Contents:
Greetings ---- Installing eParts ---- Using eParts ---- Modifying eParts  ---- Relocating a Catalog ---- Reporting Problems

Most eParts have been created as Multi-View Blocks (MvBlocks) consisting of Model, Plan and Mask components.  Elevation Views are derived from the Model.  Masks are for Plan use only and have been created by using a custom AecPolygon Style with a masking effect that can be turned on or off at any time.  Some MvBlocks have a higher level of detail under the High Detail than the Low Detail.

Some eParts, like Street Lights, have also been configured to repeat at intervals that you can control by working with the custom Curtain Wall Styles.

The Window Styles in this product have been created from Window Styles, Door/Window Styles (DWA's), and a mixture of both.  Window Styles have been categorized as "Wood", "Stucco" or "Masonry" to provide options for trim but actually offer the exact same glazing configurations.  Window Styles use customized Structural Members for trim while DWA's use custom Profiles.

Tool	Download Executable File
ws10.0_setup.exe	Right-click over link to the left and use the "Save Target As..." menu option.  Save to your desktop or other location.  Run the executable installation file.  Launch AutoCAD Architecture and Add your new Content Catalog.
Keyboard	Windows Key + E

STEP 1:
After you have downloaded the "ws10.0_setup.exe" file to your Desktop or other location, double pick on it, input your password and launch the setup wizard.  Go to Step 2.

Note:
This kit was designed to be installed under the "C:\Program Files" folder and will not work properly if installed under other folders (see Customizing Installation Paths for other options).  After installation, you should find that you have a New folder called "ARCHIdigm" and within this folder is the "Window Styles 2010 eParts" folder containing all of the Style and Mvblock files that you will be able to access with your Content Browser.  There is also an "Images" folder that contains all of the Tool Icons.

Note:  The Password is located in your confirmation e-mail sent out after purchase.  If you did not receive this e-mail, it may have been blocked by a spam filter.  Contact info@archidigm.com to get a copy.

The password for your product is located in your purchase confirmation e-mail under the heading, "keycode".  Use this password to complete the installation.

Menu	Window> Content Browser
Keyboard	ContentBrowser or Ctrl + 4

STEP 2:
When you have completed the "STEP 1" as outlined above, use the Content Brower in AutoCAD Architecture to "Add an existing catalog or web site".  Use the Browse button on the Add Catalog dialog box to access the "C:\Program Files\ARCHIdigm\Window Styles 2010 eParts" folder and look for the "Window Styles 10.0 eParts - by ARCHIdigm.atc" file as illustrated to the right.

Once you have Opened the catalog file, you should find that you have a new Catalog Library with a Graphic Image that you can Select to access all of the Tools and Tool Palettes discussed below.

Menu	Window> Tool Paletes
Keyboard	ToolPalettes or Ctrl + 3
Links	Downloading new content from website and Adding Tools

STEP 3:
Inside the Window Styles 10.0 eParts Catalog Library you should find a couple of Categories and several Palettes; within the Categories are more Palettes.  You can drag an entire Palette to your current Tool Palette or you can drag individual Tools to your own custom Tool Palette to create a unique collection.

Tip:  You can use the Ctrl+A keystroke technique to highlight all tool icons under a Catalog Category or you can Select off in a corner and use the Selection Window to highlight a group.  The Shift and Ctrl keys work to assist in Selecting items just as they do in Explorer.

There are two Window Types in this package: Window Objects and Door/Window Assembly Objects.  Adding both Window Types is just like adding native ACA Objects.  The Window Objects are based on standard ACA Styles but with a variety of modifications like sills and trim.  Included with this package are Window Styles that come straight from the stock ACA library and should behave just like stock content (trim and hardware has been added).  The Door/Window Assembly (DWA) Objects were designed to provide solutions for more complicated glazing requirements such as those in which multiple windows reside; i.e., double hung windows on either side of a picture.

In order to maximize the usefulness of this product, we factored in a variety of user concerns and preferences.  For example, some users simply hate to work with DWA's so Iwe built a custom set of DWA's that have been embedded in regular Window Styles.  This provides a way to have a composition of windows within a single Style.  We have also created a matching set of true DWA's for those who don't mind working with these Object Styles.

In other cases, we were simply limited by the forces that control AutoCAD Architecture.  For example, we could not create automatic trim for Window Styles that are non-rectangular so we had to create Blocks that will need to be adjusted and Anchored manually.

Window Styles have been categorized as Rectangular and Non-Rectangular.  Non-Rectangular Window Styles typically need some form of manual trim work.

In the Standard Category of Rectangular Window Styles, you will find three groups or Palettes divided into "Wood", "Stucco" and "Masonry".  All of these Window Styles have been customized in a similar fashion.  In fact, the "Wood" and "Stucco" Window Styles are nearly identical.

Each of these Window Styles has a complex set of Blocks attached to represent top center, top corner left, top corner right, side, side right, sill center, sill corner left and sill corner right.  In Plan View, illustrated to the right, you should only see the Blocks for the inside and outside left and right sides (or jambs).

The shape of all trim Blocks is controlled by a corresponding Structural Member Style and the Member Shape assigned to it - see comments below for more information on this subject.

The Standard Rectangular Window Styles use the "Auto-adjust to Width of Wall" setting and will thus fit any wall width.  You cannot, however, change their shape because Block attachments will not conform to non-rectangular shapes.

Note:  Single and Double Casement Windows have an arc-swing Block set to Color 54.

