When using ArchiCAD, the 'Eyedropper' tool is usually associated with transferring parameter settings between elements (in conjunction with the 'Syringe' tool).
But it is probably more useful (practically) as a tool on its own.
The 'Eyedropper' tool can be selected from the main toolbar as shown below, or can be accessed by holding down the
When the Eyedropper is active, a user can click on any element, and two things will change in the ArchiCAD environment:
The classic example of the benefit of the Eyedropper tool is explained below:
- A user is working in a project that has been dormant for a period of time (1 day, week, month, even 10 minutes)
- A design change is required e.g. a new window is to be placed in a wall similar to an existing window but on a different story
- There is no way to copy the window from story-to-story (which rules out this option)
- The window may have a lot of different parameters setup so it would be tedious to have to go to the Window tool and set the window object from scratch again (which doesn't rule out this option, but makes it the last resort)
The Eyedropper could now be used and the solution couldn't be easier:
- Activate the Eyedropper tool
- Click on the Window to be 'copied'
- The element doesn't change, nor is it shown as selected (but the trick here is that now the Window tool is setup exactly as the 'eye-dropped' window)
- Go to the other story, click on the wall and place the window > it will be exactly the same as the 'eye-dropped' window (without the need for a copy command or window settings dialog)
This is a very common situation but even working on the same project in the same session, if a similar object or element needs to be placed that is already in the model, the Eyedropper is perfect for this.
All elements including walls, beams, dimensions, sections etc can all be 'eye-dropped' and then new instances placed.
If you do not use this tool already, it will surprise you how much time/inconvenience the Eyedropper can save...