How to Use ARCHICAD Hotlinked Modules for Building Model Content Plans

[@C2Architect]

Continue to blow me away John! Love the work and get something out of each one. I have been using AC since V8 and still learn from you. Kudos!

[@hkrna]

Nice work, keep it coming, a good conversation is always useful, so I have a few comments below:
Save selection as module is often dangerous and too slow as well.
I much prefer saving modules from publisher.
If the aim is to disclose module source elements from schedules, just create the module on a specific negative storey and disclose the storey. That way you can modify your modules as you go much easier.
Besides, in larger projects (example multi storey apartment units) you will use modules such as : kitchen types, bathroom types, apartment types etc, so you don't want to disclose those modules from the schedules.
Also, for as much as possible (up to 20-30storey buildings) I recommend not to bring elements from different files into a working model. As much as possible I would recommend to keep everything in one file and don't mess it up with content from external file because that creates chaos in your attributes, ergo messes up your schedules.

[@CONTRABIM]

Great points! That's an interesting approach using the publisher for modules, I'll have to test that out. I've seen the "sunken" story module workflow before, and I know many people have had success with that.
I've also liked using a method of in-place module creation for units or entire floors, that way you don't have the extra stories which can make a little mess with cloned views.
Lots of different ways to work with them in Archicad which is a great feature of the program.
You'll 100% correct about having to be careful with bringing together modules from other files. But if templates are maintained and project files start from the same attributes as the library file (as shown in the demo), there aren't too many problems with this method. But as templates change over time it's something to pay attention to.
Good stuff though I appreciate the notes and I'll have to do a video on a mid to high rise residential to demonstrate some different workflows using modules for units.
Thanks!

[@CONTRABIM]

Hi Karoly. I was looking into the Publisher to Module option and I'm curious if you can explain your workflow a little further? I don't see any .mod file types available. Are you publishing to IFC and hotlinking IFC's back in from your negative story onto other stories? Any clarification would be appreciated I'm really interested to learn more how your optimizing this workflow. Thanks!

[@hkrna]

There sure is a module file format in the publisher.
Create a new view map folder, called Export Modules.
Save a few views into this folder with the right layer combo etc settings. One storey is one module.
You need to create a new publisher. Set upsave filepath. Add the Export Modules view map folder to the publisher. Select mod file format from the format list. Publish mods then use module manager to place them.
Alternatively you can skip publishing and in the module manager just select the relevant storey from the same file as the host file and link it back to itself. This is also a great method, however, this way you can't control which module updates, because they all update when you save the file.
I had a full lecture on this topic a few years ago with Eric Bobrow.
Cloned storeys: I just don't use them. Storeys can be used for so many things that cloning just makes no sense. Besides modules I always have a specific storey where I create custom objects for example.

[@CONTRABIM]

@@hkrna Thanks Karoly! I was testing with some 3D selected views and it didn't appear to have this module option. Found it though and looking forward to playing around with it! I'll have to dig up your lecture with Eric

[@conmes3077]

deeply impressed john 👍🏻 the second question would be the one with the favorites... but you explained that in the end 😊

[@CONTRABIM]

Ahh yes I meant to cover favorites at the beginning, but I'm glad I didn't forget at the end:) Thanks!

[@conmes3077]

CONTRABIM 😁 relax no problem 👍🏻

[@hurforddj]

Impressive , I’ve used Revit since before it was Revit. Looking at using Archicad playing at the moment but have been looking at a method of attaching content to type of build/project. Will definitely look at this option. Great video.

[@CONTRABIM]

Yes definitely check out ARCHICAD, Glad you liked the video!

[@jeinkyo]

really helpful and easy to understand. thank you so much.

[@CONTRABIM]

Thanks for your comment!

[@YOMOODY]

Again and again, thank you for the awesome content and workflow sharing !

[@CONTRABIM]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@simonvandevelde7044]

As usual ... Really interresting and clear. Thank you!

[@ediskujovic898]

so this is what Revit Families are? awesome concent, thank you

[@CONTRABIM]

A little different than Revit Families...this concept is a placed visual favorite for quick access and use.

[@Letus_bg]

Really instructive! Great content on your channel.

[@CONTRABIM]

Thanks Miljan! I'll keep going, any topics you want to see more of?

[@FilipSmycek]

super ... thnx and keep doin' the videos like this...

[@MrChipMC]

I use to save all this + layers and textures for new files as a template (*.tpl). but your method excludes those template elements from reports and estimates. I think I will combine them)
Thanks )

[@CONTRABIM]

I've switched up my approach to handling model content within a project file, that is not part of the project itself, meaning to exclude from all schedules. Pinning to a renovation filter for model content does the job wonderfully! Much easier than excluding hotlinks and layers or stories

[@MrChipMC]

@@CONTRABIM You mean you have two separate files, one for 3d model and another for printing layouts and schedules? Yeah, I do the same, but only for big projects like multistory apartments.
In small projects like that cottage, it is easier for me to filter out unnecessary elements by layer/ID, rather then creating another file.

[@3xmen]

nice, but one thing is NOT shown here is how to get the hotlink excluded on the schedule ...however it was ONLY shown in the scheme setting criteria, but in actual i dont hv d hotlink there?

