Copyright: ©IMSI, 1999-2002
Citation: ©IMSI, 1999-2002


Welcome

To get started without reading the background information, click here!

What is FloorPlan 3D?

FloorPlan 3D is an easy-to-use, Windows-based program designed to help you create a complete and customized building design. Simple point-and-click operations, and automated features make designing a snap. You can draw many different styles of homes or buildings and add finishing touches as you go along.

Automatic dimensioning that adjusts as you build or change your model ensures accuracy and saves you valuable time. FloorPlan 3D keeps track of the materials you use through its built-in database and can automatically generate a materials list when you are finished. Various tools let you create different views of your model at any time during the design process.

What Can I Do With FloorPlan 3D?

FloorPlan 3D offers a variety of features that let you complete a total design project quickly and easily. With it you can:

•	Create a customized building design using your mouse.

•	Create a design with different floor levels

•	Automatically insert doors, windows, stairs, columns, decks, balconies, and roofs.

•	Furnish your design with items like cabinets, furniture, appliances, and plumbing fixtures.

•	Create shaded, rendered, and wireframe views of your model.

•	Create and print out various views of your model, including plan, elevation, and 3D views.

•	Create views similar to real photos.

•	Add text and plan dimensions to annotate your drawing.

Generate a material list automatically complete with quantities and prices of the materials.

Who Should Use FloorPlan 3D?

FloorPlan 3D is for anyone interested in designing or renovating a house or other building. Consumers can use it to design their custom dream home. Renovators, architects, and builders can use it to quickly sketch out and present ideas to clients.

What Do I Need to Know?

You need only a few basic computer skills to be able to use FloorPlan 3D. You should be able to:

Use a mouse.

Make selections from menus.

Open and save files.

You do not need to know Computer-Aided Design (CAD), or even be familiar with the building industry.

FloorPlan 3D is so easy to learn you can master it in only a few hours.


Getting Started

Welcome to FloorPlan 3D! You can take several approaches when you start your drawing in FloorPlan 3D:

•	If you learn best by being shown and then doing, complete the Tutorial in Chapters 3 & 4 of the User Guide. There is also an onscreen version of the Guide in PDF format included on your FloorPlan CD. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file.

•	If you would like to understand which features and tools are available in FloorPlan 3D before you begin to draw, read the User Guide or follow the links in this Help file. Start with Chapter 2, then read any of the Chapters that relate to your project:

•	Chapter 2, Program Basics and Program Options, Views, Tools, Menus, Moving around in the Program, Setting Program Options, Working with Objects and Symbols, Behind-the-Scenes with the Database, Material List, and Annotating You Drawing with Text Labels and Plan Dimensions

•	Chapter 5, Working with Your Site before You Build — Site Information, Preparing a Site, Slabs, and Preliminary Landscaping Tasks

•	Chapter 6, Starting to Build — Begin with Walls, Windows, and Doors

•	Chapter 7, More than One Story — Adding Another Level, Stairs, Balustrades, Balconies and Columns,

•	Chapter 8, Closing in Your Model — Adding Roofs, Dormers, and Skylights

•	Chapter 9, Furnishing Your Model — Cabinets, Plumbing and Electrical Fixtures, Appliances, Furniture, and Accessories

•	Chapter 10, Viewing Your Model — Elevations or Isometric Perspectives of 3D Views (either Shaded, Rendered, or Wireframe Views) of Your Model

•	Chapter 11, Finishing the Landscape

•	If you like to jump in and learn as you go and are confident about your computer skills of selecting, copying, pasting, or moving items onscreen with your mouse, start a new drawing from scratch or use the Getting Started Wizard. If you need help, use the Help Topics as you are now doing.

To start a new drawing:


To start a new drawing:

 	Menu: File|New	<Ctrl>+<N>

You can start a new drawing when another drawing is currently open in any of these ways:

•	Click the [image] [New] on the Standard toolbar.

•	Press <CTRL> + <N> on your keyboard.

•	Select File|New from the menu.


Program Basics and Program Options

Lean the Basics about FloorPlan 3D by reading these tops:

•	Desktop Views and Palettes

•	Working with Views in the Drawing Area

•	Plan View and the Plan View Palette

•	3D View and the 3D View Palette Camera View

•	Internet Palette

•	Menus

•	Toolbars

•	Moving Around in the Program

•	Working with Objects and Symbols

Learn How to Set Program Options:

•	Setting Program Options

•	Environment Options

•	Sun Position Options

•	Photorealistic Options

•	Textures Options

•	Thumbnail Options

•	Data Safety Options


To Print a Drawing

 	 Menu: File|Print…	<Ctrl>+<P>

The Print command uses the standard Windows print routine. When you print your drawing, it will fill whatever size of sheet you have in your printer (assuming you’re set to print to that size).

To print your drawing:

1.	Make sure your printer is on and ready to print.

2.	Click [image] [Print] on the Standard toolbar, or select File|Print.

3.	In the Print Setup dialog, make sure you’re set to the right printer.

4.	Click [OK].


Mapping the Terrain

FloorPlan 3D allows you to map the Terrain of your building site, using the Landscape tool. With it, you can:

•	inset a grid or mesh over your site

•	expand or compress the grid

•	identify points or nodes on the grid

•	specify the elevation for each node on the grid

Be sure that you have already set the size of your Ground Plane in the Tools|Options dialog Textures tab. Once the Ground Plane is set to a size bigger than your lot, you can map the terrain of your lot. First you will insert a mesh over the ground plane and expand or compress it to fit the size of the area. Next you will set the elevation for three corners of the terrain. After that you can add or delete nodes (nodes are identified points on your terrain) and specify the elevation for each node. As a final step, you’ll want to extend the terrain to the ground plane using a command on the terrain’s local menu.


Starting to Build

Adding walls is the first task when you start your building. Then you can add other elements to suit your work style. Some people like to add all of the structural elements, then furnish their model. Others may want to completely finish one room, then move to another room and complete it. Here is a suggested order for adding objects and symbols to your design.

If you want to include landscape and site information in your plan, start with Site preparation including:

•	Site Information

•	Prepared Site

•	Landscape

•	Slabs

Now you can start drawing your building.

•	Start with the exterior walls

•	Draw the interior walls.

•	Insert doors, windows, and openings.

•	Create additional stories with its walls, doors, windows and openings (if desired).

•	Insert columns, stairs, and balustrades
(if applicable).

•	Add a roof.

•	Add cabinets, plumbing and electrical fixtures.-

•	Add finishing touches inside like fireplaces, appliances, and furniture.

•	Work outside on columns, balconies and decks.

•	Complete your landscape including, fences gates and driveways.

•	Add outside finishing touches like outdoor accessories.

•	Add text and dimensions.

•	View and print out the drawings.

•	View a Material List.


More than One Story

In FloorPlan 3D, adding levels to your design is easy. This chapter tells you how you can create additional levels using the following techniques:

•	Copy the new floor directly from the floor below the new one

•	Draw walls by tracing the walls of an existing location.

•	Draw walls from scratch.

If you want to add a level that is not listed on the Locations toolbar, you must first add the name of the new level in the Floor Locations Settings dialog. Then you can create the new level in the drawing. If the level that you want to add is already on the Locations list, for example Second Floor is already on the list, you can skip this step and move on to creating a new level.

To add the name of a new level to the Floor Settings list:

1.	Click (Locations Settings) on the Tools toolbar or choose Tools|Locations from the menu to open the Floor Location Settings dialog.

2.	Click [Add] in the dialog to add a row in which to enter properties for the new level.

3.	Floor Location Settings entered for new level

See

Start a New Location by Copying the Selected Level

Start a New Location by Tracing the Selected Level

Start a New Location from Scratch

Adding Stairs


Closing in Your Model

You can close in your model by adding a roof. FloorPlan also allows you to insert dormers and skylights in the roof. Creating a roof is very simple in FloorPlan 3D because the program does almost everything for you. All you have to do is select the location where you want to add the roof, then select the Roof command and FloorPlan 3D places a roof over your exterior wall layout automatically.

FloorPlan 3D places roofs by location. This means that if you have a ground floor wall layout that is different from the second floor wall layout, you have to use the Roof command while on the Ground Floor location, then use it again while on the Second Floor location.

By default, the roof is always a hip roof, but you can change hip ends to gable ends very easily. You can also control the materials used for the roof as well as its dimensions (slope, thickness, and overhang distance). You control all of these things through the database.

Roofs

DormersDormers>GenTopic

SkylightsSkylights>GenTopic


Furnishing Your Model

Besides the cabinets that you might insert in a kitchen, bath, or work area, you can include everything from furniture to light fixtures in your FloorPlan 3D model using database symbols.

Inserting Symbols

Adding New Symbols

Style Manager

Importing Objects

Appliances

Working with Accessories

Furniture

Light Sources

Working with Light Sources

Working with Cabinets


Viewing Your Model

In FloorPlan 3D, you create your design in Plan View where you design and layout building elements. However, it’s difficult to get a true feel for your model in this view.

FloorPlan 3D offers several options for viewing your model in three dimension (3D). These viewing options will give you a good idea of what your building will look like and may even inspire new ideas as you complete your design.

About Viewing Your Model in 3D

You can switch between the two-dimension Plan View and a 3D View at any time while designing in FloorPlan 3D . All 3D viewing is done while in 3D View mode. While in 3D view, you can:

•	view your model from different isometric perspectives in either Shaded, Rendered, or Wireframe views

•	create front, rear, and side elevations in either Shaded, Rendered, or Wireframe views

•	simulate "walk throughs" of your model

•	create & save Photorealistic views for later viewing

Shaded, Rendered, and Wireframe Views

You can view your model in 3D in three views from any of three different levels (birds eye, standing, and ground plane levels):

•	Shaded view (the default) which adds color and shading to the drawing

•	Rendered view which applies, materials, textures, colors, and shading to the model

•	Wireframe view which shows only the lines that make up each object

These options are available as menu selections on the View|Render Mode menu as well buttons on the Camera View button pad. By default, FloorPlan 3D displays your model in Shaded view when you first view your model in 3D. If you change to another mode, FloorPlan 3D will display the last mode that you selected for that drawing.

See

Creating Different Views

3D View

Shaded View

Rendered View

Wireframe View


Finishing the Landscape

The types of symbols stored in the database under Site Information include items that you will want to use as finishing touches to the exterior of your design. They include:

•	Site Symbols

•	Fences and Gates

•	Garden Structures (included in Site Information)

•	Landscaping

•	Pools and Spas

•	Custom Site Information Symbols


Desktop Views

FloorPlan 3D provides you with two views and three palettes:

•	Plan View — contains the drawing and database areas where you design and layout your model and its contents.

•	Plan View Palette — displays lists of objects and symbols on the left side of the Plan View, and provides a preview of the objects to be inserted

•	3D View — contains the Viewing area where you set rendering options and preferences so you can view, save, or recall a three-dimensional view or walk-through of your drawing

•	3D View Palette (Camera View) — the left side of the 3D View desktop where you position the camera and set rendering modes so you can display rendered views of your model in the viewing area to the right

•	Internet Palette — when activated becomes a browser window, and replaces either the Plan View Palette or the Camera View 3D Palette. You activate the Palette by clicking either the Internet tab below the Palette area or right-clicking on an object or symbol associated with a Hyperlink. When you select Goto Hyperlink from the object’s local menu, the palette becomes a browser window, and displays the linked site or file.


Plan View

Menu: View|Plan View

You will do most of your designing in the Plan View. Select View|Plan View or click the Plan View tab to move to the Plan View.

The Plan View Palette with its database of construction objects and symbols is on the left-hand side of the window; the drawing area is on the right. This View contains:

•	Title bar — lists the file name of the current drawing. Unless you rename a new file, FloorPlan 3D sequentially names new files building 1, building2, and so on and saves the drawings in Building Model Format (BMF).

•	Menu bar — holds the standard and FloorPlan 3D menus: File, Edit, View, Construct, Insert, Tools, Windows, and Help

•	Toolbars (seven) — hold the buttons that give you once-click access to many of commands: Standard, Zoom, Views, Tools, Alignment, Locations, and Insert

•	Plan View Palette — lists the Types of Objects or Symbols in the database, then the database list of all objects of that type; contains tools that let you edit object properties, add new objects, or insert objects into the drawing; display a dynamic preview of the select database object that you can turn and repositions in the window below the database list

•	View tabs— allows quick access to all Views and Palettes available in the FloorPlan 3D desktop

•	Inspector bar — holds tools and input boxes that allow you to define text and dimension properties, edit locations listed on the Locations toolbar, and enter information that defines some of the objects that you add to your design

•	Status bar — display prompts related to the current task and information about the current tool

See Plan View How To for more about moving around and displaying items in the Plan View


Plan View How To

To switch to Plan View use one of these ways:

1.	Click the Plan View tab just above the Inspector bar.

2.	Select View|Pan View from the menu.

To switch to the Plan View Palette:

Select View|Plan View Palette from the menu.

To list a certain type of Object in the Object-Type list use either method:

1.	Click the tool from the Insert toolbar that represents that type of object. To list types of Appliances, click (Insert Appliances).

2.	Choose the appropriate item from the Construct or Insert menus. For example, to list the types of Walls, select Construct|Walls from the menu; to list the types of Accessories, select Insert|Accessories from the menu.

To view the selected object from a different perspective in the Preview window:

1.	Select the desired object from the database list.

2.	Click on the object in the preview window and drag your mouse to turn the object to a new perspective.


3D View

Menu: View|3D View

This command allows you to display the 3D view of your model. Use the 3D View Palette to adjust the camera parameters and watch your building from different perspectives or take a tour through it.

If the palette is hidden use the View|Plan View Palette or View Internet Palette to bring it in view and then click on the 3D View tab.

Viewing in 3D

You can switch between a 2D plan view and 3D view at any time. You can choose to view your model from a front left, back left, front right, or back right perspective as well as create front, back, and side elevation views. You can also "walk through" your model. All 3D viewing is done while in 3D View mode.

To switch to a 3D view:

1.	Select the 3D View tab on the left window.

2.	Make sure the button in the viewpoint area has [image] (a pair of binoculars) on it.

If it has a pair of feet on it, click [image] (the walk feet) to toggle to View State.

3.	Click one of the View State arrows [image] to view your model from that perspective. For example, to view your model from a front, left 3D viewpoint, click the front, left arrow.

To switch back to Plan View, select the Plan View tab on the left pane.

Tip: You can display your model in views other than the default shaded view while in 3D.

Changing the Display While in 3D (Render Mode)

The default view when you view your model in 3D is a shaded view.

FloorPlan 3D offers two other display types for 3D viewing: wireframe and rendered. The Wireframe option lets you see through objects as it shows you all the lines that make up each object. The Rendered option applies materials, textures, and shading to your model.

These options are available as menu selections on the View|Render Mode sub-menu as well as buttons on the 3D View pane’s lower button pad.

 Shaded View

 Rendered View

 Wireframe View

When setting the camera controls, you can choose from three levels to set the height of the camera lens from the ground:

 Birdseye View – a perspective from above the model

 Standing View – a perspective from eye level (approximately 5’)

 Ground Level View – a perspective from the ground


3D View Palette

The 3D Palette contains:

 /

•	a set of button pads that allow you to toggle between the (View State) with isometric and elevation views and (Walk State) with walk-through views. The arrows on the button pads allow you to position the camera so you have a certain perspective of your model

•	a birds-eye schematic of your drawing in Plan View so you can position the camera manually with a click of the mouse or verify its position when you use the View and Walk state arrows on the button pads.

•	the camera control area with its Camera view button pad that lets you control rendering modes (Shaded, Rendered, and Wireframe), camera elevation controls for Birds Eye, Standing, and Ground Level heights, and distance controls that let you Zoom in nearer or farther from the drawing as you position the camera

•	an analog camera tilt control that lets you change the elevation controls manually

•	Angle, Tilt Angle and Height entry boxes that let you specify the angle of the camera in relation to the model, the angle of the camera in relation to the ground and the vertical distance of the camera lens from the ground

 /

View State 	Walk State

Binoculars/Footprints — The binocular/footprint button allows you to switch between the View and Walk states. The binocular button indicates you are in View State. The View State gives you an isometric view of your model, and the Walk State lets you take a tour through it.

     View State Arrows                 Walk State Arrows

Arrows Button Pad — In the View State the arrows allow you to get the appropriate view of your model. In the Walk State the viewpoint arrows change their appearance and become the walk through arrows. You may then move through your model.

Camera Location Window — Allows you to position and rotate the camera using the mouse.

Camera View Button Pad — The buttons of the Camera View Button Pad let you control the display in 3D. You can use various Zoom modes, pan, and choose shaded, rendered or wireframe Render mode.

Alternate Tilt Angle control — Allows you to change the angle your camera is tilted at using the mouse.

Angle Field — Shows the included angle in the view (the larger the angle the wider the view).

Tilt Angle Field — Shows the angle your camera is tilted at (straight ahead, up or down).

Height Field — Shows the height of the camera above the floor level.

Reset Button — Resets the Angle, Tilt angle and Height values to the defaults.

To switch to a 3D View, use either method:

1.	Select [3D View] next to the Preview window at the bottom of the screen,

2.	Select View|3D View from the menu.
The program moves to the 3D View. You will see the Viewpoint area on the left and the 3D View in the drawing window on the right.

See Viewing in 3D, Creating a Camera View, Walking Through Your Model for detailed information about 3D Palette controls.


Creating Different Views

By default, you create your design in a plan view. FloorPlan 3D offers several different 3D viewing options to help you better visualize your design.

You can:

•	Switch between plan view and 3D view at any time.

•	View the model at 45-degree angles in 3D view .

•	Create front, back and side elevations.

•	Create shaded, rendered and wireframe views in 3D.

•	Walk through your model.

•	Create a Camera View.

•	Create a Photorealistic image.

•	Save views and call them up again when you want.

•	View two or more views at the same time.

•	Turn certain items on and off.

These options will give you a good idea of what your building will really look like, and may even inspire new ideas as you go along.


Camera View

A Camera View is just like a snapshot of your model that you would take with a camera. You can position your "camera" any way you want (change its location, height, angle, tilt angle, etc.). You can also zoom and pan. Your model view adjusts automatically in the drawing window to reflect the position of the camera. Once you’ve achieved the view you want, you can save it to a file and call it up again whenever you want. You create Camera Views while in 3D View mode.

To create a Camera View:

1.	Go into 3D view mode (select the 3D View tab on the left window pane).

2.	Position the camera in the desired location by clicking on the appropriate spot in the display window in the Camera View area. To position and rotate the camera at the same time, click and hold down your mouse in the desired spot, then move your cursor to rotate. Release the mouse when you are satisfied with the position..

3.	Click on Shaded, Rendered, or Wireframe buttons to select that type of view.

4.	Click on Birds Eye, Standing, or Ground Level to set the vertical position of the camera

5.	To return to a plan view, select the Plan View tab on the left window pane.

Shaded, Rendered, and Wireframe Views

You can view your model in 3D in three views:

•	Shaded view (the default) which adds color and shading to the drawing

•	Rendered view which applies, materials, textures, colors, and shading to the model

•	Wireframe view which shows only the lines that make up each object

These options are available as menu selections on the View|Render Mode menu as well buttons on the Camera View button pad. By default, FloorPlan 3D displays your model in Shaded view when you first view your model in 3D. If you change to another mode, FloorPlan 3D will display the last mode that you selected for that drawing.

The Camera View button pad

Birds Eye, Standing, and Ground Level Views

When viewing your model in 3D, you can set your view at any of these three heights (vertical position of the camera lens) with the click of a button:

•	Birds Eye view positions the camera so it displays a view from above the model

•	Standing view positions the camera so it displays a view at human eye level

•	Ground Level view positions the camera so it displays a view from the ground

Click the corresponding buttons on the Camera View button pad to set the height of the camera at that level.

See, Shaded View, Rendered View, Wireframe View, Birds Eye View, Standing View, Ground Level View for more information on use of these buttons.


Shaded View

A Shaded view of your model makes the 3D view more realistic. In it, FloorPlan 3D applies all colors and shading to objects in the model.

 	Menu: View|Render Mode|Shaded

When viewing in 3D in either a wireframe or rendered view you can switch to a shaded view by clicking on [image] [Shaded] on the 3D View pane’s lower button pad, or choosing View|Render Mode|Shaded.


Rendered View

A Rendered view of your model makes the 3D view more realistic. In it, FloorPlan 3D applies all colors, textures, materials, and shading to objects in the model.

 	Menu: View|Render Mode|Rendered

When viewing in 3D you can switch to a rendered view by clicking [image] [Rendered] on the 3D View pane’s button pad, or choosing View|Render Mode|Rendered.

To display your model in Rendered view:

1.	View your model in 3D.

2.	Click (Rendered) on the Camera View button pad or choose View|Render Mode|Rendered.

3.	To return to a shaded view, click (Shaded) or choose View|Render Mode|Shaded.

4.	To return to a Plan View, select the Plan View tab.


Wireframe View

A Wireframe view is one in which you can see all the different lines that make up the objects as opposed to the surfaces. It seems as though you can see through the object while you still see their frame.

 	Menu: View|Render Mode|Wireframe

When viewing in 3D, you can switch to a wireframe view by clicking [image] [Wireframe] on the 3D View Camera View button pad, or choosing View|Render Mode|Wireframe.

To display your model in Wireframe view:

1.	View your model in 3D.

2.	Click (Wireframe) on the Camera View button pad or select View|Render Mode|Wireframe.

3.	To return to a shaded view, click (Shaded) or choose View|Render Mode|Shaded.

4.	To return to a Plan View, select the Plan View tab.


Elevations

Elevations are perspectives commonly used in architectural drawings. An elevation is a two dimensional view of one side of your model. In an elevation, you will see only the one side straight on. The view has a flat appearance to it because is shows only two dimensions—the height and width.

This is a elevation of a building.

A Elevations of FloorPlan 3D drawing

An isometric view, on the other hand, gives you a three-dimensional perspective of your drawing. Here is a rendered isometric view of the same garage workshop.

A Isometric views of the same FloorPlan 3D drawings

The height dimension is drawn perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the drawing. The width and depth dimensions are drawn along a line 30 degrees above the horizontal plane, giving you a 3 dimensional perspective to the view.

So, if you want to see only one side of your model, click on one of the elevation Viewpoint arrows. If you want a three-dimensional perspective of two sides of you model, use one of the isometric Viewpoint arrows.


Isometric Views

An isometric view gives you a three-dimensional perspective of your drawing. They are commonly used in Architectural drawings. Here is a rendered isometric view of a garage workshop.

An Isometric view of a FloorPlan 3D drawing

The height dimension is drawn perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the drawing. The width and depth dimensions are drawn along a line 30 degrees above the horizontal plane, giving you a 3 dimensional perspective to the view.

