New API features in ArchiCAD 9

This outline summarizes the major new features of the API available with ArchiCAD 9.

1. Element and Attribute enhancements
   • Rich Text API_TextType, API_ParagraphType, API_RunType, API_TabType
   • text blocks to have an option to keep their rotation angle fixed when rotated API_TextType
   • cover fill for polygonal construction elements API_SlabType, API_RoofType, API_MeshType, API_ZoneType, API_DisplOptions
   • new features in displaying columns on the floorplan API_ColumnType, API_DisplOptions
   • enhanced options for visibility of elements on different stories API_StoryVisibility
   • linked properties can be retrieved and modified ACAPI_Element_GetLinkedProperties, ACAPI_Element_SetLinkedProperties
   • created but not yet sent attributes can be modified in teamwork mode API_Attr_Head
   • new element neig types introduced API_NeigID
   • virtual symbols on section window (API_SectElemID) can be refreshed after editing the parent element ACAPI_Element_Change
   • pictures on placed drawings can be accessed as drawing primitives API_PrimPict
   • a placed drawing can tell if it's a title drawing API_PlacedDrawingType

 
2. Environment, Project Database
   • Preferences
     • Dimension Preferences enhanced with Hide Zero Decimals option API_DimFormat, API_AngDimFormat, API_AreaDimFormat
     • fixed parameter for opening height adjustments are controlled independently for doors and windows API_ConstructionPrefs
     • Imaging and Calculation preferences can be retrieved APIEnv_GetPreferencesID, API_ImagingAndCalcPrefs
   • Coordinate reference
     • virtual coordinate offset to ensure accuracy for elements placed far from project origin APIDb_GetOffsetID
     • coordinates of the User Origin can be retrieved APIDb_GetLocOrigoID
     • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) reference can be added to the project GIS Reference, API_GISRef, APIDb_GetGISRefID, APIDb_SetGISRefID
   • Database manipulation
     • you can delete independent detail databases APIDb_DeleteDatabaseID
     • you can access all detail databases APIDb_GetDetailDatabasesID
   • Grid-based Drawing Numbering System in PlotMaker APIEnv_GetNumberingGridLinesID
   • hidden toolbox items can be included when you query the toolbox items APIEnv_GetToolBoxInfoID

 
3. User Interface enhancements
   • z coordinates can be retrieved during a 3D user input APIIo_GetPolyID, API_GetPolyType, RubberLineInfoProc, APIIo_DrawRubberLineID
   • drawing constraint can be defined for graphical user input APIIo_SetConstraintID, APIIo_ResetConstraintID
   • subtype toolbox icons can appear in two different sizes ACAPI_Register_Subtype

 
4. Compilation and Linking Issues
   • bool type in API structures has been replaced with GS::Bool8 Compilation and Linking Issues
   • (Mac) CodeWarrior 8.3 headers may have to be used Compilation and Linking Issues
   • you can remove the CIOStub.cpp file from your project if your add-on is linked to ACAP_STAT.lib

 
5. Other notable topics
   • drag & drop is available for external file types APIIOCommandProc, API_IOParams
   • add-on preferences of different versions can be saved into older plan file formats ACAPI_SetPreferences_OldVersion, ACAPI_GetPreferences_Platform
   • "rfs" component may appear when you query the list of loaded libraries API_LibrariesInfo

 

Note: You may also check the list of the new API features in the former ArchiCAD versions.