize the risk of data loss and file corruption. This is especially important if your power lines suffer from voltage spikes or failures, or if your computer is prone to software conflicts. Miscellaneous: The Miscellaneous dialog box contains options affecting line drawing, the effects of gravity, the auto redraw function and the location of the ArchiCAD temporary folder/directory.
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2. Setting the Drawing Scale : Traditional concepts of architectural scale (for example 1:1000, or 1/4" =1') become important only when you are creating a scaled hard copy of your project, or exporting the project into either PlotMaker or bitmap picture formats for post-processing in another application. The scaled dimensional size of the drawing does not change if you rescale your document. Only the relative size of fixed (or paper) size elements like text or vector hatch patterns changes, as compared to the construction elements (Walls, Objects, Slabs, etc.), which have been defined in world coordinates. These fixed size elements stay at a fixed scale independent of the working drawing scale. After setting a scale, what you see will be a preview of the project if printed or plotted at that scale. To see a REAL preview, not a zoomed one, choose Actual Size after setting the scale. Note: If you change the drawing scale, the current view will change accordingly, and the current magnification will remain constant. To return to the previous view of the window, choose the Previous View command. To set the scale of your document, activate the Floor Plan Scale under the Options menu or click the scale icon in the display. Specify the scale as 1/8'' = 1'-0'' or 1:100 in the Scale dialog box that comes up.
4Pt. size 4Pt. size 4Pt. size 4Pt. size 5'-8''
5'-8'' Drawing Scale: 1/8''=1'-0'' or 1:100 Drawing Scale: 1/2''=1'-0'' or 1:25 Notice the Text and Arrowhead. They have remained the same point size. The Construction Elements have changed in size relative to the fixed size elements, but they still scale correctly at 1/2'' scale.
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Project Setup
Overview
This step is the foundation that manages all the plans, sections, elevations and 3D information for your virtual building. ArchiCAD manages this information by using layers to turn information ON or OFF. As you draw an element in ArchiCAD, the element is automatically assigned a layer.
Process to Learn
Layer Settings Layers Layer Combinations Project Standards Setting up for Plans Setting up for Sections/Elevations Setting up for the 3D Environment Home View and Grids
Starting the Step

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Step 8 Project Setup
Step Overview
Layer Creation List:
Layer:
Appliances Building Slabs Ceiling Grids Ceiling Lights Ceiling Plan Text Columns Dimensions Elevations Floor Plan Text Furniture Furniture Plan Text Lamps Landscaping Plumbing Roof Sections Site Plan Text Site Slabs Stairs Walls - Exterior Walls - Interior Zones
Layer Combination Setup:

Ceiling Plan - Show these:
Ceiling Grids, Ceiling Lights, Ceiling Plan Text, Columns, Sections, Walls - Exterior and Walls Interior
Floor Plan - Show these:

Floor Plan Text, Columns, Dimensions, Plumbing, Sections, Stairs, Walls - Exterior, Walls - Interior, and Zones
Furniture Plan - Show these:

Columns, Furniture Plan Text, Furniture, Lamps, Plumbing, Sections, Stairs, Walls - Exterior and Walls Interior
Site Plan - Show these:

Landscaping, Roof, Sections, Site Plan Text, Site Slabs, Walls - Exterior and Walls - Interior
3D Model - Show these:

Appliances, Building Slabs, Ceiling Lights, Columns, Elevations, Furniture, Lamps, Landscaping, Plumbing, Roof, Sections, Site Slabs, Stairs, Walls - Exterior, Walls Interior, and Zones Create new layer, rename layer and clear layer Add, modify or clear a layer combination
Home View & Grids:
Grid Preview
Type layer combination name here and click Add
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What to Do
CD 1. Layer Settings: ArchiCAD layers are used to organize the elements in your drawing for selective displays and quantity calculations. The Layer Settings command displays the Layer Settings dialog box which allows you to define the layer settings for your Project. The currently defined layers for your Project are displayed in the scrollable list on the left side of the dialog box. To select a layer, click it so that it appears highlighted. Modify Layers: Open the Layers dialog under the Options menu. Delete all layers and layer combinations. This provides a clean slate to add layers and layer combinations that are specific to a project. Using the layer dialog as shown, create new layers by selecting New and typing the name of the new layer. Enter the layers from the Layer Creation List as shown. Once the layers have been entered, create layer combinations to setup a project. To do this, type in the layer combination name and click Add. Once all the layer combinations are entered, show and hide layers for each layer combination as shown. Remember to Modify the layer combination after a layer change in order to update the layer combination per the layer changes. When finished, click OK. A warning will appear informing you that you have deleted layers and asking if you wish to confirm this. Click OK. 2. Home View and Grids : The Home View and Grids command allows you to define the Snap and Construction grid configuration as well as establish a home view of your Project. The uppermost section of the dialog box allows you to choose whether the Snap function will use the Construction or Snap Grid nodes when enabling snapping to the grid with the Grid Snap command. The Background controls the color of the 2D worksheet itself. Double-clicking the background color will open the Edit Color sub-dialog box. You can select your color graphically or numerically by mixing the HSL (HueSaturationLightness) or RGB (RedGreenBlue) components. The Grid lines color control works the same as the Background. A color for the construction grid can be selected for the grid lines themselves. Create a Project Grid and Home View : In your plan window, go to the Display menu and select Fit in Window. Now open the Home View & Grids dialog under the Options menu and click Set to View. This will set your Home View default. Now set the Construction Grid to a 2 or 0.60 m spacing and the Snap Grid to a 1 or .025 m spacing.
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Walls and Columns

Overview
In this step, youll learn how to build, move and shape Wall and Column elements. It will teach you how to apply dimensions to walls and columns as well as how to use the coordinate system.
Process to Learn
Wall Tool Wall Settings Dialog Box Wall Construction Types Wall Reference Lines and Intersections Column Tool Dimension Tool Coordinate Palette Relative Coordinates Absolute Coordinates Snap Grids, Numeric and mixed input methods Constraining the coordinates
Starting the Step

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Step 9 Walls and Columns
First Floor Plan

13'-0" 3.90 7'-0" 2.10 3'-0" 0.90 38'-0" 11.50 18'-0" 5.40
3'-4" 1.00
24'-0" 7.20
3'-4" 1.00
6"x6" (0.15 x 0.15) Wood Columns
R 5'-8" 2.00
13'-0" 3.90
9'-0" 2.70
38'-0" 11.50
18'-0" 5.40
Project Origin
Information
Exterior wall height : 9'-0" / 2.70, Interior wall height : 8'-0" / 2.40 Exterior wall width - 9 1/2" / 30cm Exterior wall composite : Brick Veneer w/ Wd Stud Wall material - Exterior : Red Brick, Interior : Whitewash Interior wall width - 5" / 22cm : Gypsum Board Floor to floor height - 9'-0" / 2.7
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3'-4" 1.00
3'-0" 0.90
18'-0" 5.40
3'-4" 1.00
3'-4" 1.00
What to Do
1. Layer Combination: Layer combinations allow us to set our workspace to the appropriate plan type, such as the Floor Plan, Ceiling Plan, Furniture Plan or 3D Model. Select the Floor Plan Layer Combination: To set the Floor Plan workspace, select the Floor Plan layer combination from the Layer Settings dialog in the Options menu.
Settings Existing Layers Layer Combinations
CD
2. Walls: The wall is a fundamental element in the practice of architecture. When you create a wall in ArchiCAD, you create the outline and hatching of a wall in 2D, a solid wall body in 3D and the wall properties. Edit Wall Settings: Double click the wall tool and set the exterior wall settings to the information as shown on the previous page. First set the 2D Wall settings and then the 3D settings. Select the layer Walls-Exterior for the layer setting for exterior walls.
2D Settings 3D Settings
Draw Set of Rectangular Walls: Draw a set of rectangular exterior walls on the first floor using the Wall Tool. To do this, go to the Info Box and set the Construction Line to the exterior of the wall and the wall geometry to a Rectangular Wall setting. Next, click on the Project Origin and draw a rectangular set of walls by entering the X and Y coordinates as shown.
Construction Line location
Multiple Walls Rectangular Walls
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Draw Multiple Exterior Walls: Next, draw the remaining exterior walls using the Multiple Wall method. To do this, choose the Multiple Wall geometry method from the Info Box then go to the Control Box and set the Distance where the first wall will start which will be from the upper, right corner of the walls you just finished. Click the Wall tool. Place the cursor over the edge of the wall to get a distance mark and click where the distance mark appears. Begin drawing the remaining walls using the Coordinate Palette as you learned in Step 2.
Enter Distance and click Marker button
Distance Markers
Draw the Curved Exterior Walls: To draw a curved wall, open the wall tool dialog by double clicking on the Wall Tool and configure the exterior wall information the same as for Linear Exterior Walls. Place the Construction Line on the outside of the exterior wall. Then select the Curved geometry method as shown below. Using the Half Marker button, locate and click at the midpoint of the rightmost vertical exterior wall to locate the radius point.
Select construction line location. Select Curved geometry method Half Marker Choose Half and click the Marker button
Next, enter the radius using R in the Coordinate Palette and return. The cursor will automatically click to the radius length you entered. Now pull the cursor away from the start point. A preview of the curved wall appears. Then click on the opposite end of the wall to complete it.
Click at wall startpoint Move cursor down towards wall endpoint Click at curved wall endpoint to finish wall
Finished wall
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3. Columns: The Column is a tool for easy definition of columnar structures. All elements created with the Column tool are rectangular and can stand free or be connected to walls. CD Place a Column: Open the column tool dialog by double clicking on the column tool and configure the column information. Now place a column at the corner of the walls.
Configure settings
Select insertion point
Multiply the Columns: Select the column and choose Multiply from the Edit Menu. In the Multiply dialog, select Drag, 3 copies and Distribute. Click OK. Click the column and select where the last column is to be placed.
CD
4. Dimensions: ArchiCAD provides various options for dimesioning; Semi-Automatic, Fully Associative and Various Measurement Units and Standards. Select First Dimension Point: Select the layer Dimensions for the layer setting for dimension information. Select the Dimension Tool by clicking on its icon. Next select the Horizontal Geometry Method. Mark the first reference point by clicking on a wall node the Cancel button in the Control Box will become active. Select Remaining Dimension Points: Click on each end node of the wall and window, then double-click to close the dimension chain. Hitting the Delete key once or pressing the OK button in the Control Box will also display the Hammer cursor.
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10
Doors and Windows

Overview
In Step 10, youll learn about the Door and Window tools which create realistic architectural openings in Wall elements by inserting special library parts with editable parameters. Because the Door and Window tools behave almost identically, we will often refer to them as the Door/Window Tool unless a specific difference needs to be mentioned.
Process to Learn
Door Tool Window Tool Parameters for Doors/Windows Using the ArchiCAD Library Placing a Door/Window Viewing a Door/Window Creating a Door/Window Schedule Creating a New Story Copying Elements between Stories
Starting the Step

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Step 10 Doors and Windows
First Floor Plan

