ArchiCAD Tutorial: Using Profiler to Create Custom Trim

By J.T. Burk

Stone banding can be accomplished by using the Profiler add-on that is a standard feature in ArchiCAD.

Note: If Profiler does not appear as a pull down menu item, go to “Tools” – “Load Add-On.” Navigate to the Goodies folder inside of the main ArchiCAD folder to find the Profiler folder where the Add-On “apx” file resides and click “Load” to load the tool.

Click on image to enlarge

When profiler is loaded, you can now use this great tool for extruding shapes along a path or revolving shapes around a center point. In this example, we will make a stone band.

First, draw lines in the correct size and shape of the band and made sure these lines are grouped.

Next, select the grouped lines and then bring up Profiler from the menu (either under the Tool drop down menu or from the separate pull down profiler menu).

Note: More help about the Profiler tool is in the “About Profiler.htm” file in the Profiler folder under the “Goodies” folder.

The first button is selected for extruding a shape around a path.

Now, select “OK” to make a stone band around the building perimeter. This tool will create a new object that can be placed in the Projects Library folder.

About the Author

J.T. Burk is the principal of CADeshack, a value-added reseller for architects and builders. He has used the 3D building process for over 13 years, since forming The OwneRep Group, a project management and architectural company in Houston and Chicago. Mr. Burk, who has a master of architecture degree from the University of Wisconsin, is licensed an architect in fifteen states (NCARB), including Texas. He has over 25 years experience in several different building types as well as an extensive corporate architectural background. Mr. Burk is also the principal of The Fountainhead Group, a fountain and waterscape consulting company. You can reach him at jtburk@jtburk.com or by visiting his website at http://www.jtburk.com.

About Graphisoft

Graphisoft is a leading provider of design and management software solutions for the architectural profession and the building industry. Founded in 1982, Graphisoft is ranked today among the largest AEC CAD software developers in the world, with ten offices worldwide in addition to its Budapest headquarters. ArchiCAD and other Graphisoft products are used by more than 100,000 architects, facility managers and building professionals all over the world. Shares of Graphisoft are traded on the Budapest (GRAPHI) Stock Exchange. More information about Graphisoft is available at http://www.graphisoft.com.