So, if you want to see only one side of your model, click on one of the Elevation Viewpoint arrows in the View State button pad. If you want a three-dimensional perspective showing two sides of you model, use one of the Isometric Viewpoint arrows.

Elevations


Birdseye View

Birds Eye, Standing, and Ground Level Views

When viewing your model in 3D, you can set your view at any of these three heights (vertical position of the camera lens) with the click of a button:

•	Birds Eye view positions the camera so it displays a view from above the model

•	Standing view positions the camera so it displays a view at human eye level

•	Ground Level view positions the camera so it displays a view from the ground

Click the corresponding buttons on the Camera View button pad to set the height of the camera at that level.


Standing View

Birds Eye, Standing, and Ground Level Views

When viewing your model in 3D, you can set your view at any of these three heights (vertical position of the camera lens) with the click of a button:

•	Birds Eye view positions the camera so it displays a view from above the model

•	Standing view positions the camera so it displays a view at human eye level

•	Ground Level view positions the camera so it displays a view from the ground

Click the corresponding buttons on the Camera View button pad to set the height of the camera at that level.


Ground Level View

Birds Eye, Standing, and Ground Level Views

When viewing your model in 3D, you can set your view at any of these three heights (vertical position of the camera lens) with the click of a button:

•	Birds Eye view positions the camera so it displays a view from above the model

•	Standing view positions the camera so it displays a view at human eye level

•	Ground Level view positions the camera so it displays a view from the ground

Click the corresponding buttons on the Camera View button pad to set the height of the camera at that level.


To View Two or More Views at the Same Time

Menu: Window|New View

The New View command puts the current view into a new window so you can create a new view and either toggle between views or display them all on the screen at the same time using Tile or Cascade. Toggling, tiling, and cascading are standard Windows functions that you access from the Window menu.

To display a plan view on top of a 3D view:

1.	View the model in Plan View.

2.	Select Window|New View. A new window appears containing the Plan View. Notice that a colon and number appear after the drawing name. For example, if your drawing is called abc.BMF, the name in the new window says abc.BMF: 2, indicating that you are in the same drawing but creating a new view (the original view becomes abc.BMF: 1).

3.	Create the desired 3D view.

4.	Select Window|Tile. The 3D view window appears above the plan view window.


Internet Palette

Internet Palette

FloorPlan 3D provides you with on-the-fly access to the Internet when you click the Internet tab or choose View|Internet from the menu.. When activated, the FloorPlan 3D Internet palette actually launches Microsoft Internet Explorer enabling you to gain access to the vast stores of information on the computers comprising WWW (World Wide Web). You can open the Internet Palette by selecting View|Internet Palette or by clicking the Internet tab on the window at the left of the FloorPlan application window. The toolbar of the FloorPlan 3D Internet palette provides a number of the basic options available in the main window of Microsoft Internet Explorer:

	Back — Goes back to the previous Web page.
	Forward — Goes forward to the next page (provided you have viewed it just previously).
	Home — Goes to a Home Web Page which you can specify.
	Home Down arrow — Opens a dropdown menu whose items are the links to several TurboCAD favorites. The last item, Options, opens the Internet Options dialog where you can specify an address of a desirable Web page and also can change some options of Microsoft Internet Explorer.
	Stop — Stops opening the file that you’ve just clicked to open.
	Refresh — Refreshes the display of the current Web page.
	Favorites — Goes to your favorite Web page.
	Favorites Down arrow — Opens a dropdown menu that is a list of your favorite Web pages from your Favorites folder.
	Print — Prints the contents of the current Web page.
	Fonts — Sets up the currently selected font size.
	Down arrow (3)—Opens a dropdown menu where you can select a preferable font size.

Viewing Internet Palette

Menu: View|Internet Palette

Use the View|Internet Palette to bring the Internet Palette in view.

You may use the View|Plan View or View|3D View toggle to switch from the plan view to 3D view when the palette is hidden.


Internet Options Dialog

When using the Internet palette, the buttons along the top give you access to various Web pages. The Home button has a drop-down arrow which reveals a list of Home Page site. The last selection on the list is Options which when selected, opens the Internet Options dialog. There you can set Home Page and Internet Explorer options.

Home Page

•	Address — Enter the URL for a Web page that you wish to specify as a Home Page to be viewed when you switch to the internet Palette.

•	Current — choose to restore the current URL (containing the page that you have displayed in the Internet Palette).

•	Default — choose to display the path to the index.html file Internet folder of the directory where you have installed FloorPlan.

•	Blank — choose to keep the URL field blank.

IE Options… — brings up the Internet Properties dialog where you can set Internet browser options.


Plan View Palette

The Plan View Palette provides access to the database of objects and symbols.

•	Object Types List Box — When you create objects using the Construct or Insert menu the type list for the selected menu item appears in the Object Types list box. Choose the desired type and you will get the list of objects in the database area below.

•	Database Area — You can choose an object from the List in the Database Area to insert in your drawing. Choose the type of Object from the in the Object Types list box above the database first. Then highlight the object that you want to insert.

•	Edit Properties [image] — Click [image] (Edit Properties) to bring up the Properties dialog for the selected object.

•	Add New [image] — Click [image] Add New button to create a new object. First select an object from the database list that nearly matches the object that you want to add, You can then specify the exact properties of your new object using the selected one as a base reference.

•	Insert [image] — Click [image] (Insert) to place the selected object in your drawing.

•	Object Preview — You will see the preview of the selected object in this area.

See: Properties for more information about object properties.

Viewing the Plan View Palette

Menu: View|Plan View Palette

Use the View|Plan View Palette to bring the Plan View Palette in view.

You may use the View|Plan View/View|3D View toggle to switch from the Plan View to 3D View when the palette is hidden.


Toolbars

Toolbars provide a quick and easy way to access FloorPlan 3D commands that you would find on the FloorPlan menus. Not all FloorPlan commands have a toolbar equivalent, however, and all of the Construct menu commands appear on the Insert toolbar.

When you position your cursor over a toolbar button, text pops up telling you the name of that button (these are called tool tips).

•	Location toolbar —
Select the (floor) level or story that you want to work on from the drop-down list. If the level that you want to work on is not listed, you must add it to the list using the Locations Settings dialog. See What Is the Current Location? and Adding a New Location to the List on the Location Toolbar for more information.

•	Standard toolbar —
Use the Standard toolbar to create a New file, Open, Save, or Print a file; edit a selected item with Copy, Paste, Undo, and Redo commands; search Help files for information about FloorPlan 3D. See File Menu and Edit Menu for more information.

•	Zoom toolbar —
Use the Zoom toolbar to gain a closer or broader perspective of the desktop with Zoom In, Zoom Out, Zoom Window, Zoom Dynamic, and Zoom Extents; use Pan to move laterally across the desktop. See Zoom Tools for more information.

•	Tools toolbar —
Use the Tools toolbar to access FloorPlan tools and utilities: Location Settings, Dimensions, Text, Measure. Material List, and Prepared Site. See Tools Menu for more information.

•	Views toolbar —
Use the Views toolbar to change what you can view on the desktop with: Display Filter, Toggle Grid, Save View, and Restore View. See View Menu for more information.

•	Alignment toolbar —
Use the Alignment toolbar to arrange symbols in your drawing. See Aligning Objects for more information.

•	Insert toolbar —
Walls, Doors, Windows, Roofs, Stairs, Balustrades, Columns, Cabinets, Site Information

Appliances, Furniture, Plumbing, Electrical, Accessories, Slabs, Balconies, Decks, Landscape, Fences, Gates, and Driveways

Use the Insert toolbar to add objects and symbols in your drawing:
See Construct Menu and Insert Menu for more information.

•	Inspector Bar —
Use the Inspector bar to access the Location Settings dialog where you add Locations to Locations toolbar, the Dimension Settings dialog where you set Dimension properties for your drawings, and text box entry fields that let you enter dimension information when drawing some objects. See Inspector Bar for more information.

•	Status Bar —
the Status Bar Pictured below the Inspector Bar

Refer to the Status Bar for information and prompts about the selected object or command. See Status Bar for more information.


The Display Filter

 	Menu: View|Display Filter

The Display Filter feature lets you control which items are displayed at a given time.

To access the Display Filter feature:

•	Click [image] [Display Filter] on the Views toolbar, or select
View|Display Filter.

•	When choosing items to display or hide, you can sort by element or location.

•	To sort by location, choose Location from the Sort By box. To sort by element choose Element from the Sort By box.

•	To turn an entire floor on or off, sort by location then click [image] (light bulb) icon to the left of the floor level you want to turn on/off. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the floor is currently displayed. If it is not lit (white), the floor is currently hidden.

•	To turn a specific item on or off, such as furniture or text, sort by element, then click the light bulb icon to the left of the item you want to turn on/off (if you want to turn all instances of the item on/off) or expand the filter tree below the item to choose a specific location. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the item is currently displayed. If the light bulb is not lit (white), the item is currently hidden.

•	To automatically expand the entire filter tree, click [Expand All].

•	To automatically turn everything on, click [Show All].

•	To automatically hide everything, click [Hide All].


The Measure Tool

 	Menu: Tools|Measure…

You can measure the distance between any two points using the interactive Measure feature. Once you’ve selected the first point, watch the distance measurement on the screen adjust as you move your cursor away from the first point.

To measure distance within the drawing:

1.	Click [image] [Measure] on the Tools toolbar, or select Tools|Measure. A small box with the message "Pick Point" appears at the top, left corner of your screen.

2.	Click in the drawing to specify the first point of the distance you want to measure.

3.	Move your cursor to cover the distance that you want to measure.

4.	Watch the running distance measurement in the Measure box at the top, left corner of your screen.

5.	Click to exit the task.


Inspector Bar

the Inspector Bar above the Locks activated for the length and Angle fields

The Inspector Bar gives you access to dimension and locations properties, and in some instances text boxes that allow you to specify object dimensions (such as the length of a wall) while drawing. It is a dockable toolbar located at the bottom left of the screen, above the Status Bar. The Inspector Bar allows you to enter precise values for the length and direction of walls and other objects. You can also bring up the Floor Location Settings and the Dimension Settings dialogs by clicking on those buttons on the Inspector Bar.

To make an Inspector Bar field editable, click the field. You can then type any value and use the drop-down arrow control to increase or decrease it. Click the small lock symbol in the upper left corner of the field to lock the value, make it unchangeable. The lock symbol changes its color to red in this case.

The fields that appear in the Inspector Bar depend upon the object you have chosen to insert or edit. You can, for instance, enter the value into the Length and Angle field to define the wall position. And if you choose the Circular Staircase you can define the Start Angle, the End Angle and the Height values.

You can turn the Inspector Bar on or off using the View menu.


Menus

FloorPlan has eight Menus on its Menu bar:

File — gives you access to standard and FloorPlan 3D file commands

Edit — lets you perform standard edit commands as well as select, align, and edit FloorPlan objects and symbols and remove tracing layers

View — lets you display or hide Toolbars, the drawing area Grid, and the various Views and Palettes available for your use. It also allows you to display and save various types of renderings of your design.

Construct — gives you access to the many building elements in the database that you can use in your design. For example, Walls, Roofs, Stairs, Decks, and so on.

Insert — gives you access to the many furnishing elements in the database that you can use in your design. For example, Cabinets, Appliances, Electrical, Plumbing, and so on.

Tools —helps you with the behind-the-scenes program components such as program options, the Style Manager and database utilities, the Material List, and the Measure tool,

Window —gives you access to different files or different views of a particular file.

Help —gives you access to several form of FloorPlan Help when you need it to use the program.


File Menu

The File menu gives you access to standard file commands as well as those specific to FloorPlan 3D. Click File from the Menu bar, then click the menu item to launch that command:

•	 New — Start a new FloorPlan drawing file (BMF file).

•	 Open — Open an existing FloorPlan drawing file (BMF file).

•	Close — Close the current drawing.

•	 Save — Save the current drawing.

•	Save As — Save the current drawing with another name or path.

•	 Print — Print the current view.

•	Print Filter — Opens the Print Filter dialog where you can specify what elements of your drawing you want printed.

•	Print Setup — Set Print Options for the printer.

•	Print Filter — Open the Print Filter Dialog which allows you to specify which drawing objects to include or exclude from this printing.

•	Export — Opens the Save As dialog where you can save the file as a DXF or VRML file type.

•	Import — Opens the Open dialog where you can select either a DXF or FloorPlan v3 file to open in the program.

•	Find File — Opens the Open dialog where you can Browse for BMF files on your system.

•	Radiosity VRML — Opens the Output to VRML dialog where you can set Photorealistic options and save the file as a WRL file type.

•	List of Recently Open Files — FloorPlan lists all of the files that you have recently been working with, so you can either reopen them if they are closed or switch to that file in the drawing area.

•	Exit — Closes FloorPlan 3D


File Open

 	Menu: File|Open…	<Ctrl>+<O>

Displays the Open dialog, which allows you to open an existing FloorPlan 3D (BMF) file.


File Close

Menu: File|Close

Closes the current drawing. If you've made changes since you last saved your file, FloorPlan 3D prompts you to save the file before closing.


File Save

 	Menu: File|Save	<Ctrl>+<S>

Saves your drawing under the name displayed in the Title Bar. If you have not previously saved this file, the Save As dialog opens where you can specify the name and folder location for the file.


File Save As

Menu: File|Save As…

Saves a new drawing with a name that you specify, or allows you to rename a file or specify a new location to store the file. When you save an existing file with a new file name, FloorPlan creates a copy of the file while keeping the original file intact as it was last saved.


The Print Filter

Menu: File|Print Filter

The Print Filter feature lets you control which items of your drawing are printed at a given time.

To access the Print Filter feature:

•	Select File|Print Filter. If you have already started the Printing process and are in the Print dialog, click the Print Filter button.

•	When choosing items to display or hide, you can sort by element or location.
To sort by location, choose Location from the Sort By box. To sort by element choose Element from the Sort By box.

•	To turn an entire floor on or off, sort by location then click [image] (light bulb) icon to the left of the floor level you want to turn on/off. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the floor is currently displayed. If it is not lit (white), the floor is currently hidden.

•	To turn a specific item on or off, such as furniture or text, sort by element, then click the light bulb icon to the left of the item you want to turn on/off (if you want to turn all instances of the item on/off) or expand the filter tree below the item to choose a specific location. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the item is currently displayed. If the light bulb is not lit (white), the item is currently hidden.

•	To automatically expand the entire filter tree, click [Expand All].

•	To automatically turn everything on, click [Show All].

•	To automatically hide everything, click [Hide All].


File Print

Menu: File|Print

Opens the Print dialog where you can set printer options for printing your drawing. The first half of the dialog uses Standard printer settings. There are two groups at the bottom of the dialog that FloorPlan adds for you to make it easier to print out your drawing in one step.

•	Print Scale Group — this section helps you size the printout of your drawing so it fits the paper size used in your printer
Fit to Size of Page—adjusts the printout so it fits the size of the page
Scale—scales to drawing according to the Type and ratio drop-down lists

•	View to Print—Choose which view you want to print
Current—
Other – drop-down list with locations—

•	Use print filter checkbox —check this checkbox if you want to filter what your print according to the settings in the Print Filter dialog; clear this box is you do not want to filter the printout of your drawing.

•	Print Filter — click this button to open the Print Filter dialog where you can filter what you print in your drawing.


File Print Setup

Menu: File|Print Setup…

Opens the Print Setup dialog which allows you to change the printer and printer settings such as paper size or orientation.


File Export

Menu: File|Export…

Opens the Export dialog which allows you to save your drawing in either a DXF or VRML format.


File Import

Menu: File|Import…

Opens the Import dialog which allows you to import a DXF file or a file from FloorPlan version 3.


File Find File

Menu: File|Find file…

Displays the Open dialog, which allows you to open an existing FloorPlan 3D (BMF) file. When you select the BMF file, FloorPlan displays the names of the saved views and any thumbnails for the file.


File Radiosity VRML

Menu: File|Radiosity VRML…

Opens the Output VRML File dialog that allows you to specify parameters of the photorealistic image and start the process of its generation. See Creating a Photorealistic Image for detailed information.


File Recent File Name

Menu: File|Recent file name

FloorPlan lists the last four files that you saved in this portion of the File menu.

To open a recent file:

Click its filename or type the number that appears before the filename.


Edit Menu

The Edit menu lets you perform standard edit commands as well as select, align, and edit FloorPlan objects and symbols and remove tracing layers

•	 Undo — <Ctrl>+<Z> Reverses the last action you performed. If the command is grayed-out, there is no action that can be undone

•	 Redo — <Ctrl>+<Y> Use this command to reapply an action that has been undone. This command becomes available only after you have used the Undo command.

•	 Cut — <Ctrl>+<X> marks the selected item or text for deletion and places it on the clipboard; once the cut item or text is Pasted else where, the program deletes the selected item or text

•	 Copy — <Ctrl>+<C>copy the selected item to the clipboard

•	 Paste — <Ctrl>+<P>paste the item on the clipboard into the selected area

•	 Properties — open the Properties dialog for the selected item so you can change them

•	Delete — delete the currently selected item from the drawing

•	Delete Tracing Layer — delete the imported tracing layer from the drawing

•	Select by Object Type — opens the filter dialog which allow you to select all objects of a specified type on the current level

•	Select All — <Ctrl>+<A> selects all objects in the drawing

•	Create Group — <Ctrl>+<G> groups selected items so FloorPlan 3D will treat them as one entity.

•	 Align left [image] Align right

 Align top [image] Align bottom

 Aling Centers left-right (vertically) [image] Align Centers top-bottom (horizontally)
Align in Plan — aligns selected symbols or objects with the first object selected the specified alignment

•	 Align vertically top [image] Align vertically center

 Align vertically bottom
Align Vertically — aligns selected objects or symbols vertically with the first object selected according to the specified alignment.


View Menu

The View menu has options that let you display or hide Toolbars, the Status and Inspector bars, the drawing area Grid, and the various Views and Palettes available for your use. It also allows you to display and save various types of renderings of your design.

You can toggle some commands on this menu on or off by selecting the command from the menu. A check next to the command indicates that feature is active, "ON", or the currently displayed View. If any of these items has no check, it indicates that the feature is inactive, "OFF", or hidden:

•	Status Bar — displays information about the current activity or prompts you about actions you can take

•	Inspector Bar — gives you access to dimension and locations properties, and in some instances text boxes that allow you to specify object dimensions (such as the length of a wall) while drawing

•	Plan View — the view in which you draw and gain access to the database of objects and symbols

•	3D View — the view where you create, view, save and recall 3D renderings of your model

•	Grid Toggle — shows/hides the grid in the drawing area. Check Show Grid in the Options dialog Environment tab to make the grid visible or use [image] (Toggle Grid) on the Tolls toolbar.

•	3D View Palette/Plan View Palette — shows/hides the grid in the drawing space; check Show Grid in the Options dialog Environment tab to make the grid visible or use (Toggle Grid) on the Tolls toolbar

•	Internet Palette — the left-hand side of either the Plan or 3D Views; the Plan View Palette display the database of objects and symbols; the 3D View Palette displays the View/Walk State button pads, the Camera View with its controls and button pads for position the camera and specifying types of views

The other commands will launch a command when you select any of them:

•	Toolbars — opens the Toolbar display dialog

•	Zoom — allows you to reposition your vantage point by moving closer or farther away

•	Pan — allows you to reposition your vantage point by moving sideways

•	Display Filter — allows you to selectively see certain elements of your drawing while hiding others

•	Render Mode — lets you choose the way FloorPlan will display your design in a 3-dimensional view

•	Save View — saves the current view to a file so you can recall it

•	Restore View — recalls a saved view

•	Save View As — saves a 3D view in either BMP or JPG format so you can easily print the rendered view out in any graphics utility program such as Paint

•	Photorealistic Image — allows you to generate, load or print Photorealistic images


To Turn Toolbars On or Off

Menu: View|Toolbars…

You can turn each of the toolbars on and off as desired. This means you can choose how many and which toolbars are displayed on the screen at any time.

To turn Toolbars on and off:

1.	Select View|Toolbars to open the Toolbar Display dialog.

2.	In the Toolbar Display dialog, select the check boxes of the Toolbars you want to be displayed, and clear those you do not want displayed.

•	Standard Toolbar

•	Zoom Toolbar

•	Tools Toolbar

•	Views Toolbar

•	Alignment Toolbar

•	Location Toolbar

•	Insert Toolbar

3.	Click [OK] to return to the desktop views.

Tip: You can also right-click in the Inspector bar to open a local menu which lists all of the toolbars available (this does not include the Inspector and Status bars, however). Those with a check next to their name are turnned "ON". Click on a checked item to turn that toolbar "OFF". Click on an uncheck name to turn that toolbar o"ON".


To Turn the Status Bar On and Off

Menu: View|Status Bar

The status bar (located at the bottom of the FloorPlan screen) tells you which tool is currently selected and displays prompts related to the current task.

To turn the Status Bar on and off:

1.	Select the View menu.

•	If the Status Bar option is checked, it is currently on.

•	If the Status Bar option is unchecked, it is currently off.

2.	You can toggle the Status Bar on and off by clicking on the Status Bar option.


Using the Inspector Bar

The Inspector Bar give you access to dimension and locations properties, and in some instances text boxes that allow you to specify object dimensions (such as the length of a wall) while drawing.

How to Use the Inspector Bar

•	Click [image] (Locations) to open the Locations Settings dialog where you can add, edit, or delete locations (stories or floor levels) in your design.

•	Click [image] (Dimensions) to open the Dimensions Properties dialog where you can specify options for display dimension annotations in your drawing.

•	Text entry boxes — for example, Length or Angle: enter a value for the particular dimension for the object that you are currently drawing.


To Turn the Inspector Bar On and Off

Menu: View|Inspector Bar	 the Inspector Bar above the Status Bar

The Inspector Bar (located at the bottom left of the FloorPlan screen, above the Status Bar) allows you to enter precise values to specify length and direction of walls and other objects.

To turn the Inspector Bar On and Off:

1.	Select the View menu.

•	If the Inspector Bar option is checked, it is currently on.

•	If the Inspector Bar option is unchecked, it is currently off.

2.	You can toggle the Inspector Bar on and off by clicking on the Inspector Bar option


To Load a Saved Photorealtistic Image
To Load a Saved Photorealistic Image

Menu: View|Photorealistic Image|Load Image…

The Load Image command lets you open a saved photorealistic image.

To load a saved photorealistic image:

1.	Select View|Photorealistic Image|Load Image.

2.	In the Open dialog, select the image file you want to load.

3.	Click [Open]. The image loads into its own window.


To Print a Saved Photorealitic Image
To Print a Saved Photorealistic Image

Menu: View|Photorealistic Image|Print Image…

You can print any saved photorealistic image file. To print an image you have to open it first.

