GDL Basics 1 – Create a Library Part

5 April 2013 Andrew Watson 3 Comments
ArchiCAD, Tip of the Day

Whenever you download an object from the BIM Components portal, spare a thought for the tireless soul who created it. Better yet, you might consider contributing an object or two for the benefit and enjoyment of the ArchiCAD community.

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There are a number of roads to producing a GDL object. You can:

  • Draw a 2D symbol and save it as a library part.
  • Create a 3D form using the Morph tool.
  • Draw an 3D form using slabs, beams, walls and other ArchiCAD elements, then save it as an object.
  • Do a proper job and create a truly parametric GDL library part.

But let’s assume that you are serious about producing a quality library part.

The first step, then, is to create the object.

1. From your File menu, choose Libraries and Objects > New Object.

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2. A GDL editing window will come up.

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3. Add your name as the Author, and (if you like) add a Description and some Keyword.

4. From the File menu, choose Save, and save the object into a loaded library.

So now you have saved a brand new GDL library part. It doesn’t do anything yet, but it’s a start.