All of the the custom Trim Blocks have been added as Display Representation Style Overrides.  These Blocks have only been added to the Display Representations that we believe are essential thus leaving the other Display Representations stock.  For Elevation, Model and Model High Detail all trim related Blocks have been added; including many that are turned Off by default.  For Plan and Plan High Detail only the left and right side (or jamb) Blocks have been attached for the inside and outside faces.

Because the Trim Blocks are actually Structural Members, you can alter the appearance, such as Color and Linetype, of the trim globally or individually.  To make individual changes, use the Display Properties of the Window Style as illustrated to the right.  To make global changes, use the "MemberStyle" command and modify the Display Properties of the trim Object (see comments below for more information).

Standard and Complex Rectangular Window Styles have been configured with numerous trim and sill components to allow for a variety of trim configurations.  You will find these Display Components under the "Elevation", "Model" and "Model High Detail" Display Representations.

In the illustration to the right I show how turning these Display Components On or Off can have a dramatic effect on how the window looks.  Sill and Top Corners come with duplicate components: one that wraps the corner and one that runs straight out beyond the adjacent trim.  Other components include, four grille configurations, a default muntin layout and a keystone.

When you reconfigure your window trim, remember to repeat the On/Off settings for each of the three Display Representations.

Under the "Windows - Manual - Trim" Category there are Palettes containing trim tools for the "Wood", "Stucco" and "Masonry" Window Styles.  At the bottom of each Palette there is a tool for importing trim profiles.

In the illustration to the right I show that I have use the "Import and Modify Wood Trim Profiles" button to import a set of predefined Member Shapes.  The button has automatically launched the "MemberStyle" window because this is where you set the imported profile.  In step 2, illustrated to the right, I show that I have opened the "Openings_Window_Stucco_Trim_Side_Inside" Member Style and gone to the "Design Rules" tab to set a new Profile name (see drop-down list in step 3).

Profiles under the "Wood" and "Stucco" Window Styles can be used on either Window Style and many can be used for the interior trim on the "Masonry" Window Styles.

Creating custom profiles is a simple process - see Creating Custom Trim Shapes for Door and Window Objects below.

Palette	WINDOWS - MANUAL TRIM - STUCCO
	Import and Modify Trim Profile
Keyboard	After importing more shapes, use "MemberShape" command

Window Styles labeled with "Trim" as a suffix in their Style names, use Structural Member Styles for inside and outside Trim.  The trim is actually comprised of a series of Blocks of Columns attached to the outside edges of the Window Frames.  By using this technique, you can easily change the shape of the Trim by using the "MemberStyle" command to access the dialog box illustrated to the right.

On the "WINDOWS - MANUAL TRIM - WOOD", "WINDOWS - MANUAL TRIM - STUCCO", or "WINDOWS - MANUAL TRIM - MASONRY" Palettes, you will find a button labeled "Import and Modify Trim Profile" and when you pick on this button, it will insert a collection of predefined Member Shapes (see discussion below).  Once the custom Member Shapes have been imported into your drawing, you can use the "MemberStyle" command to access the Trim Styles and change the shapes under the "Design Rules" tab, "Name" drop-down list, to other trim shape names.

Note:
Windows with Trim have been divided into trim groups.  Any profile change you make to trim within one trim group, such as "stucco", will affect all window styles belonging to that trim group.  Should you need to have a unique trim for any single Window Object, you can use a Window from another trim group, such as "wood", and simply apply stucco profiles to it.  You can also Import that Window Style into a Blank ACA Template drawing, Rename the Window Style, Rename the Structural Member Styles (to something like "Openings_Window_Stucco_2_Trim_Side_Outside") and then use the "Rename" command to rename each of the trim Blocks.  When done, import the modified Window Object into the working file.

Window Styles in this product have a total of eight top corner Blocks: for each of the four corners there is one that runs "straight" and one that wraps at 90 degrees.  The wrapping top corner Blocks have been set as the default corners.  These Blocks are comprised of two separate Structural Members that meet at 45 degrees and use the "Side" Member Profile.

The corner trim was designed to accept Profiles for things like flutes.  However, should you want to create a unique corner trim solution, you can replace or substitute your own design for our default one.  Each corner has a unique Block name based on the window type (wood = w, stucco = s and masonry = m) and the position (in = inside, out = outside, default is left but right = right).  For example, "Openings_window_trim_ s_top_corner_out", is a top outside left corner Block for the Stucco Window Style.

Illustrated to the left is a top corner outside straight Block with a return component similar to that found on the Sill corners.  To increase or decrease the length of this component, see "Modifying the Straight Corner Blocks" below.  These Blocks are set to use the "Top" Member Profile.

In the illustration to the right I show three example Trim Profile Shapes that were created with Polylines.  To create your own shape, simply draw a closed Polyline form, to scale, and use the "MemberShape" command to activate the dialog illustrated to the right.

The Structural Member Shape Definitions dialog shows three Display Representations under the Shape Geometry category.  Use the "Specify Rings for ..." button to Select your custom Polyline shape for each Display Representation.  For advanced users, you can actually specify different Polyline shapes for different Display Representations.

The insertion point for your custom Polyline shape is always the upper right corner, as illustrated, and the outside face is always along the x-axis pointing towards the negative "Y" direction.

The Window Styles that were designed for masonry trim, typically brick, are the most difficult to work with because you can't rely on the "Auto-Adjust to Width of Wall" feature. 

In the illustration to the right I show that I have added a window with masonry trim to an out of the box brick wall from AutoCAD Architecture's library.  The first thing you will need to do is set the Window Style's Depth value to match the depth of the Wall from the brick to the inside face (see illustration).  The frame will act as the casing.