To print a photorealistic image:

1.	Select View|Photorealistic Image|Print Image.

2.	In the Open dialog, select the file you want to print, then click [Open].

3.	In the Print dialog, make sure the correct printer is selected, then click [OK]. The image is sent to the printer.


Construct Menu

Commands on the Construct menu let you add building elements to your drawing. Toolbar buttons for these commands on found on the Insert Toolbar. The Construct menu commands include:

Walls —

Doors —

Windows —

Roofs —

Stairs —

Balustrades —

Slabs —

Balconies —

Decks —

Columns —

Landscape —

Driveway —

Fences —

Gates —


Insert Menu

The Insert menu gives you access to the many symbols in the database that you can use in your design:

•	Cabinets —

•	Appliances —

•	Furniture —

•	Plumbing —

•	Electrical —

•	Accessories —

•	Site Information —


Tools Menu

The Tools menu helps you with the behind-the-scenes program components such as program options, the Style Manager and database utilities, the Material List, and the Measure tool. They include:

•	Options — lets you set program options for your desktop environment, Sun Position settings, Photorealistic settings, Texture and Ground Plane options, Thumbnail settings, and Data Safety options.

•	Locations — opens the Locations Settings dialog where you specify the properties for the locations listed on the Locations toolbar.

•	Dimensions — —opens the Dimensions Properties dialog where you can specify text label and drawing dimension options.

•	Text — opens the Text Properties dialog where you can set Font style and color.

•	Prepared Site — lets you work with Site preparation in your drawing.

•	Measure — allows you to pick a point and then measure the distance from that point in your drawing.

•	Material List — opens the list of materials generated by FloorPlan as you draw you model. If specified as part of an object’s properties, uses the price of the objects used in the drawing to calculate the cost of a room.

•	Style Manager — opens the Style Manage which lets you add custom objects and symbols permanently to your database.

•	Database — opens the Database Tools dialog which allows you to compact or repair your database.


Window Menu

The Window menu gives you access to different files or different views of a particular file.

•	New View — lets you open another view of the current project.

•	Cascade — arranges all open windows in layers so that you can see each window's Title Bar. You can activate a window by clicking its Title Bar.

•	Tile — displays all open windows as equal-sized windows on the screen.

•	List of Open Files — display a list of open FloorPlan files; click the name of the file that you want to make active in the Window.


Window Cascade

Menu: Window|Cascade

Arranges all open windows in stair-step layers (called a cascade) so that you can see each window's Title Bar. You can activate a window by clicking its Title Bar.


Window Tile

Menu: Window|Tile

Displays all open windows as equal-sized windows on the screen.


Window List of Open Files

Menu: Window|File name of open file

Active File

Click the name of the open file that you want to make active in the desktop.


Technical Support

Free online technical support is available 24 hours a day at http://www.floorplan.com. Please visit the Support section of the FloorPlan.com web site for access to online support resources, including forums, tips and tricks and updates. If you need further assistance, the support section of the floorplan.com web site also includes current information for contacting Technical Support via email or by telephone. To contact technical support via phone, call 1-505 994 8705. The first 5 minutes are free (after answered), then $5 per 5 minute increments thereafter. Prior to contacting Technical Support, please refer to the Technical Support Checklist .

Additional information can be found at our corporate web site. Go to http://www.imsisoft.com and select Support Services to access current resources and information, including:

•	Product Support

•	Customer Service

•	Product Registration Codes

•	Software Installation Instructions


Technical Support Checklist

You may already have the information you are looking for. Before calling, check your User Guide thoroughly. To receive the fastest response to your technical questions, please be in front or your computer with your software running, and be prepared to provide the following information before you call or send e–mail:

•	The type of computer and Windows version you are using.

•	The name, version number, and other information about your specific version of the product. (To find this information, select Help|About FloorPlan 3D from the Help menu.)

•	The exact sequence of events that created the problem. (Verify that you can reproduce the problem by following the same series of steps.)

•	The exact wording of any error messages.

•	Steps you’ve taken to find the answer to your question, including resources used.

•	The results of any steps you have undertaken to resolve the problem.


Help Menu

FloorPlan offers various types of help as you work with the program. You can find quickly by using the Help menu sub topics:

•	Help|Help Topics — a complete Help reference

•	Help|Internet Web Link — access to the FloorPlan 3D Web site

•	Help|About FloorPlan 3D — version, license agreement, and copyright information about FloorPlan 3D


No Further Help

There is no Help information for this item.


Help Help Topics

 	Menu: Help|Help Topics	<F1>

Provides a complete reference of the features of FloorPlan 3D. Use it to find topics by browsing the Contents tab, entering keywords in the Index tab, or doing a complete text search in the Find tab.


Help Internet Web Link

Menu: Help|Internet Web Link

If you have Internet access, select Help|Internet Web Link to visit Floorplan.com, the FloorPlan 3D Web site.


Help About FloorPlan 3D

Menu: Help|About FloorPlan 3D

Display information about your copy of FloorPlan 3D. Display the version number and date, license agreement, and copyright information.


Local Menus

When you select many of the objects in FloorPlan 3D, you can right-click on the object to bring up a local menu. Local menus allow you access to commands that affect the selected object. The menu options available depend upon both the selected object and the current View.

Using the Local menu is a convenient way to reach the Property dialogs for any selected object or symbol. Items like the Landscape mesh let you modify the nodes that make up the mesh by adding, deleting, or changing the elevation of the nodes.

Local menus also allow you access to one-time commands for certain objects. For example, by right-clicking after fixing the end point for a wall, you can leave the insert walls command.


Moving Around in the Program

As you work in FloorPlan 3D you can easily and quickly move from View to View and around the drawing and viewing areas. A right click on a selected object gives you easy access to behind-the-scenes tools that allow you to customize objects and symbols in your drawing.


What Is the Current Location?

When you draw or insert objects, you should always be aware of which floor location is current since objects are always assigned to the current location.

To see which location is current:

Look in the Location toolbar.

To change the current location:

Select the one you want from the Location Settings drop box.

Note: If the location you want is not on the List, you must add it to the list. See Adding a New Location to the List on the Location Toolbar


Zoom Tools

Zooming

While working in FloorPlan 3D, you will often want to zoom in on different parts of your drawing or move out for an overall perspective. You can also move the image around (pan) in order to see a particular area better.

The Camera Controls in the 3D Palette include standard Zoom and Pan tools that let you position the camera in the Camera View area to get the 3D View you want.

While designing, you can zoom in on the entire drawing or a selected portion of it.

The Zoom tools include:

•	 — Zoom In

•	 — Zoom Out

•	 — Zoom Window

•	 — Zoom Dynamic

•	 — Zoom Extents

•	 — Zoom Previous

•	 Pan


Zoom In

 	Menu: View|Zoom|In

Use Zoom In any time you want to move in closer to your drawing.

To zoom in:

Click [image] [Zoom In] on the Zoom toolbar, or select View|Zoom|In.


Zoom Out

 	Menu: View|Zoom|Out

Use Zoom Out to create a more distant view where you can see more of your design.

To zoom out:

•	Click [image] [Zoom Out] on the Zoom toolbar,

•	or select View|Zoom|Out.


Zoom Window

 	Menu: View|Zoom|Window

Zoom Window lets you zoom in on a particular area of your drawing when you drag a box around that area.

To zoom in on an area:

1.	Click the [Zoom Window] button on the Zoom toolbar, or select View|Zoom|Window.

2.	Using your mouse, click and drag a rectangle around the area you want to zoom in on. When you release the mouse, FloorPlan zooms into the marqueed area.


Zoom Dynamic

 	Menu: View|Zoom|Dynamic

Zoom Dynamic lets you zoom in on a selected area by placing a selection window over the desired area and resizing the selection window if needed. Or if you prefer, you can resize the selection window first, then place it over the desired area.

To zoom in on a particular area:

1.	Click [image] [Zoom Dynamic] button on the Zoom toolbar, or select View|Zoom|Dynamic.

2.	Move your cursor to position the selection window over the general area you want to zoom in on.

3.	Click the mouse once to anchor the selection window. If you move your cursor around, you’ll notice the window resizes.

4.	Make the selection window the desired size. If you need to reposition the window, simply click the mouse again.

5.	Right-click the mouse to zoom in on the selected area.


Zoom Extents

 	Menu: View|Zoom|Extents

Use Zoom Extents to display your entire drawing in the drawing area. This is particularly useful after you’ve been zooming and panning.

To zoom to the extents of your drawing:

Click [image] [Zoom Extents] on the Zoom toolbar, or select View|Zoom|Extents.


Zoom Previous

 	Menu: View|Zoom|Previous

Use Zoom Previous to return to the view you were in before zooming to the current view.

To return to the previous view:

Click [image] [Zoom Previous] from the Zoom toolbar, or select View|Zoom|Previous.


Pan Tools

 	Menu: View|Pan

Panning is simply shifting the model display around on the screen so you can focus on a particular area. Use Pan when you want to bring a particular area of your drawing into the central view.

To pan:

1.	Click [image] [Pan] on the Zoom toolbar, or select View|Pan. Your cursor becomes a hand icon.

2.	Click any spot in the drawing area. Keep in mind that you have to be able to move your cursor in the direction you want to pan, as well as indicate the distance you want to pan.

3.	Move your cursor in the direction you want to pan. For example, to move the left side of your model to the center of the drawing area, move the cursor to the right. As you move your pointer, a stretchable line appears indicating the direction you are panning.

4.	When the stretchable line is the desired length, click again to shift the view.

Note: The Pan remains active until you select another task to perform.


Auto Scrolling

As you move around the drawing area and your cursor nears the edge of the visible screen, FloorPlan will automatically scroll beyond the area in view in the direction that you are moving the cursor. This is called Auto Scrolling. Auto Scrolling makes it easier to move objects from a part of your project that this in view to another that is not.


Setting Program Options

You can set Program Options and control what is displayed on your screen using commands on the Tools and Views menu.

The View menu has options that let you display or hide Toolbars, the Status and Inspector bars, the drawing area Grid, and the various Views and Palettes available for your use. It also allows you to display and save various types of renderings of your design. See View Menu for details about the View menu commands.

The Tools menu lets you set various program options when you use its Options command. When selected, this command opens the Options dialog with its Environment, Sun Position, Photorealistic, Textures, Thumbnails, and Data Safety tabs.

See these Tools|Options topics for detailed information about setting Program Options.

Environment Settings,

Sun Position Settings,

Photorealistic Settings,

Textures Settings,

Thumbnails Settings,

Data Safety Settings


Environment Settings

The Options dialog Environment tab lets you set program options that affect how FloorPlan works and how it displays your drawing in the drawing area.

Settings Options

•	Unit of Measure — choose which measurement FloorPlan will use to draw in and display dimensions in, in your drawing. Choose from Feet/Inches, MM (millimeters), CM (centimeters), or Meters

•	Precision — ranges from 0 to 4; choose the number of places after the decimal point that that the program will use in numeric fields.

•	Auto Insert — lets you insert an object by clicking in the drawing as soon as you select the object, otherwise you will have to click an Insert button first. Check to activate this feature, clear to turn it off.

•	Display Room Name — Check this checkbox to display Room Names in all rooms of the design. Clear the checkbox if you wish to hide all Room Names.

Each room is assigned a name by FloorPlan which then displays the name in the drawing when you are in Plan View. You can change the name or choose to hide it from view altogether. If you want to specify these settings for each room individually, do so in the Room Properties dialog.

•	Show Front End — Check this box to display the FloorPlan Start-up Screen when FloorPlan opens. Clear this box to open FloorPlan directly in the Plan View.

•	Display Area Value — Check this checkbox to display the area of all rooms in your design. Clear the checkbox to hide the room area for all rooms. . The area value is displayed using the unit of measure that is specified in this dialog. For example, if the unit of measure is set to feet and inches, the area value is expressed as square footage.

FloorPlan 3D automatically calculates and displays or hides the area value of all rooms in your drawing according to this setting. If you want to specify these settings for each room individually, do so in the Room Properties dialog.

•	Show Grid — Check this checkbox to show the grid in the drawing area. Clear the checkbox to hide the grid. If checked, you can set the size of the grid.

X Spacing — Enter the distance that the space between grid points horizontally represents.

Y Spacing — Enter the distance that the space between grid points vertically represents.

•	Snap to Grid — Check this checkbox to turn the Snap to Grid on. Clear the checkbox to turn the option off. When Snap to Grid is turned on, objects and symbols will line up to the nearest point on the Grid.

Angle — specifies the angle

Save As Default — Saves the settings in the Environment tab as default settings for FloorPlan.


To Select a Unit of Measure

The default unit of measure is Inches. If you wish to use a different unit of measure (like centimeters) while designing your model, you should select it in the Options dialog before starting your design.

To select a unit of measure:

1.	Select Tools|Options.

2.	In the Options dialog, select the Environment tab.

3.	From the Unit of Measure drop box, choose the unit of measure you want to use.

4.	Click [OK].


To Turn Auto Insert On or Off

By default, you are in Auto Insert mode when inserting objects. This means that as soon as you pick the command to insert an object, you can go right ahead and insert it in your drawing. If you would prefer to click an Insert button before inserting something, you can turn the Auto Insert mode "OFF".

To turn the Auto Insert mode "OFF":

1.	Select Tools|Options.

2.	In the Options dialog, select the Environment tab.

3.	Clear the Auto Insert check box to turn the feature "OFF".

Check the checkbox to turn the feature "ON".

4.	Click [OK] once you’ve made your settings.


To Display or Hide the Room Name or Room Area:

1.	Select Tools|Options to open the Options dialog.

2.	Click the Environment tab and check the Display Area Value checkbox to display the calculated area of all rooms in your design.

3.	Check the Display Room Name checkbox to display the assigned names of all rooms in your design.

4.	Click [OK] to set the options and return to your drawing.

Note: See Room Properties if you want to set these options room by room instead of globally.


Show Grid

The Grid is a set points evenly spaced of vertical and horizontal that are displayed in your drawing area. The Grid (often used with the Snap to Grid setting) is a drawing aid that can help you position objects accurately. It also gives you a sense of scale while drawing.

You can use the Grid and Snap to Grid together, or use the Grid on its own. You can set the spacing between Grid lines in the Options dialog Environment tab.

You can set the Show Grid in the Options dialog Environment tab, and turn the Grid on and off clicking the [image] Grid toggle as needed during your drawing session.

•	To show the Grid and set Grid spacingTo_Show_the_Grid_and_Set_Grid_Spacing_>Procedur

•	Snap to GridSnap_to_Grid>GenTopic

•	To Set the Snap to Grid and the Angle at which Items Will SnapTo_Set_the_Snap_to_Grid_and_the_Angle_at_which_Items_Will_Snap>Procedur


To Show the Grid and Set Grid Spacing:

Once you show the grid, you can change the spacing between Grid points both vertically and horizontally.

To change the spacing between grid points:

1.	Select Tools|Options and click the Environment tab.

2.	Check the Show Grid checkbox to turn the Grid on.

3.	In the X Spacing text box, enter how far apart that you want the grid points spaced horizontally.

4.	In the Y Spacing text box, enter how far apart that you want the grid points spaced vertically.

5.	Click [OK].

Tip: You can toggle the Grid on and off quickly by clicking [image] on the Views toolbar.


Snap to Grid

The Snap to Grid is drawing aid that can help you position objects accurately. The Grid is a set of vertical and horizontal points that are displayed in your drawing area. The Snap to Grid is an option that makes your cursor place objects or symbols in your drawing so they "snap" to the points on the drawing grid. You can set the angle at which objects or symbols will Snap to the Grid in the Options dialog Environment tab.

You can use the Grid with or without the Snap to Grid featured turned on, but you must have the Grid turned on to use the Snap to Grid feature.

To Set the Snap to Grid and the Angle at which Items Will SnapTo_Set_the_Snap_to_Grid_and_the_Angle_at_which_Items_Will_Snap>Procedur


To Set the Snap to Grid and the Angle at which Items Will Snap:

1.	Select Tools|Options and click the Environment to open the Options dialog Environment tab.

2.	Check the Snap to Grid check box to turn the snap on.

3.	Enter the desired angle in the Angle text box.

4.	Click [OK] to accept the options.


Sun Position Settings

Photorealistic images include sunlight and shadows, even if you’re creating an interior image (the sun shines through windows). You can change the sun position to change how sunlight and shadows are cast on your model.

To change the sun position settings:

1.	Select Tools|Options.

2.	Select the Sun Position tab.

3.	In the Location box, choose the appropriate country and city.

4.	Choose the appropriate month, day and time of day.

5.	If you are in Daylight Savings time, select the Daylight Savings check box.

6.	In the North, Angle from <0, 1, 0> box, specify the direction in which your model is facing (angle from true north). For example, if your model is facing
West — type 270
South — type 180
East — type 90
intermediate points — type an intermediate degree of angle

7.	If you want to save these settings as the default, click [Save as Default].

8.	Click [OK] to accept the new settings.


Photorealistic Settings

A photorealistic image resembles a real photograph. It factors in colors, textures, light, and shadows in the rendering process. You can control all of these elements to get the exact image that you desire in the Photorealistic tab. Select Tools|Options to open the Options Dialog. Then, click on the Photorealistic tab.

The brightness level in the photorealistic image settings determines the overall brightness of the scene. The higher the quality level selected for your photorealistic settings, the more light that will be distributed throughout the scene. It works like the exposure of a camera. If there is a lot of light in the scene, the brightness level should be decreased. If there is very little light in the scene, the brightness level should be increased.

Select Tools|Options, and click Photorealistic to open the Options dialog Photorealistic tab where you can specify settings for photorealistic images:

Process

•	Quality — Image quality ranges from 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest quality image

Raytrace — A process that reads all the objects, textures, shapes, colors and lights in your model to produce a higher-quality image with reflections and accurate shadows. Complements the Radiosity technique.

Radiosity — technique for calculating light distribution. Complements the Raytrace technique.

Both — to choose both Raytrace and Radiosity processing when generating the image.

•	Brightness — sets the overall brightness for the scene. The higher the quality level selected for your photorealistic settings, the more light that will be distributed throughout the scene.

Output File

•	Filename — Directory and file name for saving the file.
Output Size — Choose a pre-defined size from the Output Size box or select Custom in this box and specify the desired width and height in the Width and Height boxes

•	Time out — the maximum time allowed for the radiosity process.

Save as Default — click this button to save these settings as your default Photorealistic settings

See

Controlling Photorealistic Image Output


Controlling Photorealistic Image Output

You can control the following elements of your photorealistic image output file:

•	Image size.

•	Image quality.

•	Image brightness.

•	Raytracing and radiosity.

•	Directory and file name for saving the file.

•	The maximum time allowed for the radiosity process.

To control the output file of your photorealistic image:

1.	Select Tools|Options.

2.	Select the Photorealistic tab and adjust the settings as needed.

•	Output Size — Choose a pre-defined size from the Output Size box or select Custom in this box and specify the desired width and height in the Width and Height boxes.

•	Image Quality — Choose from 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest quality image.

•	Raytrace — A process that reads all the objects, textures, shapes, colors and lights in your model to produce a higher-quality image with reflections and accurate shadows. Complements the Radiosity technique.

•	Radiosity — Technique for calculating light distribution. Complements the Raytrace technique.

•	Filename — Default name and location under which the photorealistic image file will be saved.

•	Save as Default — Saves the settings you’ve specified as the defaults.

3.	Click [OK] and proceed with generating the photorealistic image.


Texture Settings

The Options dialog Textures tab lets you define colors and textures for the Background, Ground Plane, Floors, and Ceilings in your drawing. It also allow you to specify the size of the Ground Plane (in the program’s units of measure) in your drawing.

The dialog displays three columns: Surface, Color, and Texture. Each row represents an individual surface where you can set the Texture and Color options for that Surface.

Surface — The four surfaces which you can set color and texture properties for: Background, Ground Plane, Floor, and Ceiling.

Color — Click in the Color box for any of the Surfaces to open the Color dialog where you can change the color of that Surface.

Texture — Click the Material box on the far right to open the Material Library where you can choose a texture for that Surface.

Ground Plane Dimensions — specify the Length and Width of the Ground Plane in the drawing.

Save as Default — Click this to save your settings as the defaults for the program.


To Set the Background Color of the Drawing Area

You can change the background color of your drawing area or choose a patterned background like a sky or forest.

To change the background color of your drawing area:

1.	Select Tools|Options.

2.	In the Options dialog, select the Textures tab.

3.	To select a color for your background, click the Background option’s Color box and make a selection from the Color dialog.

4.	To select a pattern for your background, choose one from the Texture drop box.

5.	Click [OK].


To Set the Color of the Ground Plane

When you view the exterior of your model in 3D, you can see a ground plane in the background. You can change the color of this ground plane as desired.

To change the color of your ground plane:

1.	Select Tools|Options.

2.	In the Options dialog, select the Textures tab.

3.	Click the Ground Plane option’s Color box.

4.	In the Color dialog, select a color for your ground plane, then click [OK].

5.	Click [OK] in the Options dialog.


To Change the Dimensions of the Ground Plane

When you view the exterior of your model in 3D, you can see a ground plane in the background. You can change the length and width of this ground plane if desired.

To change the dimensions of your ground plane:

1.	Select Tools|Options.

2.	In the Options dialog, select the Textures tab.

3.	In the Ground Plane Dimensions group, specify the desired length and width for the ground plane in the Length and Width fields.

4.	Click [OK].


To Change Floor and Ceiling Textures

By default, there are no textures assigned to floor or ceiling surfaces. Applying textures to floors and ceilings can make your design more interesting and visually appealing. You can change the default setting for all floors and ceilings as well as change the setting for individual floor and ceiling surfaces.

When you draw walls and view your drawing in 3D, you’ll notice that by default, floors and ceilings have no texture applied to them. They only have a gray color assigned to them. You can change the default texture settings for floors and ceilings to any textures or colors you want.

To change the default floor or ceiling texture:

1.	Select Tools|Options.

2.	In the Options dialog, select the Textures tab.

3.	To change the default color or texture for floors, click the Floor option’s Color box and select a color from the Color dialog, or click the Texture box and make a selection from the Material Library dialog.

4.	To change the default color or texture for ceilings, click the Ceiling option’s Color box and select a color from the Color dialog, or click the Texture box and make a selection from the Material Library dialog.

5.	Once you’ve made your selections, click [OK].


Thumbnail Settings

You may turn on creating a thumbnail for saved view to assist you when using the Find File dialog.

Create thumbnails for all views — Check this box to turn on thumbnails creating.

Type — Choose the type of the file for thumbnail.

Width, Height — Set the thumbnail size in pixels.

Bits Per Pixel — Click the radio button that defines your color palette 1-, 2-, 4-, 8-, 16- or 32-bit


Data Safety Settings

Options on the Data Safety tab act as insurance incase of system crashes, or you lose a file for some reason:

•	Save Options
Save AutoRecover info every ___ minutes — enter the interval of time in minutes that you want FloorPlan 3D to save your drawings.

