7/28/2019 7 Keys Cheat Sheet

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The 7 Keys to Best Practices

How to Use ArchiCAD Most Effectively 

Work Smarter!

Eric Bobrow © 2011 www.acbestpractices.com

1. Get OrganizedMake it Easy to Access Things

• Standardized Project folder - duplicate each time• ArchiCAD Template TPL file - for starting new projects• Office and Project Libraries - compile reusable objects• Standard notes and details - set up to use again

2. Do It OnceOnce is enough, if you’re smart

• Office Standard Template - keep your setup intact• Preserve attributes and structure - don’t reinvent each time• Customize for different project types - made to fit the task • Create modules and custom library parts -

3. Save Your SettingsReuse what you can

• Favorites• Interactive Legends of Visual Favorites• Room Configurations• Schedule Settings• Translators

4. Work from the General to the SpecificRecord your design intent but keep your options o pen

• Try massing models, blocking and stacking with zones - test against program requirements• Place generic walls with reference lines - lat er choose composite wall types• Name materials by function (e.g. exterior wall default) - allows going from monochrome orconceptual colors to specific materials and t extures• Use simple placeholders (e.g. basic windows & doors) with anchors to record design intent(e.g. inserted by corner or center) - get specific later• Anchor columns and beams to suit your structural grid - change sizes easily• Use alignment and anchors for text notes - allows editing without moving them around

5. Use ArchiCAD’s StructureGo with the flow - us e leverage and root causes

• Work “downhill”, use dependencies and relationships• Views depend on Layer Combinations, Model View Options, etc.• Drawing names depend on View names which are derived from Project Map or Marker names• Composites, Materials can be leveraged• Clone Folders create new Views automatically

6. Model Well, Draw LessThe better you do 3D, the less you need 2D

• Proper modeling leads to clean drawings - snap and align• Learn how to keep sections and elevations “live”• Use profiles, material hatching, accessories to gain mileage• Solid Element Operations - to define relationships and add detail

7. Keep It SafeDon’t risk losing your work!

• Save often, don’t rely on Autosave• Develop a good backup strategy, include off-site copies• Controlled migration to newer versions

Download this cheat sheet at www.acbestpractices.com/7-keys-7-minutes