The next step is to use the Anchor dialog box, accessed from the Window Properties Palette.  On the Anchor dialog, set the Position Within (Y) values as "From: Right edge of wall width", "Distance: 0" and "To: Front of object".  This adjustment should push the inside trim to the inside face of the finished material on the wall as illustrated to the right.  If this doesn't add up correctly, you may need to adjust the Depth value on the Window Style Properties dialog or use a "Distance" value on the Anchor dialog.

In the illustration to the right I show a scenario in which a the bricks, in plan, wrap the exterior window opening.  In most cases, you would use an Opening Endcap Style for placed on the Wall Object or Style.  However, as an alternative and as general information that you may want to employ whenever it seems appropriate, you can use a Wall Interference Condition and Add the Window Object as a Subtractive Object.

The trim blocks attached to the exterior side of the masonry style windows are very similar to the blocks used on the wood and stucco window styles.  However, in order to provide solutions more appropriate for masonry conditions, the Blocks were set to the outside face of the surrounding Frame Component.  In order to allow for Sill Profiles that have a slight slope, the Blocks were set to .25 inched above the outside face of the bottom Frame Component.

All of the "Straight" Corner Blocks have been adjusted to a width of 3 1/2" to match the width of a common brick.

You can modify any and all of the trim blocks but the only ones you are likely to modify regularly are the ones designer for straight corners.  There are duplicate corner blocks: the non-straight ones simply wrap to produce a 90 degree corner while the straight ones run straight beyond the side trim and wrap inward towards the wall.

In the illustration to the right I show that I have inserted the four outside straight corner trim blocks for the stucco window style.  These have the following names: "Openings_window_trim_s_top_corner_out_straight" "Openings_window_trim_s_top_corner_out_straight_right" "Openings_window_trim_s_sill_corner_out_straight" "Openings_window_trim_s_sill_corner_out_straight_right"

In the lower right illustration I show that I have use Refedit to go inside one of the sill blocks where I have the structural member grips that allow me to Stretch the trim to make it longer or shorter.

The default Window Styles are limited to single window configurations and thus do not provide options for more complex arrangements such as side-by-side and/or above-below layouts.  For these types of arrangements, ACA users are supposed to use Door/Window Assembly Styles and we have included such styles in this product.  However, for users who would prefer to work with standard Window Styles, we created a hybrid that places a block of a Door/Window Assembly inside a standard window.  This approach is identical to how we created highly customized door panels in our Doors eParts Product.

1) Custom Window Styles were created for use in Door/Window Assemblies.  These have been labeled with the prefix "DWA" and have no Frames.

2) Custom Door/Window Assembly Styles were created to house the custom Window Styles in common arrangements such as the one illustrated to the right.

3) The Custom DWA's were turned into Blocks so they could be Attached to Custom Window Styles.

4) Custom Window Styles were created with Display Property Overrides replacing the default Glass Display Component with the Custom Block.  The Sash dimensions for these Custom Window Styles has been set to zero.

This means that if you want to modify the Window Panel, you can insert the Block for that Panel and "Refedit" (Edit the Block in Place)  it or go straight to the Door/Window Style dialog and work through it.  To change the Materials, for example, it would much better to go to the Door/Window Style.

In the illustration to the right I show how the names of these components have been structured to help find matches.

Note:  Because the DWA's are Blocks inside Windows, they will distort as you change the Window Size.  If you Modify the DWA to match the desired size, the distortion will be eliminated but only for one window size.  If this is a problem, look into using our Door/Window Assembly Styles instead.

In the illustration to the right I show how the default Glass Display Component is replaced with the DWA Style Block.  Under the Display Properties, the Glass Display Component has been turned Off but in its place, is a custom Block added under the "Other" tab.

Note:
Notice that the trim components are also added as Blocks here.  You can use the Remove button to remove the trim or you can use the Layer/Color/Linetype tab to turn the trim off for one or more Display Representations.

Palette	WINDOWS - NON-RECTANGULAR - STUCCO
	Picture - Arched - Stucco - Trim
Palette	WINDOWS - MANUAL TRIM - STUCCO
	Insert Exterior Arch Trim
Keyboard

It is unfortunate that the way Blocks can be set to match a Window's Width and Height does not include a Window's shape.  In other words, it was only possible to provide automated trim on rectangular Window shapes so for all non-rectangular shapes, we created Blocks for manual placement and adjustment.  In addition, we created a set of Window Styles for non-rectangular shapes and included Sill Blocks wherever possible.

In the illustration to the right I show that I have gone to the "Windows - Non-rectangular - Stucco" Palette from the "Windows - Standard - Non-Rectangular" Category and added the "Picture - Arched - Stucco - Trim" Window Style.  In Plan View this Window Style will appear as complete as the rectangular version, however, in a Model View, you will find that the side and top trim components are missing.

Under the "Windows - Manual - Trim" Category I went to the "Windows - Manual Trim - Stucco" Palette and inserted an exterior trim Block to match the Window shape.  For most of these predefined trim shape Blocks, the insertion point is the inside bottom edge of the left jamb.  Once inserted, the trim can be modified using the Structural Member Grips

Once you have the Exterior Trim placed and sized to fit your Window, use the "Mirror" command to make a copy of it for the inside trim.  I prefer to mirror in Plan View through the Midpoint of the Jamb.

After you have the Mirrored trim, Select it and then go to the Style drop-down list on the Properties Palette to set an "Inside" trim style.

Note:
Because Manual Trim Blocks are inserted as Blocks, they will not Key to a Layer so you will need to set them to whatever Layer you feel is appropriate.