3' x 3' (.90 x .90) W1 Casement @ 3' (.90) sill height 3' x 6' (.90 x 1.80) W1 Casement @ 1' (.30) sill height
2'x4' (.60 x 1.20) W1 Casement @ 3' (.90) sill height 4'-2" x 6'-8" (1.20 x 2.10) D2 Pocket
6' x 7' (1.80 x 2.10) D2 Door 7' x 7' (2.10 x 2.10) W GlassBlock @ 0" (0.0) sill height 8' x 7' (2.40 x 2.10) D4 Sliding 2' x 6' (.60 x 1.80) W1 Casement @ 1' (.30) sill height
2' x 4' (.60 x 1.20) W1 Casement @ 3' (.90) sill height
1' x 6' (.30 x 1.80) W1 Casement @ 1' (.30) sill height 2' x 4' (.60 x 1.20) W1 Casement @ 3' (.90) sill height 6' x 6' (1.80 x 1.80) W1 Casement @ 1' (.30) sill height
Information
Window Object Type and Location : Door Object Type and Location : - Object Library - Object Library - 08 Doors-Windows - 08 Doors-Windows - 08600 Wood-Plastic Windows - 08200 Wood-Plastic Doors - W DoubleHung - D1 (Single Door) - 08650 Special Windows - D2 (Double Door) - W Glassblock - 08300 Special Doors - D2 SlidingExt - D1 Bifold
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What to Do
CD 1. Doors and Windows: Both windows and doors are Library Parts, meaning that they are stored in libraries of objects which can be used on many projects. Windows and doors can only be added to an ArchiCAD project by placing them into an existing wall. Edit Door Settings: Double click the Door Tool and select the door object from the ArchiCAD Library. The doors location in the ArchiCAD Library is shown above. Configure the appropriate door dimensions and information. Click OK.
Door Tool Door Settings
Place Doors: The Info Box allows you to select either Edge, Sill or Reveal for method of construction. You also select to place a door according to its center or edge. Select the appropriate settings.
Edge Sill Reveal Placement
In the Control Box select the Half marker from the pop-up menu and click the Marker button to active. Click on the Half marker that appears. Click once to start door placement then move your cursor to indicate the inside face of the door and also the swing direction. Click again.
Distance mark at half
Door Centerline at half
Place Windows: Next Place the windows. Placing windows involves steps very similar to choosing and selecting doors. Refer to the steps above for window settings and placement.
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Second Floor Plan

2' x 2' (.60 x .60) W1 Casement @ 5' (1.50) sill height 3' x 3' (.90 x .90) W1 Casement @ 3' (.90) sill height 3' x 6' (.90 x 1.80) W1 Casement @ 1' (.30) sill height
3' x 6'-8" (.90 x 2.10) D1-BiFold
7' x 7' (2.10 x 2.10) W GlassBlock @ 0" (0.0) sill height
3' x 6'-8" (.90 x 2.10) Door D1-Tr 2' x 4' (.60 x 1.20) W1 Casement @ 3' (.90) sill height
3' x 3' (.90 x .90) W1 Casement @ 4' (1.20) sill height
1' x 6' (.30 x 1.80) W1 Casement @ 1' (.30) sill height 2' x 4' (.60 x 1.20) W1 Casement @ 3' (.90) sill height 4' x 4' (1.20 x 1.20) W1 Casement @ 3' (.90) sill height
CD
2. Story Settings: Choosing the Stories menu item opens a sub-menu with commands that allow you to: - Define the vertical structure of your design, story by story - Navigate between stories by determining which story is currently displayed - Move elements and items between them using a special Cut/Copy and Paste function. All Story functions are controlled through the Stories sub-menu. The Stories defined in the Story Settings dialog box are displayed at the bottom of the sub-menu. The current Story is shown with a checkmark in the listing and the name appears in the title bar of the Floor Plan window.
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Create a Second Story : Open the Story Settings dialog box under the Options menu. Click in the Labels text box and enter First Floor. Next, click Insert Above and enter Second Floor in the Label text box. Now highlight the First Floor again and click the Copy from Story button. Now highlight the Second Floor and click the Paste to Story button and click OK. The Second Floor is now created. To move between floors, go to the Options menu, Stories and select the floor you wish to go to. Also, be sure to set the appropriate story height according to the figure below.
Story Information
Adds a Story above highlighted story
Copies elements from highlighted stories Pastes elements to highlighted stories Check to indicate which elements are to be pasted
Adds a Story below highlighted story
3. Edit Second Floor : Change walls, doors and windows to reflect the design for the second floor plan. Refer to the directions in the previous part of this step for placement of windows and doors.
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11
Slabs and Stairs

Overview
This step will teach you how to use the Slab tool for creating floor assemblies and other uses.You will also explore various ways of manipulating Slab shapes and Slab openings, including how to place a stair and how to cut the stair opening.
Process to Learn
Slab Tool Creating a Slab Cutting a Hole in a Slab Editing a Slab Geometry Methods Curved Edge Segments Creating a Stair Slab Materials Viewing Options for a Slab
Starting the Step

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Step 11 Slabs and Stairs
First Floor Plan

Polygon Slab Tool for manual Slab creation
Magic Wand for automatic Slab creation Click on exterior wall with Magic Wand
Floor Material Granite, Rough
Stair Closed Riser
Floor Material Pine, Shiny Floor Material Ceramics
Information
First Floor Slab thickness: 1'-0'' or 0.30 First Floor Slab Section Attribute: Structural Concrete First Floor Slab elevation: 0'-0'' to Project Zero Second Floor Slab thickness: 1'-0'' or 0.30 Second Floor Slab Section Attribute: Wood Second Floor Slab elevation: 9'-0'' or 2.70 to Project Zero
Gravity Off Slab Gravity Z-Value Roof Gravity
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What to Do
CD 1. Slabs: Slabs are the basic horizontal building blocks in ArchiCAD. Slabs are drawn on the Floor Plan as polygons, allowing them to accommodate any design. Existing slabs are easily modified on the Floor Plan or through the Slab Settings dialog box. Select the 3D Model Layer Combination: To set the 3D Model workspace that will turn on the Building Slab layer, select the 3D Model layer combination from the Layer Settings dialog in the Options menu. Enter the First Floor Settings for the Slab Tool : Open the Slab Tool and enter the drawing information as shown on the previous page. The first floor has three floor materials, so configure the 3D material settings for the ceramics material and repeat for the next two. Draw the Slabs: With the slab settings configured, select the Magic Wand and click on the exterior wall edge where the ceramics material is shown. Repeat for the remaining materials.
When finished drawing the slabs, select all the slabs and view in 3D 2. Gravity Tool : The Gravity Tool allows the user to access vertical (Z) data from existing slab objects in both the plan and 3D windows. Turn Gravity On : Make sure that the Wall Tool is active. Click on the middle Gravity button in the Coordinate Box.
Slab Gravity On Check Slab Z-Value : Move the cursor over the slab. Notice how when the cursor is over the slab the Z-value changes. This is the distance from the top of the slab to the Project Zero. Change the pop-up menu from to Project Zero to to Current Story. The Z-value will change to reflect the distance from the top of the slab to the the current story.
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CD
3. Stair Object : The Object Tool is used to place and edit Object type library parts into the project, which add a floor plan symbol to the plan, appear in Sections/Elevations and 3D visualizations (if they have a 3D description) and appear in quantity calculations. ArchiCAD Libraries include a wide variety of prefabricated objects including stairs and railings. Set the Stair Settings: Open the Object Tool dialog, select Choose Other Object... and select the stair from within the ArchiCAD Library as follows : 06 Wood-Plastics 06430 Stairwork & Rails Stairs Open Riser Set the stair size to be 3 or 0.90 wide by 10 or 3.00 in length and 9 or 2.70 high. Place the stair on the appropriate layer called Stair. Set the stair insertion point to be at the upper left point on the stair. Now rotate the stair 90 degrees with the degree parameter and set the stair to show on the second floor by selecting the Show on One Story Up button. Now Click OK. Insert the Stair : Now that the stair has been selected, we need to place it on our plan. To do this, move the cursor to the window corner and place the stair when the cursor changes to a checkmark.
Select node for insertion point. Click to place stair in plan.
4. Go to the Second Floor and Create a Slab: CD Enter the Settings for the Slab Tool: Open the Slab Tool and enter the drawing information similar to the first floor. The second floor has two floor materials, so configure the 3D material settings for the carpet material and repeat for the next one. Draw the Slabs: With the slab settings configured, select the Magic Wand and click on the interior wall edge for the carpet material and manually click each point for the Pine, Shiny material.
Manually click all interior corners for the Pine, Shiny material. Use the Magic Wand to place the Carpet material
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Second Floor Plan
Open Stair Selected from first floor plan to "Show on : One Story Up" Edge of slab
Floor Material Pine, Shiny Floor Material Carpet
When finished drawing the slabs, select all the slabs and view in 3D
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12
Furniture and Equipment

Overview
In this Lesson, we explore placing, editing and creating furniture and equipment with the Object Tool. This connects you to the ArchiCAD Object Library. In Step 19, we will learn how to create custom 2D and 3D library parts that can be added to your project library.
Process to Learn
Object Tool Lamp Tool Placing Objects Rotating Objects Multiplying Objects Stretching Objects The ArchiCAD Library
Starting the Step

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Step 12 Furniture and Equipment
First Floor Furniture Plan

Lav Washbasin Range Standard Refrigerator 2 D Vert
Sofa Cab Base 1D
Chair Stool
FloorLamp SemidirectLight 2 Barcelona Chair Mistic Table
Mackintosh Chair Table 4 Round 2
Information
Furniture, plumbing fixtures and appliances are referred to by their object name. Use these names to locate the object in the ArchiCAD Library. Place all Objects on the appropriate layer: - Furniture fixtures are placed on the Furniture layer - Plumbing fixtures are placed on the Plumbing layer - Appliance fixtures are placed on the Appliances layer
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What to Do
CD 1. Objects : The Object Tool is used to place and edit library parts within the project, which add a floor plan symbol to the plan, appear in Sections/Elevations and 3D visualizations (if they have a 3D description) and appear in quantity calculations. ArchiCAD Library objects range from furniture and bathroom appliances to any building block that you may find easier to define this way than with other tools in ArchiCAD, such as balustrades, special chimneys, etc. The available objects reside in the current ArchiCAD Library. Object library parts consist of: A 2D graphic symbol representing the object on the floor plan A 3D shape appearing in Sections/Elevations and 3D images described in a GDL (Geometric Description Language) script A Properties definition, describing the object and its components in quantity calculations Set the Plan to the Furniture Plan Layer Combination: To set the working environment to the Furniture Plan, select the Furniture Plan layer combination from the Layer Settings. Select Furniture and Equipment: Open the Object Tool dialog, select Choose Other Object... and select the object from within the ArchiCAD Library as follows : 12 Furnishings 12700 Classic Chairs-Tables Barcelona Chair Once selected, place the object on the appropriate layer and change the object information to reflect the drawing information above. Next, select the insertion point for the object as shown. Select Layer: Select the Furniture or Equipment layer as appropriate for each part. Select Insertion Point: Objects can be placed, selected, and fitted to other elements by these hotspots. Object hotspots are defined in the 2D symbol of the library part. This hotspot is marked with a highlighted rectangle whenever the object appears in the Object Settings dialog box.
Insertion points are shown as hotspots.
Selected insertion points are shown highlighted. Click on the hotspots to select a new insertion point.
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Place the Object : To position an object, click on the desired position in the floor plan. The insertion point will be stored as the anchor point. You can use numerical input, gravity, rulers or the grids to assist you in positioning objects accurately. This allows you to fit fixtures or furniture to corners, specific positions, or to each other with great accuracy. Fitting an object to a specific position (a chair to a table, for instance) is further helped by the objects hotspots because the cursor is sensitive to these points.
Hotspots become visible during object selection.
Object hotspots can be snapped to for reference.
Place More Objects : Place the remaining objects using the same steps as described above. 11 Equipment 11450 Residential Equipment Refrigerator 2D Vert, Range Standard 12 Furnishings 12300 Manufactured Casework Cab Base 1D 12600 Chairs-Tables, Table 4 Round 2, Coffee Table 12700 Classic Chairs-Tables Mackintosh Chair 15 Mechanical 15400 Plumbing Lav Washbasin 16 Electrical 16001 Lights-Light Sources Floor-Table Lamps Floor Lamp SemidirectLight2
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13
Ceilings and Lights

