Scripting Custom Objects

The easiest way to create custom objects is graphically, using ARCHICAD tools:
See the topics at Graphic Creation of Custom Library Parts and Components.
However, another option is to create custom objects using GDL programming language and ARCHICAD’s scripting environment. This may be your option if you want to go beyond all of the above possibilities, or if you need Library Parts for which the shape can be controlled with user-definable parameters.
See the GDL Center, GRAPHISOFT’s GDL knowledge base, at gdl.graphisoft.com.
When editing object parameters, you may wish to activate the Edit GDL Library Parts toolbar (Window > Toolbars > Edit GDL Library Parts) for quick access to frequently used commands. You can add it to your ARCHICAD menu structure using the Work Environment dialog box.
The creation of new Objects and the modification of existing ones is handled in a single environment: the GDL Master Window. In this window, you can add or edit the Parameters, Components, Descriptors, Scripts and the 2D Symbol of the GDL Object.
For more details, see GDL Object Editor.
Each GDL Object can include a scale-sensitive symbol representing it in floor plan view, a set of parameters defining the possible variations of the product family and a 3D script describing the complex geometry of the element. The 3D view of the GDL Object is generated from the 3D script that takes into account the parameter choices made by the user.
Scripting in GDL is not limited to geometry; you can create elements with many useful attributes, including cost, availability, and texture.
For information on how ARCHICAD projects handle custom attributes of imported GDL objects, see Custom Attributes of GDL Objects.
Some GDL Objects do not contain any geometric data. For example, macros can be text-only files that other Objects can refer to, without needing to include the same script in all of these Object files, while Property Objects contain descriptive data only that is used to calculate element quantities.
For information on Property Objects, see the ARCHICAD Calculation Guide.
To modify an object already placed in your plan, select it, then choose File > Libraries and Objects > Open Object. The GDL Object Master Window appears.
For Further Information
See Further Resources on GDL Object Creation.