In brief
- Inner posts are added between the nodes of pattern segments in the Pattern Editor.
- The first inner post is measured from the left edge; each subsequent post is measured from the previous one.
- If a pattern can stretch, at least one inner post must remain unlocked and flexible.
- Rail fixings can be distributed by posts, divisions, or pattern length.
This guide covers the railing settings described in Graphisoft’s Archicad 28 help documentation. It explains how to position inner posts in patterns created with the Railing Tool and arrange fixings for horizontal rail components. The documentation covers inner post settings and rail fixing distribution in separate component panels, so it’s important to work in the panel for the component you’re editing.
The steps below explain what the settings do and how to control panel or fixing placement. The documentation does not recommend specific dimensions, so set values according to the project design; no numerical assumptions are made here.
1. Add inner posts at the right points in the pattern
When editing a railing pattern, use the plus and minus signs in the Pattern Editor to add or remove inner posts. Unlike posts at nodes, inner posts sit between segment nodes. This distinction helps you identify which component to edit when defining an intermediate support or panel position along the pattern.
You can select a GDL component for an inner post. If you don’t want to place a physical inner post, select None from the drop-down list. Inner posts can also serve as reference points when positioning panels or rails, so they can have a function in the pattern even when no component is visible. The documentation also notes that, in addition to the predefined content, a custom component can be saved as a Post.
2. Set the distance and stretching behavior
The Distance from Previous value for the first inner post is measured from the left edge of the pattern. For any subsequent inner posts, the distance is measured from the inner post immediately to the left. Confusing this measurement rule can cause posts to appear at unexpected intervals.
If the pattern distribution allows stretching, you can lock an inner post’s position using the lock icon. Locked inner posts do not move. However, the documentation states that the pattern must contain at least one flexible inner post—in other words, at least one inner post must remain unlocked. This is especially important for patterns with fixed-size panels: you can lock the points that must stay fixed, but you need to leave a flexible point so the pattern can respond to its distribution rules.
The distance value for the inner post at the right edge of the Pattern Editor also functions as the Pattern Length. For this reason, check the value of the rightmost inner post when setting the pattern length. Use the Duplicate Inner Posts control to duplicate a selected inner post at a specified interval.
3. Set the top and bottom offsets relative to a reference
You can calculate the top and bottom offsets of an inner post relative to different references. When Segment Top is selected, the offset depends on the segment height, which is set in Segment Settings. The Absolute option lets you enter an absolute height for the inner post; the component is then positioned at that value from the top of the segment. If the pattern includes rails, you can also set a top or bottom offset relative to a rail such as Rail 1/2.
| Setting | Available reference | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Segment Top | Segment height | To link the offset to the segment height |
| Absolute | Absolute height | To set the inner post’s height independently |
| Rail 1/2... | Height of the selected rail | To set the offset relative to a specific rail in the pattern |
This choice determines how the inner post relates to the railing geometry. Deciding which reference to use before changing the offset can help prevent unexpected positions when the segment height changes or the rail arrangement differs.
4. Configure rail fixings in the relevant component panel
Configure the component settings separately for each type: Toprail, Handrail, and Rail. For example, to edit a handrail, use Rail Component Settings in the relevant Handrail Settings. The available controls may vary depending on the selected component type.
Use the Fixing tab to access fixing properties, and the Fixing Distribution tab to control their placement along the rail. Choose a distribution method to suit the railing design:
Distribute by Posts places one fixing at each post and inner post. Use this method when fixings should align with support points.
With Distribute by Divisions, enter the total number of fixings to place along the segment in the Number of Divisions field. Distance from Ends defines the distance between the first and last fixings and the rail ends.
Distribute by Pattern spaces fixings evenly along the specified Pattern Length. You can select automatic placement (best fit) or set a starting point.
The starting point can be Segment Start, Segment End, Center of Segment, Center of Segment with Best Fit, or Custom Position. For a custom position, enter the distance from the start of the segment.
5. Final checks: component, distribution, and display
Before completing the settings, check that you’re editing the correct rail type; Toprail, Handrail, and Rail settings are not interchangeable. Then check the fixing distribution method and starting point. If the pattern stretches, remember that locked inner posts will not move and that at least one inner post must remain flexible.
Set the 2D display preferences for rails in the 2D Representation tab of Rail Component Settings. By default, railing component visibility is controlled through Document › Model View › Model View Options › Railing Options; the visibility of the rail symbol can be customized in Railing Settings. So if the expected display doesn’t appear in plan, check the 2D symbol and visibility settings as well as the 3D component geometry.
Common mistakes
Measuring the first inner post from another inner post instead of the left edge, or forgetting that subsequent posts are measured from the post immediately to the left.
Locking every inner post while the pattern is stretching. According to the documentation, at least one inner post must remain flexible.
Setting fixings in the panel for the wrong rail type. Settings for each horizontal rail type are configured separately.
Finalizing the result without checking the end distance, number of divisions, or starting point for fixing distribution.
Assuming a missing plan symbol is a geometry issue while overlooking the 2D visibility settings.
Impact on architectural and visualization workflows
These settings help make panel spacing, post positions, and rail fixings more consistent in architectural and interior models that include railings. In designs with fixed-size panels in particular, locking inner posts while keeping one flexible gives you control over how the pattern is distributed. Distributing fixings by posts also helps align their positions with supporting elements.
The Archicad 28 documentation does not provide information here about hardware requirements, licensing conditions, or compatibility with other software. Before adopting a new workflow, it’s therefore advisable to test the settings with the railing components in your office template and check the 2D display in the project output.
Sources
2 sourcesSource texts are not republished; short quotes are marked, everything else is our own summary and commentary.
For project offices in Turkey, the practical value of these settings lies in the controlled distribution options, which can reduce the need to adjust railing patterns and fixing positions one by one. Locking inner posts in fixed-size panel designs helps plan how the pattern will stretch, but remember that at least one post must remain unlocked.
Before putting the settings into practice, it’s a good habit to test the components in your office template and check the 2D display in a small test area. The source documentation doesn’t provide information about hardware, licensing, or compatibility between versions, so avoid making assumptions on these points and verify the results in the Archicad installation you use.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add an inner post in Archicad 28?
In the Pattern Editor for a railing pattern, click the plus sign to add an inner post or the minus sign to remove one. Inner posts sit between segment nodes.
Should inner posts be locked in a railing pattern?
You can lock inner posts whose positions need to remain fixed. If the pattern can stretch, the documentation says at least one inner post must remain unlocked and flexible.
How are rail fixings distributed in Archicad?
In the Fixing Distribution tab, fixings can be distributed by posts, number of divisions, or pattern length. You can also choose from several starting point options.
