How do I create a new window in ArchiCAD?

Creating a new window in ArchiCAD most commonly refers to designing and implementing a custom window object tailored to your specific project needs, beyond the standard library offerings. This process allows for unique architectural details and functionalities.

How to Create a New Window in ArchiCAD

Designing a custom window in ArchiCAD involves a structured approach, allowing you to transform any unique design into a reusable component within your project. This capability is essential for bespoke architecture and intricate detailing.

Understanding Custom Window Creation

While ArchiCAD provides a vast library of default windows, architectural projects often demand specific designs that aren't readily available. This is where creating a custom window comes into play. It involves modeling the window's geometry and then converting it into a reusable ArchiCAD object.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Custom Window

Here's a detailed breakdown of how to create and implement a custom window in ArchiCAD:

1. Model Your Window Geometry

The first crucial step is to construct the 3D geometry of your desired window using ArchiCAD's native tools. This involves building all components such as the frame, sashes, glazing, and any decorative elements.

Utilize Basic Tools: Employ tools like the Slab, Wall, Beam, Mesh, or Morph tools to accurately represent all parts of your window. For example, use thin slabs for glass panes, and morphs or complex profiles for intricate frames.
Precision is Key: Work with high precision, setting exact dimensions for all elements. Consider using Layers effectively to organize different parts of your window model (e.g., "Window Frame," "Window Glass," "Window Hardware").
Define Opening Behavior: Think about how the window will operate. While the basic model won't animate, you can imply opening types through the geometry (e.g., a slightly recessed sash for a casement window).

2. Save Your Model as a Custom Object

Once your 3D window model is complete and ready, you need to convert it into a reusable ArchiCAD object. This process effectively 'packages' your design for easy placement.

Select All Components: Ensure all elements that make up your custom window are selected in the 3D window.
Access the Save Function: Navigate to File > Libraries and Objects > Save Selection as....
Choose 'Window': From the submenu that appears, select Window. This tells ArchiCAD to save your selected geometry as a window type object, which will automatically cut openings in walls when placed.
Name and Categorize: Give your new custom window a descriptive name (e.g., Victorian Double Hung Window, Round Porthole Window) and save it into your project's embedded library or a custom library folder for future use.

3. Place Your Custom Window

After saving your custom design, it's ready to be inserted into your architectural model just like any standard window from the ArchiCAD library.

Activate the Window Tool: Select the Window Tool from the ArchiCAD Toolbox.
Open Object Settings: Click on the Settings Dialog button (often represented by a gear icon) in the Info Box or double-click the Window Tool icon.
Browse Libraries: In the Window Settings dialog, navigate through your libraries. Your custom-saved window will be available under Embedded Library or the specific library you saved it to.
Insert into Wall: Select your custom window and then click on a wall in your plan view to place it. ArchiCAD will automatically create the necessary opening.

4. Personalize and Fine-Tune Your Custom Window

Even after placement, you can further personalize and adjust the appearance and properties of your custom window.

Access Parameters: Select the placed custom window and open its Settings Dialog. Depending on how the object was saved (and if any GDL scripting was involved), you might have access to various parameters for adjustment.
Material and Pen Settings: Modify materials for different components (frame, glass), adjust pen colors, and line types to match your project's graphic standards.
2D Representation: Review and refine the 2D symbol representation of your custom window in plan views to ensure it appears correctly and provides all necessary information.
Dimensions and Positioning: Adjust the window's dimensions, sill height, and position within the wall as needed.

Tips for Effective Custom Window Design

Start Simple: For your first custom window, begin with a relatively simple design to understand the workflow.
Use Hotspots: When modeling, strategically place hotspots at key points (e.g., corners of the frame) to make the object easier to manipulate and snap in place after it's saved.
Consider GDL for Advanced Control: For highly sophisticated and parametric custom windows, learning ArchiCAD's GDL (Geometric Description Language) provides unparalleled control over geometry, 2D symbols, and customizable parameters. Many third-party objects are created using GDL.
Test Thoroughly: After creating and placing your custom window, test it in different wall types and scenarios to ensure it behaves as expected.

Accessing Standard Windows

If your need is simply to place a standard window from ArchiCAD's extensive library, the process is much simpler:

Select the Window Tool from the Toolbox.
Open the Window Settings Dialog.
Browse the various categories and folders within the ArchiCAD Library to find a suitable pre-designed window.
Select the desired window, adjust its parameters (dimensions, materials, opening type, etc.), and place it into your wall.

Feature	Standard Windows	Custom Windows
Creation Method	Pre-defined in ArchiCAD's built-in library	Modeled by the user, then saved as a GDL object
Flexibility	Configurable via set parameters	Highly flexible, allows unique geometry and details
Design Time	Instant selection and placement	Requires modeling and saving effort
Complexity	Easy to use, suitable for common designs	Can be intricate, ideal for bespoke architectural elements
Skill Level	Basic ArchiCAD knowledge	Intermediate to advanced ArchiCAD modeling skills

For more detailed information on ArchiCAD's object creation capabilities, refer to the official Graphisoft resources.