[@CONTRABIM]

If you don't have a hotlink there, then you can exclude in a few other ways. 1 way would be to have elements placed a specific "sunken" story below your project, and exclude that story. 2 Another (better) way would be to create a new renovation filter for "model content", and then pin the elements to that filter. That way you can easily exclude the elements with renovation settings. I'll do a video on this here soon as it's a brand new workflow I'm implementing that is way better than having a library file and using hotlinked modules:)

[@ghassankanaan1767]

👍👍👍

[@memyadventures2730]

Sir loved your video, please can you make full video for only Structure modeling. I want to learn Structure work. Thanks

[@CONTRABIM]

Thanks! I have a few concrete and steel structural modeling videos. Hopefully you can find them on my channel!

[@memyadventures2730]

@@CONTRABIM Thanks alot

[@memyadventures2730]

@@CONTRABIM Sir can you suggest me book i must read about BIM. Any best book as per your experience.

[@mariansdraila]

One thing that I find very frustrating about modules is the fact that you don't have the option to store the module in the same file you are working in, just like sketchup does with clones. The fact that the module is stored in a different file is useful in some situations, like the one you just showed, but when you use it to place multiple instances in the model and then try to edit them it takes time to open the module in a separate ArchiCAD. Plus I would like to be able to edit the information embedded in the module directly in my schedules which you cannot do. One other thing that would be nice to have is the ability to use the multiply function just as the array comand works in Autocad. Multiplying a clone of the selected object and keeping the instances grouped in such a way that would be later possible to modify the distances that were set the first time. Is there anything that you would wish for in the next versions of ArchiCAD?

[@CONTRABIM]

Hi Marian. I get your frustration there. When I have multiple instances of the same module (for example, a residential unit), I usually leave one as the "source" from which the module is saved and updated from. So if you have 100 units, leave 1 or however many versions you have as the base version, and then re-save it out to update the rest. With modules it's important to always be aware of the positioning though, so If rooms get moved around that could create a mess later...

[@CONTRABIM]

Next version of ARCHICAD, i'm just excited to see what they do with MEP, Structural, and Markups! I'm always looking for better functionality with schedules, not sure if they are planning anything tho... What about you?

[@mariansdraila]

@@CONTRABIM Having the ability to store the module in the same file is on the top of my list. That would make things easier from a file management perspective. I would like to be able to add properties to surfaces and composites. The skin list label is nice to have but an automated legend would be a lot better. You can almost do it with a schedule but it doesn't extract all the skins in the correct order as the skin list label does. The list goes on. I'm excited for the new tool and features but there are plenty of existing tools that need an update or in some cases need to be fixed. Maybe one day we will get a better line tool. It will certainly be welcomed!

[@hkrna]

Martin,
Good piece of advise:
Never open and edit a mod file!
Create mod in negative storey and use publisher to save as mod, then place it or just link negative storey as module back to host file using hotlink manager...

[@Motivation_One88]

Do you have Brick Veneer model for Australian?

[@CONTRABIM]

I'd have to check the specs of the australian bricks, but I'd think they would be close...

[@mr1sibby]

Awesome stuff. I have just upgraded from solo to the full version to take advantage of this feature. Can you direct me anywhere where I could obtain a template like yours?

[@CONTRABIM]

That's awesome! Check out www.contrabim.com to see all of my templates. I've been going through and upgrading everything to AC24 and is ready to go this week. Send me a message via the contact form and we can start a conversation there to see what products will fit you best!

[@mr1sibby]

@@CONTRABIM Thanks just made contact, Thanks

[@gurulakshmibuilders-planni5652]

Am also immpressed this concept...i will try this

[@sketchapp3783]

Where's the best place to find some of these templates that have this stuff pre built? I'm just learning and teaching myself so purchasing $600 packs isn't in the budget. That giant 2000 object library would be super helpful.

[@CONTRABIM]

Hi there! Thanks for the comment. Yes check out www.contrabim.com and send me an message through the contact form I'll see what I can do to help you out!

[@zcgt21]

Hello I have a doubt, if the content that you create can storage favorites (I hope you understand me) (sorry for the english). Excellent video
Hola tengo una duda, si todo el contenido puede contener favoritos de los elementos creados en el "Model Content Plans)

[@CONTRABIM]

Hi, so yes all the library elements can be saved as favorites, which can be an alternative method of transferring instead of using the Hotlinked Module workflow. Favorites are not transferred via hotlink, but imported through the favorite options. The hotlinked module is considered a "visual" favorite, or placed favorite instead of actually being saved as a favorite. Hope this answers your question!

[@zcgt21]

@@CONTRABIM Yes, thanks.
And congratulations for the MEP Course is an excellent course worth every penny, I'm really happy for the investment

[@CONTRABIM]

@@zcgt21 Awesome! Glad you're liking the MEP Course as well! Sorry I didn't make the connection to your RUclips username:)

[@adrianof3663]

Thank you for this video. Did I miss something: do you have a fully 3D .mod on a worksheet? 16:46 How come it doesn't get transformed into 2D? Its it placed more like an objet? Thank you in advance

[@CONTRABIM]

Great question Adriano! It is a placed module in 2D, however I'm using a worksheet with a trace reference to the view that it's visible on, so that I don't necessarily need to have it turned on in my working view. It also is nice to be able to bounce back and forth between the plan view, and worksheet, in the tabs. But yes, it is a placed module in 2D plan, but the master layer is turned off on most working views, accept the one being referenced into the worksheet. Hope that makes sense! Thanks for the question!

[@adrianof3663]

@@CONTRABIM Thank you for your fast answer. I understood perfectly. It's a smart workaround and yes it's nice to be able to have it up as a tab. Your content is one of the best I have seen so far. Thank you!