Overview
In this Lesson, we explore placing, editing and creating a 3D ceiling, a 2D ceiling pattern and the ceiling lights using the Slab Tool, Fill Tool and Lamp Tool. Ceiling lights are 3D objects, so when placed on a ceiling, they become both a 2D graphical element as well as an element containing light.
Process to Learn
Lamp Tool Fill Tool Creating Ceiling Grids Fill Origin Link to Project Origin Link to Fill Origin Display Options 2D and 3D Ceilings
Starting the Step

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Step 13 Ceiling and Lights
First Floor Ceiling Plan
Underside of Stair Hanging Lamp
2x2 Ceiling Recessed Fixture Gypsum Board Strip Lamp Wall Lamp Directlight
Information
Ceiling Types - 2 x 2 or 0.60 x 0.60 Ceiling Grids and Gypsum Board Fixture Height above Floor - 2 x 2 Fixtures - 8'-0'' or 2.40 above floor - Downlights - 8'-0'' or 2.40 above floor - Wall Lights - 6'-0'' or 1.80 above floor Location of Light Fixtures in the ArchiCAD Library - 16001 Lights-Light Sources - Light Fixtures
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What to Do
1. Set the Layer Combination: Layer combinations allow us to set our workspace to the appropriate plan type, such as the Ceiling Plan, Floor Plan and Furniture Plan. Set the Plan to the Ceiling Plan Layer Combination: To set the working environment to the Ceiling Plan, select the Ceiling Plan layer combination from the Layer Settings.
CD
2. Fill Patterns: Fills are geometric patterns that have two view options: bitmapped and vectorial. In a project, all fills are displayed either as bitmapped or vectorial patterns. You can set this option in Display Options menu.
Pop-up menu selection for Fills
Change Fill Display: from Bitmap Pattern to Vectorial Hatching for exact ceiling grid representation. Create a New Fill Pattern for the Ceiling: Follow the steps in Step 6 for creating Custom Fill Patterns, except in this case draw a 2' or 0.60 square, copy it, and create a new 2' x 2' or 0.60 x 0.60 Grid Fill as shown below.
Draw and copy a 2' or 0.60 square. Create a new 2' x 2' or 0.60 x 0.60 Grid Symbol Fill, and adjust Setting and Bitmap pattern as shown.
Draw the Fill New Fill Pattern for the Ceiling - Open Fill Tool, pick 2' x 2' or 0.60 x 0.60 Grid, place on Ceiling Grids layer and click Link to Project Origin. Draw ceiling. Centering a Grid - After placing grid, select grid fill and change to Link to Fill Origin.
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CD
3. First Floor Lights : The Lamp Tool is used to place additional light sources as library parts into the project. Most of the Lamp Tools settings, features and techniques are identical to those of the Object Tool. The additional Lamp controls affecting their behavior in PhotoRenderings are found in the upper right part of the Lamp Settings dialog box. You can set the light sources color by double-clicking the Light Color box. The switch next to the light color control allows you to define whether the given lamp will be lit or not in PhotoRendering. The brightness of the light can be set either with a sliding switch, or by entering a number between zero and 100 in the box next to the switch. Select a Light : Open the Lamp Tool, select lights from the ArchiCAD library, select the Lamps or Ceiling Lights layer as required.
Setting options Plan view
On/Off setting Preview Mode Lamp brightness adjustment Visibility options
Place the Lights : Click on the desired light location. 4. Display Options - Changing Door Swings to show Headers : Under the Options menu, click Display Options and change the Doors & Windows toggle button from Show on Plan to Reflected Ceiling.
CD
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Second Floor Ceiling Plan
Wall Lamp Directlight Wall Lamp Hanging Lamp Exposed Ceiling
What To Do
5. Second Floor Lights Add lights following steps similar to those used on the first floor. Be aware that vertical height placement of lights needs to correspond to the varying roof/ceiling heights. Check Light Height : Select the Light to check. Then double-click on the Light Tool. This brings up the dialog box on the previous page. Check the to Story and to Project Zero heights. If these numbers are not reasonable or accurate change them. The vertical height of the lights will be updated.
Check height here
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14
Roof Plan
Overview
In this Step, youll explore the basic techniques used to create roofs by building several roof geometry types using the Roof Tool.
Process to Learn
Roof Tool Slope Direction and Pivot Lines Types of Roofs PolyRoof Domed Roof Vaulted Roof Pitched Roof Controls Displaying Roof Outline Trim Walls and Columns to Roof
Starting the Step

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Step 14 Roof Plan
First Floor Roof Plan
Dome Roof
Information
Roof Material - Asphalt Shingle Soffit Material - Pine Dome Height - 5'-8'' or 1.70 Bottom Height of Soffit to First Floor - 9'-8 7/8'' or 2.95 Roof Thickness - 4'' or .10 Dome Dimensions Dome Edge Treatment
Dome Resolution Density
Dome Settings Dialog
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Step 14 Roof Plan
What to Do
1. Set the Layer Combination: Layer combinations allow us to set our workspace to the appropriate plan type, such as the Ceiling Plan, Floor Plan and 3D specific work. Select the 3D Model Layer Combination: To set the 3D Model workspace that will turn on the Roof layer, select the 3D Model layer combination from the Layer Settings dialog in the Options menu. 2. Dome Roof: A Dome Roof is created using the Roof Tool. The number of strips and segments that make up the dome can be defined in the Dome Dialog Box. Once the dome is created, its parts can be edited as individual pitched roofs, but not as a whole. Edit Roof Settings: Double click the Roof Tool and set the roof settings to the information as shown above. Set the settings to Roof layer. First set the 2D roof settings and then the 3D settings. Define the Dome Roof Outline: With the Roof Tool selected, select the Dome Roof in the Control Box. With the first click, you define the center of the Dome; the second click marks the beginning and the third, the end of the outline.
Click at radius of Dome/Roof. Click at start and then at end of Dome length. The Dome Settings will then appear.
CD
Completed Dome
Edit the Dome Settings: Once you have defined the outline, the Dome Roof Settings dialog box appears. As shown in the diagram on the opposite page, edit the settings for the dome. Trim the Wall Tops to the Dome Roof: Select all the walls and go to the Edit menu. Select Trim to Roof dialog and select the appropriate settings as shown.
Trim the top of the walls By default the walls are chosen to be trimmed
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Step 14 Roof Plan
Second Floor Roof Plan

Barrel Vault Roof Pitched Roof
Information
Roof Material - Asphalt Soffit Material - Pine Roof Slope - 4/12 or 18.26 Roof Overhang - 6'' or 0.15 Bottom Height of Soffit to Story 1 - 8'-0'' or 2.40, to project zero 17'-0'' or 5.10 Roof Thickness - 4'' or 0.10
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Step 14 Roof Plan
What to Do
3. Pitched Roof: By choosing the Polyroof geometry method, you can create equally sloped roofs on any polygonal or curved base. CD Define the Pitched Roof Outline: With the Roof Tool selected, select the Pitched Roof Control in the Control Box.
Pitched Roof Tool
Draw the Pitched Roof Outline: With the Pitched Roof Tool selected, select the PolyRoof Control in the Control Box. Draw the roof axis point by point along the exterior edge of the wall. When you complete the roof, a PolyRoof Settings dialog appears. Now enter the roof settings into the PolyRoof Settings dialog box.
Click around Perimeter
PolyRoof Tool
CD
Change Hip to Gable Roof: Select the pitched roof you created, Ungroup from the Tools menu and then select the roof with the Arrow Tool. Now click the Roof Tool, select the edge of the roof and stretch the ridge to meet the edge of the wall as shown. Repeat for the opposite Gable roof. 4. Barrel Vault Roof: A barrel vault can be defined by either drawing a series of arcs or by using an existing Arc, Spline or curved Wall to define the curvature of your roof by space clicking it with the Barrel Vaulted method selected, or by drawing a series of arcs. Define the Barrel Roof Curve: Before drawing the barrel vault, open the Magic Wand Settings from the Tools menu. Select the option for Segments along Arcs and use the default of 36. Now, select the Pitched Roof tool and the Barrel Vault icon. Draw the arc or series of arcs and click Cancel in the Control Box when finished.
CD
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Step 14 Roof Plan
Barrel Icon
Click to begin profile
Click to end roof profile
Define the Barrel Vault Roof Length and Direction: Once the curve is defined using the Barrel Vault Tool, you will see a rubberband boundary, whose ends are connected to those of the cross-section curve. One of the sides of this boundary is the imaginary floor and, at the same time, the side of the barrel roof. With a first click, you define the starting point and the shape, and with the second, the length of the barrel roof. The resulting roof planes are individually editable.
Click and drag the cursor to define the overhang of the Barrel Vault.
Drag and click to define length and end of the Barrel length.
After the roof length is defined, the Vaulted Roof Settings appear. Configure the appropriate settings.
Finished Roof
5. Trim the Wall Tops to the Roofs: Select all the walls and go to the Edit menu. Select the Trim to Roof dialog and select the appropriate settings as shown.
Trim the top of the walls.
By default the walls are chosen to be trimmed.
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15
Site Layout
Overview
This step will demonstrate several techniques for creating a site. Both the Slab Tool and the Mesh Tool can be used to create a site model. Additionally, we will also learn how to use the Spline Tool to create topographic lines and transform them into a mesh.
Process to Learn
Level Dimension Tool Tools for Creating a Site Slab Tool Mesh Tool Landscaping Trees and Shrubs Textures
Starting the Step

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Step 15 Site Layout
Site Plan - Contour Lines
Spline Curves
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Step 15 Site Layout
Information
Natural Spline method: This type of curve is defined by placing nodes, which the program automatically connects, thereby generating a smooth custom curve. The angle of the tangent and the shape of the spline generated with it is affected by each subsequent node defined.
Natural Spline
Bezier Spline method: These types of curves are more complex in nature, but they allow more accurate reproduction of specific custom shapes. Bzier Splines are defined by nodes, just like Natural Splines, but they also have editable tangent handles on each side of these points. The shape of the Bzier Spline is affected by the direction of the tangent, and the length of each tangent handle.
Bezier Spline
What to Do
CD 1. Spline Tool: The Spline Tool is ideal for generating and defining custom curves with both precision and ease. The tool is capable of generating an infinitely variable series of custom curves. These curves are commonly defined as Natural Splines or Bzier Curves. The tool gives greater freedom in defining free-form structures and objects without the constraint of the circular Arc Tool. Create Contours with Spline Tool: Using either Natural Splines or Bezier Splines, create a site for the building with four contours similar to the diagram.
Natural Spline drawing process
Closing Spline
Bezier Spline drawing process
Closing Spline
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Step 15 Site Layout
Site Plan - Mesh

