One of the most important contributions of computer-aided design to architecture is that it facilitates parallel planning and documentation processes. With ArchiCAD, it is possible to work on several project phases, both design and documentation, simultaneously.
The output of architectural drawings on plotted layouts, to be submitted to clients, contractors and building authorities, is traditionally considered the final phase in the work of the architectural team. With ArchiCAD, the creation of the construction documentation really becomes an integrated part of your design work.
Layouts contain all the drawings and images that compose the architectural documentation of your project – views, external drawings, List views, Element Schedules, Project Indexes.
The layouts that you create can include views from both the currently open project file and from other ArchiCAD projects, as well as external drawing and picture files.
Every Layout is associated with a Master Layout that defines its size and some other attributes. This helps automate such tasks as the inclusion of a company logo.
In ArchiCAD, layouts are part of the project. Each ArchiCAD project file includes a Layout Book whose content is displayed in the Navigator.
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