Palette	WINDOWS - MANUAL TRIM - STUCCO
	Anchor Trim to Door or Window Object
Keyboard	Anchor, Object

At the bottom of each of the Manual Trim Palettes is a Tool for Anchoring Objects, like the trim, to Windows.  This will keep the trim connected to the Window Object if you move it.  However, it does not change the trim size or shape so if you make those types of changes to your non-rectangular window, you will have to modify the trim to match.

You can Anchor Shutters in the same way.

Note:
Do not attempt to Anchor trim objects that are comprised of two separate parts, such as the round, ellipse, hexagon and octagon.  For some reason AutoCAD Architecture's Structural Members separate and sometimes even roll when combined and anchored like this.  Any single Structural Member Anchors without problems, but when two touch and are then Anchored, trouble arises.

Palette	WINDOWS - MANUAL TRIM - MASONRY
	Insert Exterior Peak Pentagon Trim
Keyboard

By far, creating solutions for masonry trim was the most difficult challenge in this whole product and admittedly the least complete.  Bricks for example, are not extruded forms that follow a shape in one contiguous form.  Hatch Patterns don't exist that can radiate as a brick through an arch.  Render Materials have to be customized to individual forms. 

For Non-Rectangular Masonry Window Styles that don't have curves, we created a set of Blocks using Member Styles where Render Materials and Hatch Patterns follow the angle.

For Non-Rectangular Masonry Window Styles that do have curves, we created customized Member Styles that attempt to work like real bricks.  By having a Block repeat along a Member Object, each brick and mortar joint is represented realistically without Hatch Patterns.  This solution, however, can prove problematic in some situations and may not work at all; corners where arched tops meet sides, for example.

Illustrated to the left I show what typically happens when you attempt to modify the arch on the Arched Brick Trim with Sides Styles.  In fact, system hang-ups can also occur so be sure to save before trying to work with these styles.  Under the "WINDOWS - EXPERIMENTAL TRIM" Palette there are a few examples of Railing Styles that have been designed for this scenario and though they offer somewhat acceptable solutions, they cannot be displayed as Plan View Objects.

Palette	WINDOWS - MANUAL TRIM - WOOD
	Insert Exterior Sill with Returns
Keyboard

In order to provide a complete Trim solution, we included a set of Interior and Exterior Trim Blocks that can be used for any Window (like the stock content).  These are based on the Blocks embedded in the Rectangular Windows but may have unique features such as that illustrated to the right where the Sill has five Components.

Under the "Windows - Manual Trim" Category, we included a Palette named "WINDOWS - EXPERIMENTAL TRIM" for the adventurous ACA user who may want to know about other possible options for creating trim in ACA.  Be aware, however, that these "solutions" have been placed into this unique category because there may be issues with things like Cut Planes and/or Display Representations.

Illustrated to the right I show one of my favorite trim solutions from the experimental category: the round shape.  The round trim shape is one of the worst to deal with in ACA because you cannot attach Blocks that will automatically adjust correctly and you cannot use a single Structural Member because they can't be closed shapes.  DWA's offer the option to set a Shape so that made it a great candidate for experimental trim.  However, when a DWA is perfectly round, it has no Plan Display Components for the Frame because there is no vertical Frame; only a Top and a Bottom.  Therefore, in this illustration to the right I show that I had to set the Height for this example round DWA slighly greater than the Length.

When you add one of our customized DWA Objects, such as those for Entry Systems, you should find that they behave much like regular ACA DWA Objects.  However, there is one one major difference and that has to do with our efforts to provide a solution for trim.  DWA's use a Frame component for Jambs, Heads and Sills and since these accept custom Profile shapes,  we created a default "C" shape to produce a trim-like effect.  Unlike the trim we used for our Door Objects, this profile solution is somewhat static and does not automatically adjust to varying Wall Thicknesses.  Once you develop the skills to modify the Profiles and a few DWA Style settings, you should find that the limitations are not that dreadful.

Note:  The DWA's that are meant to hold Arched Top Window Styles, may insert with the Window Styles set to a Rise of 0" which will cause the error illustrated to the left.  To fix, simply Select the Door(s) and change the Rise value to something appropriate for the DWA housing the Door(s).  This is a problem with ACA so I experimented with another solution and if you are curious, look under the Barn Window Styles in the "Experimental" section.  I used a CWU in place of a Door but that has its own problems - good for fast design studies though.

Note:  The "FacetDev" setting can be used to improve the appearance of curved surfaces.  Set to a lower number to improve things like arched top Window Styles.  The default value is 1/2.  I often use 1/10 - 1/100 depending on the size of the file and the detail needed.

If you have reviewed the breakdown of the Composite Window Styles, you should already have a fundamental understanding of how Door/Window Assemblies are used for multiple glazing combinations.

DWA's would be the optimum solution for complex window assemblies were it not for the fact that they don't offer the same functionality and features as regular Window Styles.  For example, DWA's don't have an option for Auto-Adjusting to Wall Widths. 

To create a trim solution for DWA's, we created Profiles that modify the Frame Components of our customized Styles.  The Frames have been divided into "Top", "Jamb" and "Sill" allowing unique Profiles to be assigned to each of these components.

The internal structure of our customized DWA's is fairly simple, using Division and Mullions to create Cells in which Windows and/or Curtain Wall Units have been assigned.  All Window Style Names designed for use in DWA's use the prefix "DWA" and are devoid of Frames.  Curtain Wall Units are used where we anticipated changes in the Shape.  Curtain Wall Units automatically adjust to Shape changes in DWA's.

DWA Styles available in this package should be seen as templates for your own creations.  It is fairly easy to take an existing DWA configuration and change Window Styles (for more, see below).