Changing Z value : With the Mesh Tool and the desired contour selected, click on any node to bring up the pop-up menu. -5'-0" 1.50
-4'-0" 1.20
-3'-0" 0.90 -2'-0"
0.60
-1'-0" 0.30
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Step 15 Site Layout
Information
Mesh Tool settings Profile settings Grid Tool Base settings Check this box to apply new vertical Z value to all points on the selected contour. This dialog appears after selecting a contour and clicking on a contour.
What to Do
CD 2. Mesh Tool: The Mesh Tool allows the creation of an editable continuous surface made up of triangular polygons. This Mesh can be used for a variety of uses, but, its most obvious one is for terrain/site creation. Setup the Site Settings in the Mesh Tool: Open the Mesh Settings and configure the appropriate options. Set the profile and base depths. Convert Splines to Mesh: (Use the contours from the beginning of this section for this step.) Select the Mesh Tool and after choosing the appropriate geometry method, draw a rectangular bounding area around the splines. Now with the Mesh Tool chosen, select the rectangle you have just drawn and then also select the Magic Wand Tool. With the Magic Wand click on the outermost contour/spline. A dialog box will appear asking if you want to add mesh points or a hole. Choose to add points. Reselect the Magic Wand and click on the next contour. Continue doing this until all contours/splines have been converted into mesh points. Assign Z-values to the Mesh: Using the Mesh Tool, select the outermost contour. The nodes of the contour boundary should appear. Click on any node in the selected contour. A pop-up box appears with various choices. Select the box with the Z. Now a large dialog box appears. Here you can change the entire Z-value of the selected contour or just the individual point. Continue doing this for all the contours. As the Z changes are made, a mesh can be seen taking shape in plan. The actual Mesh is created as the Z-values are changed. Initially no mesh is visible because all the contours are at the same height. Notice that the outermost contour and the remaining contours have different palettes. Outermost Contour Remaining Contours
Modify in 3D: After the mesh is created, select the mesh in the 3D window and select a node from the mesh. The node can be raised or moved to alter the shape of the mesh.
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Step 15 Site Layout
Create 3D view: Check your mesh work. Go to the Image menu and select 3D Projection Settings. Make sure you are in the Parallel Projection Settings dialog box. Select Isometric and click OK. Make modifications in plan if necessary.
Place Site Level Dimensions: Using the Level Dimension tool, add level symbols to the mesh as indicated. Place on the "Site Plan Text" layer.
Symbol Selection Symbol Size and Angle Check here to create a static level dimension.
General Text and Line options
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16
Sections and Elevations

Overview
In this Step, you'll learn methods of defining section and elevation views on the Floor Plan and how to update them. These views are part of the virtual building, allowing an interactive communication between all views. We will also learn how to place notes on the sections and elevations.
Process to Learn
Section/Elevation Tool Creating a Section/Elevation Symbols Unlinking a Section/Elevation Section/Elevation as a Model Section/Elevation as a Drawing Links between Plan and Section/Elevation
Starting the Step

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Step 16 Sections and Elevations
First Floor Plan

EAST B A1 B A1
What to Do
CD 1. Section/Elevation Tool: This tool is used to generate elevations and sections from the model by placing section symbols on the Floor Plan. The Section/Elevation Tool places standard section/elevation symbols on the floor plan with optional breakpoints, including markers with identifiers and a section line. Every section symbol is automatically linked to a new window in which the section/elevation model can be displayed. Section/Elevation symbols appear on all stories of your Project.
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EAST
Edit the Section/Elevation Settings Dialog: Before placing the Section/Elevation mark, open the Section/Elevation Settings dialog by double clicking the Section/Elevation Tool. Edit the settings using the information as shown above.
Place the Section/Elevation Marks: To start a section line, click with the mouse to begin drawing a rubberband on the Floor Plan. With the second click you can designate the direction of the line and the length of the first segment. All the segments of the Section Line will be parallel to this first segment, although you may include perpendicular offsets as you extend the line. To finish drawing the section line, either click twice at its endpoint or click the OK button in the Control Box.
Click and Drag to start Section.
Double Click to end Section cut.
Click on side of section direction.
Finished Section
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A A3
9'
-6"
0"
Roof Tile
A
Brick Veneer
-6"
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2. Viewing the Section/Elevation: You can view your section/elevation by choosing its name from the Window menus Sections/Elevations sub-menu. The elements displayed are the same as would appear in the 3D window. In other words, layer visibility, selection and the settings of the Select Image Items dialog box will all be effective. View a section/elevation: Choose the section or elevation name from the Window menus Sections/Elevations sub-menu. The chosen section/elevation will appear in a new window.
CD
3. Editing the Section/Elevation: By default, section/elevation windows are a model type and are automatically linked to the virtual building. Any change made on the Floor Plan will appear in the Section/Elevation window when activated and likewise any changes to the Section/Elevation window will be automatically updated on the Floor Plan. Edit a section/elevation: Go to the Sections/Elevations window and choose a drawing element or object. Stretch, rotate or change the settings for the selection. Now go back to the plan to see how the changes you made are translated to update the floor plan.
Existing Condition Select Object Drag Object New Location
Plan updated with new condition
Add Drawing Elements: You can add drawing elements such as text, drawing symbols, dimensions lines and fills to a section and elevation. As an example, place the Detail Marker onto the section/elevation as indicated. Location of Detail Marker in the ArchiCAD Library - Object Library - 01 General - 01000 Graphic Symbols - Detail Marker
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17
TeamWork
Overview
Step 17 demonstrates how team members can access a shared model file. TeamWork allows a team member to sign-out specific layers from the model while retaining a reference to other parts of the project. When changes are made, the model is updated by sending changes to the master model.
Process to Learn
Rules of Team Members Sharing a Project Signing in to a Project Sending and Receiving Changes Project Information Signing out of a Project Types of TeamWork Files Changing Workspace on the Fly
Starting the Step

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Step 17 Teamwork
Step Overview
When Signing in to a project, a Teammate can select a workspace both by layers and by selecting a specific area using the marquee
Step 1 Reserve floors and layers using the entire plan or marquee.
Step 2 Reserve Sections, Elevations,VRs and animations.
Step 3 Confirm your selections and you are ready to Sign in.
Sign-In process for selecting your project team member workspace.
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Step 17 Teamwork
Information
There are four possible roles in ArchiCAD for TeamWork: Administrator The person who coordinates the team and first shares the project. There can only be one Administrator. When signed in as the Administrator, it is not possible to work on the project or reserve areas. Team Leader The person responsible for the project. They can modify and create layers, stories, pens, units, etc. Only one person can be signed in as Team Leader at a time. Teammate Any team member working on any part of the shared project. Viewer Anyone able to access the shared project through the network, but modifications do not appear in the Team Project.
What to Do
1. Sharing the Project: When you have finished making the necessary preparations, you can share the project with the other members of the team. CD Create Administrator and Team Leader: With the ArchiCAD tutorial file open, choose Share This Project from the Teamwork menu. Click on Set Key Passwords. Enter the Administrator Name and then click on Set Administrator Password and enter a password. You will be required to verify the password. Now click Set Team Leader Password and repeat the same steps. Now click OK in the Set Key Passwords.
Share the Project: In the Project Sharing Setup click Share. Enter the required password. You are prompted to save the .PLP file. Save the file in the appropriate location. This is the Team Project file. The project can now be signed into.
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Step 17 Teamwork
CD
2. Signing into a Project: Once the Project has been shared, teammates can start signing in to it. Access to the project can either be free (depending on the current network access privileges) or restricted by the Administrator. In the latter case, only users identified by name and an optional password are allowed to participate in the work. Sign In: Go to the ArchiCAD menu and select Teamwork...Sign In. Select the .PLP project file in the open window. The Sign in dialog box appears. Select Teammate, enter a name and password. Click Set Password. The first time you sign in, a prompt box asking you wether you want to register as a Team Member will appear. Click on Yes.
3. Reserving a Workspace: After signing in to a Teamwork project, the Sign In Wizard offers a set of options for reserving a part of the shared project. CD Reserve Floor Plans: Click on the Next button to go to the first option dialog box. Select the Stories to access. Select the Layers to access. You can also check the All box, but remember this will affect access by other members. Reserve Section Elevations and Animation/VRs: Click on the Next button to go to the Sections/Elevations and Animation/VRs dialog box. Select the appropriate parts to access. Review the Selected Workspace: Click on the Next button to go to the last option dialog box. This box displays a summary of the selected options that you can review before signing in. Make any changes if required by clicking on the Previous button. When certain of the Workspace options, click Sign in.
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Step 17 Teamwork
4. Working within a Reserved Workspace: Elements inside the reserved area can be freely modified or deleted by the teammate who has made the reservations. Elements that are locked, reserved by others or not reserved at all cannot be modified, but can be viewed in all windows (Floor Plan, 3D Window, Sections/Elevations, lists). These elements can be selected, their Settings dialog boxes can be viewed, their parameters can be copied from there or picked up by Option/Alt-clicking the element. 5. Sharing Info: During the course of being signed into a project, one can easily check to see the status of Team Members access details and status. Check Project Sharing Info: Go to the ArchiCAD menu and select Project Sharing Info.... A window appears that shows a list of Team Members and their sign in status. Select a Team Member to view their sign-in details.
CD
6. Sending and Receiving Changes: Changes made by any team member are sent to the shared Team Project by choosing the Send and Receive Changes command from the Teamwork menu, or (optionally) when signing out. Changes sent to the Team Project do not appear automatically in other teammates copies. In order to see changes made by another teammate, they have to choose Receive Changes. 7. Working on a Local Copy: Some team members may need to work at home or in a remote location. In this case, the solution is to make a Local Draft copy of the Shared Project, preserving the sign-in reservations made. Creating a Local Copy: To create a Local Draft copy of the Shared Project, choose the Save command from the File menu. The created file can be opened similarly to a Single-user Project by choosing File/Open and the Local Draft option. This file contains all the relevant data about the Team Project, including the reservations made by the Teammate. 8. Change My Workspace: If a teammate needs access to a layer or area you have reserved, you can change your workspace by selecting Change My Workspace from the Teamwork menu. When the dialog appears you may select new layers or release currently selected layers for other team members.
CD
111
Step 17 Teamwork
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18
Creating a Library Part

Overview
In this step, you will learn how to create a customized 2D and 3D library part as well as how to save as a library part.
Process to Learn
Creating a 2D Library Part Creating a 3D Library Part Library Part Window 2D Symbol Window 3D Window View Variables Save Special - Library Part
Starting the Step

STEP-18 Open a new ArchiCAD file with the default settings. To do this, hold down the Alt key (Windows) or Option key (Macintosh), then go to the File menu and choose New and reset. Save the "Untitled document as Creating Objects.
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Step 18 Creating a Library Part
Step Overview
Creating a 2D Object
Draw and Select Elements Save Items as ArchiCAD Object Select Created Part from Library
Save as ArchiCAD Library
Creating a 3D Object
Create the Table 4' 1.20 4' 1.20 2'-6" / 0.75 Table Height Save Table as ArchiCAD Object
Table leg
Creating a Custom Window

