Overriding ArchiCAD Datasmith Link

Development Getting Started & Setup
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1

Can I override a Twinmotion file with a new ArchiCAD file?

For example I will render Project 'A' with the Datasmith Twinmotion link and create a Project 'A' Twinmotion file. If I then make a copy of Project 'A' ArchiCAD file (now Project 'A.2') to show some optional changes for a client I cannot seem to override the Twinmotion Project 'A' file to suit. I can create a new Datasmith link in the Twinmotion file for the new Project A.2, however the new link doesn't override the old link, it just copies over top and I have to delete the old model. I also have to edit all of the materials again. Which means I may as well start again from scratch. I do not want to delete/edit the original Project 'A' ArchiCAD file as I am only showing optional changes for a client so I want to be able to go back to the original ArchiCAD file if the clients do not like the changes.

The old Twinmotion link in ArchiCAD could force an override of the existing Twinmotion model and keep all the same material / colour properities whilst also deleting the old model. Can this be done with the Datasmith Link? Or if not can I get the old Twinmotion/ArchiCAD link back?

Twinmotion Query.pdf (400.0 KB)

2

Hello ,

Thank you for posting in the community and providing the details on the issue you are facing.

If I understand correctly you are trying to create different options in Twinmotion and you have separated the options into separate Archicad files. When updating one option to another, thus overriding you need to use the same direct-link icon from the import menu.

You can hover over the icon where the broken link is then select the 3 dots at the top, select direct link option and change the Direct Link setting source by clicking on it and selecting it from the pull down.

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Note: If you renamed your file in Archicad you will need to close and reopen the file before redoing the link.

I also suggest making backups of your Twinmotion files before updating and create different file version/options as necessary.

Hope this helps and let me know if you need further help with updating the model to the new option.

Kind regards,

Vincent B.