Modifying the Shape and Infill Assignments of DWA's is a very simple task. If you wish to use a Window Style other than those already in the DWA you want to modify, you may want to add another DWA that has the Window Style(s) that you need.  Though you can assign any Window Style, the ones we created for "DWA" should provide better results.

Illustrated to the right I show an example of how I have used the "DoorWinAssemblyStyleEdit" command to access the Style Properties for my "Openings - Window - DHPDH - U - PPP - Trim" Window.  Under the Shape tab I show that I have selected the "Arch" Shape which will allow me to alter the Rise of the Arch on the Properties Palette.

Under the Design Rules tab I show that I have highlighted the "Infills" category under the "Element Definition" section to reveal that this particular DWA has three Window Assignments: End Windows, Middle Window and Top Window.  This example DWA has Double Hung Windows on each end with a Picture in the middle.  By Selecting the Middle Window and setting it to "DWA - Double Hung", I have changed this DWA to have three Double Hung Windows.

Note:
Another way to access Window Styles is to type "Window Styles" and then Open "C:\Program Files\ARCHIdigm\Window Styles 2010 eParts\Window Styles eParts - (Imperial).dwg".  All of the Residential Window Styles are located in this file and those with the prefix "DWA" are for use in DWA Entry System Styles.  This action can be repeated for CWU's by typing "CwUnitStyle".

The Window DWA's in this product use Profile Definition Styles to produce a trim-like appearance and the one major drawback to this solution is that the Profiles don't automatically adjust to varying Wall Widths.  In the illustration to the right I show an example of how the default Profile Definition Style, named "Openings_DWA_Trim_ 6_inch_Wall_1x5.5_out_curvy_in", isn't deep enough to match the Wall Object it has been placed in.  Because the trim has been drawn as 1" thick on each side of the Profile, it does protrude out beyond the Wall edges and may never be noticed as a problem.  However, it isn't that difficult to fix and knowing how to fix it will allow you to create more customized trim solutions.

The default Profile can be inserted using the "Profile" command with the "P" option.  You can use the default shape to assist you in creating a new one or you can simply draw a Closed Polyline shape.  Use the diagram to the right as your guide for drawing the Jamb and Head Profile.  In my example to the right I show how my new Profile, green color, relates to the original, blue color. 

Once you have a Profile, use the "Profile" command to create or modify a Definition Style.  Highlight the Definition Style name, right-click Select "Set From" on the context menu and then Select your closed Polyline shape.  For best results, use the insertion Base Point illustrated to the right based on a 5 1/2" x 6" rectangle (don't use the default "Centroid" option).  If you use our base point, you won't have to modify any of the default values for the Frames of the DWA unless you define a thicker Jamb (requiring a modification to the X-Offset value).

Once you have a new or modified Profile, Select the DWA Object that you want to apply this Profile to and use the Door/Window Assembly Style Properties dialog to access the Frames category.  Illustrated to the right I show that I have set the Jambs Frame Component to a new Profile named "Openings_DWA_Trim_ 6_inch_Wall_1x5.5_out_curvy_in".  I have also set the Head Frame Component to the same new Profile but will have to create a new Profile for the Sill Frame Component (see below).

Note:
In the Doors 9.0 eParts product I recommended using the "Auto-Adjust Profile" Depth setting but have decided that not only is it more accurate to just create a new Profile but easier if you keep a small library of common Wall Widths that you use in your office.

Note:
You can also edit a Profile right in place using the "GridAssemblyProfileEdit" command but this creates a copy of the original and can get a bit confusing later on.  It's a great option when you are in a hurry. 

Illustrated to the right I show a scenario similar to the one outlined above but for the Sill Frame Component.  The only difference between the creation of custom Profiles for the Sills and the Jambs is that the Insertion Base Point for the Sills is based on a 5" x 6" rectangle.

Palette	WINDOWS - ASSEMBLIES (DWA)
	Insert Keystone for DWA
Keyboard

Under the "WINDOWS - ASSEMBLIES (DWA)" Palette you will find a Keystone Block designed specifically for use with Door/Window Assembly Styles.  This Block is set to use the "Openings_Window_Trim_Keystone" Member Profile and has been rotated to align properly with the Head Component of our DWA Styles.

The Block has not been attached by default, as with the Window Styles, because attaching Blocks to DWA Styles can cause a Material Assignment bug to occur (see yellow component color, right).  This bug does not appear to occur in ACA 2010.

After inserting the keystone Block, you can delete it.  To attach it to a DWA Style, go to the Model Display Representation and use the Other tab to Add... a Custom Display Component.  On the Custom Display Component dialog, set the Component Type to "Frame".  Use the "Select Element... button to Select the "Head" Component Name.  Check the "Draw Custom Graphics box.  Use the Select Block... button to select the "Openings_dwa_trim_keystone_default" Block.  Set the Insertion Points such that X=Left, Y=Front and Z=Center.  These unusual points are the result of the fact that the top or head component has a horizontal normal; i.e., the Z-axis represents the Length.

Round and Oval Window Styles in ACA don't offer the common spoke grille so we did our best to remedy that missing item.  Illustrated to the right I show a breakdown of our default spoke grille.  The spoke is actually based on a Window Style, named "Openings_Window_Spoke_48", but the Block uses a concoction of ACA tricks to produce a true spoke by using a mirrored version of the top spoke.  Extra unwanted muntins were removed with Mass Elements by wrapping each half in individual Mass Groups.

Essentially all you need to understand is that if you want to modify the spoke dimensions or layout, just use the "WindowStyle" command and modify the Spoke Window Style.  However, if you want to modify the Material assignment, you will need to Insert the spoke Block, "Openings_window_grille_spoke_48", for example, and use Refedit to access the two Mass Groups within it.  Select one Mass Group, right-click and use the "Edit Object Display..." context menu option to set a new Material.  Then, repeat this work for the other Mass Group and close out of the Refedit mode.