5'-0" 1.50 6'-0" 1.80 Create the window frame as shown. Set to Side View Save as Library Part
The finished Custom Window After creation of Window, create 3D Parellel Projection using the side view.
Create "glass" w/ Slab tool
Select Object
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Step 18 Creating a Library Part
Information
2D Object : Electrical Outlet 3D Object : Table Table - 4' or 1.20 Depth - 3'' or .075 Height - 2'-6'' or 0.75 3D Window : Custom Window Frame Size : 1 1/2'' x 4'' or .035 x .10 Glass Width : 1/4'' or .006 Mullion Size : 1'' x 3'' or .025 x .075
What to Do
CD 1. Library Parts : Doors, windows, objects, lamps and zones are special 2D and 3D items that can be placed on the Project and stored in Libraries as ready-made items. Library Parts are defined by a 2D symbol that will appear in Projects, a 2D description that defines this symbol, and a 3D description that defines the 3D model of the item. In addition, you can attach technical data to the item, which will be processed when the List Components command is performed. Create a 2D Object : Open a new ArchiCAD file by selecting New from the File menu. In plan, draw a circle and two lines to represent an electrical symbol. Select all of the electrical symbol items and select Save Special and ArchiCAD Object from the File menu. When the Save dialog box appears, name the new ArchiCAD library part Electrical Symbol and click Save. The electrical symbol is now a new library part in your library. To view it, select you Object Tool and open the Object Tool settings. The new part will appear in the top view. Create a 3D Object : Draw a table as shown on the opposite page and follow the same steps for creating a 2D object. Once the object is saved, it will contain a vertical parameter and a preview in side and 3D views. Create a Custom Window : Open a new ArchiCAD file by selecting New from the File menu. Next, open the Wall Tool dialog and set the width and height of the wall parameters to the frame size of the window. 1. Draw the frame size according to the measurements shown on the opposite page with 2 mullions as indicated. 2. Now open the Slab Tool dialog and set the slab parameters to match the width of the glass and to a Glass material. Draw the glass slab inside the frame as shown. 3. Create a 3D Parallel Projection as a Side view and move the camera so that it is a view from the top of the window (azimuth = 90). 4. From the 3D window, Save As a file format, Library Part and when the Save As Library Part dialog appears, select the Window option and click Save. Your new window can now be accessed from the Window Tool.
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P A R T
THREE
VISUALIZATION
19. MATERIALS 20. RENDERING SETTINGS 21. 3D CUTAWAY 22. VR OBJECT 23. VR SCENE 24. ANIMATION 25. SUN STUDY
STEPS NINETEEN
TO
TWENTY FIVE
19
Materials
Overview
This step demonstrates how the Materials dialog box allows you to determine the characteristics of the materials used for the materials of the construction elements. The exercise will create a new material and edit an existing material as well as assign a material color, 3D fill pattern and texture.
Process to Learn
Materials Settings Reflection Transparency 3D Hatching Textures Texture Library Color
Starting the Step

Use your project file House Project or open the file named STEP-19 contained in the Step by Step folder. STEP-19
119
Step 19 Materials
Step Overview
Rename Asphalt to Cobblestone Change Material Color
Change color from dark gray to medium gray to match texture.
Change Texture to Stone 3
Change Fill to Cut Stone
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Step 19 Materials
Information
The street and driveway will change from Asphalt to Cobblestone by changing the following material settings : Texture - Stone 3 3D Hatching - Cut Stone Color - Medium Gray
What to Do
CD 1. Materials: Choosing Materials from the Options Menu displays the Materials dialog box, which allows you to determine the characteristics of the materials used for the construction elements. The Tool Settings dialog boxes for each 3D drawing tool allow you to select materials for ArchiCAD construction elements. Shaded images in the 3D Window will use material colors only, but when your plans are rendered using the PhotoRendering Projection command (Image menu), all the characteristics of the materials are used in the rendering process. The Materials dialog box contains controls for every aspect of ArchiCAD surface materials. Open the Materials Settings: Clicking the Expert button expands the Material dialog box to include a large number of controls for reflection, transparency and emission attributes. You can also choose options for 3D Hatching and Textures associated with either standard or custom materials. Create New Materials: Open the Materials under the Options menu. Click the arrow button in the upper right corner and pick Asphalt. Click Rename and change the name to Cobblestone. Set a Materials Color: Double click the color and change to a medium gray. The color picker dialog is different for the Windows and Macintosh systems. Set a Materials 3D Hatch Pattern: Click the "3D Hatching" box and pick the Cut Stone fill pattern. Fill names are organized in alphabetical order. Set a Materials Texture: Click the Edit Texture button and select the texture Stone 3 in the ArchiCAD Library using the Search button: - Textures - Stones - Stone 3
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Step 19 Materials
122
20
Rendering Settings
Overview
ArchiCAD has several types of rendering settings. This step teaches you how to apply these settings, when to best use them and what effect the different options create.
Process to Learn
3D Window Settings Sun Settings Select Image Item Settings Photorendering Settings Effects Image Size and Background Brightness and Imaging Memory Settings
Starting the Step

123
Step 20 Rendering Settings
Step Overview - 3D Settings

3D Window Settings
Analytic vs Raster Shading: Analytic - More accurate, longer rendering time Raster - Less accurate, recommended for fast feedback Contours: Provides a line edge delineation of objects 3D Hatching: When On, creates a fill pattern on the surface of an object as defined in the "Materials" menu 3D Hatching On takes longer to render. Sun Shadows: Off - No shadows are cast, fast render time Contours On - One large shadow - Smaller file size Contours Off - Individual shadows - Large file size Window Size is the size of the 3D Window. Unlike the Photorender Window, the 3D Window takes the same time to render for different size windows.
Sun Settings
Sunlight: This is directional light Ambient Light: This is non-directional light that gives an environment rich reflected & inter-reflected light. Fog: Enhances the realism of renderings by giving an atmospheric effect that alters lighting proportion to the distance from your viewpoint. Apply: Test the settings on a neutral white material Set City: Sets specific geographic location Setting Date & Time: Sets the date and time of the sun Orientation: Floor plan orientation is defined by setting North relative to the floor plan's orientation on thes screen.
Select Image Item Settings

Stories to Image: This controls which stories are rendered Marquee Effect: Inside Marquee - Renders elements inside marquee Outside Marquee - Renders elements outside marquee Trim Elements to Marquee - When On, elements are trimed to the edge of the marquee Element Types to Image: By clicking the different element symbols, you can control what elements are rendered.
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Information
ArchiCAD has two environments for rendering and viewing your 3D model. 1. 3D Window - The 3D Window is considered the working environment for your project. It is an interactive window that can be viewed and edited. 2. PhotoRender Window - The Photorender Window is considered to be the final rendering of a selected view in your 3D Window. This rendering is higher quality and can take more time to render than the 3D Window.
What to Do
1. Select Image Items: Choosing the Select Image Item command displays a dialog box from which you can select the ArchiCAD construction elements to be imaged in the 3D Window. Change Element Types to Image: Open the Select Image Items dialog box. Uncheck the window and door icon image item. Go to 3D Projection Settings or directly to the 3D window if you already have a view set up for your model. Look at the rendering after completion and notice how the the doors and windows are not present in the 3D image 2. 3D Window Settings...: Choosing the 3D Window Settings command displays a dialog box that allows you to define the characteristics of the image in the 3D Window. The settings you can make are categorized as follows: - Methods, where you can set different parameters of Hidden Line and Shaded 3D Modes, - Effects, where you can specify the use of 3D hatching, shadow-casting and transparency in shading. - Display, where you can set the size and background of the 3D Window, as well as line weight used in the display. Change 3D Window Settings: Open the 3D Window Settings dialog box. Change the Analytic line mode to Raster. Render a non-shaded image. Notice the speed difference, but also the change in line quality and accuracy. Then... - Turn vectorial shading on and render an image whose elements contain vectorial shading. - Turn vectorial shading off, and then compare the results of the drawing elements. - Change the window size and render an image. Change the Line weight and render an image. 2. Sun Settings: Clicking the More Sun button in the 3D Projections Settings dialog gives access to the Sun sub-dialog box for a series of more sophisticated sunlight settings. Change Sun Settings: Open 3D Projection Settings in the menu. Click on the More sun... button. Change the Intensity of light to 20%. Change the Ambient Light to 60%. Change the color of the sunlight to red. Change the time of day. Produce a Photorendering and observe the results. Go back and make readjustments and render another image notice the changes.
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Step Overview - Photorender Settings

Photorender Effects
Method: This determines the quality of your final rendered image. Flat Shading is the quickest time, least quality and Best is the longest time, best quality. Effects: This turns special effects on or off. The more effects turned on, the longer time it will take do render the image. Antialiasing: The contour quality of your image is controlled by antialiasing. You want to use the Best option for your final. Be aware that processing time increases as quality increases. Light Sources: This controls how you want to illuminate your model.
Photorender Size and Background

Colors: You can control the color of the sky and ground by clicking the Sky Color or Ground Color buttons. Picture: If you want to use a precise picture for the background, click the Open Picture button and select the picture with the dialog box. The Resolution and Magnification boxes allow you to rescale an image you have selected. Resulting Image: The Pixel boxes control the final image size and the DPI box controls the dots per inch in the final image. You can select the Size to 3D Window button to maintain the same size as your 3D Window image.
Photorender Brightness
Image Brightness : This will darken or brighten a rendered image. Overexposure : Overexposure occurs when the computational method leads to the need for brighter color than the brightest white on the monitor. There are 3 options to correct this. Apply : This will apply the altered settings to the latest rendered image. Partial Photorendering : This setting allows you to specify a range of the image to render. This is helpful when you donot want to render the entire image in order to save time.
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Information
PhotoRendering Settings: The PhotoRendering Settings sub-menu contains four commands. These in turn access dialog boxes where you can find different settings for the photorendering process. The four commands are also available from the top of each of the four dialog boxes. The following sections describe these dialog boxes.
What to Do
1. Effects: This dialog box controls the rendering quality of the final image. One also can control the presence of the various lighting effects in the final image that can affect quality, realism, and speed of rendering. Change Effects settings: Select Flat Shading, Antialiasing Off, disable all Effects, Light sources, and Shadow casting. Render a PhotoRender Projection. Now go back and select Best for Method and Antialiasing. Enable all the Effects, Light sources, and Shadow casting. Render a PhotoRender Projection. Notice the difference in speed and quality of the two renderings. 2. Size & Background: In this dialog box you can set the attributes of the background for your rendered 3D model. Change the colors and size: Click on Sky Color. Select a color for the sky. Click on Ground Color. Select a color for the ground. Click on the Pixel pop-up menu select the proper units (pixel, cm, or inches) for the size of your window. Select 72 dpi for Resolution. Render a PhotoRender Projection. 3. Brightness: This dialog box gives you choices regarding exposure and provides you with the option of making partial PhotoRenderings. Change exposure and Brightness settings: Create a PhotoRendering from a previous step. After the rendering is done go to the PhotoRendering Settings under the Image menu. Move the Image Brightness slider to the left Bright. Click on Apply. Look at the image. Move the slider to the right Dark. Click on Apply. Compare the effects. Select different settings from the Overexposure correction area. Click Apply and notice the effect on the image.
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21
3D Cutaway
Overview
This step introduces you to the option of cutting away your model in 3D. This allows you to create 3D cutaway sections, plan views and details of your model. The 3D cutaway option can be turned on or off.
Process to Learn
3D Cutaway Option 3D Cutting Planes 3D Section 3D Window Settings Section Cut Color Clear All Cutting Planes Creating a Cutting Plane
Starting the Step

