Attributes and attribute setting in objects

One of the most powerful and extensive tools in Allplan are attributes and the module of the same name closely connected to these. Using attributes, you can attach details and values to any object in your drawing. The data can then be analyzed in various ways, transferred to other programs for further editing or displayed on the screen, in layouts and in drawings. We recommend that you study these functions and options thoroughly so that you can use the full scope of features provided by Allplan.

Regarding BIM, the BIM model as database, and BIM-compliant planning and project processing, attributes, which are sometimes also referred to as parameters or properties, are particularly important. Attributes are core aspects of BIM's underlying methods and ideas. BIM does not work without using these. Allplan can neither transfer nor analyze any information or value that is not defined in the object geometry or as an attribute. Consequently, these details cannot be used by the other project participants and are thus useless in the BIM process.

Allplan comes with an extensive set of attributes arranged in groups. The most important attributes are the Name, Function, Material and Component ID. In addition, there are the geometric values of the object. These values are also saved as attributes. Other attributes include component-specific values and module-specific values (glazing area, reinforcement percentage, occupancy type ...). Numerous attributes, such as name or material, belong to a number of different attribute groups. However, each attribute is defined just once. This definition is accessed by all groups. Therefore, the group from which you select the attribute is irrelevant. The same applies to data transfer.

If you need special attributes, you can create these attributes as user-defined attributes in addition to the default attributes that come with the program. You can also arrange your own attributes in groups.

Note: Regardless of their names, user-defined attributes are not transferred as IFC attributes. They are combined in a separate attribute set called Allplan Attributes. More detailed information on exchanging data in accordance with IFC guidelines can be found in "IFC interface".