
Don’t delete everything, for there is much you can reuse. Use the File menu > Save As > ArchiCAD Template (TPL) file command, then get to work clearing the building geometry and annotation to give yourself a clean starting point. You won’t have to continually add layers, views, or even layouts, because they’ll be carried across from a working file that is already set up perfectly for your practice. By doing it this way, you’ll be able to work smoothly from the beginning through the end of your next project.


For example, your TPL template can be derived from a completed project, preserving all of the attributes and structure that were in that project. If you put in the effort to create something in ArchiCAD, try to reuse it. Save a set of boilerplate general notes in Word or Pages in a way you can copy and adapt in each project. Compile, organize and catalog standard reusable detail drawings into one or more PLN files, and you’ll be able to pull them in when they’re appropriate. Set up a folder for an office object library where you can place all the ArchiCAD parts you create or purchase for easy access. In a way similar to the project folder (above), you can take a real project and use it as the basis of your next one, rather than starting over with the standard template supplied with ArchiCAD. Create an office template to give you a consistent, well-developed project starting point. The folders are empty, but provide a structure and system for filing.Īnother great organizational aid that is often neglected is the template or TPL file you use to start each project. The example of a standard project folder from MasterTemplate is shown below. There will be a place for everything, and everything will be “in its place.” When a consultant drawing comes in, you’ll have a place to store it when you print a set to PDF, you’ll know where to save it and when you need to locate anything, it will be easier to find. If you do this right and rework it carefully to make it generally applicable, then you’ll have a framework you can reuse for the next project. Although it is mostly “empty,” it is the core of an organizational system. What you’ll be left with is a structure for filing things. Rename this duplicate folder, and delete most of the files inside-anything that is specific to the project that can’t be reused. You can take a real project that is well developed, and duplicate its folder with all the subfolders and files. One simple idea is to create a project folder that you duplicate from one project to the next so that there’s always a consistent place to file things.

The first key is to get organized-to take the files on your hard drive and arrange them so that they’re easily at hand, so you know where things are, and you have a system.
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This free video series will only be available for a limited time, so be sure to check it out right after you finish reading this article.
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As a special bonus for AECbytes readers, you may view or download this training series on the “7 Keys to Best Practices” (three videos totaling 45 minutes) without charge by visiting the course website and opting in to our email list. I have created an in-depth presentation on this topic as part of The Best Practices Course, a new online training resource for ArchiCAD users. I’ll give some specific examples along the way to help you understand what is important to focus on, the things that are going to make the biggest difference in your work. In this article, I’m going to give a broad‑brush, conceptual overview, to get you familiar with these key ideas and how they relate to each other. But when they’re applied in the right manner with an understanding of ArchiCAD’s core principles, they’ll help you be much more effective and efficient. These best practices are common ideas, like getting organized, and doing things once instead of over and over again. I believe there are seven key principles that will help you to use ArchiCAD to its best effect.

However, this program will become your friend and trusted assistant when you understand and follow the Best Practices for using ArchiCAD. ArchiCAD is a complex tool, and many users have felt the same way. – God, I hate doing this over and over again. Have you ever said to yourself (or a colleague):
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But so often, I see our clients doing things the long way around, fighting ArchiCAD because they don’t understand how to best take advantage of its structure and its philosophy. Originally published in AECbytes – Tips and Tricks Issue #56 5 ArchiCAD Tutorial | The Seven Keys to Best Practices for ArchiCAD