129
Step 21 3D Cutaway
Step Overview
Plan Cutaway Perspective Section Cutaway
130
Step 21 3D Cutaway
Information
3D Cutting Planes: Choosing the 3D Cutting Planes command displays the 3D Section dialog box. By using 3D sections, you can get either ordinary cross sections or special sections to visualize the project in new ways. This command is not available if the 3D window is closed or empty. 3D Cutaway: 3D Cutaway is an imaging mode in ArchiCAD. If it is active, the cutting places defined in the 3D Cutting Planes dialog box are applied to the model every time it is rebuilt.
What to Do
1. 3D Cutting Planes: The three basic orthogonal representations of your building (front, side and top) are displayed in the 3D Section dialog box. CD Create a Cutting Plane: Draw a line through any of the views. This line represents a cutting plane perpendicular to the given orthogonal view. The Eyeball cursor appears after you have drawn each line, prompting you to click on the side of the line you would like removed. The parts of the project views displayed as shaded will be removed. Select the Color Highlight for Cut Surfaces: The Fill Material & Edge Pen of Cuts controls allow you to highlight the edges and surfaces of elements cut in 3D Sections. You can create special section cut surfaces with different colored edges, as well as cut surfaces having custom material definitions. Select Pen to use in Cutaway Edge. Select Material to use in Cutaway Edge.
To create such highlighting, click the Custom radio button and choose a material from the popup menu and/or a pen from the palette. 2. 3D Cutaway : Activate the 3D Cutaway: To activate 3D Cutaway, select its menu item. A checkmark placed before the name of the command indicates that it is active. To deactivate 3D Cutaway, choose the command again and the checkmark disappears.
Cutaway Enabled
Cutaway Disabled
3. View the 3D Cutaway from Different Views: Create a Parallel and Perspective projection.
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Step 21 3D Cutaway
132
22
VR Object
Overview
This step allows you to create a navigable object taking advantage of virtual reality technology.You define a spherical path for the camera along which sphere or part of a sphere the viewpoint can optionally be positioned and navigated.
Process to Learn
VR Object Tool Placing a VR Object Creating a VR Object Movie VR Object Settings Compression Sun Movement
Starting the Step

133
Step 22 VR Object
Step Overview
Create multiple Objects using the New button or rename or delete an existing VR Object. Enter values for object radius, center height, view cone, parallels and meridans. The more parallels and meridians defined, the higher the resolution. Apply button affects an existing VR Object by selecting the object, changing the settings and clicking the Apply button. Use the Sun button to specify a particular city, project north and other parameters.
Choose between the two types of rendering sources. Choose the type of image quality and range of color for your VR Object movie. Dithering will give you better image quality but will take longer to process. Graphisoft recommends using Cinepak compression. The better the image quality, the longer it will take to process. All the 3D data you need will be exported into this format.
134
Step 22 VR Object
Information
Radius - 50' or 15.0 m Center Z - 5' or 1.50 m Parallels - 15 Lowest View - 0.00 View Cone - 60.00 Meridians - 7 Highest View - 90.00 Sun Altitude - 35.00 Sun Azimuth - 65.00 Select Look Inside
What to Do
CD 1. Virtual Reality Object: ArchiCAD allows you to create navigable objects taking advantage of virtual reality technology. You define a spherical path for the camera along which sphere or part of a sphere the viewpoint can optionally be positioned and navigated. The navigable object can be viewed in the QuickTime VR MoviePlayer application. View the 3D Model Components: Select Show All 3D layer combination. Define the VR Object : Open the Camera Tool from the Toolbox, select VR Object button and enter the object information as indicated. Place the VR Object: A click on the floor plan places the center of the VR Object. Further clicks on the floor plan will not create new cameras, you can only have one camera active at a time. 2. Configure the Rendering Settings: Open the Photorendering Settings or 3D Window Settings to set the effects and settings depending on which source you choose. 3. Create the VR Object: Go to the Image menu and to Create VR Object. Choose options as desired : Source : 3D Window or Photorendering Result : Amount of color (B&W to millions) Quality of Image Compression Type of image compression Dithering Save and when ArchiCAD is finished processing, open the VR Object file. To open the VR Object, go to the location you choose to save the VR Object file and double-click on the file.
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Step 22 VR Object
136
23
VR Scene
Overview
Step 23 allows you to create navigable panoramic scenes using the virtual reality technology.You define one or a series of cylindrical panoramas to be viewed in the virtual reality Player application. This allows you to stand at a single point and turn 360 degrees to view the building space of your model.
Process to Learn
VR Scene Tool Placing a Node linking Nodes Creating a VR Scene Creating a VR Panorama Creating a VR Picture
Starting the Step

137
Step 23 VR Scene
Step Overview
Create multiple scenes using the New button or rename or delete an existing scene. The Panorama name is placed sequentially each time you click and place a VR Scene node. Panoramic Camera Z is the eye level of the viewer. Apply button affects an existing VR Object by selecting the object, changing the settings and clicking the Apply button. Use the Sun button to specify a particular city
Three format options : 1. VR Scene - Saves all panoramas defined on plan and includes a control file to navigate between panoramas. 2. Panoramas - Saves only individual panoramas and does not include the control file. 3. Pictures - Saves pictures of the panoramas for editing as PICT or BMP.
These parameters are measured in pixels : Image height, image length and window size in VR Player.
138
Step 23 VR Scene
Information
Number of Panoramas - 4 Panoramic Camera Z - 5 or 1.50 m Sun Altitude - 35.00 Sun Azimuth - 65.00 Image Size, View Cone and Zoom as shown
What to Do
CD 1. VR Scene: ArchiCAD allows you to create navigable panoramic scenes using the virtual reality technology. You define one or a series of cylindrical panoramas to be viewed in the virtual reality player application. View the 3D Model Components: Select Show All 3D layer combination. Setup the VR Scene: Open the Camera Tool from the Toolbox, select VR Scene button and enter the object information as indicated. Place the VR Scene Nodes: A click on the floor plan places the center of the VR Camera. Panorama 1 - First click places the camera and the second click defines view direction. Additional Panoramas - Single click Connecting Panoramas - Click center of camera to be connected to and click again to place camera or (with Camera Tool still selected) draw a line between center nodes of unconnected cameras. 2. Configure the Photorendering Settings: Open the Photorendering Settings to set the effects & settings. 3. Create the VR Scene: Go to the Image menu and to Create VR Scene. Choose options as desired : Rendered Image height Visible Image length Rendered Image length Visible Image height
Save and when ArchiCAD is finished processing, open the VR Scene file. To open the VR Scene, go to the location you choose to save the VR Scene and double-click on the file.
139
Step 23 VR Scene
140
24
Animations
Overview
In this Lesson, you will learn to define a Fly-Through Path for an animation using the Camera Tool and how to create and store single point perspectives.
Process to Learn
Camera Tool Camera Settings Path Settings Create Fly-Through Sun Settings Compression
Starting the Step

141
Step 24 Animations
Step Overview
Create multiple scenes using the New button or rename or delete a scene. Select a specific camera number and indicate number of frames to pause. Smooths the camera path at selected cameras on the floor plan. Camera Tool Parameters: Camera Z - Eye level of camera Target Z & Distance - Height & distance of target to be viewed. Azimuth - Location of camera View Cone - Camera view cone angle Roll Angle - Camera roll angle Use the Sun button to specify a city, project north and other parameters. Apply affects an existing camera by selecting the camera, changing the settings and clicking the "Apply" button.
Motion Controls: Polygon - Straight camera segments. Bezier - Smooth camera movement. Open & Closed - An open or closed path as defined from the last keyframe. Motion Resolution: Number of frames between cameras combined with the distance between cameras determines the quality. Display Options: Affects what aspects of cameras and the path you want to show including "None"
142
Step 24 Animations
Information
Camera Z - 5' or 1.50 m Distance - 16' or 4.80 m View Cone - 60.00 Sun Altitude - 35.00 Target Z - 5' or 1.50 m Azimuth - 54.00 Roll Angle - 0 Sun Azimuth - 90.00 Sun Azimuth - 35.00
What to Do
1. Animations: Placing several cameras defines a Fly-Through, or an Animation Path, in ArchiCAD. CD View the 3D Model Components: Select Show All 3D layer combination. Setup the Camera: Open the Camera Tool from the Toolbox, select Camera button and enter the camera information as indicated. Place the Cameras along the Animation Path: Place the Cameras as indicated (drawing an arc on the plan helps position cameras). 2. Set Animation Path Settings: Click the Path button and enter the in between frames and motion control settings. 3. Create Animation : Go to the Image menu and select Create Fly Through. Select options as follows: Sources: Choose between 2 rendering sources Choose between parallel & perspective Keyframes only - renders only placed cameras. Result: Type of format, number of colors of the saved pictures and compression options.
Save and when ArchiCAD is finished processing, open the Animation file. To open the Animation, go to the location you choose to save the Animation and double-click on the file.
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Step 24 Animations
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25
Sun Study
Overview
This step uses the Create Sun Study ... command to generate a series of normal or photorendered 3D pictures defined by the current 3D Projection Settings, the current 3D Window or Photorendering Settings respectively, and the Sun position settings defined in the Create Sun Study dialog box, similar to the Create Fly-Through command.
Process to Learn
Sun Settings Setting Camera View Create Sun Study Compression Options Source Options Camera Settings
Starting the Step

145
Step 25 Sun Study
Step Overview
Create multiple sun studies using the New button or rename or delete a study. Only use one camera for a sun study. Smooth Path not used in Sun Study Camera Tool Parameters : Camera Z - Eye level of camera Target Z & Distance - Height & distance of target to be viewed. Azimuth - Location of camera View Cone - Camera view cone angle Roll Angle - Camera roll angle Path not used for Sun Study Use the Sun button to specify a particular city, project north and other parameters.
"Apply" affects an existing camera by selecting the camera, changing the settings and clicking the "Apply" button.
146
Step 25 Sun Study
Information
Camera Z - 5' or 1.50 m Distance - 16' or 4.80 m View Cone - 60.00 Sun Altitude - 35.00 Target Z - 5' or 1.50 m Azimuth - 270.00 Roll Angle - 0 Sun Azimuth - 65.00 Sun Azimuth - 65.00
What to Do
CD 1. Setup the the Sun Study: ArchiCAD allows you to generate a series of normal or photorendered 3D pictures defined by the current 3D Projection Settings, the current 3D Window or Photorendering Settings respectively, and the Sun position settings defined in the Create Sun Study dialog box. These generated images mimic the effect of the sun and the resulting shadows over a period of time on the modeled building. View the 3D Model Components: Select Show All 3D layer combination. Setup the Camera: Open the Camera Tool from the Toolbox, select Camera button and enter the camera information as indicated above. Place a Camera on the Plan: Place the Camera as indicated for a single perspective. 2. Set PhotoRender Settings: Go to the Image Menu and setup the Photorender Settings 3. Create the Sun Study: Go to the Image menu and select Create Sun Study. Select options as follows: Sources: Choose between 2 rendering sources From Sunrise to Sunset - will render for the length of an entire day. From # To # - Allows specific time and interval input for renderings. Result: Type of format, number of colors of the saved pictures and compression options.
Save and when ArchiCAD is finished processing, open the Sun Study file. To open the Sun Study file, go to the location you choose to save the Sun Study and double-click on the file.
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FOUR
PROJECT INFORMATION
26. PROJECT ZONES 27. PROJECT INFORMATION
STEPS TWENTY SIX
TO
TWENTY SEVEN
26
Project Zones
Overview
Step 26 will demonstrate how to setup and assign different Zones to spaces of different use in a building. This allows the project to be later evaluated on a Zone basis. The Zone information is sorted and organized based on the settings in the Zones Setting Parameters.
Process to Learn
Zones Zone Tool Zone Parameters Zone Definition
Starting the Step