Under the "WINDOWS - SHUTTERS" Palette there are numerous Window Styles configured to display six different Shutter Types: 1 Panel Louver, 2 Panel Louver, 1 Panel Solid, 2 Panel Solid, Board and Batten and Bermuda.  There is a set for each of the three Rectangular Window Trim Types and a set for Half Round Non-Rectangular Windows.

This Palette also contains single and double shutter styles for manual placement.  All Shutter Styles are based on Door/Window Assemblies and if manually placed, should not be Anchored to Walls.

In the illustration to the right I show the Half Round Stucco Window Style (stucco sill) and the 2 Panel Louver Quarter Round Shutter (RL2PQR).  Unfortunately, if you need to create shutters for Arched Windows, you will have to use a Profile.

In Plan View, Shutters are represented by a Block of a custom AecPolygon with the Style Name, "Openings - Window - Shutters - Plan - Mask".  This Style has been set to Mask Objects by default but it was not possible to mask the Sill linework as illustrated upper right.  This Style can be modified to show Hatch Patterns.

The Standard Rectangular Window Styles follow the standard rules that apply to the default Window Styles in ACA.  However, most of our Window Styles required Display Property Overrides and will thus require modification on a Style based level as opposed to a global based level.  In addition, we added Trim, Grilles and Keystones which are all based on other Object Styles and cannot be modified from within the Window Styles dialog.  Trim, for example, has been created from Structural Members and thus requires that you use the "MemberStyle" command in order to change Material Assignments.

Note:
Due to problems with the "Merge Common Material" setting in ACA, we have created two default Materials for white trim named, "Openings.Trim.Paint.Semigloss.White" and  "Openings.Trim.Paint.Semigloss.White.Merge".  The Merged version is likely to create poor results when used on Door/Window Assembly Styles but appears to work properly on Window Styles.  See "Merge Common Material Bug in AutoCAD Architecture" for more information.

Material Assignments for Window Objects

Trim - use "MemberStyle"
Louvers - use "CwUnitStyle"
Shutters - use "DoorWinAssemblyStyle"
Short Grilles - use "CwUnitStyle"
Bricks - use "MassElementStyle"
Keystone - use "MemberStyle"
 

Material Assignments for Door/Window Assembly Objects

Trim - use "DoorWinAssemblyStyle"
Mullions - use "DoorWinAssemblyStyle"

The Trim Blocks attached to the Standard Rectangular Window Styles are Structural Member Objects set to automatically adjust to the Length and Height of the Window Objects.  Because of this auto-adjustment, Material Mapping and Hatch Patterns may distort.

In the illustration to the right I show that I have inserted the sill Block for the Masonry Window Style and am in the process of Stretching the sill while in Refedit mode.  If I match the length of the sill to the length of the Window, the Material will mapping will improve.  However, if you have numerous Windows of different Lengths using the same Sill Block, this solution may not prove particularly useful.

Palette	WINDOWS - EXTRAS
	135d Bay Window
Ref.Files	windows - examples - bay 90d.dwg windows - examples - bay 135d.dwg windows - examples - bay 150d.dwg

Under the "Windows - Extra Items" Category is a Palette named "WINDOWS - EXTRAS" which has a few example Bay Windows that can be inserted as Blocks.  These Blocks have been created to provide examples of how trim for bay window can be produced. For greater clarity you can open the drawing files in which these styles reside and see all of the components that were modified to provide the specific solutions provided in these examples.  If you save these files for your own use, you should be able to modify the components for your own needs.

Illustrated to the right I show the example file for the 135d Wood Bay Window Style.  There are actually two Styles, one for the Sides and one for the Center.  What makes these Window Styles different from the regular rectangular ones, is that the Trim Components for the angles that meet are unique; using new Member Profiles and modified corner Components.  In Plan View, all you need is a Profile that matches your trim needs for a corner and then assign it to the corresponding Member Style Name; e.g., "Openings_Window_Wood_ Trim_Side_Outside_Bay".  The Sill and Top corners are no where as easy to modify.  The key for these corner components is setting the Length and the Trim Angle.  The example files have these Blocks ready for modification and the work can be done with RefEdit - see "Modifying the Straight Corner Blocks" above. 

Note:
Each Bay Window Style uses the same Component Names for each example angle.  This makes it impossible to use two different bay window angle examples in the same file.  However, you can use one Stucco and one Wood bay window from different example files.  If you need to use more bay angles, you will need to create one solution in an isolated file and Rename the Window Style(s), Member Styles and Blocks.  For the Blocks and Member Styles you will only need to Rename those that already have the suffix "Bay".

Palette	WINDOWS - EXTRAS
	90d Mitered Butt Glazed Window
Ref.Files	windows - examples - mitered 90d.dwg
Links	Mitered Corner Glazing in Architectural Desktop - for steps but I recommend using "WallBody" instead because now you can always edit the original Mass Element if needed.

Under the "Windows - Extra Items" Category is a Palette named "WINDOWS - EXTRAS" which has a single example of a Mitered Butt Glazed DWA Style that can be inserted as a Block.

Illustrated to the right I show the example file for the mitered window style.  The style uses a modified version of the "Picture - Trim" Door/Window Assembly Style.  This style uses a Curtain Wall Unit Style as a Window because this allows for unique control over the glazing component.  The DWA Style has the "Right" Frame (named "Jamb") turned Off so only the Left Jamb displays.  The same is true of the CWA Style that is used as Infill.

