How to create a continuous railing with different panel designs?

Description

The project requires the design of a continuous railing where each panel differs in color. How can this be achieved in Archicad, allowing for unique designs across the entire railing length?

Solution

By default, each railing is set to have patterns that just repeats based on the distance set. To make the whole railing editable to have each pattern modified separately, we need to convert the pattern to segment length. To do this:

1. Select the railing to be customized in your project.

2. Right-click and choose Convert Pattern to Segment Length. This turns each segment into an individual unit for customization.

   
   
   

3. Open Railing Selection Settings. Go to Segment > Balusters.
4. Delete all existing balusters to clear default patterns and make room for custom panels.
   
   
5. Go to the Panels Section and click the (+) icon to add a new panel.
6. In Panel Component Settings under the 3D Representation tab, enable Override Panel Surface to assign different colors or materials to each panel.
   
   TIP: If you want to use a completely different panel style, you can do so by selecting from the drop-down menu in the Panel Settings.
   
    
7. Repeat these steps for each segment/panel along the railing to achieve the desired result.

8. Click OK to finalize the customized railing design.