151
Step 26 Project Zones
Step Overview
Zone Settings 2D Parameters
Preview window. Drawing Zone Area Automatic Zone Area Zone Attributes
Zone Categories Zone Identifier Parameters Zone Layer
KITCHEN 103 1B4 H: 8'-0"
Entry 101 1A2 H: 8'-0"
LIVING RM. 102 2C5 H: 8'-0"
Drawing zone area Automatic zone area
152
Information
Zone Name: Entry Zone Number: 101 Material Codes: Walls - 1 Floor - A Ceiling - 2 Ceiling Height: 8' or 2.40 Zone Name: Living Room Zone Number : 102 Material Codes : Walls - 2 Floor - C Ceiling - 5 Ceiling Height: 8' or 2.40 Zone Name: Kitchen Zone Number : 103 Material Codes : Walls - 1 Floor - B Ceiling - 4 Ceiling Height: 8' or 2.40
What to Do
CD 1. Zones: ArchiCAD has the ability to add zone oriented information to the plan through the zone stamps, and the zones are also spatially marked by the zone fills. Furthermore, the use of zones enables Zone listing, i.e., the evaluation of the project by zones. Zones can be assigned to rooms, groups of rooms or even larger parts of a project. Zone Tool Settings: Double-click on the Zone tool. Configure the appropriate setting and select the Zone layer. Zone Definition: There are two zone definition methods: you can either manually draw the contour of a zone, or let ArchiCAD automatically recognize a zone surrounded by walls. Once the zone fill is defined, its zone stamp automatically appears on the Floor Plan. a. Polyline method - With this method, you simply draw a polyline (as you would for any other polygon) by clicking at every corner of the zone. You can finish drawing the polyline either by clicking again at the starting point or by double-clicking the last point. b. Automatic Zone Recognition method - Click with the cursor inside an area completely surrounded by walls and ArchiCAD will automatically recognize it as a zone space by placing a zone fill and a zone stamp in it (figure on left below). Define the Zones: Go to the Floor Plan view and use the appropriate method mentioned previously to define the zones. Once the area of the zone is completed, ArchiCAD will ask you where you want to place the zone stamp. Just click in the location you want the stamp to be located.
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27
Project Information
Overview
Step 27 will demonstrate how to setup and list the project information you assigned to elements and objects. We will review how you can customize ArchiCAD to calculate specific project information for schedules and cost calculations.
Process to Learn
List Setup Create Element List Create Component List Create Zone List Listing Attributes By ArchiCAD Other Software
Starting the Step

155
Step 27 Project Information
Listing Project Information

Component List Setup
Click on the pop-up menu to select Component, Element or Zone. Click on the pop-up menu to select a pre-defined List.
Select All if you want all the elements listed.
Click on the buttons to enable or disable the Element types in the Component List.
Element List Setup

Click here to Duplicate or create a new custom List. Click to Rename an existing custom List. Click here to list all stories in the calculation.
Click here to select all layers to be listed.
Zone List Setup

Click here to customize the format in which the list is presented. Select specific Zone attributes here.
Click on the appropriate butons to toggle through the desired Listing Settings. Click here to select all Zones to be Listed.
156
Information
List Setup The Dialog windows on the opposite page allow the control of what Component, Element or Zone will be listed in their particular list. The listing is controlled in several ways : Filters: These options allow you to control the visibility of the Layer, Keys, Element types, Stories, etc. for the various Lists. Complexity: These options control the complexity of the detail presented in the Lists. Related Construction: Available for Zone Listing only. Format: These options allow control of the format in which the lists are presented to view.
What to Do
1. List Setup: The List Setup Dialog Box provides extensive customization in controlling Listing. Through the use of the List Setup, very basic or very detailed and custom Lists can be created. CD Access the List Setup Dialog Box: Go to the Calculate menu and select the List Setup from the pull down menu. This takes you to one of the three List Setup dialog boxes shown on the previous page.
Access to the List Setup Dialog Box can be gained through this menu item.
Select Component: Click on List Type and select Component. Select the setting as those shown on the opposite page. Now go to Calculate in the menu and then Create Component List and Basic. The following information list should appear. Scroll through the listed information.
157
Select Elements: Click on List Type and select Elements. Select the setting as those shown on the opposite page. Now go to Calculate in the menu and then Create Element List, and Basic. The following information list should appear. Scroll through the listed information.
Select Zone: Click on List Type and select Zone. Select the setting as those shown on the opposite page. Now go to Calculate in the menu and then Create Zone List, and Basic. The following information list should appear. Scroll through the listed information.
Update Zones: When the design is modified, associative zones are not automatically adjusted. Choosing the Update Zones... command will adjust the zones to your updated design. Select the Living Room zone from the Floor Plan Window. Open the Update Zones dialog from the Tools menu and the selected zone will be updated. Now select the information display button by clicking the arrow on the upper right side of the dialog box.
Click on this arrow button to view the updated zone by square feet, added square feet, corners, percent, etc. Highlight a zone and click to zoom to a selected zone Automatically updates and adjust selected zones
158
Door and Window Schedules What to Do

CD 1. Create a Descriptor: Before the properties are created for a window, we must create a descriptor. To do this, go to the Calculate menu and select Descriptors. In the Edit Descriptors dialog box, select the pre-defined Key 100 for Schedule Items from the Keys pull down. Now click New, click the Short Text button and type Steel. The material Steel is now a new Descriptor that can be assigned to a window. Keys pull down Key Name Short text button Descriptor Names Descriptor Codes
2. Edit Properties: Now that a Descriptor has been created, we can define our window and door properties. To do this, go to the Calculate menu and select Edit Properties. In the dialog, open the My window properties file. This is an example descriptor file for use with the window schedule. Click the Descriptors button and change the material Wood to the new material Steel using the Set button. Save the descriptor file as Manuf-Model-Number. With a real project, this name can reflect the actual manufacturer name, model name and number.
Set Button
Descriptors
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3. Assigning Properties: Now that the Properties have been created, we need to assign the property to the window object. Select a window from your house and open the Window Dialog. Click on the Listing Attributes button and select Assignment. Now click the Assign Properties button to select the property. In the dialog, scroll down to the property called Manuf-ModelNumber, select and click OK. The properties are now assigned to the window.
Select Assignment Select Assign Properties... and the property defined previously as Manuf-Model-Number
4. List Setup: Now that the Properties for the window have been defined, we will setup a custom listing for the Window Schedule. First we want to define a new List Set. Select Element List then select the Window Schedule from the List Set pull down and click rename. The new list set will be called My window Schedule. Now set the list setup as follows: Filters: Select the Windows button under Element Types
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Complexity: Select from the following parameters: Global Element Parameters: Thickness Height Zone Name Associated Property Part Zone Number Element Types: Frame Thickness of Window/Door Components: Select All Descriptors: Select All
Format: Select the Template button and a dialog will appear. This dialog is prompting you to select the Window Schedule template list file. This file and other template list files are stored in the ArchiCAD Library in the Template Lists folder. Now select the Window Schedule template.
5. Create Window Schedule: We are now set to create a window schedule for the project. To do this, go to the Calculate menu and to Element List. Now select the My Window Schedule from the Element List options. A window schedule is now created in a new window.
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Wall Properties What to Do

CD 1. Create a Descriptor: The properties of walls can be defined in a similar way that the window schedule was defined. Before the properties are assigned to a wall, we must create a descriptor. To do this, go to the Calculate menu and select Descriptors. In the Edit Descriptors dialog box, select the pre-defined Key 004 from the Keys pull down. The first 16 keys relate to the CSI Sections, thus 004 is the masonry descriptions. Now click New, click the Short Text button and type Brick. Keys pull down Key Name Short text button Descriptor Names Descriptor Codes
2. Edit Properties: Now that a Descriptor has been created, we can define our wall properties. To do this, go to the Calculate menu and select New Properties. Select the Descriptor button and New. Now select the database button and the Key 004. Select the descriptor Brick that we defined earlier. Repeat this step and select the descriptor -with 3/8 or 0.01 mortar joints from key 004 and Gypsum Firecode Veneer from key 009. Save the descriptor file as Wall TypeBrick. With a real project, this name can reflect the actual wall type name and number. Database Button New Button
Descriptors
162
3. Assigning Properties: Now that the Properties have been created, we need to assign the properties to the walls. Select the wall tool and Select All Walls from the edit menu. Now open the Wall Settings dialog from the Tool Palette. Click on the Listing Attributes button and select Assignment. Now click the Assign Properties button to select the property. In the dialog, scroll down to the property called Wall Type-Brick, select and click OK. The properties are now assigned to the walls.
Select Assignment Select Assign Properties... and the property defined previously as Wall Type-Brick
4. Create Wall Component Lists: We are now set to create a wall component lists for the project. To do this, go to the Calculate menu and to Component List. Now select the Basic list option from the Component List options. A wall component list is created in a new window.
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FIVE
DOCUMENT LAYOUT
28. PLOTMAKER DRAWINGS 29. PLOTMAKER LAYOUTS 30. HOTLINKS AND ARCHIVE 31. WORKING WITH CONSULTANTS
STEPS TWENTY EIGHT
TO
THIRTY ONE
28
PlotMaker Drawings
Overview
This step will teach you how to save your plan drawings, elevations and sections as PlotMaker drawings. These drawings are placed on a sheet layout in PlotMaker. These drawings are hot-linked to your ArchiCAD model file.
Process to Learn
Saving As a PlotMaker Drawing Floor Plan Elevation Section 3D View PlotMaker File Format PlotMaker Naming Save Visible Layers Only Option
Starting the Step

167
Step 28 PlotMaker Drawings
Step Overview
Drawing Name Number of story
PlotMaker file format Layer visibility
Name of elevation/section
PlotMaker file format
168
Information
PlotMaker File Type : PlotMaker is a stand-alone program for arranging and plotting CAD files from ArchiCAD. PlotMaker is strictly a two-dimensional drawing environment with no access to any 3D information contained in the original. The original layering structure is however preserved. In order to use Plotmaker one must save the appropriate files as PlotMaker (.PM) type documents first. Hot Links : Once a PlotMaker file is saved from ArchiCAD, it is linked to ArchiCAD model. This means that as the model updates and changes, ArchiCAD updates your layouts.
What to Do
1. Save the First Floor as a PlotMaker File: CD Move to First Story: Go to first story by clicking the Story button in your Change Settings palette and select First Story from the pull down button. Create a Plan Drawing for First Floor: Once on the First Story verify that all the drawing elements and layers that are to be visible in the plotted document are appropriately shown on screen. Go to File menu and Save As. Change file format to PlotMaker. Save the PlotMaker Drawing with the name: "House Project/1.PM" to the appropriate project folder. Do not check Save visible layers only. See below. 2. Save the Second Floor as a PlotMaker File: Repeat the same steps from the previous steps to save the second floor PlotMaker file. 3. Save the Sections and Elevations as PlotMaker Files: Repeat the same steps from the previous steps to save each section and elevation as a PlotMaker file. 4. Review the Hot Links Created from the PlotMaker Files: Go to the File menu and select Save Special and Hot Links. notice that the files we saved out for our plans, sections and elevations are now registered in our model as hotlinks. In the future, as the model changes, we can click Save or Save All to update all these hotlinks.
169
170
29
PlotMaker Layouts
Overview
This lesson will demonstrate how to create a new sheet layout for your PlotMaker drawings, how to create a title block, how to add PlotMaker drawings and how to scale or resize the drawings.
Process to Learn
Setting up a New Layout Home View and Grids Add Drawing Set Drawing Scale Drawing Frame Drawing Links Drawing Layers
Starting the Step