On the Properties Palette I show that I have used the End Miter Angle to set the selected DWA to use  45 degrees.  I repeated this step for the CWU.  The work needs to be repeated for the other corner window.

The worst part about creating this solution has to do with the Wall.  The Wall will leave a rectangular column at the corner and thus you have to find a creative way to remove that mess.  My solution is to Add a Rectangular Mass Element right over the unwanted Wall matter and then use the "WallBody" command to Add the Mass Element as a Subtractive component.  This work has to be repeated for the second Wall.  "WallBodyEdit" command can be used to modify the Mass Element.

Note:
The Sill Plan Display Representation doesn't work for mitered corners so it has been turned Off.  You can use the Above or Below Display Components but they will display lines inside the Wall so I just draw them manually.

Palette	WINDOWS - FAUX BALCONIES
	Balcony - False 2
Keyboard

As part of the "Extras" in this product, we added some Railing Styles for Faux and False Window Balconies.  On the "WINDOWS - FAUX BALCONIES" Palette, there are a group of MvBlocks that combine the Railing with a Base but you can very easily create these by using the Railing and Base Object Tools on this Palette.

Slab Styles are the logical choice for bases but we also created a custom Railing Style that uses a Mass Element Block in place of the Balusters to create a true 3D grating.

Slab Styles may require a Cut Plane adjustment to the Style Override if you move the Balcony up the Z-axis.

Note:
You can Anchor a Balcony to a Window Object just as you can Anchor a Trim Object; i.e., you can use the same Anchor Tool.

In the illustration to the right I show an example of how trim may disappear in 2D Projected Elevations and Sections.  The cause of this is may be due to conflicting or overly complicated trim components.  In some cases, for example, I have experienced this problem due to inadvertently leaving both the true corner and straight corner trim components on. 

If you experience this problem, the best solution I have come up with thus far is to simply change the Material for the problematic trim components.  As illustrated, lower right, use the Structural Member Style dialog to access the trim components and then change the Material to one that does not use the "merge" option.

All ePart Objects have been optimized for work using the AutoCAD Architecture 2007 - 2009 "Aec model (imperal - ctb).dwt" and "Aec model (imperal - stb).dwt" default template files.

Illustrated to the right is an example of how the three primary Display Representations, Low, Medium and High Detail, affect ePart Objects.  Most ePart Objects include an AecPolygon Style set to Mask background information.  This mask can be turned off if desired.

Low Detail
The Low Detail Display Representation will affect the Plan and Model Display Representations.  In Plan View linework has been simplified to a little as possible while conveying the basic information of the Object.  In Model View this Detail Display Representation will show Objects in Colors you specify by direct assignment or by Layer; i.e., the Objects are set to "ByBlock".

Medium Detail
The Medium Detail Display Representation will affect the Plan and Model Display Representations.  In Plan View you will see either see the same amount of detail as under Low Detail or High Detail depending on what we considered the better choice.  In Model View Colors are determined by the Material assignment and do not use image maps.

High Detail
The High Detail Display Representation will also affect the Plan and Model Display Representations.  In Plan View all linework is displayed..  In Model View Objects will display Materials by their image map assignment ready for Rendering.

Most ePart Objects involve a complicated set of regular Blocks that have been assembled into a Multi-View Block.  The complexity varies and may never be something you will have to think about but if you ever have a need to change one of these Objects, you will need to understand how they have been assembled.

The most important thing that you need to understand about MvBlocks is that there is always a duplicate Block of the 3D Model Representation.  By looking under the Model Display Representation on the Multi-View Block Definition Properties dialog, you can find the name of this matching 3D Model Block.  By inserting this Block you can use Refedit to make changes to things like Material Assignments, Height, Width and so forth.

Multi-View Blocks also provide the option to set different Blocks for Top (Plan) Views and these may even be different for Low, Medium and High Detail Display Representations.  A feature of our eParts Objects is the use of custom AecPolygon Styles that act as Masks to hide Objects below.  If these mask blocks produce undesirable results, you can turn off the masking feature - see comments below.

Most ePart Objects include a Masking Block as part of their structure.  These Masking Block have been created by making a Block of an AecPolygon Object set to a custom Style where the "Use Background Mask" feature has been activated.

By typing "AecPolygonStyle" on the command line, you should see a list of Styles with the word "mask" as suffix.  By Editing any of these Styles and unchecking the "Use Background Mask" feature found under the "Other" tab you can remove the masking behavior - see illustration right.

Mask Blocks may produce undesirable results when printing from Model Space due to the Black Background but this is not a problem when printing from Paper Space Layouts.

The "DrawOrder" command can be used to move Mask Blocks up or down in the display stack.

Note:
AecPolygon Styles offer powerful presentation options under the Display Properties tab and you may want to explore things like Hatching all of your Objects or even Filling them with a solid Color.  By default, Fills only display under the Presentation Display Configuration.

Most ePart Objects incorporate Mass Elements as a means of providing a 3D Model that will accept Material Definition Assignments.  In other cases native Object Styles, such as Structural Members, Curtain Walls and Railings have been used whenever feasible and their Material Definition Assignments are managed by the Object Style.

For Mass Elements, however, the Objects have typically been assigned to one custom Mass Element Style and Material Assignments set as Object Display Overrides.  For Objects such as this, you can use the Refedit command to access the Edit Object Display... context menu option to change the Material Definition Override under the "Materials" tab - see illustration to the right.