•	Save a backup copy —
Folder — if you checked the Always create backup copy checkbox, enter the path name for the file where you want the backup file placed, or to locate the folder
Browse — click browse to navigate to the folder where you want the backup copy saved.
Always create backup copy — check this checkbox to always have FloorPlan 3D write a backup file every time the drawing is saved.

•	Write Compression — check this box to have FloorPlan use write compression as it saves files.

•	Save As Default — click this button to save these options a program defaults.

To set Save Backup options

To set the AutoRecover option


Save Backup Copy

Another form of file "insurance" is to have FloorPlan 3D create a backup copy every time you save a file. Backups work like this. The second time you save a file, FloorPlan 3D take the original saved file and copies it elsewhere as a backup. then it saves the newest information to the original file. Each time FloorPlan 3D saves the file thereafter, it will update the backup copy, then save the newest changes to the original file.

To set Save Backup options:

1.	Select Tools|Options to open the Options dialog.

2.	Click Data Safety to move to the Data Safety tab.

3.	Check the Always create a backup copy check box to have FloorPlan 3D backup the saved file.

4.	Enter the Folder path name or click Browse and navigate to the folder where you want FloorPlan 3D to save the backup copy.

5.	Click [OK] to set the options and return to the FloorPlan 3D desktop.


Auto Recovery

The AutoRecover and Save Backup Copy are a part of the Data Safety Options available on the Options dialog Data Safety tab. While working in FloorPlan 3D, time can go by quickly as you design your model. If you do not save your drawing at periodic intervals, and your system crashes for some reason, you will lose whatever work you have done since the last time you saved your file. The AutoRecover feature sets an interval of time that FloorPlan 3Dwill automatically save your drawing for you.

To set the AutoRecover option:

1.	Select Tools|Options to open the Options dialog.

2.	Click Data Safety to move to the Data Safety tab.

3.	Check the Save Auto Recover check box to have FloorPlan 3D to automatically save your drawing.

4.	Enter the interval in minutes that you want.

5.	Click [OK] to set the options and return to the FloorPlan 3D desktop.


Objects and Symbols

Objects and Symbols are the components of your design, like walls, doors, roofs, stairs, electrical and plumbing fixtures, or appliances. Objects tend to be the structural elements, symbols "furnish" or finish the structure. Cabinets (like kitchen or bathroom) and Site Information are exceptions to that symbol definition because they are fixed to a certain place

Both objects and symbols are stored in the data base. All you need to know is the category which the symbol or object belongs to. You can access them by

•	Selecting the desired Insert or Construct command from the menus or their corresponding buttons from the toolbars.

•	Selecting the type of symbol or objects from the Type drop-down list in the Plan View Palette

•	Selecting the individual symbol or object from the database list in the Plan View Palette

•	Clicking in the drawing area to position and anchor the selected item.

There are several basic procedures that you will do over and over as you complete your drawing. Many of them involve working with objects and symbols:

•	selecting them

•	editing them including creating new custom objects

•	moving or repositioning them

•	deleting them

•	controlling the individual properties of a object or symbol (for the most part)

The Symbol categories appear on your Insert menu. You can also use their corresponding buttons on the Insert toolbar to insert any Symbol into your model..


To Insert an Object with Auto Insert Off

If you turned the Auto Insert mode :OFF" and want to insert an object or symbol:

1.	Click to button for the desired object (Walls, Door, Windows, and so on) from the toolbar.

2.	Select the type of object from the Object Type list, the select the specific object from the database list.

3.	Click [image] [Insert] in the database.

4.	Move your cursor to the drawing area and click in the drawing where you want to place the object.


About Objects and Editing Them

 	Menu: Edit|Properties…

Every object in the database has both editable and non-editable properties. You can edit objects locally in your drawing or globally through the database. If you edit an object locally, the changes you make apply to that single object only. If you edit an object globally, the changes you make apply to all occurrences of that object.

Editable properties include material (texture) and color settings as well as certain dimension settings. If you are editing an object globally through the database, you can also change the Description, Price, Unit and Supplier.

Non-editable properties include the Name and certain dimensions.

If you want to create an object with a name or dimensions that are different from those of any existing objects, you have to add a new object to the database.

•	To change the properties of an object in your drawing, double-click it, or select the object, right-click it and select Edit Properties from the local menu.

Note: When you choose to edit the properties of an object in your drawing, changes apply to that selected object only. You can’t edit the Name, Description, Supplier, Price, Unit, or certain dimensions.

•	To change the properties of an object through the database, select it in the database then click [image] [Edit Properties] in the database.

When you choose to edit an object, you are taken to that object’s property pages. Standard property pages are the General, Material and Size pages. Certain objects will have additional property pages depending on their composition and appearance. If a field is grayed out on a property page, you know that it is a non-editable property.


Selecting by Object Type

Menu: Edit|Select By Object Type

You can use the Select by Object Type command to select all objects in your drawing of a certain type. For example, you can select all doors in your design or all hinged doors.

To Select by Object Type


Displaying/Hiding Objects

Sometimes it is easier to work in your design if you hide certain objects (or symbols). You can hide or display the objects an symbols in your drawing using the Display filter. You can also choose to hide or display items by
Element or by Location. For example you can hide all 4" Stud walls (an element) or you might want to hide all of the walls on the ground floor (a location(

1.	Click the button on the Tools toolbar or select Tools}Display Filter from the menu.

2.	Select an option from the Sort By list

3.	Locate the item(s) on the expandable list and set the light bulb next to the item on or off

4.	Click [OK] to display or hide the current selections.

Displaying/Hiding Walls

Displaying/Hiding Floors

Displaying/Hiding Floor Levels

Displaying/Hiding Doors

Displaying/Hiding Windows

Displaying/Hiding Columns

Displaying/Hiding Stairs

Displaying/Hiding Balustrades

Displaying/Hiding the Roof

Displaying/Hiding Cabinets

Displaying/Hiding the Site Boundary

Displaying/Hiding Text


Adding New Objects

Adding a New Object to the Database for a Single Drawing

Although the FloorPlan 3D database contains a variety of different objects, there will probably come a time when the object you want to insert is not in the database. Adding a new object to the database is fairly simple. You start by selecting an existing object in the database that is similar in some way to the object you want to add (that way the new object will be put in the correct category). Then, you specify the properties (name, price, dimensions, etc.) for the new object.

Note: Certain types of objects cannot be added to the database. For example, you can not add a new light or chair to the database because these types of objects have permanently fixed dimensions.

To add a new object to the database:

1.	Activate the command you would use to insert the object.

2.	Select an appropriate category for the new object in the database.

3.	Select an existing object that is similar in some way to the new object. (For example, if you’re adding a new hinged door, select an existing hinged door) or select Custom Object as the Type in the Object Type List..

4.	Click the [Add] button in the database.

5.	Specify the desired properties for the object, starting with the Name on the General property page.

Note: You only have control over an object’s name when you are adding a new object to the database. Once an object has been added to the database, you can’t change its name.

6.	When you’ve specified the new object’s properties, click [OK].

Customizing Objects

Every object that you draw or insert in FloorPlan 3D is linked to the database. The database contains the definitions for each object. Different types of information that make up the definition of an object are called Properties. Properties can generally be divided into the following categories:

•	General Properties (description, supplier, price, unit for counting)

•	Material Properties (materials and colors used to display objects)

•	Size Properties (length, width, height, etc.)

Many objects also include detail information. For example, a door will have information about the type of door leaf used, and a refrigerator will have information about its handles.

These various types of information give you full control over the size and appearance of objects in your drawing, and can determine how objects are represented in your material list.

You can add new objects to the database as well as change some of the properties of existing objects. In addition, you can import 3DS files into FloorPlan 3D and use the measurement from those files to create new custom objects in your database.

Note: Any additions or changes you make to the database apply to the current drawing only. In other words, these changes/additions will not be available when you open new or other existing drawings.


Editing Objects in the Drawing

Often, when you have drawn or inserted objects, you will want to move, rotate, align, or remove them. To be able to edit an object, you need to select it  first. Once you’ve selected the object, you can easily edit it. Moving and rotating objects, for example, is done by simply dragging with your mouse. To edit an object, you must be in Edit Mode.


To Switch to Edit Mode

You need to be in Edit mode when you want to select and edit objects. Normally, you’re in Edit mode after finishing a command. If, however, you’re currently in a command, or aren’t sure what mode you’re in, and you want to edit something, you can just click Select on the Insert toolbar. This puts you in Edit mode.

Select button


Selecting Objects

You can select single objects, multiple objects, and groups of objects. When you select an object, it is highlighted in another color. Also, if the object you select is a block, like a refrigerator or cabinet, small points called "grips" appear on the object. Positioning your cursor over these grips lets you move and rotate the object.

•	To select an individual object, simply click on it.

•	To select multiple objects, press and hold <Shift> and click on the objects you want to select.

•	To select objects of a certain type, select Edit|Select by Object Type. The Select by Type dialog allows you to select all object of the selected type.

•	To select all objects, select Edit|Select All.

•	To select a group of objects (e.g., a wall with a door in it), draw a rectangle around them with your cursor from right to left. This is called marqueeing.

•	Positioning your cursor over these grips lets you rotate or move the object.

Tip: Most often, you think of selecting objects while working in Plan View. But you can also select objects when working in the 3D View. Sometimes it is easier to do so because the View State positioning options allow you access to your design from nine different perspectives. Once you select an item in 3D View, you can return to the Plan View and the item will be still selected.


To Select by Object Type

Menu: Edit|Select By Object Type

You can use the Select by Object Type command to select all objects in your drawing of a certain type. For example, you can select all doors in your design or all hinged doors.

To Select Objects by Type:

1.	Select Edit|Select by Object Type.

2.	In the Select by Object Type dialog, choose the category of objects you want to select. You can select an entire category of objects or select a particular type of object.

3.	Click [OK] to select all objects of the specified type.


To Select All

Menu: Edit|Select All	<Ctrl>+<A>

Use the Select All command from the menu to select all objects and symbols in your drawing.


To Select Objects by Marqueeing

Marqueeing is a method of selecting a group of objects that are close to each other (like a bed and night table, for example). When you select objects by marqueeing, you draw a rectangle around the objects with your pointer.

You draw the desired rectangle by dragging from one corner to its opposite, diagonal corner (the rectangle stretches out as you drag away from the first point picked). You do not have to enclose the objects completely for them to be selected. Anything touching and contained within the selection rectangle will be selected.


To Move Objects

The move cursor

1.	Click [image] (Select) from the toolbar, then select the object by clicking on it.

2.	Position your cursor over one of the object’s square grips to change your cursor to [image] (Move cursor)

3.	With the Move cursor, click (and hold) the mouse and drag the object to the desired location.

4.	Release the mouse when the object is in position


Importing Objects

You can create new custom objects by specifying their geometry and materials from an external 3DS

To import a new custom object and add it to the database:

1.	Select the category to which you would like to add the object. You can select from Cabinets, Appliances, Furniture, Plumbing, Electrical, and Accessories.

2.	Select the corresponding "CUSTOM…" entry from the list of categories and click [image] (Add New).

3.	Specify the desired properties for the object, starting with the Name on the General tab.

Note: You only have control over an object's name when you are adding a new object to the database. Once an object has been added to the database, you cannot change its name.

4.	Select the Custom Object tab.

5.	Choose the 3DS source file by typing in the file name in the Source File box, or browse for the file by clicking the [Browse] button.

6.	Change the Subcategory if you want to add the object to a different one.

7.	Change the names of the materials used by the object by highlighting and then clicking on the material names in the Material names box. As you highlight the material names, the preview window will show only the parts of the object that use that material.

Note: You can assign different materials to the object at any time by going to the Materials tab of the dialog.

8.	Select the Size tab.

9.	Set the scale of the imported object, choosing Inches, Millimeters, or enter the length of the source file's distance unit in millimeters in the Custom box.

10.	If the object is not originally saved with the Z axis up, choose the X or Y radio button, as appropriate.

11.	Verify the Width, Depth, and Height values, or scale the object by changing these values.

12.	Set the desired distance off of the floor for the object.

13.	Change the Snap Edge, depending upon which edge you want to snap to the wall.

14.	When you've specified all of the new object's properties, click [OK].


Exporting to a DXF File

By default drawings are always saved in BMF If you want to be able to open a FloorPlan 3D drawing in another CAD program, you have to save it as a DXF file, which is a standard file format used in most CAD programs.

To save your drawing in DXF format:

1.	Select File|Export…

2.	In the Save As dialog, make sure DXF Files (*.dxf) is the selection in the Save as type drop box.

3.	Type a name for the drawing in the File Name field.

4.	In the Save In drop box, choose the directory where you want to save the file. By default, *.dxf files are saved in the FloorPlan 3D|Documents directory.

5.	Click [Save]. A dialog opens telling you the *.dxf file has been created.

6.	Click [OK].


Working with Other Programs

FloorPlan 3D includes an Export DXF option for exporting to external CAD programs as well as an Import DXF option for importing DXF drawings into FloorPlan 3D.

In addition to DXF files, you can also import FP3 and 3DS files. FP3 files are designs created and saved in FloorPlan 3D version 3; 3DS files are custom objects created outside of FloorPlan.

With FloorPlan 3D, it is possible to export your designs to virtual reality VRML files. These VRML files can opened in your Internet browser, allowing you to walk through a model of your design.

You can import FP3 files created and saved in FloorPlan 3D version 3 as well. This allows you to use design created in this earlier version of FloorPlan and convert them for use in this version.

Export DXF

Import DXF

Import FP3


To Import a FP3 File

1.	Select File|Import. The Open dialog appears.

2.	In the Open dialog, make sure the File of Type box is set to FloorPlan v3.

3.	Navigate to the FP3 file using the Up One Level button or the Look in drop-sown box and select the file, or
enter the name and location of the FP3 file you wish to import.

4.	Click [Open] to open the FP3 file opens on your screen.


Grouping and Moving Objects

You can move objects once you have inserted them. If you have a group of objects that you want to be treated as one, you can select the objects and group them, then move all of them at once by selecting the group.

To move an object:

1.	Select the object.

2.	Position your cursor over one of the object’s square grips to change your cursor to the Move cursor [image] (the Move cursor).

3.	Click (and hold down) the mouse and drag the object to the desired location.

4.	Release the mouse when the object is in position.

To group objects:

1.	Select the first item by clicking on it with the mouse.

2.	Press and hold <Shift>, then click on each additional object that you want to form into a group.

3.	When you have selected all of the objects to be in the group, select Edit|Create Group from the menu. You can now move all of the items in the group as though they were one entity.


Elevating Objects or Symbols

Whenever you see Distance Off Floor, Elevate, or Elevation, FloorPlan is defining how high an item is off of the floor or ground. There are various times you may want to raise and object in this way:

•	When you want to put a bowl of fruit or flower vase on a table

•	When you want to raise the floor (and possibly the ceiling) of one room because it sits higher than the floors of other rooms on that location

•	When you want to specify the height of a node in a landscape mesh

•	In general, when you want to put one item on top of another

Note: FloorPlan does impose some limits on this. For example, you cannot put a set of base cabinets on top of one another.

The three most common ways to set the elevation for an item are:

•	Enter the value in the Elevate dialog when it opens automatically —
For example, when you close a Prepared Site, the Elevate dialog opens with its Elevation text entry box where you can enter the value.

•	Use a local menu to access the Elevate dialog —
For example, when you want landscape berms in your yard, select the landscape mesh, right click and select Edit Nodes, with the cursor select a node and right-click and select Elevate from the node’s local menu to open the Elevate dialog.

•	Enter either the Distance Off Floor or Elevation value in the Size tab of the object’s Property dialog —
For example, select the object or symbol and right-click and select Edit Properties from the local menu, then click the Size tab. If you can elevate the item, there will be a Distance Off Floor or Elevation text entry box where you can specify this property.


Aligning Objects

FloorPlan 3D’s Edit menu commands, Plan in Align and Align Vertically, let you quickly line up one object with another.

To align objects, you first select the anchor object (the object you are aligning to), then the object(s) to align to the anchor. You then select the appropriate Align tool.

Objects align to either the center or the selection box of the anchor object (the selection box is the rectangular border that appears around objects when you select them).


To Align Objects in Plan View Left/Right/Top/Bottom

Menu: Edit|Align in Plan|Left/Right/Top/Bottom

You can align an object to the left, right, top, bottom, or center of another object. To align objects you have to first select them, then choose the appropriate Align tool.

Note: When aligning objects horizontally, you can’t align them so that they sit on top of each other.

To align objects horizontally:

1.	Make sure all objects that you want to align are visible in the current view.

2.	Select the object that you want to align the other objects to. This is called the anchor object.
When you select an object, it is highlighted and surrounded by a selection box.

3.	Press <Shift> and select the object(s) you want to align to the anchor object.
The objects you are aligning (moving) are called the target object.

4.	Right-click in the drawing area and select Align in Plan from the local menu, select Edit|Align in Plan, or click on the corresponding tool in the Alignment toolbar.

5.	Select the appropriate option from the Align in Plan sub-menu.

•	 Align Left — To align the left side of the target object’s selection box to the left side of the anchor object’s selection box, select Left.

•	 Align Right — To align the right side of the target object’s selection box to the right side of the anchor object’s selection box, select Right.

•	 Align Top — To align the top of the target object’s selection box to the top of the anchor object’s selection box, select Top.

•	 Align Bottom — To align the bottom of the target object’s selection box to the bottom of the anchor object’s selection box, select Bottom.

•	 Align Centers Top/Bottom — To align the center of the target object to the top/bottom center of the anchor object, select Center TB.

•	 Align Centers Left/Right — To align the center of the target object to the left/right center of the anchor object, select Center LR.


To Align Objects Vertically Top/Center/Bottom

Menu: Edit|Align Vertically|Top/Center/Bottom

You can align an object to the top, bottom, or center of another object. When you use one of the Align Vertically options, the results are only apparent in 3D view because what you are really doing is adjusting the object’s distance from the floor.

Note: Be careful when using an Align Vertically tool, especially if you’re using it in plan view. You won't see a change in plan view.

To align objects vertically:

Make sure all objects that you want to align are visible in the current view. You may want to switch to 3D view so you can see the results immediately.

1.	Select the object you want to align to. This is referred to as the anchor object.
When you select an object, it is highlighted and surrounded by a selection box.

2.	Press <Shift> and select the object(s) you want to align to the anchor object.
The object you are aligning (moving) is referred to as the target object.

3.	Right-click in the drawing area and select Align Vertically from the local menu, select Edit|Align Vertically or click to appropriate toolbar button:

•	Align Vertically Top — To align the top of the target object’s selection box to the top of the anchor object’s selection box, select Top.

•	Align Vertically Bottom — To align the bottom of the target object’s selection box to the bottom of the anchor object’s selection box, select Bottom.

•	Align Vertically Center — To align the center of the target object to the center of the anchor object, select Center.


To Rotate an Object

1.	Select the object by clicking on it.
You know the object is selected if it is highlighted in another color. You know it can be rotated if a triangular grip appears on the object (usually on a corner).

2.	Position your cursor over the object’s corner grip to change the cursor to the Rotate pointer.  The Rotate pointer

3.	Click and hold down the mouse and move your cursor in a circular motion to rotate the object.

4.	Release the mouse when the object is at the correct position.


To Delete an Object

Menu: Edit|Delete

1.	Select the objectSelecting_Objects>GenTopic Selecting_Objects.

2.	Do one of the following:

•	Press <Delete>.

•	Right-click and select Delete from the local menu

•	Select Edit|Delete.

Tip: If you delete an object by mistake, immediately select Edit|Undo or press <Ctrl> + <Z>.


Properties

Properties define the objects and symbols that make up your database. Different types of information make up the definition of an object.

•	General information (description, supplier, price, unit for counting)

•	Material information (materials and colors used to display objects)

•	Size information (length, width, height, etc.)

Many objects also include detailed information. For example, a door will have information about the type of door leaf used, and a refrigerator will have information about its handles.

These various types of information determine the size and appearance of objects in your drawing and the way they are represented in your material list.

There are two things you can do in the database: add new objects by defining their properties and change the properties of existing objects.

Note: Any additions or changes you make to the database apply to the current drawing only. In other words, these changes or additions will not be available when you open new or other existing drawings. If you want to add items to the database permanently, you must use the Style Manager to do so.

See:

Editing Properties for more information about editing the Properties of objects.


Editing Properties of Objects

When you edit an object, you do so in that object’s Properties dialog. The tabs of the most Properties dialog are General, Material, and Size. Certain objects will have additional Properties tabs depending on their composition and appearance.

You can edit objects locally in your drawing or globally through the database. If you edit an object locally, the changes you make apply only to the one selected object. If you an edit an object from the database, the changes you make apply to all occurrences of that object, except one you might have already been edited locally. You can also change the Description, Price, Unit, and Supplier when you edit an item globally.

Every object in the database has both editable and non-editable properties. Editable properties include material (texture) and color settings as well as certain dimension settings. If field is grayed out on a property page, you know that it is a non-editable property.

Non-editable properties include the Name and certain dimensions. If you want to create an object with a name or dimensions that are different from those of any existing objects, you have to add a new object to the database.

Switching to Edit Mode

You must be in Edit mode when you want to select and edit objects. Normally, you are automatically switched to Edit mode after finishing a command (as when you insert some cabinets and end the process by selecting Finish from local menu).

If, however, you’re currently in a command or are not sure what mode you’re in and you want to edit something, you can just click (Select) on the Insert toolbar. This puts you in Edit mode.


To Specify the Description of an Object

By default, no descriptions are provided for objects in the database because usually the name is enough to easily identify an object. However, you may want to specify a description for objects in your drawing to provide more information about them. Descriptions appear in your material list, so if an object does not have a description specified for it in the database, that field will be blank in the material list.

Note: You can only change the description for objects globally through the database.

To change/specify an object’s description:

1.	Select the object in the database, then click [image] [Edit Properties].

2.	In the object’s Properties dialog, select the General tab.

3.	In the Description box, type the description.

4.	Click [OK].


To Specify the Price of an Object

By default, the price of every object in the database is set to $0.00 because prices obviously vary according to the area your location and supplier. If you want accurate pricing information in your material list, you have to set the unit price for every type of object (material) used in your drawing.

In addition to setting a price, you should specify a unit for counting the object. For example, doors are priced per door, while walls are usually priced per foot.

Note: You can only change the pricing information for objects globally through the database (not locally).

To set an object’s price:

1.	Select the object in the database, then click [image] [Edit Properties].

2.	In the object’s Properties dialog, select the General tab.

3.	In the Price box, type the object’s unit price including cents (such as 129.00).

4.	In the Unit field you may see the unit that is use to quantify (count) the object.

5.	If you want the supplier to be listed in your material list, type the supplier’s name in the Supplier box.

6.	Click [OK].


To Specify the Supplier of an Object

You may want to provide supplier information for an object to complement the pricing information. Supplier information appears in material lists, so if an object has no supplier listed in the database, this field will be blank in the material list.

