how to explode in archicad

Everly

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01-02-2025

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Archicad's "Explode" function isn't a single, readily apparent command like in some other programs. Instead, the process of breaking down complex elements depends on what you're trying to explode. This guide will walk you through various scenarios and techniques for effectively disassembling elements in your Archicad model.

Understanding Archicad's Element Structure

Before diving into exploding techniques, it's crucial to grasp how Archicad structures its elements. Many objects aren't simply single entities; they're composed of smaller components. For example, a door isn't just a single polygon; it's built from its frame, panel, and hardware. This internal structure dictates how you'll "explode" it.

Method 1: Exploding Compound Elements

This method focuses on objects explicitly built from multiple components. Think complex furniture, custom components, or even morph objects.

Steps:

1. Select the element: Click on the compound element you wish to explode.
2. Component Mode: Navigate to "Object" in the menu bar and select "Component Mode." This will reveal the individual components within the selected element.
3. Separate Components: You can now individually select and move the components. You haven't technically "exploded" the object, but you have separated its constituent parts, effectively achieving the same result.

This is ideal for dissecting pre-made objects where you need to modify individual parts.

Method 2: Exploding Compound Walls

Archicad's walls often possess complex inner structures, especially when incorporating multiple layers of insulation, cladding, or brickwork. Exploding these reveals the individual layers.

Steps:

1. Select the wall: Click on the wall segment you want to explode.
2. Modify Wall: Double click on the wall to open its settings. There is no direct "explode" function for walls here. Instead, you will modify the wall's construction.
3. Construction: Within the wall's properties, examine its structure. You can add, remove, or modify individual layers. Removing a layer is essentially exploding it from the main wall component. Remember that doing this is destructive and will permanently alter the wall structure.

This approach is useful for detailed analysis of wall construction or for creating custom wall sections.

Method 3: Exploding Groups and Morph Objects

Archicad allows you to group objects together for easier manipulation. Exploding these groups separates the individual elements. Similarly, complex morph objects can be decomposed.

Steps:

1. Select the group/morph: Click on the grouped or morphed object.
2. Ungroup/Explode: Right-click and select "Ungroup" for grouped objects. For morph objects, there is usually an option within the object’s settings to explode or decompose it into its constituent parts. This is often found under "Edit" or a similar menu item within the object's context menu.

This method offers a clean separation of objects previously combined for organizational purposes.

When "Exploding" Isn't Necessary

Sometimes, the need to explode is unnecessary. Archicad offers tools that achieve similar outcomes without destroying the original element's structure.

• Section/Elevation Views: Create detailed views to examine the internal composition of walls or other complex objects without modifying the 3D model.
• Component Tags: Utilize component tags for detailed schedules and quantity takeoffs of elements within compound objects, thereby providing a breakdown of components without needing to physically explode the main element.

Conclusion

Archicad doesn't have a singular "explode" command in the same way as some CAD programs. However, by understanding the underlying structure of your elements and utilizing the appropriate tools within the software, you can effectively separate and manipulate components to achieve your desired result. Remember to save frequently when making significant changes to your model. This allows for easy restoration if things go awry.