Parameters

Display the Parameters of the current Library Part in the GDL Object Editor.

Search Parameters

Enter a text string in the search field to locate any part of that string in the Variable, Name, or Value columns. The cursor jumps to the first found instance. Use the Find next/Find previous buttons to jump to additional found instances.

SearchObjectParameters.png 

By assigning values to the set of variables in the Parameters list, you will define the attributes of a particular GDL Object. The values assigned here will be the default values found in the Settings dialog box when you choose a tool that uses GDL Objects. These locally defined Parameters can also be called by the different Scripts of the Object.

The parameters that appear in blue are the obligatory parameters (such as A and B dimensions) that belong to the edited Object’s subtype.

Optional parameters are available for use in the Object’s GDL description. The values specified for them will become the default additional values displayed when you open the appropriate Settings dialog box from the Toolbox.

The optional parameters are typically used to define such things as the number of window or door panels, the usual surfaces of a part, etc.

Create or delete parameters with the New and Delete buttons.

Highlight the parameter to edit. For obligatory parameters, you cannot edit the variable name or type icon. For optional parameters you can edit all the parameters.

Set Parameter Type

The Type icons control how the values are interpreted by Archicad.

Integer.PNG 

Icon

Parameter name

Description

Length.PNG 

Length

Specifies physical dimensions of the GDL Object (and makes conversions to whatever units you are using.) Must be a positive number.

Angle.PNG 

Angle

Specifies angular values in decimal degrees for such GDL operations as rotation transformations and defining arcs.

RealNumber.PNG 

Real Number

Specifies decimal non-dimensional values (any real number) for uses like including a magnification factor in a GDL calculation.

Integerpici.PNG 

Integer

Specifies whole numbers, dimensionless values for uses like defining the number of identical components in a GDL description or the number of times to loop through a part of the GDL Script.

Booleanpici.PNG 

Boolean

Use value of either 1 or 0. Use it to activate or deactivate an action or an item in a GDL Object. Enter value directly, or click the checkbox at the right end of the parameter line.

abc.PNG 

Text

Enter up to 255 text characters in the parameter’s value box.

Penpici.PNG 

Pen

Specifies a pen attribute as a GDL parameter

Linepici.PNG 

Line type

Specifies a line type attribute as a GDL parameter.

Fillpici.PNG 

Fill type

Specifies a fill attribute as a GDL parameter.

profilepici.png 

Profile

Specifies a profile attribute as a GDL parameter

Materialpici.PNG 

Surface

Specifies a surface attribute as a GDL parameter

BldgMatPici.png 

Building Material

Specifies a Building Material attribute as a GDL parameter

Separatorpici.PNG 

Separator

Virtual parameter, used to make the Parameter List more organized and easier to view.

Titlepici.PNG 

Title

Virtual parameter, used to make the Parameter List more organized and easier to view.

Dictionarypici.png 

Dictionary

Technical parameter, used to store multiple data

 

Note: For Surface, Line Type, Fill Type parameters: Use the pop-up to choose a corresponding Archicad attribute.

107_12.PNG 

Note: Depending on how you write your GDL descriptions, the parameters you use can affect both the 2D and 3D aspects of the Library Part.

Array

lib_main_para_array.PNG 

You can restrict the possible values of a parameter by defining an array.

Click it to toggle to array and open the Array Values dialog box.

List formatting for Parameters

Select a parameter and use any of the list formatting icons.

lib_main_para_form.PNG 

Hide Parameter: Removes parameter from the Parameters panel in the Object Settings dialog box.

Subordinate: Creates a hierarchy among parameters. The superior parameter can be of any type; however, a Title type parameter cannot be subordinated.

Bold: Display parameter name in bold type.

Unique: The current parameter will NOT be transferred if you transfer the rest of this object’s parameters to another object.

Note: When applying a Favorite to an Object, the “unique” parameters are applied together with the Favorite - they are not excluded.