PlotMaker is a separate application from ArchiCAD. Go to the ArchiCAD 6.0 folder and double click the PlotMaker application icon to launch the program or select it from the Start button. Once PlotMaker opens, click OK on the first screen. Hold down the Alt key (Windows) or Option key (Macintosh), then go to the File menu and choose New and reset to create a file with the default settings.
STEP-29
171
Step 29 PlotMaker Layouts
Step Overview
Drawing layout size. Match drawing size to plotter paper. Drivers for specific plotters are available. For a universal driver, use the Generic Driver. Connection to plotter
Plotter paper size. Match plotter paper to drawing size. Used for setting a folder on your network that automatically spools plot files to the plotter. Placed PlotMaker drawing files created in ArchiCAD and added to the PlotMaker layout.
Drawing frame
172
Information
1. The Layout Window : Drawings are loaded into PlotMaker as single elements that are placed in the Layout. The Layout is a visual representation of the drawing sheets to be used for your final output. The Layout is like a pasteboard on which you configure your final output plot. Once placed, drawings appear on the Layout as monochrome bitmapped images with nine hotspots located around the edges and in the center. 2. The Drawing Window : The Drawing Window provides an environment where PlotMaker drawings become individually editable construction elements. The individual lines, text and other construction elements of a drawing can be edited in the Drawing Window.
What to Do
1. Setup the Drawing Layouts: Setup a new layout per Layout Size and Plot Setup information for the Site Plan, Floor Plans, Ceiling Plans, Elevations and Sections. CD Save Layout: Save As A1 Site Plan in your project layout folder. Place Plan Drawings from ArchiCAD: Go to the "File" menu and choose "Add Drawing". Select a Plotmaker File (.PM) created in Step 28. Place the drawing on your layout. Select Layer Combination: With the placed drawing selected, open the Layer Settings dialog from the Options menu. Select the Site Plan layer combination to view the Site Plan. Draw a Titleblock: Now using the line tool, draw a border and title block. Using the Text Tool, give it a sheet number and name. Place Section/Elevation Drawings from ArchiCAD: Repeat step 3 for the plan, elevation and section layouts. 2. Drawing Settings: PlotMaker allows you to independently set the scale for each drawing. Change Drawing Scale: To enlarge a portion of the plan drawing, select it and choose the Drawing Settings command (Options menu). Choose a scale from the pre-defined selection, or create a non-standard scale. You can also modify the scale of the selected drawing graphically by stretching it diagonally while pressing the Shift key (stretching it horizontally or vertically will crop it).
Set drawing Scale.
173
3. Drawing View : By changing the drawing window, you can customize the drawing view. CD Change Drawing View : To show a portion of the plan drawing, select the drawing frame and move the cursor over one of the selected drawings hotspots. Click and hold on the hotspot. Now move the mouse. This technique allows the size of the Drawing frame to be increased or decreased independently on all four sides. Click when the desired crop is achieved. This action does not affect the scale of the drawing. The drawing can also be moved within the frame. Select the drawing and then click and hold anywhere within the frame. Now move the mouse until the correct portion of the drawing is shown in the frame. Click when done.
Resizing Frame Click and hold on hotspot. Moving the cursor changes the frame size.
Resizing Frame Click to finish resizing.
Panning within the Frame Click and hold in Frame.
Panning within the Frame Drag to move Drawing within the Frame borders. Click to release the drawing.
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30
Hot Links and Archive

Overview
Whenever you save a file in PlotMaker format from ArchiCAD and place that file into a PlotMaker Layout through the Add Drawing command, a direct connection is created between the saved PlotMaker file and the PlotMaker Layout. This step reviews how to keep those links updated.
Process to Learn
Hot Links Updating Hot Links Removing Hot Links Archive Archive Library Multi-platform Archive
Starting the Step

STEP-30 STEP-30 Use your ArchiCAD project file named House Project and the PlotMaker file from the previous step or open the files named STEP-30.
175
Step 30 Hotlinks and Archives
Step Overview
Hot Link Dialog Options
Saves selected hot links into a designated folder
Removes a hot link Hot link information PlotMaker drawing files Status of hot link Updates selected hot link
Archive Model Dialog Options
Windows95/NT & Macintosh ArchiCAD Library Textures Includes Library Parts not used in the Model Picture Backgrounds
176
Information
1. Linked Files: If you place a PlotMaker Drawing on the Layout a link is created by PlotMaker between the drawing file and the placed drawing. If you overwrite the original drawing file with a newer one, it will be updated on the Layout the next time you open or rebuild it. 2. Archive: An Archive file embeds the external library parts used by the model into a single file. If you then open the project in another environment (for example on a different computer), a new library is created containing only the parts used by that model file. This format is commonly used for saving backups, archives and portable documents of your work.
What to Do
1. Create a Change: Make a change or changes to your House Project in the ArchiCAD model file you created or from the ArchiCAD file Step-30. CD 2. Updating a Linked PlotMaker Drawing File: Now that changes have been made to your ArchiCAD project, go to the ArchiCAD File menu to Save Special and select Hot Links. In the Hot Links dialog box, highlight the name of a hot linked drawing. Observe the following information saved to that hot link: Document Name Where (location currently on hard drive or network) Layer Combination Drawing Scale Now click Save or Save All to update the Hot Links. 3. Go to PlotMaker: When you open the layout file in PlotMaker, you will see the drawings updated. If the PlotMaker layout file is currently open and you do not see the drawing updated, simple go to the Display menu and select Rebuild. 4. Saving as an Archive File: If you are ready to save an Archive of your project, go to the File menu to Save Special and select Archive. In the Archive dialog box, locate the folder location you wish to save to and choose the appropriate options and save.
177
178
31
Working with Consultants

Overview
This lesson reviews how to share ArchiCAD files among consultants using AutoCAD file formats DWG and DXF. These formats are the most common formats for data exchange.
Process to Learn
Save As DWG and DXF Open As DWG and DXF Settings for DWG and DXF Drawing Unit Scale Drawing Primitives AutoCAD Color Table Explode Complex Elements Display Options
Starting the Step

Use your ArchiCAD file from the previous step or open the file named STEP-31 contained in the Step by Step folder. STEP-31
179
Step 31 Working with Consultants
Step Overview
Save As
Choose the AutoCAD version here. Set drawing unit to inches and "1" or mm and "1000"
Expert... Save
Select File Format
Select how the ArchiCAD layer will translate Select Model Space or Paper Space Click here to go to the Novice Interface
Open
Expert... Open
Select File Format
Display Options
Select whether to open as an ArchiCAD file and if library parts or lines. Set drawing unit to inches and "1" or mm and "1000" Select where the file entities are read from. Select the translation of text & colors.
Set options as shown before saving files.
180
Step 31 Working with Consultants
Information
DWG and DXF File Interchange : ArchiCAD can read and write DXF and DWG files, the most widely used CAD file formats. In addition, ArchiCAD can preserve AutoCADs xREF files, meaning that if the members of the consultant company work in a group, their referenced file, can be read into ArchiCAD without losing theis link.
What to Do
CD 1. Save As AutoCAD DWG File: Go to the layer combinations and select and show the appropriate layers required for the consultants. Go to the Options menu and open the Display Options. Modify the options as shown in the diagram. Go to File menu and Save As. Choose the file format DWG. A dialog with DWG save options appear. Click on the Expert button at the bottom of the box. A more extensive option dialog appears as shown on the opposite page. Choose AutoCAD R14 or the appropriate AutoCAD version from the Target Application. Set the Drawing Unit to 1.00 inches or 1000 mm. Layers should be set according to ArchiCAD layers. Select Model Space. Select Match colors to AutoCAD color table as off. When off, ArchiCAD will match the pen numbers, not colors to the AutoCAD file. Click OK. You have now translated a file into the DWG format. 2. Open an AutoCAD DWG File: Go to File menu and Open the DWG file saved above. Choose the file format DWG. A dialog with DWG open options appear. Click on the Expert button at the bottom of the box. A more extensive option dialog appears Choose ArchiCAD Project and Explode but keep grouped. This will bring the file as individual lines and fills, but they will be grouped for easier selection. Choosing Create library parts creates a library from the AutoCAD blocks. Set the Drawing Unit to 1.00 inches or 1000 mm. Select Space defined in the document to import based on the default setting for Paper Space and Model Space Under Restore ArchiCAD elements select If extended data is available. Select Match colors to AutoCAD color table as off. When off, ArchiCAD will match the pen numbers, not colors to the AutoCAD file. Now Click OK to open and translate the DWG file into an ArchiCAD model file.
181

ArchiCAD - Passo A Passo

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ArchiCAD - Passo A Passo

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Part 2 - Creating a Virtual Building

Part 3 - Visualization (continued)

Part 4 - Project Information

Part 5 - Document Layout

Welcome to Step by Step for ArchiCAD 6.o

ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Introduction

How the Book and CD-ROM Work Together

...it means there is a movie demonstrating the step. It is that simple!

ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Introduction

Starting the Step

Step 1 Introduction to ArchiCAD

The ArchiCAD Workplace

Linked Drawing Environments

Floor Plan Workspace

ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Step 1

Step 1 Introduction to ArchiCAD

The Floor Plan Worksheet Window

Floor Plan Window Scroll Bar Zoom In Zoom Out Pan

ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Step 1

Step 1 Introduction to ArchiCAD

The Section/Elevation Window

ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Step 1

Step 1 Introduction to ArchiCAD

The 3D Worksheet Window

ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Step 1

Step 1 Introduction to ArchiCAD

The Concept of Parametrics

Library Part Name

Display Mode Button

Select Library Parts Menu

Next & Previous Button

ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Step 1

Step 1 Introduction to ArchiCAD

ArchiCADs Help System

ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Step 1

Step 1 Introduction to ArchiCAD

Select Floor Plan to return to the floor plan window.

ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Step 1

Step 1 Introduction to ArchiCAD

ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Step 1

Step 1 Introduction to ArchiCAD

ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Step 1

ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Step 1

Step 1 Introduction to ArchiCAD

ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Step 1

Tools and Palettes

Starting the Step

Step 2 Tools and Palettes

Perpendicular Modifier Parallel Modifier Bisector

Names of Saved Views Preview Window

ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Step 2

Step 2 Tools and Palettes

ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Step 2

Step 2 Tools and Palettes

Object Parameters: Size Parameters Custom Parameters

Floor Plan & Section: Line/Pen Parameters Section Attributes

Listing: Element ID No. Listing by Property applied by criteria and/or assignment

ArchiCAD 6.0 Step by Step Step 2

Step 2 Tools and Palettes

The Coordinate System