Why are some preview images mirrored in my Doors and Windows Schedule?

Description

When working with the Automatic Doors and Window Schedule, you might occasionally notice that the generated front view does not match the preview image of the library part (the image is flipped). These discrepancies, such as flipping or mirroring effects, often occur due to inadequate inclusion of fields in the schedule, particularly the “Orientation” field. Addressing these issues involves ensuring that all necessary fields, including “Orientation”, are properly incorporated into the schedule. This approach helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures accurate representation of the scheduled items. Let’s explore some strategies to address and resolve these issues.

Solution

The primary and most effective solution for addressing door handle placement and orientation issues in Archicad is to introduce the "Orientation" field. This information will explicitly identify whether the door handle is on the Left (L) or Right (R) side of the door based on the defined opening direction in the model. This approach is comprehensive because it directly addresses the core issue of handle placement and provides a clear and unambiguous way to manage door orientations in your schedules.

While the "Orientation" field is the primary solution, several supporting adjustments and best practices can help manage door schedules effectively:

1. Understanding Terminologies:
   • The term “Front” in the context of entrance doors generally refers to the outside plane of the door. While most doors open inward, exceptions might occur due to space constraints or accessibility needs. Hence, the definition of the door’s “Front” can vary based on its placement and intended use.
2. Archicad’s Logic:
   • In Archicad, the 3D Front View in the schedule corresponds to the view from the opening side of the door. Essentially, Archicad’s Front View depicts the inside of the door, which faces the interior of the building where the door opens. Additionally, merging items in the schedule means the first placed element dictates the 3D Front View representation.

3. Adjusting Schedule Fields:
   • If the default logic does not align with your needs, consider modifying the schedule fields as follows:
     • View from Opening Side: This reflects the door’s actual opening side and aligns with the 3D Front View.
     • View from Reveal Side: This is based on the location of the sun icon during input.
     • Opposite Fields: This is the opposite view of the two stated fields above
4. Note that changing these settings may create inconsistencies, especially if other doors are involved where the Front and Back/Opposite definitions might differ. If this misalignment is not part of a recurring pattern, it may be best to stick with the current settings.
5. Command Effects:
   • Flip: Changes the door swing direction (inward to outward or vice versa) but keeps the Reveal side (sun icon side) the same.
   • Rotate: Alters the door swing direction and moves the Reveal side to the opposite side.
   • Mirror: Changes the door swing from left-hand to right-hand or vice versa, but keeps the Reveal side consistent.
6. Best Practices:
   • To avoid issues, use the “View From Reveal Side” field. This approach allows you to select the exterior wall view or the desired view by positioning the sun icon correctly. This strategy helps prevent confusion when flipping or rotating doors.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the Door Schedules in Archicad accurately reflect your design intentions and prevent potential issues during manufacturing.