The Global ARCHICAD Community

[rohanbailey]

HI,
This might have been asked in the past but from your collective experiences:
What is the most optimum file size for a Teamwork file before performance becomes an issue?
Same question for a Solo file.

And what are the factors that most affect performance once that "magic number" is breeched?

[nbalogh]

Hi,

If you are looking for an optimized file, then file size is not the right direction. Even a 100 MB file can be awfully slow while a 3 GB project goes very well on the same computer.

Instead, I suggest to keep your attributes clean, do not use too many Solid Element Operations (SEOs), limit the number of polygons, etc.

When a project is well structured and organized, and even the computer under it matches the needed resources, it should be right.

Kind regards,

[Karl Ottenstein]

..., limit the number of polygons, etc.

And, to find out if your project is heavy with polygons...and if so, which objects are responsible (and should be deleted or simplified), get the PolyCount add-on which is part of the Goodies package:
https://www.graphisoft.com/downloads/goodies/

[DWilson]

Slow files are more a symptom of over-modelling or staff not understanding the importance of line-work. Also, being aware of how your model is generated on screen, on layouts and by printers.
When you are modelling you are actually covering many lines and fills with other lines and fills to achieve a particular graphic. Reduce detail where possible.
Don't forget that every line means something. Don't overcomplicate your line work.
Look where are your lines coming from. Are they lines, or fills, objects or mods. Are they transparent or solid and how does your hardware deal with the software. Eg a vector fill will be more efficient than a symbol fill for floorboards.
Really, GS have let us down by not letting us build better vector fills, and forcing the defaults to symbol fills. Try swapping symbol fills for vector fills and unleash the speed. Even in wall composites. Use symbol fills for detailing only.
Don't forget to set your workspace to your hardware capabilities.
Finally, how big are your loaded libraries and attributes? Chances are they too are killing your speed too.
Meh, it's a big topic. Probably too big for here. Hope this gives you some ideas though.

[rohanbailey]

Thanks for the contributions.
We currently have a large Teamwork project (6Gb) that is glacial at the moment and there is discussion about throwing more RAM at the problem. I disagree and was seeking some corroboration for my position on the matter.

[nbalogh]

Check the Embedded Library - if it has many objects, it makes working horrible in Teamwork. Empty its content and instead use objects as BIMcloud Libraries. This can be a huge improvement on performance.

[DWilson]

I've seen files bloat in size and reduce in speed for many reasons.
Check attributes and libraries to see how clean they are. Then check mod file sizes. Is the file actually larger than expected?
If the right size, and the file is clean, and old try reloading on the server. If the file is new try some of the previously mentioned solutions.
Is one plan, view slower than others? Select all and check how many objects, how many lines and fills are displayed. What type of fills and objects?
You just get a feel for it eventually. Troubleshooting speed issues is a fun game and the more knowledge you can put into starting projects the better you will be.

[skawagon]

Check the Embedded Library - if it has many objects, it makes working horrible in Teamwork. Empty its content and instead use objects as BIMcloud Libraries. This can be a huge improvement on performance.

We are now in finishing stages of a teamwork project (School) and the performance of our file leaves a lot to be desired. We do have a lot of custom objects loaded to this project - some are archicad objects saved as custom with different preview picture (we have to specify products graphically to get around government limitations) others are even groups of AC objects to be listed as a single thing - kitchens for example. Until now we had them embedded in the project file, which adds further complexity with keeping the object up-to-date in both main files and modules. However, I hesitated to create a project-specific bim cloud library, since it is not recommended by GS. Could it however help with overall system performance?

Also on related note, I have found that archicad stores in its embedded libraries custom objects from older versions of connected modules. Is it possible to "purge" those objects? (Other than manually) Thanks for sugestions.