Creating Parametric Complex Profiles and using Geometry Modifiers

Many of the objects in Archicad are set up as either line-based (walls, beams, and columns) or contour-based (slabs, roofs, and mesh). Contour-based geometry is refined with a handy set of Pet Palette commands.

For line-based elements, we have already looked at the homogeneous and the composite structures, using layers of materials. However, their core shape is always rectangular. When you need to refine the section of the object, you can switch to a so-called Complex Profile. This allows you to define the shape of the object from a 2D section, consisting of fills, just like you would in 2D detail drawings.

With a Parametric Complex Profile, you effectively get a 2D editing environment where you can add one or more fills. Each fill will then be extruded along the Reference Line, giving you a 3D shape from the profile. This method works very well for any object with a complex cross-section, such as steel profiles...