How to add custom dimensions to doors and windows using the Property Manager?

Description

In Archicad native Library objects like Doors and Windows have preset Nominal dimensions assigned to them. However in some instances, there are particular dimensions that are not built in the objects. For instance, a project permits to show the dimension of window rough opening, plus the sill height from the finished floor line. There is a way to show this in the Schedule Fields by following the instructions tackled in this article.

Solution

To help us with this, we will need to use the Property Manager.

How to create a new property?

1. Go to Options > Property Manager.
2. On the Property Manager prompt:
   •  Click New: Property
   •  Set the Property Name as desired
   •  Add to Group: Openings (for example).
3.  Click OK.
   
4. Select the newly created Property and expand the Value Definition section.
5. Set Length for Data Type 
6. Select Expression for Default Value. 
7. When you click the Expression, the Expression Editor will pop up. 
8. Under Availability for Classifications, select Custom and add the classifications as shown below.
   

How to add Sequence on the Expression Editor prompt? 

1. On the prompt, click Parameters & Properties...
2. Insert the Sequence of the dimensions you'd want to measure (for the current example as shown on the image below). Find more information about expression properties here.
   

How to display the new expression in a schedule? 

1. Return to your schedule.
2. Open the Scheme Settings.
3. Click Add Fields and search for the newly created Property: “Test dimension”.
4. Click OK.