Note: You can only change the supplier information for objects globally through the database.

To specify supplier information for an object:

1.	Select the object in the database, then click [image] [Properties] in the database.

2.	In the object’s Properties dialog, select the General tab.

3.	In the Supplier box, type the supplier information. Generally, the supplier’s name is sufficient.

4.	Click [OK].


To Include or Exclude an Object from the Material List

You can choose whether or not you want a specific item to be excluded from the material list (by default, all items are included).

1.	Select the object in the database, then click [image] [Properties] in the database.

2.	Select the General tab of the object’s property pages.

3.	Select the Include in Quantity check box if you want the item to be extracted for the material list.
If you want to exclude the item in your material list, clear this check box.

4.	Click [OK].


General Properties

Specifying General Properties

When adding a new object to the database, you can control all general properties of that object (name, description, supplier, unit price, whether or not it is quantifiable). When editing an existing object, you can edit all general properties except the name.

The information on the General property page is reflected in the material list.

Name — the name of the object or symbol; make it descriptive so program users can tell one object from another

Description — enter any other description beyond the name that might be of use to people using the program

Supplier — enter the name of the firm who supplies the object as the stated price

Price — enter the price of the object, when entering prices, be consistent if you include shipping, sales tax (and so on) for one object, include it for all

Unit — enter the unit of measure for the object, for example, each, dozen, box, pound

Include in Quantity — Check this box if you want to include the cost of this object in the calculated room price

Hyperlink — Click this button to define a Hyperlink that provides more information about the object


Hyperlink

You can attach Hyperlinks to any drawing object in FloorPlan 3D. Hyperlinks can attach a wide variety of resources to your drawing. You can hyperlink to Web sites, HTML pages, text files, and Microsoft Word and Excel files. If possible linked items are opened in the Internet Palette. If the Internet Palette does not support the item type, the item will be opened in its native program.

Tip: Hyperlinks to unsupported file types will fail if their native program is not available.

You can define a hyperlink for any object in your drawing. You can define it for one instance of the object, for all instances of that object in the drawing, or you can use the Style Manager to add it to the database so it's available for all drawings.


To Define a Hyperlink

To define a hyperlink for one instance of an object:

1.	In Plan View, select an object in your drawing. For example, select an appliance.

2.	Right-click and, from the local menu, select Edit Properties.

3.	In the General tab of the Properties dialog, click [Hyperlink]. The Define Hyperlink dialog opens.

4.	In the Hyperlink box, type a name for the hyperlink. This name is for you reference so you can select any name.

5.	In the File Path or Web box, type the full path to the Web Site or file to which you want to link.

6.	Click [OK].

To define a hyperlink for all instances of an object in a drawing:

1.	In the database window select an object.

2.	Click the [Properties] button.

3.	In the General tab of the Properties dialog, click [Hyperlink]. The Define Hyperlink dialog opens.

4.	In the Hyperlink box, type a name for the hyperlink. This name is for you reference so you can select any name.

5.	In the File Path or Web box, type the full path to the Web Site or file to which you want to link.

6.	Click [OK]. Now, any instance of that object that you add to your drawing will have the Hyperlink specified. To update the object in the database so that the hyperlink is attached to that object when used in other drawings, see Using the Style Manager .


To Activate a Hyperlink

Once you define a hyperlink for an object, you can activate it at any time.

To activate a hyperlink:

1.	Select the object that contains the hyperlink.

2.	Right-click and from the local menu select Goto Hyperlink.


Material Properties

Specifying Material Properties

Every object in the database can have a texture or color assigned to it to make it look more in your drawing. For example, a brick wall can have a brick texture assigned to it to make it look like a real brick wall (instead of just a shaded surface) when you view your drawing in 3D. Material settings also determine what color objects will be displayed in when you’re in Plan View.

Material settings are especially important when creating a rendered or photorealistic view. Most objects have two or more material settings - one for every component that makes up the object. A cabinet, for example, will have individual material settings for the cabinet body, the countertop and the door leaf.

Material settings consist of the following:

•	A surface property selection (e.g., wood or glass) that determines the general appearance of the object’s surface (glass is shiny, wood is more dull).

•	A texture or color assignment.

You can change the material/color setting of a selected object in your drawing or make a change globally through the database. If changing the color/material setting globally for an object, the change applies to all occurrences of that object.

FloorPlan stores materials in the Material Library

FloorPlan stores materials in the Material Libbrary which you can access by clicking on the Material box in the object’s Property dialog Material tab. When you open the Material Library dialog, click the plus sign (+) to the left of the options listed to expand the list of materials. When you find the material you want, select it and click OK to return to the Properties dialog.

To set/change an object’s material setting:

1.	Select the object whose material setting you want to change either in your drawing or in the database. If you select an object in your drawing, only that individual object will be changed.

•	If changing an individual object in your drawing, double-click it, or select it then right-click it and select Edit Properties from the local menu.

•	If changing the color/material setting globally through the database, click [image] [Edit Properties] in the database.

2.	In the object’s Properties dialog, select the Material tab.

3.	Set the texture or color for the elements as desired:

•	Element — the part of the object or symbol

•	Material Type — the type of material that makes up the element – click the drop-down list to choose the type of surface for the element

•	Material Texture — the texture that makes up the element – click in the box to open the Material Library where you can choose a texture from an expandable list

•	Color — the color of the element – click in the box to open the Color dialog where you can change the color

•	Texture Direction — (for Custom Objects) select the direction that the texture will run for that particular material from the drop-down list. Choose:
None — if there is no texture
X — if the texture follows the X axis
Y — if the texture follows the Y axis
Z — if the texture follows the Z axis

4.	Once you’ve made your selections, click [OK].


Size Properties

Specifying an Object's Dimensions and Composition

Every object in the database has some settings that determine its measurements. For example, a cabinet has measurements for its height, width, and depth. The available settings vary depending on the object. For most objects you’ll find these settings on an object’s Size or Dimensions property page in the database. Some objects have additional property pages that determine its composition and/or appearance.

You can’t change most dimensions of objects that already exist in the database, although some objects have one or more dimensions that are "editable". However, you are free to control all dimensions if you are adding a new object to the database.

Note: Certain types of objects cannot be added to the database. For example, you can’t add a new light or chair to the database because these types of objects have permanently fixed dimensions.

Click on a link for a particular object for direction on how to define Size Properties like dimension, composition, and detail properties. They are written with the assumption that you are adding a new object to the database or importing measurements from a 3DS file .For objects that are not listed here, you can generally follow the diagram in the Size tab to supply the measurements needed.

About Walls Size Properties

About Door Size Properties

About Window Size Properties

About Stair Size Properties

About Balustrade Size Properties

About Column Size Properties

About Roof Size Properties

About Cabinet Size Properties

Light Sources

Site Properties

To Specify Dimensions for a Tree


About Symbols

Any object that you insert instead of draw (walls, stairs, and balustrades are drawn) is called a symbol. Symbols are representations of objects that you can use in any floor plan. Examples include appliances, furniture, and plumbing fixtures.

Symbols are part of your database. You can control the individual properties of a symbol in the database. If inserting a fridge, for example, you can specify its height, width, and even the length of its handles before inserting it.

Symbols can be found on your Insert toolbar. All you need to know before inserting a symbol is the category the symbol belongs to.

Inserting Symbols, Cabinets, and Site Boundaries

Once you’ve got the basic structure of your model completed, you can add a variety of finishing touches to make your design look more true-to-life. FloorPlan treats symbol very much like Objects.

You can insert:

•	Symbols (appliances, furniture, plumbing fixtures, etc.)

•	Cabinet work

•	Site information

All finishing items are located on the Insert toolbar.


Displaying/Hiding Symbols

You can temporarily hide all existing symbols or the symbols on a selected location using the display filter feature. You display/hide symbols by category (e.g., furniture, appliances).

To display/hide symbols:

1.	Click the [image] [Display Filter], or select View|Display Filter.

2.	From the Sort By drop box, choose Element.

3.	To display/hide all of a certain symbol type (e.g., Furniture) on all locations, click the light bulb icon next to the appropriate symbol option. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the symbols are currently displayed. If the light bulb is not lit (white), the symbols are currently hidden from view.

4.	To display/hide a symbol type on a specific location, expand the filter tree below the appropriate symbol option and click the light bulb icon next to the desired floor location.

5.	Click [OK].


Adding New Symbols

When adding a new symbol to the database, you can control all its dimensions to suit your needs. In most cases, symbol dimensions are controlled through the symbol’s Size property page. Some symbols have additional properties that determine some aspect of their composition or appearance. For example, a refrigerator has a property page dedicated to the dimension of its handle.

Note: Certain types of objects cannot be added to the database. For example, you can’t add a new light or chair to the database because these types of objects have permanently fixed dimensions.

About Symbols

Inserting Symbols

Importing Symbols

Editing Symbol Properties


To Specify Dimensions for a Tree

When adding a new tree to the database, you can make it virtually any size or shape. You can even remove a tree’s trunk to simulate a bush. When specifying dimensions for a tree, you can control the dimensions of the trunk and main part individually to get the result you want.

To specify the dimensions for a new tree, select the Tree Page tab in the Tree Properties dialog.

The following is a description of each field on the Tree page.

Height — The height of the bushy part of the tree.

Lower Radius — The radius of the bottom of the bushy part of the tree. The smaller the radius, the thinner the bottom will be.

Upper Radius — The radius of the top of the bushy part of the tree. The smaller the radius, the thinner the top will be.

Overall Width — The diameter of the widest part of the tree.

Lower Offset — The cut-off line of the bottom of the bushy part of the tree in relation to the lower tip of the bushy part.

Upper Offset — The cut-off line of the top of the bushy part of the tree in relation to the upper tip of the bushy part.

Trunk Height — The distance from the ground to the underside of the bushy part of the tree.

Top Trunk Radius — The radius of the upper portion of the trunk. The larger the radius, the wider the top of the trunk will be.

Btm. Trunk Radius — The radius of the bottom of the trunk. The larger the radius, the wider the bottom of the trunk will be.


Inserting Symbols

Menu: Insert|Appliances/Furniture/Plumbing/Electrical/Accessories

Symbols include items like appliances, furniture and plumbing fixtures.

To insert a symbol:

1.	From the Location toolbar, select the floor you want to assign the symbol to.

2.	Click the button representing the general category that contains the symbol you want to insert, or choose it from the Insert toolbar (for example, if you are inserting a fridge, choose the Appliances category).

3.	Select the symbol you want to insert from the database. An image of the symbol appears on the screen.

4.	Move your cursor to position the symbol in the desired spot.

Tip: If inserting the symbol against a wall, notice that when you touch the wall, the back of the object snaps to the wall. In most cases, this is a helpful positioning feature. If, however, you don’t want the back of the object against the wall, you can always insert it that way for now and rotate it or move it later.

5.	Click to insert the symbol.

6.	You have the following options:

•	To finish the task, press <Enter> or <Spacebar>, or right-click and select Finish from the local menu.

•	To cancel the task, press <Esc> or right-click and select Cancel from the menu.

Once you have inserted the symbol, you may need to elevate it so it can sit on another piece of furniture. For example, you may have a vase in your design that you want to place on a table.

To elevate a symbol:

1.	Select a symbol already in your drawing, and right-click to open its local menu;

2.	Select Elevate On to open the Elevate On dialog.

3.	Enter the height of the object that your symbol will sit on.

4.	Click OK to close the dialog.

Once the Elevate On feature is activated, you can change the elevation at which the symbol sits by selecting the symbol, right clicking and selecting Edit Properties from the local menu. Then you can go to the Size tab and change the entry in the Distance Off Floor entry box.


Deleting Symbols

The process for deleting a symbols is the same as deleting an object.

Menu: Edit|Delete

To delete a symbol

1.	Select the object.

2.	Do one of the following:

•	Press <Delete>.

•	Right-click and select Delete from the local menu

3.	Select Edit|Delete.

Tip: If you delete an object by mistake, immediately select Edit|Undo or press <Ctrl> + <Z>.


Editing Symbol Properties

Most symbols have the following properties:

•	General information (name, description, price, and so on)

•	Material settings (type of materials, textures and colors

•	Size dimensions for height and width, and other dimensions that define the size of the symbol.

Some symbols have additional properties that control their appearance or composition. A refrigerator, for example, has properties that control the size of its handles.

Certain properties are editable, while others are not. The number of non-editable properties depends on whether you are editing a wall locally (in your drawing) or globally through the database. If adding a new symbol to the database, you can edit all properties initially.

See also:

General Properties

Material Properties

Size Properties


Importing Symbols

Importing a New Custom Object from a 3DS File

You can create new custom objects by specifying their geometry and materials from an external file generated by any program that produces files in the 3DS format.

To import a new custom object and add it to the database:

1.	Select the category to which you would like to add the object. You can select from

•	Cabinets

•	Appliances

•	Furniture

•	Plumbing

•	Electrical

•	Accessories

2.	Select the corresponding "CUSTOM..." entry from the list of categories and click [image] (Add New).

3.	Specify the desired properties for the object, starting with the Name on the General tab.

Note: You only have control over an object’s name when you are adding a new object to the database. Once an object has been added to the database, you can’t change its name.

4.	Select the Custom Object tab.

5.	Choose the 3D source file name by typing the file name in the Source File box, or browse for the file by clicking [Browse].

6.	Change the Category and Subcategory if you want to add the object to a different category.

7.	Change the names of the materials used by the object by highlighting and then clicking on the material names in the Material names box. As you highlight the material names, the preview window will show only the parts of the object that use that material.

Note: You can assign different materials to the object at any time by going to the Materials tab of the dialog.

8.	Select the Size tab.

9.	Set the scale of the imported object, choosing Inches, Millimeters, or enter the length of the source file’s distance unit in millimeters in the Custom box.

10.	If the object was not originally saved with the Z axis up, choose the X or Y radio button, as appropriate.

11.	Verify the Width, Depth, and Height values, or scale the object by changing these values.

12.	Set the desired distance off of the floor for the object.

13.	Change the Snap Edge depending upon which edge that you want to snap the wall to.

14.	When you’ve specified all of the new object’s properties, click [OK].


Copy and Paste

Copy and Paste are standard Windows editing commands. You can copy selected items to the clipboard, then Paste them in a location that you have selected. When you Paste, you place items on the Clipboard in the place that you have selected.


Room Properties

A room is a closed contour that you get while drawing walls. If you click within the room area it becomes selected and you can bring up the Room Properties dialog using the Edit Properties options of the local menu.

You can choose the Room Name, turn on and off displaying the room name and room square. You can define the room allowance and then compare it with the actual costs in the Material list. You can also edit the properties of walls, ceiling and floor related to the room.

Room Name List — By default FloorPlan assigns the default names Room(0), Room(1), etc. to the new-created rooms. You can enter here the room name or choose the appropriated one from the drop-down list box.

Display Room Name Checkbox — If this option is checked the room name is displayed on your drawing within the room area.

Square Footage — You can see the room square size in this field.

Display Area Value — If this option is checked the room square value is displayed on your drawing within the room area.

Room Allowance — You can specify here your estimated cost for the room design. When you finish the room design, you can see the result of comparing this value with the actual costs in the Material List (Tools|Material List…), Comment/Room Allowance column.

Properties

•	Walls — Click the Walls Properties button to bring up the Wall Properties dialog where you can change some wall properties. You can then apply them either to the walls of some rooms, or to all the rooms on the current floor.

•	Ceiling Properties — Click the Ceiling Properties button to bring up the Ceiling Properties dialog where you can change some ceiling properties. You can then apply them either to the ceilings of some rooms, or to all the rooms on the current floor.

•	Floor Properties — Click the Floor Properties button to bring up the Floor Properties dialog where you can change some floor properties. You can then apply them either to the floors of some rooms, or to all the rooms on the current floor.


Apply To

When you reach the Wall, Ceiling, or Floor Properties dialogs through the Room Properties dialog, the Walls, Ceiling, and Floor Properties dials each have an Apply To tab. In that tab, you can apply the properties for that room’s wall, floor, or ceiling to other rooms.

To reach the Room Properties dialog:

1.	Right-click on the floor of a room.

2.	Select Edit Properties from the Local menu to open the Room Properties dialog.

When you click the Wall, Ceiling, or Floor button, the corresponding Properties dialog appears with an additional Apply To tab. Adjust the properties of the wall, ceiling, or floor for the current room on the General, Material, and Size tabs. If you wish to apply the same property to other rooms on the same level, click the Apply To tab to move to that page. Now you can apply the same floor properties to other rooms.

To apply the properties to other rooms:

1.	Check the types of the properties that you want to apply (Material, Size, Base Level) in the Apply control group.

2.	Select the room(s) that you wish to apply properties to from the "Select from the list" list box.
Click Add. The name of the room will move to the Apply to list box.

3.	If you want to apply the properties to all the rooms in the current floor, click Add the whole floor button. All room names of the current floor will appear in the Apply to list box.

4.	Click [OK] to finish.


Database

The database contains the definitions of all of the objects and symbols that you use to create your model. Items in the database are listed by Type. For example, you would find chest freezers listed under the Appliance type, Stud walls would be under the walls type, and sliding doors under the Doors type.

When you create new objects, they are not automatically added to the database. You must add them using the Style Manager if you want the object to be available for other designs. Use the Tools|Style Manager command to reach the Style Manager.

FloorPlan also provides two database utilities that allow maintain your database by compacting or repairing it. Use the Tools|Database command to reach the database utilities.

Database Tools

To repair the database

Style Manager

To add an item to the database

To delete and item from the database

To compact the database


Database Tools

Menu: Tools|Database…

The Database command provides tools for compacting or repairing the database.


To Compact the Database

Over time, the structure of your database can become fragmented. This can result in wasted disk space and poor performance. FloorPlan 3D allows you to compact (defragment) your database. If you never add or remove items from your database, the database should not require compacting.

To compact the database:

1.	Select Tools|Database.

2.	In the Database Tools dialog, click [Compact database].

3.	Click [X] in the upper right corner to close the dialog.

Tip: If you frequently add, update, or delete database items, you should compact the database regularly.


To Repair the Database

Your database can become damaged for a variety of reasons. For example, the power might go out while the program is writing to the database. You can repair this damage.

To repair the database:

1.	Select Tools|Database.

2.	In the Database Tools dialog, click [Repair database].

3.	Click [X] in the upper right corner to close the dialog.


Style Manager

Menu: Tools|Style Manager…

The Style Manager is a dialog that helps you manage the items in your database. With the Style Manager you can:

•	Add items to the database.

•	Update items in the database.

•	Delete items from the database.

When you install FloorPlan 3D, the database contains a variety of items including walls, cabinets, and other symbols. If you add new symbols or styles to a drawing, those items are added to the current drawing but not the database. For more information on adding symbols to a drawing see: Adding a New Object to the Database for a Single Drawing. The Style Manager allows you to place new items from your drawing into the database.

Add/Update—allows you to update the database with the elements you have created in your drawing.

Delete—click this button to remove the selected element from the database.

Restore—restores the default database (recreates all deleted styles).

Database

To Add an Item to the Database

To Delete an Item from the Database


To Add an Item to the Database

When you add new symbols or styles to a drawing, or update existing styles, those items are added to the current drawing but not the database. If you want these items available for use in other drawings, you must add them to the database.

To add an item to the database:

1.	Make sure the drawing containing the items you want to add is open. For information about adding items new see: Adding a New Object to the Database for a Single Drawing.

2.	Select Tools|Style Manager to open the Style Manager dialog.
In the Style Manager dialog, the items in the active drawing are listed to the right and the items in the database are listed to the left.

3.	In the Styles in Drawing group, select the item you want to add to the database.

4.	Click [Add/Update]. The item is added to the Styles in Database group.

5.	Click [Close] to exit the Style Manager.


To Delete an Item from the Database

Using the Style Manager dialog you can remove items from your database. When you remove an item, you cannot recover it without restoring the default database.

To delete an item:

1.	Select Tools|Style Manager.

2.	In the Styles in Database group, select the item you want to delete from the database.

3.	In the Style Manager dialog, click [Delete]. The item is removed from the database.

4.	Click [Close] to exit the Style Manager.


Material List

Viewing a Material List

 	Menu: Tools|Material List…

You can view a material list complete with material descriptions, prices, and quantities in a single mouse click.

Note: There are no default prices set for materials in the database. If you want accurate pricing in your material list, you should either set the unit prices for materials in your database or specify the unit prices in the material list.

To view a materials list:

1.	Click [image] [Material List] on the Tools toolbar, or select Tools|Material List.

2.	You have five options. Click the desired button:

•	To print the material list, click [Print ].

•	To change the font used for your material list, click [Font ].

•	To turn off the list’s gridlines, click [Gridlines ].

•	To save the Material List with another name or file location, click [Save As]

•	To exit the dialog, click [Exit].

See

To change the appearance of the Material List

To print the Material List


To Change the Appearance of the Material List

You change the appearance of a material list directly in the Material List dialog. You can turn the gridlines off and change the font.

•	To turn the gridlines off, click [image] [Gridlines].

•	To change the font used for the material list text, click [image] [Font], then make your selections from the Font dialog.

Note: If you want to change the actual information represented in the material list, such as unit prices or descriptions, you can do this directly in the Material List dialog by double-clicking the field containing the information you want to change. This does not change the information in the database (it only changes it for the current material list). If you want the changes to be reflected in your database, make the changes in your database, then view the material list again.


To Print the Material List

You can print your material list directly from the Material List dialog.

To print your material list:

1.	Click [image] [Print] in the Material List dialog.

2.	In the Print dialog, select the appropriate printer, then click [OK].


Annotating Your Drawing with Text Labels and Dimension Information

Adding Text and Dimensions

Text lets you and others know what’s what at a glance. You can create any type of text label you want and insert it anywhere on your drawing. You may, for example, want to label all the rooms in your design. You can even control the appearance of the text (font, size, etc.). Each time you create a label, it is stored in a list in the Insert Text dialog so you can re-use it at any time.

Dimensions are labels that FloorPlan 3D puts on walls to show their length. Dimensions update themselves as you change the objects they are associated with. FloorPlan 3D provides several options for controlling the appearance of dimensions so you can create your own dimension style. For example, you might prefer to have the dimension text inside the dimension line instead of above it.

By default, dimensions are not visible, but you can turn them on at any time. See Dimension Settings General Tab


Inserting Text

 	Menu: Tools|Text

To insert a text label:

1.	Click the [Text] button on the Tools toolbar, or select Tools|Text.

2.	Type your text in the text window or make a selection from the Quick List drop-down list. If making a selection from the Quick List, click [image] (Insert) next to the Quick List box to insert the label in the text window.

3.	Edit controls let you perform standard editing operations on the text

•	Cut

•	Copy

•	Paste

•	Delete

•	Undo

4.	Alignment controls help you align the text

•	Align left

•	Align Center

•	Align right:

5.	Other edit controls let you work with the items in the Quick List

•	Add

•	Delete

•	Insert

6.	Once the text appears the way you would like in the preview window, click [OK]. A rectangle appears attached to your cursor. The rectangle gives you an idea of how much space the text will take up.