Keep in mind that an MvBlocks contains one or more regular Blocks so in order to access the actual 3D Model information you need to Insert the 3D Model Block, typically denoted by an "m" suffix.  Once you have inserted the 3D Model Block, you can use the Refedit command to access the contents inside the Block in a way that will ripple back to the MvBlock once you save the changes.

If you Open the eParts source file you will find that most of the 3D Model Blocks have been inserted for you so you can more easily identify them and even change them in this source file if you feel the need.

Note:
For the majority of Mass Element Objects in the Window Styles package, unique Mass Element Styles have been created.  This will allow for Material Assignment changes on Objects that may be embedded within other Object Styles; such as hardware on a Door Style.  Check your Mass Element Style list.

If you are in a hurry and don't have the patience to change Material Definition Assignments remember that you can always change the Material Definition Style itself.  For example, just because a Material Definition Style is named "Streets.Glossy.Black.Green" does not mean that you can't change the actual Rendering Material to a Glossy Red.

AutoCAD Architecture's Content Catalog offers a Publish tool that assists users with the management of Catalog and drawing file paths.  This tool works well with ACA items such as Object Styles and MvBlocks but ignores regular AutoCAD objects like Blocks.  Our eKits and eParts often include tools set to insert regular AutoCAD Blocks.  These tools have to be fixed manually if you intend to move a catalog to a server or other location.

Note:  Be sure to create your folder structure for the new location prior to using the Publish tool.  I recommend that you use the same folder name for this product as was used for the default installation.

Though this product has been configured for installation under the "C:\Program Files\ARCHIdigm\Window Styles 2010 eParts" path, you can alter this after you have installed and loaded it in your Content Browser.

From the Content Browser, Select the "Window Styles 10.0 ePart - by ARCHIdigm" Catalog icon, right-click and Select the "Publish 'Window Styles 10.0 ePart - by ARCHIdigm'" from the context menu - as illustrated right.  On the Publish Tool Catalog - Step 1 of 4 dialog box, you can use the Move or Copy options to direct this product to a new folder location on your local drive or on a Network Server.  I highly recommend that you create a new folder location that uses the same primary folder name as the one we assigned for the original installation; e.g., "X:\my server\my ACA content\Window Styles 2010 eParts".

On the Publish Tool Catalog - Step 2 of 4 dialog box, use the ellipses (...) button to specify a new location for the catalog.  On the Publish Tool Catalog - Step 3 of 4 dialog box, use the same location path as the one you previously specified since that is where all of the "tool dependant files" need to go and check both "reference" related checkboxes.  The final step completes the task and provides a report on any errors.

You should now find a new Tool Catalog.  If you used the Copy option the new Catalog will have "Copy" in the title but you can rename it as you see fit.  After testing the tools, you may want to delete the original Catalog and Folder on your local drive.

If you opted to use the "Report Invalid Catalog References" checkbox on the "Publish Tool Catalog - Step 3 of 4" dialog box (see illustration above), you may find errors for items the Publish tool did not Copy.  Make a note of these items and simply Copy them manually.

In the illustration to the right I show that for some reason Render Materials, the image files, are not copied.

Content Catalogs are basically Tool Palettes stored in a single Browser.  The information within the Tool Palettes is stored in XML coded files with the extension ".atc".  Because the files are written in XML code, you can edit these with an XML editor or something as simple as Windows' Notepad.

Illustrated to the right I show an example of how a relocated Content Catalog may appear under a mapped drive labeled as "Z".  If you have more than one of our products, you may want to create a primary folder, like "ARCHIdigm" and then create sub-folders to match the default product folder names.

After using the Copy option under Publish in the Content Browser, all folder and files should have been copied as illustrated to the right.  The primary product folder should only contain one .atc file that serves as the main Catalog file.  This file should not require any modifications.  There should also be one or more folders labeled "Images", "Palettes" and possibly "Categories" (depending on the product).

Within the Palettes folder you should find files with the ".atc" extension and these are the actual Tool Palettes.  These may require editing based upon the information listed below. 

Within the Categories folder, if it exists, you should find another sub-folder labeled "Palettes".  The files within this Palette folder may require editing based upon the information listed below.

Window Styles 9.0 eParts Palette files requiring manual editing:

...\Window Styles 2010 eParts\Categories\Palettes
WINDOWS - EXPERIMENTAL TRIM...atc
WINDOWS - EXTRAS...atc
WINDOWS - FAUX BALCONIES...atc
WINDOWS - MANUAL TRIM - MASONRY...atc
WINDOWS - MANUAL TRIM - STUCCO...atc
WINDOWS - MANUAL TRIM - WOOD...atc

...\Window Styles 2010 eParts\Palettes
WINDOWS - ASSEMBLIES (DWA)...atc

Note:  Be sure to do this work with AutoCAD Architecture shut down.  If it is running it can overwrite any editing you may have done.

Based on the ".atc" files listed above, find each in your new location and use Notepad to edit them.  In each file use the Replace command found under the Edit pull-down menu and input the following information for the "Find what" field:  "C:\Program Files\ARCHIdigm\Window Styles 2010 eParts".

For the "Replace with" field, specify your new path location.  In the example listed above, my Replace with field would look like this: "Z:\ARCHIdigm\Window Styles 2010 eParts"

To confirm that your editing was successful, go to the new Window Styles 10.0 eParts Catalog and open the "Windows - Manual Trim" Catalog.  Inside this Catalog, Open any of the Manual Trim Palettes and see if the tools that insert trim actually work.

If you can insert any of the Trim Objects, your editing worked out perfectly.  If you receive an error, something must have gone wrong with the Find and Replace work.  At this point you may need to contact someone at ARCHIdigm - see e-mail address below.

Let us know what you would like to see improved.

kits@archidigm.com