Organizing Materials

[DDenno]

I have imported several BIM files from the Green Building website.  All of them are showing up as folders under materials all.  How do you get the Siding materials to be sub-folders under "Siding" for materials usage.  It would make them a lot easier to find.  Is there a capability to move large groups?  I would hate to have to move all of the CertainTeed siding elements individually.

I am also looking for documentation that explains the library structure in more detail.  Documentation with the program is kind of weak.  I have found on line data for importing catalogs and BIM files but nothing on the structure.  Trial and error experimenting is likely to alter something I don't want to change. So I would rather avoid that method.

[Allan Chesney]

If you import BIM files they go into their own folder as provided by the supplier and that cannot be changed as far as I know. You can move elements around within each group but not between groups as each group has its own very unique characteristics all closely linked to each other.

If you expand (click the +) on the BIM files you will see all the things that came into the program with the object, textures, line styles, finishes, patterns etc and all these links must remain in tact for everything to work. That is probably why you cannot find anything about structure other than what you see my looking at the Elements Manager and Library Manager. If you are not careful the catalogue can be corrupted and overloaded if lots of things are added leading to slow responce times. Generally it is best to only add objects that you know you will use.

Allan

[Doug.S]

Further to Allan's point of keeping the catalog from becoming too cluttered and big and extra risk of corruption . . .
only add items to catalog IF you know you want to use that item later; and probably often; or if you want to keep a certain size and textured object for re-use.

Otherwise simply insert new objects into the project as it will be saved with the .bld file. Textures are not saved with the .bld file but can always be used at any future time as long as the image file (usually .jpg or .bmp) remains in same place on your PC.

I keep "original" objects (such as .bim or .skp or .3ds files) in a folder on my PC even after I use the object in a .bld file in case I need it again later; and it is easy to find.

Also note you can always re-open an old .bld file later to add an object to the catalog later if you need it again...if you can remember which .bld file it is in. ("old" works but not always "forever" as new program versions "may" not always open really old files.....but you will know that before you upgrade to a newer program version. And IMSI changed the file extension name last time from .xxx {I have already forgotten the extension name} to .bld)

And periodically when you modify (or just before and after you modify) the catalog; save a backup copy in case it corrupts and you need to recover....much easier than trying to reinstall the program just to get the catalog back.  You should also keep an "original" (as installed) copy of the catalog if you ever want to easily 're-start' the catalog in default state.

[DDenno]

Agree, the catalog has gotten rather large.  Roughly four times the size of the origional catalog.  But I have had no success deleating groups.  I can delete individual elements but that will take for ever.  Maybe easier to start with the origional catalog and import those things I know I need.  Is there any concern for my current project if I start over with the origional catalog?  What happens if I fail to import something I used?

[Allan Chesney]

If your catalogue is 4 times the size then you may be best to go back to the original because anything you put into a model from the catalogue will still be there ,as it is saved in the model itself, as will textures as they are accessed from your hard drive. 

You can switch catalogues at any time, even while you have a project open. You could for instance use the original catalogue, realise there is something in the large one that you wanted, so open that catalogue (File / Catalogues / Open) and insert the object, then switch back to the original one and carry on editing.  If you then decide the object is something you will use all the time, you can simply add it to the original catalogue by using File / Catalogues / Save Element to Catalogue. This is a better way than adding losts of things you may never use. You can still open the 'spare objects' catalogue any time for something you will use once.

Allan

[Doug.S]

Is there any concern for my current project if I start over with the origional catalog?  What happens if I fail to import something I used?

I'd suggest you don't "delete" your catalog....simply save/re-name it to something meaningful to you. When you start using the default catalog, if something needs to be used from old catalog, you can open it and get your object/item/etc. and then switch back to default....all without closing your project or TFP.

You can have as many catalogs as you wish; you can only have one open at a time.

[Kajvin - Robert W]

Hi DDenno! As DougS suggested use multiple-catalogs but make shore that you have a safty-copy of your original catalogs that come with the program.

Self have I made one catalog for each bim-file,  with same name as bim-file or group-name as windows or doors etc.

Color or structure BIM-file this BIM-file have a empty elements-map, as Benjamin-Moore.bim or Master-Builders-Concrete.bim will not work without a wall, and this BIM will not increase your catalog so much so you can import to you normal catalog.

1: Go to Element Manger under File menu.
2:Click on File - New Catalog
3:Name the catalog same as BIM-file click OK chose Units and precision, you can do this after you have import your bim-file, and if you will have both imperial and metric catalog of the bim-file go to step 7
No have you a clean catalog with one wall group but no walls
4:Click on File - BIM-file - Import
A new window open with 2 Columns left column is your new catalog and right column is your BIM-file
5: In the right column click om document then Transfer wait to Status = Done and click done
6: Save your catalog
7: With you new catalog still open in Element Manager click File - Save Catalog As, select a new name or add metric or imperial to your old name.
8: Now can you change the units and precision by Click File - Catalog properties and choice if it shall be imperial or metric catalog by choice Type

Kajvin