7.	Position the rectangle by moving your cursor, then click to insert the text.


Editing Text

You can make changes to text before or after inserting it. You can change the content, justification, and font properties of text.

If you haven’t inserted the text yet, make your changes directly in the Insert Text dialog before inserting it.

If you want to make changes to text that’s already been inserted in your drawing, double-click it, or select it and then right-click it and select Edit Properties from the local menu. This takes you to the Insert Text dialog.

Changing the Justification of Text

You can change the justification of text before or after you insert it. You can choose either a left, right, or centered justification. By default, text is left-justified.

To change the justification of text:

1.	If you are changing the justification of text that’s already been inserted, double-click it, or select it and then right-click it and select Edit Properties from the local menu (otherwise go to the next step).

2.	In the Insert Text dialog, click the appropriate justification button.

Left/Center/Right

3.	Click [OK].

Editing Text Content

You can change the content of a text label before or after inserting it.

•	To change the content of a text label before inserting it, simply make changes in the text window of the Insert Text dialog.

•	To change the content of a text label that you’ve already inserted in your drawing, double-click it, or select it and then right-click it and select Edit Properties from the local menu. This takes you to the Insert Text dialog.

Changing Font Properties

A number of properties make up a font. These include font name, style, color, size, and pitch.

You can change the font (or individual font properties) used for text before or after you insert the text.

To change the font:

1.	If you are changing the font of text that’s already been inserted, double-click it, or select it and then right-click it and select Edit Properties from the local menu (otherwise, go to the next step).

2.	In the Insert Text dialog, select the Fonts tab.

3.	Make the desired font property selections. These are outlined below:

•	Font Name. Name of the font. The default is Arial.

•	Style. Regular, bold, italic, bold italic, etc.

•	Color. Text color. Click the color box to bring up a Color dialog.

•	Size. Size of the text (measured in drawing units).

•	Fixed Pitch. If enabled, characters are spaced equally.


Viewing Dimensions

  	Menu: Tools |Dimensions…

By default, dimensions are not visible. You can, however, turn them on whenever you want using the display filter feature or by making a selection in the Dimension Settings dialog.

When you turn dimensions on, you’ll see that each individual wall is dimensioned. If a wall contains an opening, it will have two sets of dimensions: one set on either side of the opening showing the length of wall to each side of the opening, and an overall dimension showing the total length of the wall including the opening. You’ll also notice overall dimensions on each side of your exterior wall layout. Each overall dimension shows the total length of a particular side of the house or building.

To display dimensions using the display filter:

1.	Click [image] [Display Filter] on the Tools toolbar or Inspector Bar, or select View|Display Filter.

2.	From the Sort By drop box, choose Element.

•	To display/hide all dimensions (on all locations), simply click the light bulb icon next to the Dimensions option. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the dimensions are currently turned on. If the light bulb is not lit (white), the dimensions are currently turned off.

•	To display/hide dimensions on a specific location, expand the filter tree below the Dimensions option by clicking the plus sign (+), then click the light bulb icon of the desired location.

3.	Click [OK].

To display dimensions through the dimension settings dialog:

1.	Click [image] [Dimensions] on the Tools toolbar or Inspector Bar, or select Tools|Dimensions to open the Dimension Settings dialog to its General tab.

2.	On the General tab, check the Display Dimensions check box.

3.	Click [OK] to accept the setting.


To Change the Dimension Style

To change your dimension style, click the [image] [Dimensions] on the Tools toolbar, or select Tools|Dimensions to open the Dimension Settings dialog.

•	To change the general appearance of the dimension (dimension line, extension lines, arrows, or text location), select the General tab.

•	To change the way dimensions work around openings and interior walls, select the Walls tab.

•	To change the font, style, size or color of the dimension text, select the Fonts tab.


Dimension Settings General Tab

The General page of the Dimension Settings dialog lets you control the basic components of the dimensions displayed in your drawings: the dimension line, extension lines, arrows, and text location. Here is a look at what you can do:

To change general dimension settings:

1.	Click the [image] [Dimensions] on the Tools toolbar or on the Inspector Bar, or select Tools|Dimensions.

2.	To change the general appearance of the dimension (dimension line, extension lines, arrows, or text location), select the General tab.

•	Text Location — set the location of dimension text with respect to the dimension line (above or inside)

•	Dimension Lines — set the spacing and offset of the dimension lines

Spacing Factor — enter the factor that you want dimension lines spaced from one another

Offset Factor — enter the factor that you want dimension lines offset from the wall objects

•	Color — set the color of the dimension line and extension lines.

Dimension Line Color — click the Color box to open the Color Dialog where you can pick a color for this type of line

Extension Line Color — — click the Color box to open the Color Dialog where you can pick a color for this type of line

•	Extension Lines — Choose adjustable or fixed extension lines.

•	Arrow Type — Choose arrows, ticks, or dots as your arrowhead type.

•	Rounding Factor — Specify a rounding factor for dimension values.

•	Display Dimensions checkbox — check this box to display dimensions in your drawings; clear this box to hide dimensions from your drawings

3.	Move to the other Dimension Properties tabs or click [OK] to set these preferences and return to the desktop.

•	To change the way dimensions work around openings and interior walls, select the Walls tab.

•	To change the font, style, size, or color of the dimension text, select the Fonts tab.


Dimension Settings Walls Tab

Changing Dimensioning Around Walls and Openings

The Walls page of the Dimension Settings dialog lets you control the way dimensions work around openings and interior walls.

To change wall dimension settings:

1.	Click the [image] [Dimensions] on the Tools toolbar or on the Inspector Bar, or select Tools|Dimensions.

2.	In the Dimension Settings dialog, select the Walls tab.

3.	Check the Enable checkboxes to require dimensions for Openings and Interior Walls; clear the respective checkboxes to hide dimensions for Openings or Interior Walls.

4.	Activate the radio button for the dimension style that you want for Openings, either to the center of the openings or to their outside edges.

5.	Activate the radio button for the dimension style that you want for Interior Walls, either to the center of the interior walls or to their outside edges.

6.	Move to the other Dimension Properties tabs or click [OK] to set these preferences and return to the desktop.


Dimension Settings Fonts Tab

Changing the Style of Dimension Text

The Fonts page of the Dimension Settings dialog lets you control the style and size of dimension text.

To change font settings:

1.	Click the [image] [Dimensions] on the Tools toolbar or Inspector Bar, or select Tools|Dimensions.

2.	In the Dimension Settings dialog, select the Fonts tab.

3.	Change the settings as needed:

•	Font Name — select the name of the Font that you want to use from the list

•	Fixed Pitch — check this checkbox if you want every character to take the same space, for example you would want an ‘i" to take the same space as an "m"

•	Style — choose a style from the drop-down list: Regular, Bold, Italic, Bold Italic

•	Color — click the Color box to open the Color dialog where you can pick a color for the Fonts

•	Size — enter the height that you want the Font to be in the drawing units (Feet and Inches, CM or MM) and to the scale of your drawing

•	Charset — pick the type character set for your Font from the list: Central European, Cyrillic, Greek, Turkish, Western

4.	When you set your preferences, move to another tab or click [OK] to return to the desktop.


Working with Your Building Site First

If your building site is raised or not on level ground, or if you intend to include custom landscaping as a part of your FloorPlan 3D design, you will want to establish the physical topography and layout of your site before you place the structure in your drawing.

You can enter information about your site using several FloorPlan 3D tools:

•	the elevation of a prepared site using the Prepared Site tool

•	the terrain of your site using the Landscape tool

•	boundary information using the Site Information tool

•	site symbols using the Site Information tool

•	fences and gates using the Site Information tool or the Fence or Gates tools

•	garden structures using the Site Information tool

•	landscape elements using the Site Information tool

•	pools and spas using the Site Information tool

•	custom information using the Site Information tool

You will want to enter Site information in a systematic order:

•	Site Boundaries

•	Landscape or terrain information

•	elevation of the Prepared Site

•	existing landscape elements such as trees already on the site

At this point you can focus on your structure by adding all of the locations that you will want to use in your model. As you add the Location, you can set the floor level, head, ceiling, and wall heights for each Location.

Then you can go on to inserting building elements such as walls, windows, doors, roofs, and so on that you will locate on each level.

Once you complete the structure, you can complete the landscaping and garden structures outside of the building.


Site Information

Inserting a Site Boundary

 	Menu: Insert|Site Information

The site boundary is the legal property boundary. It shows the shape and dimensions of your building lot as well as the building setbacks from the boundary lines.

You can choose from four lot shapes in the FloorPlan 3D database: rectangular, square, L-shaped, and pie-shaped lots. Each lot boundary has default dimensions, but you can add a new site boundary to the database to suit your particular project.

Tip: You can add trees and site symbols (e.g., North arrow) to your site. Simply select the Site Information tool and choose the appropriate item from the database.

To insert a site boundary:

1.	Click the [Site Information] button on the Insert toolbar, or select Insert|Site Information.

2.	Select the site boundary you want to insert from the database. An image of the boundary is attached to your cursor.

3.	Position the boundary by moving your cursor, then click to insert it.


Site Properties

Site properties include the following:

•	General information (name, description, etc.)

•	Color settings

•	Control over size and shape of site boundary

•	Option for including text along with site boundary

Certain properties are editable, while others are not. The number of non-editable properties depends on whether you are editing a boundary locally (in your drawing) or globally through the database. When you add a new boundary to the database, you can edit all properties initially.


To Define the Boundaries of a Site

When adding a new site boundary to the database you can control the shape and size of your lot boundary as well as the building setback values.

You can add new property lines (bearings) or change the length or angle of existing property lines. You can also change the setback from each property line.

To specify a site boundary:

1.	In the Site Properties dialog, select the Lot Boundary tab.

2.	Choose the lot line you want to change from the Peg No. drop box. If you want to open the boundary so you can add a new property line, click [Open]. You’ll notice the Bearing box says New.

3.	Use the necessary options as listed below:

•	To change the length of the bearing, type the desired length in the Length field.

•	To change the angle of the bearing, specify it in the Angle field using the degree/minute/second format.

•	To change the distance of the setback line from the property line, type the desired distance in the Setback field.

•	To change the side of the property line the setback line is on, choose either Left or Right from the Setback Side drop box.

•	To change the arc angle of the property line, specify it in the Angle field in the Arc group using the degree/minute/second format.

•	To change the direction of the arc of the property (if an arc angle has been specified), choose either Left or Right from the drop box next to the Angle field.

4.	If you don’t want to include any site measurement text with the boundary, clear the Annotate Lot Line check box (by default, it is selected).

5.	Once you’ve defined a property line, you have the following options:

•	If you’re adding a new property line, click [Add] to add it to the boundary.

•	If you’re changing an existing property line, simply choose the next property line you want to change (if any) from the Peg No. drop box.

•	If you’ve opened the boundary and want to close it, click [Close].

6.	Once all your property lines are defined and the boundary is closed, click [OK].


Prepared Sites

 	Menu: Tools|Prepared Site

Once you have defined the terrain of you site and specified the site boundaries, you can prepare the building site as you would in a real life project. FloorPlan 3D uses the Prepared Site tool to specify a leveled or prepared area where you will lay your foundation.

The prepared site also allows you to accommodate a basement location if your plan calls for one. Adding a prepared site is simple.

To add a Prepared Site:

1.	In Plan View, click [image] (Prepared Site) on the toolbar or select Tools|Prepared Site from the menu. The cursor will change to indicate that you can begin outlining the area for the Prepared Site.

2.	Position the cursor on the first corner for the site and click to anchor it. A blue line attaches to the cursor.

3.	Stretch the blue line to the next corner of the prepared area and click. As you continue stretching the line, FloorPlan 3D displays the length of the current line.

4.	Continue around the Prepared site, clicking at each corner.

5.	When you have clicked all of the corners and only need to close the last leg, right-click to open the local menu. Select Close to close the prepared site boundary. Or you can choose from these other options:

•	Finish — to end control of the Prepared Site Command

•	Close — to close the last leg of the Prepared Site

•	One step back — to undo the last click

•	Cancel — to cancel all of the work done in this command and return to the desktop.

6.	When you select Close, FloorPlan closes the last leg and opens the Elevate dialog. Enter the height for the prepared site and click OK to set its height.


Slabs

Laying down a Slab

You can lay down a slab foundation for your building using the Insert Slab tool from the tool bar of selecting Construct}Slabs from the menu.

To insert a slab foundation:

1.	Click (Slab) from the tool bar or select Construct}Slabs from the menu

2.	Choose a predefined slab from the lists and click in your drawing where you want to place the slab.

3.	If you need to, select the slab and reposition it using the move or rotation grips.

4.	If you need to change the thickness of the slab, select the slab and right-click to open its local menu.

5.	Select Edit Properties to open the properties dialog and click Size to move to the Size tab.

6.	Enter the new value for the thickness and click [OK} to set the property.


Preparing the Site for Landscaping

 	 Menu: Construct|Landscape

Use the Landscape tool to define the terrain of your site as it is or as you want it to be. Once you have the terrain set up the way you want, you can add items from the Site Information symbols to complete your landscaped design. You will find the Landscape tool on the Construct menu or on the Insert toolbar.

 	Menu: Insert|Site Information

Landscaping items are stored in the database as symbols under Site Information. They include items such as:

Trees

Shrubs

Plants

This category also includes Garden Structures, Fences and Gates, and Pools and Spas.

Specifying Properties for Custom Landscape Items

You can add custom items to the database using the Custom Object type and clicking Add New below the database list.

When adding a new symbol to the database, you can control all its dimensions to suit your needs. Usually, dimensions are controlled through the symbol’s Size tab like those on the Tree Properties dialog.

Some symbols have additional properties that determine other aspect of their composition or appearanceAll Custom Objects will have Custom Object Properties which define the:

•	Source File for the object

•	Save Object In Category and Sub-category where you want the object located in the database

•	Material Names which identify the parts of the objects which you can assign textures to.


Landscape Mesh

FloorPlan 3D allows you to insert a "mesh" over your site so you can simulate the topography or terrain of your landscaped area. You can add, delete or edit points (called nodes) of the mesh to specify the exact elevation of each point. Use the Landscape mesh to define berms, graded slopes, sloped areas held by retaining walls, and other landscaping features in your outdoor area.

Once you sculpt the land, you can add Site Information symbols to complete the landscape layout.

Custom Landscape

Adding a Tree


Walls

Drawing walls in FloorPlan 3D is just like drawing lines on a piece of paper. However, when you draw walls in FloorPlan 3D, you are doing more than just drawing lines on the screen. You are using an actual wall from the database. This makes your design more realistic and lets you generate an accurate materials list.

It is generally easiest if you create the layout of your exterior walls first, then add your interior walls. You can choose from a number of different wall types in the database, including stud and brick walls. You can even draw invisible walls to separate an area into different parts.

You add new walls by simply pointing and clicking with your mouse. As you draw, auto-dimensioning appears alongside the wall, which adjusts as you move your pointer. This lets you know automatically how long the wall is and helps you create the wall at the correct length.

Like all other objects in FloorPlan 3D, walls are assigned to specific location (such as the Ground Floor location). This is what allows you to create multiple levels and insert objects on the correct level.

Automatic Floors and Ceilings

When you enclose a space with walls, FloorPlan 3D automatically creates the floor and ceiling surfaces for you.

Automatic Cleanup

When you draw a wall that intersects another wall, FloorPlan 3D automatically "cleans up" the intersection so the two walls are joined together smoothly.


Adding New Walls

You can insert a wall into your drawing or add a new wall by specifying its properties and then add it to your design.

 	Menu: Construct|Walls

To define a new wall:

1.	Select a wall from the database that is similar to the wall that you want to define.

2.	Click Add New below the database list to open the Walls Properties dialog.

3.	Define the wall on the various property tabs. Be sure to give the item a unique name.

4.	When you are satisfied with you descriptions, click [OK] to return tot he drawing area.

5.	Position the cursor where you want to insert the wall and click to begin the process of drawing the wall.


Invisible Walls

The FloorPlan 3D database contains an invisible wall type. You can use invisible walls to separate areas where you want to use different floor or ceiling textures.

For example, if your kitchen and dining room are really one big room (i.e., not separated by a wall), but you want ceramic tiles in the kitchen and hardwood flooring in the dining room, you can separate the two areas by drawing an invisible wall between them. What you’re really doing is creating two separate rooms whose floor and ceiling surfaces can be controlled separately.

To draw an invisible wall, simply select the Wall tool from the toolbar and choose Invisible Wall from the Wall Types INVISIBLE WALL category in the database.


Moving Walls

To move a wall:

When you move or stretch a wall, any walls attached to that wall are moved/stretched also. The wall dimensions update automatically.

1.	Select the Wall.

2.	Position your cursor over the wall until the cursor changes to [image] (the Move cursor).

3.	Drag the wall in the desired direction.

4.	Release the mouse when the wall is where you want it.

To stretch a wall:

You can stretch an individual wall that has at least one end that’s not attached to another wall (i.e., the wall end is exposed).

1.	Select the wall by clicking on it.

2.	Place your cursor over the wall end you want to stretch.

3.	 The cursor changes to the Stretch cursor.

4.	Hold down the left mouse button and drag to extend the wall.

5.	When the wall is the desired length, release the mouse button.


Deleting Walls

Like other objects, select the wall that you want to delete and use one of the following methods:

•	Press <Delete>

•	Right-click and select Delete from the local menu.


Wall Properties

Wall properties include the following:

•	General information (name, description, price, and so on)

•	Material settings (type of materials, textures and colors

•	Size dimensions for height and width, base level and external base level measurements, and baseboard dimensions.

Certain properties are editable, while others are not. The number of non-editable properties depends on whether you are editing a wall locally (in your drawing) or globally through the database. If adding a new wall to the database, you can edit all properties initially.

See also:

•	General Properties

•	Material Properties

•	Size Properties

•	About Wall General Properties

•	About Wall Material Properties

•	About Wall Size Properties

Applying Walls Properties from the Room Properties Dialog

You can set Wall Properties for a Room or for all rooms on a selected level by clicking Walls in the Room Properties dialog. To reach the Room Properties dialog, right-click on the floor of a room and select Edit Properties from the Local menu.

When you click the Walls, the Walls Properties dialog appears with an additional Apply To tab. Adjust the properties of the walls for the current room on the General, Material and Size tabs. If you wish to apply the same property to other rooms on the same level, click the Apply To tab to move to that page. Now you can apply the same wall properties to other rooms.

To apply the properties to other rooms:

1.	Check the types of the properties that you want to apply (Material, Size, Base Level) in the Apply control group.

2.	Select the room(s) that you wish to apply properties to from the "Select from the list" list box.
Click Add. The name of the room will move to the Apply to list box.

3.	If you want to apply the properties to all the rooms in the current floor, click Add the whole floor button. All room names of the current floor will appear in the Apply to list box.

4.	Click [OK] to finish.


About Walls General Properties

Specifying General Properties

When adding a new object to the database, you can control all general properties of that object (name, description, supplier, unit price, whether or not it is quantifiable). When editing an existing object, you can edit all general properties except the name.

The information on the General property page is reflected in the material list.

Name — the name of the object or symbol; make it descriptive so program users can tell one object from another

Description — enter any other description beyond the name that might be of use to people using the program

Supplier — enter the name of the firm who supplies the object as the stated price

Price — enter the price of the object, when entering prices, be consistent if you include shipping, sales tax (and so on) for one object, include it for all

Unit — enter the unit of measure for the object, for example, each, dozen, box, pound

Include in Quantity — Check this box if you want to include the cost of this object in the calculated room price

Hyperlink — Click this button to define a Hyperlink that provides more information about the object


About Walls Material Properties

Specifying Material Properties

Every object in the database can have a texture or color assigned to it to make it look more realistic when inserted and viewed in your drawing. For example, a brick wall can have a brick texture assigned to it to make it look like a real brick wall (instead of just a shaded surface) when you view your drawing in 3D. Material settings also determine what color objects will be displayed in when you’re in plan view.

Material settings are especially important when creating a rendered or photorealistic view.

Most objects have two or more material settings - one for every component that makes up the object. A cabinet, for example, will have individual material settings for the cabinet body, the countertop and the door leaf.

Material settings consist of the following:

•	A surface property selection (e.g., wood or glass) that determines the general appearance of the object’s surface (glass is shiny, wood is more dull).

•	A texture or color assignment.

You can change the material/color setting of a selected object in your drawing or make a change globally through the database. If changing the color/material setting globally for an object, the change applies to all occurrences of that object.

FloorPlan stores materials in the Material Library

FloorPlan stores materials in the Material Libbrary which you can access by clicking on the Material box in the object’s Property dialog Material tab. When you open the Material Library dialog, click the plus sign (+) to the left of the options listed to expand the list of materials. When you find the material you want, select it and click OK to return to the Properties dialog.

To set/change an object’s material setting:

1.	Select the object whose material setting you want to change either in your drawing or in the database. If you select an object in your drawing, only that individual object will be changed.

•	If changing an individual object in your drawing, double-click it, or select it then right-click it and select Edit Properties from the local menu.

•	If changing the color/material setting globally through the database, click [image] [Edit Properties] in the database.

2.	In the object’s Properties dialog, select the Material tab.

3.	Set the texture or color for the elements as desired:

•	Element — the part of the object or symbol

•	Material Type — the type of material that makes up the element – click the drop-down list to choose the type of surface for the element

•	Material Texture — the texture that makes up the element – click in the box to open the Material Library where you can choose a texture from an expandable list

•	Color — the color of the element – click in the box to open the Color dialog where you can change the color

•	Texture Direction — (for Custom Objects) select the direction that the texture will run for that particular material from the drop-down list. Choose:
None — if there is no texture
X — if the texture follows the X axis
Y — if the texture follows the Y axis
Z — if the texture follows the Z axis

4.	Once you’ve made your selections, click [OK].


About Walls Size Properties

When adding a new wall to the database you can specify its height, width, base level, and external base level. You can also control the height and thickness of the baseboards that are inserted with the wall.

To specify the dimensions for a new wall:

1.	In the Wall Properties dialog, select the Dimensions tab.

2.	Following are the descriptions of the fields available:
Wall Width — Thickness of the wall.
Wall Height — Total height of the wall.
Base Level — Level at which the wall sits relative to the floor surface.
External Base Level — Level at which the external portion of an exterior wall sits relative to the floor level.
Baseboard Height — The distance from the top of the baseboard to the bottom of the baseboard.
Baseboard Width — The thickness of the baseboard.
Reset to Location Defaults — Resets the wall height to the height specified in the floor location settings.
Wainscot — For inside walls adds a wainscot for the bottom half of the wall.
Chair Rail — For inside walls adds a chair rail along the middle line of the wall.


Windows

Windows add light, and sometimes views to the out-of-doors to the interior spaces of your building. Windows that open, also allow for the exchange of air from within the building to outside.

There are various types of windows available in the FloorPlan database. You can also add new types of windows if the kind you want is not available from the database list.

See

Adding New Window

Inserting Windows

Window Properties

for more information about working with windows in your design.


Adding New Windows

To define a new window:

1.	Select a window from the database that is similar to the window that you want to define.

2.	Click Add New below the database list to open the window Properties dialog.

3.	Define the window on the various property tabs. Be sure to give the item a unique name.

4.	When you are satisfied with you descriptions, click [OK] to return to the drawing area.

5.	Position the cursor where you want to insert the window and click to insert the window.

See Window Properties for specific information about defining a window’s properties


Invisible Windows

Invisible window allow you to have an opening in a wall such as you might have in a pass trough from a kitchen to a dining area. If the size if the invisible window in the database is not the size that you want, define a new invisible wall of the needed size.

See Adding New Windows


Inserting Windows

 	Menu: Construct|Windows

You can insert windows and window openings in the any type of walls, including invisible walls.

To insert a window or opening:

1.	From the Location toolbar, select the floor to which you want to assign the window.

2.	Click [image] [Windows], or select Construct|Windows.

3.	Select the window you want to insert from the database. The image of a window is attached to your cursor.

4.	Move your cursor to position the window in the desired wall. Watch the auto-dimensions on either side of your cursor as it touches the wall. They tell you how much distance is on either side of the window as you are positioning the window in the wall.

5.	When the window is in position, click the mouse to insert it.

6.	You have the following options:

•	To insert the same window in another wall, repeat steps 4 and 5.

•	To finish and exit the task, press <ENTER> or <Spacebar>, or right-click and select Finish from the menu.

•	To exit the task, press <ESC> or right-click and select Cancel from the menu.


Moving Windows

You can easily move windows.

1.	Select the window that you want to move.

2.	Click and drag the window to the new position in the wall. If you have the dimensioning feature turned on, FloorPlan display the distance from the adjacent walls so you can better position the window.

3.	Release the mouse when you are through moving the window.


Deleting Windows

You can easily delete any window in your design.

Like other objects, select the window that you want to delete and use one of the following methods:

•	Press <Delete>

•	Right-click and select Delete from the local menu.


Window Properties

Window properties include the following:

•	General information (name, description, price, and so on)

•	Material settings (type of materials, textures and colors)

•	Size dimensions for opening height and width

•	Composition (frame, sash/mullion, sill, etc.)

•	Panes number of panes of glass

Certain properties are editable, while others are not. The number of non-editable properties depends on whether you are editing a window locally (in your drawing) or globally through the database. When you add a new window to the database, you can edit all properties initially.

See also:

General Properties

Material Properties

Size Properties

About Window General Properties

About Window Material Properties

About Window Size Properties

About Window Component Properties

About Window Pane Properties


About Window General Properties

The information on the General property page is reflected in the material list.

Name — the name of the object or symbol; make it descriptive so program users can tell one object from another

Description — enter any other description beyond the name that might be of use to people using the program

Supplier — enter the name of the firm who supplies the object as the stated price

Price — enter the price of the object, when entering prices, be consistent if you include shipping, sales tax (and so on) for one object, include it for all

Unit — enter the unit of measure for the object, for example, each, dozen, box, pound

Include in Quantity — Check this box if you want to include the cost of this object in the calculated room price

Hyperlink — Click this button to define a Hyperlink that provides more information about the object


About Window Material Properties

Every object in the database can have a texture or color assigned to it to make it look more realistic when inserted and viewed in your drawing. For example, a brick wall can have a brick texture assigned to it to make it look like a real brick wall (instead of just a shaded surface) when you view your drawing in 3D. Material settings also determine what color objects will be displayed in when you’re in plan view.

Material settings are especially important when creating a rendered or photorealistic view.

Most objects have two or more material settings - one for every component that makes up the object. A cabinet, for example, will have individual material settings for the cabinet body, the countertop and the door leaf.

Material settings consist of the following:

•	A surface property selection (e.g., wood or glass) that determines the general appearance of the object’s surface (glass is shiny, wood is more dull).

•	A texture or color assignment.

You can change the material/color setting of a selected object in your drawing or make a change globally through the database. If changing the color/material setting globally for an object, the change applies to all occurrences of that object.

FloorPlan stores materials in the Material Library

FloorPlan stores materials in the Material Libbrary which you can access by clicking on the Material box in the object’s Property dialog Material tab. When you open the Material Library dialog, click the plus sign (+) to the left of the options listed to expand the list of materials. When you find the material you want, select it and click OK to return to the Properties dialog.

To set/change an object’s material setting:

1.	Select the object whose material setting you want to change either in your drawing or in the database. If you select an object in your drawing, only that individual object will be changed.

•	If changing an individual object in your drawing, double-click it, or select it then right-click it and select Edit Properties from the local menu.

•	If changing the color/material setting globally through the database, click [image] [Edit Properties] in the database.

2.	In the object’s Properties dialog, select the Material tab.

3.	Set the texture or color for the elements as desired:

•	Element — the part of the object or symbol

•	Material Type — the type of material that makes up the element – click the drop-down list to choose the type of surface for the element

•	Material Texture — the texture that makes up the element – click in the box to open the Material Library where you can choose a texture from an expandable list

•	Color — the color of the element – click in the box to open the Color dialog where you can change the color

•	Texture Direction — (for Custom Objects) select the direction that the texture will run for that particular material from the drop-down list. Choose:
None — if there is no texture
X — if the texture follows the X axis
Y — if the texture follows the Y axis
Z — if the texture follows the Z axis

4.	Once you’ve made your selections, click [OK].


About Window Size Properties

When adding a new window to the database, you can control its overall height and width. Some window types have additional measurements you can set. For example, you can control the height of the upper panel of a double-hung window as well as specify how many panels you want across the window.

To specify a window’s overall dimensions:

1.	In the Window Properties dialog, select the Size tab.

•	A - Overall Width — Type the desired overall width of the window.

•	B- Overall Height — Type the desired overall height of the window.

2.	If other options exist (such as Distance Off Floor — the height of the bottom of the window from the floor), you can change those now if you want.

3.	Click [OK].


About Window Component Properties

Specifying the Dimensions of Window Components

When adding a new window to the database you can control practically every aspect of its composition. For most windows you can control the frame, sash, sill, and glazing measurements. Some also include mullion measurements.

To change the measurements of a window’s components:

1.	In the Window Properties dialog, select the Components tab.

2.	Using the graphic supplied in the dialog as a guide, make the desired changes in the various fields. If you want to make changes to the pane dividers in your window, enter the appropriate values in the. Here are possible options depending upon the type of window options:

•	Frame Depth and Width

•	Sash Depth, Width, and Offset

•	Sill Width

•	Glazing Thickness

•	Mullion Depth and Width

3.	Click [OK].


About Window Pane Properties

Specifying the Number of Panes in a Window

 When adding a new window to the database you can control the number of panes both horizontally and vertically (for example, a window can have 2 panes across and 4 panes down).

To control the number of panes in a window:

1.	In the Window Properties dialog, select the Panes tab.

2.	In the # of Panes Horizontal field, type the number of panes you want to go across the window.

3.	In the # of Panes Vertical field, type the number of panes you want the window to have vertically.

4.	Click [OK].


Doors

Doors are one of the types of object you find in your database. The category includes openings, and various types of interior and exterior doors. What most people think of as the door, is actually called the door leaf. The Door Properties dialog has four tabs: General, Material, Opening, and Door.

See:

Door Properties

Adding New Doors

Inserting Doors

Moving Doors

Deleting Doors


Adding New Doors

If the particular door you want is not in the database, you can define a new one for your drawing

To define a new door:

1.	Select a door from the database that is similar to the door that you want to define.

2.	Click Add New below the database list to open the door Properties dialog.

3.	Define the door on the various property tabs. Be sure to give the item a unique name.

4.	When you are satisfied with you descriptions, click [OK] to return to the drawing area.

5.	Position the cursor where you want to insert the door and click to begin the process of inserting the door.


Inserting Doors

 	Menu: Construct|Doors

To insert a door or opening:

1.	From the Location toolbar, select the floor to which you want to assign the door.

2.	Click [image] [Doors], or select Construct|Doors.

3.	Select the door you want to insert from the database. The image of a door is attached to your cursor.

4.	Move your cursor to position the door in the desired wall. Watch the auto-dimensions on either side of your cursor as it touches the wall. They tell you how much distance is on either side of the door as you are trying to insert it in the wall.

5.	When the door is in position, click the left mouse button to insert it.

6.	You have the following options:

•	To insert the same door in another wall, simply repeat steps 4 and 5.

•	To finish and exit the task, press <Enter> or <Spacebar>, or right-click and select Finish from the menu.

•	To exit the task, press <Esc> or right-click and select Cancel from the menu.


Moving Doors

You can move doors easily.

1.	Select the door.

2.	Click on the door and drag the door to the desired position in the wall. Notice that as you reposition the door, FloorPlan shows which side of the wall the door will swing out or slide.

3.	When the door is where you want it to be, release the mouse button.


Deleting Doors

You can easily delete doors form your design:

1.	Select the door.

2.	Right-click on the door and use one of these methods:

•	Press <Delete>

•	Right-click and select Delete from the local menu.


Door Properties

Door properties include the following:

•	General information (name, description, price, and so on)

•	Material settings (type of materials, textures and colors)

•	Opening properties (dimensions for opening height and width, for frame width and depth,

•	Door Properties (swing type, door leaf style, door leaf dimensions)

Certain properties are editable, while others are not. The number of non-editable properties depends on whether you are editing a door locally (in your drawing) or globally through the database. When you add a new door to the database, you can edit all properties initially.

See also:

General Properties

Material Properties

About Door General Properties

About Door Material Properties

About Door Opening Properties

About Door Door Properties


About Door General Properties

Door General Properties are the same as other objects:

Name — the name of the object or symbol; make it descriptive so program users can tell one object from another

Description — enter any other description beyond the name that might be of use to people using the program

Supplier — enter the name of the firm who supplies the object as the stated price

Price — enter the price of the object, when entering prices, be consistent if you include shipping, sales tax (and so on) for one object, include it for all

Unit — enter the unit of measure for the object, for example, each, dozen, box, pound

Include in Quantity — Check this box if you want to include the cost of this object in the calculated room price

Hyperlink — Click this button to define a Hyperlink that provides more information about the object


About Door Material Properties

•	Element — the part of the object or symbol

•	Material Type — the type of material that makes up the element – click the drop-down list to choose the type of surface for the element

•	Material Texture — the texture that makes up the element – click in the box to open the Material Library where you can choose a texture from an expandable list

•	Color — the color of the element – click in the box to open the Color dialog where you can change the color

•	Texture Direction — (for Custom Objects) select the direction that the texture will run for that particular material from the drop-down list. Choose:
None — if there is no texture
X — if the texture follows the X axis
Y — if the texture follows the Y axis
Z — if the texture follows the Z axis

For any element, choose a Material Type from the drop-down list, the click in the Material Texture and Color boxes to set the texture or color in their respective dialogs.


About Door Size Properties

There is no Door Properties Size tab. Dimensions for door parts are defined on the Door Properties Opening and Door tabs.

See:

About Door Opening Properties

About Door Door Properties


About Door Opening Properties

If adding a new door to the database, you can control the height and width of a door opening, frame width, and depth.

To specify door opening dimensions:

1.	In the Door Properties dialog, select the Opening tab.

•	To change the width of the door opening, type the desired width in the A field.

•	To change the height of the door opening, type the desired height in the B field.

•	To change the frame width, type the desired width in the C field.

•	To change the frame depth, type the desired depth in the D field.

2.	If the door has panels (e.g., bifold door) and you want to specify the number of panels it has, type the desired number in the # of Panels Horiz. field (this field is not present if the door does not have panels).

3.	To change the percentage the door is open when viewing the model in 3D, type the desired percentage value in the Percentage Open field.

4.	Click [OK].

Specifying the Door Swing

You can specify the door swing direction for any hinged (swinging) door. You can choose either a left, right, or double swing. The option you choose determines the hinged side of the door.

To change a door’s swing:

1.	In the Door Properties dialog, select the Opening tab.
There are three options (0, 1, and 2) shown at the bottom of the dialog.

2.	Click on the option representing the desired door swing.

3.	Click [OK].


About Door Door Properties

Specifying the Door Leaf Style

The FloorPlan 3D database has a number of different door leaf styles to choose from. You can also choose not to have a door leaf at all. You can specify the leaf style for a new or existing door.

To specify a door’s leaf style:

1.	In the Door Properties dialog, select the Door tab.
All the available door leaf styles are shown at the bottom of the dialog. The first option (option 0) is no leaf, meaning the door would just be an opening.

2.	Click on the desired door leaf style. You can use the scroll bar beneath the options to view the entire row of door leaf styles.

3.	Click [OK].

Specifying Door Leaf Dimensions

If adding a new door (with leaf) to the database, you can control one or more dimensions of the leaf depending on its type (a door leaf with panes of glass would have more dimension settings than a solid door leaf with no panes of glass). This versatility lets you create practically any door leaf style.

To specify a door leaf’s dimensions:

1.	In the Door Properties dialog, select the Door tab.
The dimension settings in the dialog vary according to the type of door leaf used.

2.	Using the diagram provided in the dialog as a guide, fill in the fields that determine the dimensions of the door leaf and its components (if applicable).

3.	Click [OK].


Openings

Opens include doors, windows and other openings . You insert a door, window or opening by selecting the appropriate tool from the toolbar, then making a selection from the database. Once you have selected desired opening, position the object with your mouse and click.

A door is considered an opening with or without a door leaf attached to it. A window is considered an opening with or without a window in it. If you want to create just a plain opening with no door leaf or window, use the Door or Window command and select the opening from the database.

See also:

Doors

Door Properties

Windows

Window Properties


When You Enclose a Space

When you enclose a space with walls, FloorPlan 3D automatically creates a floor and ceiling for the new room, and labels it using the preferences set in the Options dialog Environment tab. You can set properties for the floors and ceilings globally or room by room.

To change the properties for rooms or their walls, floors and ceilings, use the Room Properties dialog. Simply right-click in a room and select Edit Properties from the local menu.

See

Room Properties,

Floor Properties, and

Ceiling Properties

for more information on working with rooms.

See

Environment Setting

for more information about setting room environment settings.


Floor Properties

Applying Floor Properties from the Room Properties Dialog

You can set Floor Properties for a Room or for all rooms on a selected level by clicking Floor in the Room Properties dialog. Floor Properties include:

•	General Properties — See General Propertiesfor information.

•	Material Properties — See Material Properties for information.

•	Size Property — The is one Size Property,
Elevation: — Enter the height you want the to raise the floor.

To reach the Room Properties dialog, right-click on the floor of a room and select Edit Properties from the Local menu. When you click the Floor button, the Floor Properties dialog appears with an additional Apply To tab. Adjust the properties of the floor for the current room on the General, Material, and Size tabs. If you wish to apply the same property to other rooms on the same level, click the Apply To tab to move to that page. Now you can apply the same floor properties to other rooms.

To apply the properties to other rooms:

1.	Check the types of the properties that you want to apply (Material, Size, Base Level) in the Apply control group.

2.	Select the room(s) that you wish to apply properties to from the "Select from the list" list box.
Click Add. The name of the room will move to the Apply to list box.

3.	If you want to apply the properties to all the rooms in the current floor, click Add the whole floor button. All room names of the current floor will appear in the Apply to list box.

4.	Click [OK] to finish.


Ceiling Properties

You can change Properties for Ceilings in the Ceiling properties dialog.

1.	Select the floor of a room and right-click and select Edit Properties from the menu.

2.	The Room Properties dialog opens. Click [Ceiling] to move to the Ceiling Properties dialog.
The General, Material, and Size tabs are standard General Material and Size information about the ceiling.

3.	Select the Property tab to set ceiling shape properties:

•	Flat—create the flat ceiling.

•	Cathedral—create the vaulted ceiling.

4.	If you want to apply similar ceiling properties to other rooms, click the Apply To tab.

Applying Ceiling Properties from the Room Properties Dialog

You can set Ceiling Properties for a Room or for all rooms on a selected level by clicking Ceiling in the Room Properties dialog. To reach the Room Properties dialog, right-click on the floor of a room and select Edit Properties from the Local menu.

When you click the Ceiling, the Ceiling Properties dialog appears with an additional Apply To tab. Adjust the properties of the ceiling for the current room on the General, Material, Size, and Property tabs. If you wish to apply the same property to other rooms on the same level, click the Apply To tab to move to that page. Now you can apply the same ceiling properties to other rooms.

To apply the ceiling properties to other rooms:

1.	Check the types of the properties that you want to apply (Material, Size, Base Level) in the Apply control group.

2.	Select the room(s) that you wish to apply properties to from the "Select from the list" list box.
Click Add. The name of the room will move to the Apply to list box.

3.	If you want to apply the properties to all the rooms in the current floor, click Add the whole floor button. All room names of the current floor will appear in the Apply to list box.

4.	Click [OK] to finish.


Adding a New Location to the List on the Location Toolbar

 	Menu: Tools|Locations…

When you create or insert an object in your model, that object is assigned to a specific floor location (such as the Ground Floor). By default, there are two pre-defined locations: the Ground Floor and Second Floor location. If you want to create additional levels (that is, a third story) you must create a new floor location so objects can be assigned to the correct location. You can add, delete, or change the definition of a location in the Floor Location Settings dialog. The changes you make there are then reflected in the List on the Location Toolbar.

To add a new floor location to the list on the Location Toolbar:

1.	Click the [image] [Location Settings] on the Inspector Bar or the Toolbar, or select Tools|Locations.

2.	In the Floor Location Settings dialog, click [Add]. A new location called <Default> is added to the list.

3.	Specify the information needed for the new location.

•	Name — the name you give to and which identifies the new Location

•	Floor Level — The height of the floor above the ground (the default ground height is 0).

•	Head Height — The distance from the floor to the top of the windows.

•	Ceiling Height — The distance from the floor to the underside of the ceiling.

•	Wall Height — The total height of the location's walls from the floor to the top of the walls.

4.	Click [OK] to accept the settings for the new location.


To Open the Floor Location Settings Dialog

You can open the Floor Location Settings dialog in several ways:

•	Click [image] [Location Settings] on the Views toolbar

•	Select Tools|Locations from the menu.

•	Click [image] [Location Settings] on the Inspector Bar


To Delete a Floor Location from the Locations List

You can remove a location from the Locations list in the Floor Location Settings dialog provided there are no objects on that location.

1.	Click the [image] [Location Settings], or select Tools|Locations.

2.	In the Floor Location Settings dialog, select the Name of the location to delete.

3.	Click [Delete].

4.	Click [OK] to return to the drawing area.


To Change the Definition of a Floor Location

You can change a floor location’s name, floor level, head height, ceiling level, or wall height in the Floor Location Settings Dialog:

1.	Click the [image] [Location Settings], or select Tools|Locations.

2.	Click in the text box of the value that you want to change to highlight it and type the new value.

A.	Floor Height — the height of this level or location off of the ground

B.	Head Height — the height for the tops of all windows

C.	Ceiling Height — the height of the ceiling above the floor

D.	Wall Height — the height of the walls above the floor

3.	Press <ENTER> to set the value.

4.	When done, click [OK] to accept the changes.


Name

The label that identifies a specific floor location.


Floor Level

The height of the floor above the ground assuming the ground is 0.


Head Height

The distance from the floor to the top of the windows.


Ceiling Height

The distance from the floor to the underside of the ceiling.


Wall Height

The total height of the location's walls from the floor to the top of the walls.


Add

Lets you create a new floor location.


Delete

Deletes a selected floor location.


Adding a New Level in Your Drawing

In FloorPlan 3D, adding levels to your design is a snap. The key is assigning the walls to the correct location.

There are three ways to create additional levels:

•	Do a direct copy of a selected floor (the floor below the story you’re adding, for example).

•	Add a new level by tracing the walls of an existing location.

•	Add a new level by draw walls from scratch.

When you select a new floor location from the Location toolbar (such as the Second Floor if you want to create a second story), the Start New Location dialog prompts you to select one of the three techniques.


Start a New Location by Copying the Selected Level

An easy way to create a new floor level is to copy the walls of an existing floor level. This is a simple, one-click operation. It is ideal when the wall layout of the new level is similar to the wall layout of an existing location.

Once the new level has been created you can remove and move walls on the new level if needed.

Note: This command copies walls, doors and windows. Other objects like symbols are not copied.

To create a new level by copying:

1.	From the Location toolbar, select the floor you’re creating walls for. For example, if you want to create a second story, choose Second Floor from the drop box. If the new location doesn’t exist in the list, you have to add a new location to the list before you can add it in your drawing. In this case see Adding a New Location to the List on the Location Toolbar.

2.	In the Start New Location dialog, choose the Copy selected floor to next radio button.

3.	From the Location toolbar, choose the floor level you want to copy.

4.	Click [OK]. The walls of the existing floor level are copied to the new level. You can see the result in 3D view.


Start a New Location by Tracing the Selected Level

If you don’t want to copy walls from an existing floor level to create a new level, you can trace some or all the walls of an existing level instead. This technique is ideal when the wall layout of the new level is similar in some way to the wall layout of the level you’re tracing. When you select this option the walls of the level you’re tracing appear grayed on the screen so you know which walls belong to the existing level and which walls are the ones you are drawing for the new level.

To create a new level by tracing:

1.	From the Location toolbar, select the floor you’re creating walls for. For example, if you want to create a second story, choose Second Floor from the drop box. . If the new location doesn’t exist in the list, you have to add a new location to the list before you can add it in your drawing. In this case see Adding a New Location to the List on the Location Toolbar.

2.	In the Start New Location dialog, choose the Use selected floor level to trace radio button.

3.	From the Location toolbar, choose the floor level whose walls you want to trace.

4.	Click [OK]. The walls of the existing floor level that you selected are grayed.

5.	Draw the walls for the new level using the existing wall layout as a guide.

Tip: You can import DXF files to use as tracing layers, allowing you to quickly trace over existing DXF plans. You can also trace over any of the 1,001 HomeStyles plans located on the CD-ROM in the HomePlans folder.

To Import a DXF File


To Import a DXF File

You can import DXF files to use as tracing layers, allowing you to quickly trace over existing DXF plans. You can also trace over any of the 1,001 HomeStyles plans located on the CD-ROM in the HomePlans folder.

To import a DXF file:

1.	Select File|Import.

2.	In the Open dialog, make sure the Files of Type box is set to DXF Files.

3.	In the File name box, enter the name of the DXF file you want to open and click [Open]. The Import DXF dialog is displayed.

4.	Select the Scale for the imported file.

•	If the unit of the DXF file is one inch, choose the Inches radio button;

•	If the unit is one millimeter, choose the Millimeters radio button.

•	Otherwise enter a numeric scale factor in the Custom: edit box.

Note: If you are attempting to align the DXF file to an existing FloorPlan 3D file, enter appropriate X and Y values in the Origin edit boxes.

5.	Click [OK].


To Remove a Tracing Layer

Menu: Edit|Delete Tracing Layer

To remove the DXF tracing layers previously attached to a FloorPlan 3D file:

Select Edit|Delete Tracing Layer.


To Display or Hide a Tracing Layer

You can temporarily hide tracing layers from your drawing and display them again when you want using the display filter feature.

To display/hide tracing layers:

1.	Click the [image] [Display Filter], or select View|Display Filter.

2.	To display/hide a specific layer, expand the tree below the Tracing Layers option and click the light bulb icon next to the appropriate layer name.

3.	Click [OK].


Start a New Location from Scratch

If you want to create a new level without using the wall layout of an existing level, you can create the walls from scratch. When you choose this option, all existing objects are hidden from view while you draw the new walls.

This option is also ideal if you want to create a separate building (a detached garage, for example) from the main one in your drawing and have the ability to control the display of that new structure separately.

To create a new level from scratch:

1.	From the Location toolbar, select the floor you’re creating walls for. For example, if you want to create a second story, choose Second Floor from the drop box. . If the new location doesn’t exist in the list, you have to add a new location to the list before you can add it in your drawing. In this case see Adding a New Location to the List on the Location Toolbar.

2.	In the Start New Location dialog, choose the Start level from scratch radio button.

3.	Click [OK]. All objects are hidden from view.

4.	Draw the walls for the new level.

Walls


Adding Stairs

Inserting Stairs and Steps

 	Menu: Construct|Stairs

You can automatically create any length of stairs or steps in a few simple steps. Here is a brief look at what you do:

•	Position the stairs with your mouse and click to anchor the bottom.

•	Rotate the stairs in the direction you want them to run by moving your cursor.

•	Stretch the stairs to the desired length by moving your cursor.

•	Click, once the length is correct, to specify where the top of the stairs are (or where the landing is if you are creating an L- or U-shaped staircase ).

You always assign the stairs to the location where the bottom of the stairs will be and draw the stairs from the bottom up. If you are creating stairs that run up to the next floor, you do not have to calculate the length of the stairs. When you stretch the stairs, they change color to let you know that you have reached the floor above. FloorPlan 3D automatically cuts the hole in the floor above (provided that you’ve actually created some walls on the location above).

You can create a single, straight run of stairs or continue and rotate the stairs to create an L- or U-shape. If creating an L- or U-shaped staircase, FloorPlan 3D automatically creates the landing. You can also create circular stairs.

Like all objects in FloorPlan 3D, staircases and steps are part of the database, meaning you can choose the type you want to insert, and change their properties to suit your needs. By default, stairs and steps include balustrades, so you do not have to insert those separately (you can choose not to include them if you want).

To insert a run of straight stairs

To insert L- or U-shaped stairs

To insert circular stairs


To Insert a Straight Run of Stairs

You can insert a straight run of stairs or steps in a couple of mouse clicks. You always draw stairs from the bottom up. If the stairs run to the floor above, FloorPlan 3D lets you know when you’ve reached that floor and won’t let you go any further. This means you don’t have to calculate the length of the stairs ahead of time.

To insert a straight run of stairs or steps:

1.	From the Location toolbar, select the floor to which you want to assign the stairs. This is the location where the bottom of the stairs will be.

2.	Click the [Stairs] button on the Insert toolbar, or select Construct|Stairs.

3.	Select the stair/step type you want to insert from the database. An image of a set of stairs is attached to your cursor. Don’t worry about the length of the stairs right now. You’ll be able to change the length in the next few steps.

4.	Position the image in the area where you want to insert the stairs by moving your cursor. The red line on the image indicates the bottom of the stairs. Click to anchor the base of the stairs.

5.	Rotate the image if necessary (in the direction you want the stairs to run) by moving your cursor in a circular motion. Stretch the stairs to the desired length by moving your cursor (you can stretch in both directions to make them shorter or longer).
If the stairs run to the floor above, the color of the stairs changes when you’ve reached the floor above to let you know you can’t go any further.

6.	Click to anchor the entire set of stairs/steps.

7.	Press <Enter> or <Spacebar>, or right-click and select Finish from the menu.


To Insert L- or U-Shaped Stairs

Inserting L- or U-Shaped Stairs

 	Menu: Construct|Stairs

There isn’t much difference between creating a straight run of stairs and an L- or U-shaped set of stairs. You always draw stairs from the bottom up. Generally, you should know how many steps you want in the lower section of the staircase (the section below the central landing) so you can create the landing at the right spot. You don’t really need to know the length of the upper section of the staircase if it runs to the floor above because FloorPlan 3D lets you know when you’ve reached that floor and won’t let you go any further.

Basically, you draw the lower section of the stairs first, rotate the cursor in the direction you want to the upper section to run, then draw the upper section.

To insert an L- or U-shaped staircase:

1.	From the Location toolbar, select the floor to which you want to assign the stairs. This is the location where the bottom of the stairs will be.

2.	Click the [Stairs] button, or select Construct|Stairs.

3.	Select the stair/step type you want to insert from the database. An image of a set of stairs is attached to your cursor. Don’t worry about the length of the stairs right now. You’ll be able to change the length in the next few steps.

4.	Position the image in the area where you want to insert the stairs by moving your cursor. The red line on the image indicates the bottom of the stairs.

5.	Click to anchor the base of the stairs.

6.	Rotate the image if necessary (in the direction you want the lower section to run) by moving your cursor in a circular motion.

7.	Stretch the stairs to the desired length by moving your cursor (you can stretch in both directions to make them shorter or longer). Remember that you are only drawing the bottom section of the staircase right now.

8.	Click to anchor the entire bottom section.

9.	Move your cursor in the direction you want the upper section of the staircase to run. As you rotate, a landing is automatically created.

10.	Stretch the upper section to the desired length. If this section runs up to the next floor, the image changes color when you’ve reached the floor above to let you know you can’t go any further.

11.	Click to anchor the upper section of the staircase.

•	To finish the staircase and exit the task, press <Enter> or <Spacebar>, or right-click and select Finish from the menu.

•	To add another section above the one you just drew, repeat steps 9-11.


To Insert Circular Stairs

Inserting Circular Stairs

You can insert a circular staircase with just a couple of mouse clicks. As with the other stair types, you draw circular stairs from the bottom up. If the stairs run to the floor above, FloorPlan 3D lets you know when you’ve reached that floor and won’t let you go any further. This means you don’t have to calculate the length of the stairs ahead of time.

To insert a circular staircase:

1.	From the Location toolbar, select the floor to which you want to assign the stairs. This is the location for the bottom of the stairs.

2.	Click (Stairs) on the Insert toolbar, or select Construct|Stairs.

3.	Select the circular stairs you want to insert. An outline of a set of stairs is attached to your cursor. Don’t worry about the length of the stairs right now. You’ll be able to change the length in the next few steps.

4.	Position the image in the area where you want to insert the stairs by moving your cursor. The red line on the image indicates the bottom of the stairs.

5.	Click to anchor the base of the stairs.

6.	Stretch the stairs to the desired height by moving your cursor in a circular motion. The Height field in the Inspector Bar indicates the current height of the staircase.

7.	Click to anchor the entire set of stairs/steps.

8.	Press <Enter> or <Spacebar>, or right-click and select Finish from the local menu.


Stair Properties

Stair properties include the following:

•	General information (name, description, price, and so on)

•	Material settings (type of materials, textures and colors)

•	Size dimensions

•	Balustrade information (newel posts, newels and bottom rail)

Certain properties are editable, while others are not. The number of non-editable properties depends on whether you are editing a staircase locally (in your drawing) or globally through the database. When you add a new staircase to the database, you can edit all properties initially.

See also:

General Properties

Material Properties

Size Properties

About Stair General Properties

About Stair Material Properties

About Stair Size Properties

About Stair Balustrade Properties


About Stair General Properties

Specifying General Properties

When adding a new object to the database, you can control all general properties of that object (name, description, supplier, unit price, whether or not it is quantifiable). When editing an existing object, you can edit all general properties except the name.

The information on the General property page is reflected in the material list.

Name — the name of the object or symbol; make it descriptive so program users can tell one object from another

Description — enter any other description beyond the name that might be of use to people using the program

Supplier — enter the name of the firm who supplies the object as the stated price

Price — enter the price of the object, when entering prices, be consistent if you include shipping, sales tax (and so on) for one object, include it for all

Unit — enter the unit of measure for the object, for example, each, dozen, box, pound

Include in Quantity — Check this box if you want to include the cost of this object in the calculated room price

Hyperlink — Click this button to define a Hyperlink that provides more information about the object


About Stair Material Properties

Specifying Material Properties

Every object in the database can have a texture or color assigned to it to make it look more realistic when inserted and viewed in your drawing. For example, a brick wall can have a brick texture assigned to it to make it look like a real brick wall (instead of just a shaded surface) when you view your drawing in 3D. Material settings also determine what color objects will be displayed in when you’re in plan view.

Material settings are especially important when creating a rendered or photorealistic view.

Most objects have two or more material settings - one for every component that makes up the object. A cabinet, for example, will have individual material settings for the cabinet body, the countertop and the door leaf.

Material settings consist of the following:

•	A surface property selection (e.g., wood or glass) that determines the general appearance of the object’s surface (glass is shiny, wood is more dull).

•	A texture or color assignment.

You can change the material/color setting of a selected object in your drawing or make a change globally through the database. If changing the color/material setting globally for an object, the change applies to all occurrences of that object.

FloorPlan stores materials in the Material Library

FloorPlan stores materials in the Material Libbrary which you can access by clicking on the Material box in the object’s Property dialog Material tab. When you open the Material Library dialog, click the plus sign (+) to the left of the options listed to expand the list of materials. When you find the material you want, select it and click OK to return to the Properties dialog.

To set/change an object’s material setting:

5.	Select the object whose material setting you want to change either in your drawing or in the database. If you select an object in your drawing, only that individual object will be changed.

•	If changing an individual object in your drawing, double-click it, or select it then right-click it and select Edit Properties from the local menu.

•	If changing the color/material setting globally through the database, click [image] [Edit Properties] in the database.

6.	In the object’s Properties dialog, select the Material tab.

7.	Set the texture or color for the elements as desired:

•	Element — the part of the object or symbol

•	Material Type — the type of material that makes up the element – click the drop-down list to choose the type of surface for the element

•	Material Texture — the texture that makes up the element – click in the box to open the Material Library where you can choose a texture from an expandable list

•	Color — the color of the element – click in the box to open the Color dialog where you can change the color

•	Texture Direction — (for Custom Objects) select the direction that the texture will run for that particular material from the drop-down list. Choose:
None — if there is no texture
X — if the texture follows the X axis
Y — if the texture follows the Y axis
Z — if the texture follows the Z axis

8.	Once you’ve made your selections, click [OK].


About Stair Size Properties

When adding a new staircase to the database, you can control various dimensions including stair width and tread run.

To specify stair dimensions:

1.	In the Stair Properties dialog, select the Size tab.

2.	Using the diagram provided on the property page, fill out the various dimension fields.

3.	Click [OK].


About Stair Balustrade Properties

Balustrades are automatically inserted when you insert stairs. When adding new stairs to the database you can choose the balustrade side or choose not to have a balustrade at all. You can also control various balustrade measurements such as the newel post height and newel spacing.

To specify balustrade information for a staircase:

1.	In the Stair Properties dialog, select the Balustrades tab.

2.	You have the following options:

•	To specify the height of the balustrade from the floor to the top rail, type a value in the A field.

•	To specify the spacing between newels, type a value in the B field.

•	To specify the distance from the top rail to the top of the newel post, type a value in the C field.

•	To specify the distance between the bottom rail and the floor, type a value in the D field.

•	To include a newel post, select the Newel Post check box.

•	To include newels, select the Newels check box.

•	To include a bottom rail, select the Low Rail check box.

•	To specify which side(s) you want a balustrade on (if any), make a selection from the Balustrade Side drop box. If you don’t want any balustrades, choose None from this box. If you want the program to automatically put a balustrade on any side that is not against a wall, choose Auto from this box.

3.	Click [OK].


Balustrades

Inserting Balustrades

 	Menu: Construct|Balustrades

You insert balustrades in FloorPlan 3D in much the same way that you insert walls - by selecting a start point, rotation and end point with your mouse. This means you can insert a balustrade of any length in just a couple of mouse clicks.

Note: You can insert only horizontal balustrades (balustrades for stairs are inserted when you insert stairs).

To insert a balustrade:

1.	From the Location toolbar, select the floor to which you want to assign the balustrade.

2.	Click [image] [Balustrades], or select Construct|Balustrades.

3.	Select the balustrade type you want to use from the database.

4.	Click the point you want to serve as the balustrade’s start point.

5.	Move your cursor in the direction you want the balustrade to run. The balustrade image stretches as you move your cursor.

6.	When the balustrade is the desired length, click the mouse to select the balustrade’s end point. The balustrade is inserted.

7.	You have the following options:

•	To finish and exit the task, press <Enter> or <Spacebar>, or right-click and select Finish from the menu.

•	To cancel the task, right-click and select Cancel from the menu.

To stretch a Balustrade:

1.	Insert the Balustrade.

2.	Select the Balustrade that you want to stretch.

3.	Position your cursor over the Balustrade’s end grip (the cursor changes to the Stretch cursor)

the stretch cursor

4.	Click and drag the grip in the direction that you want to stretch the Balustrade.


Balustrade Properties

Changing Balustrade Properties

Balustrade properties include the following:

•	General information (name, description, price, and so on)

•	Material settings (type of materials, textures and colors)

•	Size dimensions (newel post height, distance above top rail, and spacing)

Certain properties are editable, while others are non-editable. The number of non-editable properties depends on whether you are editing a balustrade locally (in your drawing) or globally through the database. If adding a new balustrade to the database, all properties are editable.

See also:

•	General Properties

•	Material Properties

•	Size Properties

•	About Balustrade General Properties

•	About Balustrade Material Properties

•	About Balustrade Size Properties


About Balustrade General Properties

Specifying General Properties

When adding a new object to the database, you can control all general properties of that object (name, description, supplier, unit price, whether or not it is quantifiable). When editing an existing object, you can edit all general properties except the name.

The information on the General property page is reflected in the material list.

Name — the name of the object or symbol; make it descriptive so program users can tell one object from another

Description — enter any other description beyond the name that might be of use to people using the program

Supplier — enter the name of the firm who supplies the object as the stated price

Price — enter the price of the object, when entering prices, be consistent if you include shipping, sales tax (and so on) for one object, include it for all

Unit — enter the unit of measure for the object, for example, each, dozen, box, pound

Include in Quantity — Check this box if you want to include the cost of this object in the calculated room price

Hyperlink — Click this button to define a Hyperlink that provides more information about the object


About Balustrade Material Properties

Specifying Material Properties

Every object in the database can have a texture or color assigned to it to make it look more realistic when inserted and viewed in your drawing. For example, a brick wall can have a brick texture assigned to it to make it look like a real brick wall (instead of just a shaded surface) when you view your drawing in 3D. Material settings also determine what color objects will be displayed in when you’re in plan view.

Material settings are especially important when creating a rendered or photorealistic view.

Most objects have two or more material settings - one for every component that makes up the object. A cabinet, for example, will have individual material settings for the cabinet body, the countertop and the door leaf.

Material settings consist of the following:

•	A surface property selection (e.g., wood or glass) that determines the general appearance of the object’s surface (glass is shiny, wood is more dull).

•	A texture or color assignment.

You can change the material/color setting of a selected object in your drawing or make a change globally through the database. If changing the color/material setting globally for an object, the change applies to all occurrences of that object.

FloorPlan stores materials in the Material Library

FloorPlan stores materials in the Material Libbrary which you can access by clicking on the Material box in the object’s Property dialog Material tab. When you open the Material Library dialog, click the plus sign (+) to the left of the options listed to expand the list of materials. When you find the material you want, select it and click OK to return to the Properties dialog.

To set/change an object’s material setting:

9.	Select the object whose material setting you want to change either in your drawing or in the database. If you select an object in your drawing, only that individual object will be changed.

•	If changing an individual object in your drawing, double-click it, or select it then right-click it and select Edit Properties from the local menu.

•	If changing the color/material setting globally through the database, click [image] [Edit Properties] in the database.

10.	In the object’s Properties dialog, select the Material tab.

11.	Set the texture or color for the elements as desired:

•	Element — the part of the object or symbol

•	Material Type — the type of material that makes up the element – click the drop-down list to choose the type of surface for the element

•	Material Texture — the texture that makes up the element – click in the box to open the Material Library where you can choose a texture from an expandable list

•	Color — the color of the element – click in the box to open the Color dialog where you can change the color

•	Texture Direction — (for Custom Objects) select the direction that the texture will run for that particular material from the drop-down list. Choose:
None — if there is no texture
X — if the texture follows the X axis
Y — if the texture follows the Y axis
Z — if the texture follows the Z axis

12.	Once you’ve made your selections, click [OK].


About Balustrade Size Properties

When adding a new balustrade to the database you can control the height of newel posts, the spacing between newels, the distance between the top rail and top of the newel posts, and the distance between the lower rail and the floor.

To specify balustrade dimensions:

1.	In the Balustrade Properties dialog, select the Size tab.

2.	You have the following options:

•	To specify the railing height from the floor to the top rail, type the desired height in the A field.

•	To specify the spacing between newels, type the desired value in the B field.

•	To specify the distance between the top rail and tops of the newel posts, type the desired value in the C field.

•	To specify the distance between the lower rail and the floor, type the desired value in the D field.

•	To include a newel post, select the Newel Post check box.

•	To include newels, select the Newels check box.

•	To include a bottom rail, select the Low Rail check box.

3.	Click [OK].


Adding Balconies

Balconies can fill several purposes other than just being viewing platform either inside or outside of your building.

•	They allow you to view an area used everyday at eye level from a different perspective. This view from above can provide a sense of spaciousness when you look down. At the same time, adjacent areas "borrow" the space so they appear bigger than they really are.

•	Inhabitants can use the balcony to monitor the "goings on" without being in the midst of the action. It gives the viewer space to decide whether to join an activity or remain an onlooker.

•	A portion of the space occupied by the balcony can serve double duty. It might house bookshelves turning the area into a library/reading area, or its walls can become come a gallery to display favorite works of art.

•	Outdoor balconies invite inhabitants to take part in the out-of-doors without leaving the building perimeter. Additionally a second-story balcony offers sheltered access to the ground floor inhabitants at the same time it offers out-of- doors access to those upstairs.

Balconies are easy to incorporate into your design. As with other objects, you must:

1.	Select [image] (Balconies) from the Insert toolbar or Construct|Balconies from the menu.

2.	Select the type of Balcony from the Object Type list.

3.	Select the Balcony from the database list. You might want to Click Edit Properties and go to the Shape Script page. Verify that the shape you want for the balcony is the same as the one indicated for the script. Click [OK] to continue with drawing the balcony.

4.	Click in the drawing to anchor the first corner of the balcony.

5.	Move the cursor and click the second corner. Continue around until you have identified all corners of the balcony.

6.	Right-click and select Close from the local menu.
FloorPlan has a script that draws the balcony for you after you identify the corner points.


Balcony Properties

Balconies have five Properties tabs: General, Material, Size, Rails, and Shape Script. The General and Material Properties are the same as those for all objects and symbols. See General Properties and Material Properties for information about those Properties.

Balcony Size Properties — define the thickness of the balcony deck, the distance the Balcony is from the ground (elevation) and the distance the outside edge of the post or rail is from the outside edge of the Balcony deck.

Balcony Rail Properties — define the dimensions of the balcony rail, and whether there is a newel post, newel, and lower rail

Balcony Shape Script Properties — specifies the shape of the balcony that you want to install so FloorPlan can use the appropriate script when creating the balcony for you.


Adding Decks

Decks can fill several purposes other than just being viewing platform outside of your building.

•	Inhabitants can use the deck to monitor the "goings on" without being in the midst of the action. It gives the viewer space to decide whether to join an activity or remain an onlooker.

•	A portion of the space occupied by the deck can serve double duty. It might serve as a passage way, a playground for children, or it can become come an outdoor room where family members can socialize or eat.

•	Decks invite inhabitants to take part in the out-of-doors without leaving the building perimeter. Additionally when under a balcony, the deck offers sheltered outdoor space for the ground floor inhabitants.

Decks are easy to incorporate into your design. As with other objects, you must:

1.	Select [image] (Decks) from the Insert toolbar or Construct|Decks from the menu.

2.	Select the type of Deck from the Object Type list.

3.	Select the Deck from the database list. You might want to Click [image] (Edit Properties) and go to the Shape Script page. Verify that the shape you want for the deck is the same as the one indicated for the script. If you want to draw the deck by hand, choose script 0 with the hand holding the pen. Click [OK] to continue with drawing the deck.

4.	Click in the drawing to anchor the first corner of the deck.

5.	Move the cursor and click the second corner. Continue around until you have identified all corners of the deck (remember that it needs to be the same shape as the one you indicated on the Shape Script tab).

6.	Right-click and select Finish from the local menu.
FloorPlan has a script that draws the deck for you after you identify the corner points.


Deck Properties

Decks have seven Properties tabs: General, Material, Size, Deck Stair Size, Deck Stair Rails, Deck Balustrade Rails, and Deck Shape Script Properties. The General and Material Properties are the same as those for all objects and symbols. See General Properties and Material Properties for information about those Properties. Use the diagrams in the property pages as a reference when you enter values for the various deck dimensions.

Deck Size— define the thickness of the deck, the distance the deck is from the ground (elevation) and the distance the outside edge of the post or rail is from the outside edge of the deck.

Deck Stair Size — define the dimensions for the stairs leading up to the deck

Deck Stair Rails — define the dimensions for the stair railings leading up to the deck

Deck Balustrade Rails — define the dimensions for the raililngs around the deck

Deck Shape Script— specifies the shape of the deck that you want to install so FloorPlan can use the appropriate script when creating the deck for you.


Adding Columns

 	Menu: Construct|Columns

You can insert any rectangular or round column in your model by simply positioning it with your cursor and clicking to anchor it in position.

To insert a column:

1.	From the Location toolbar, select the floor to which you want to assign the column. If the column will span more than one floor location, assign it to the location where the bottom of the column will be.

2.	Click [image] [Columns], or select Construct|Columns.

3.	Select the column type you want to insert from the database. An image of the column is attached to your cursor.

4.	Move your cursor to position the column in the desired location, then click to insert it.

5.	You have the following options:

•	To exit the task, press <Enter> or <Spacebar>, or right-click and select Finish from the menu.

•	To insert the same column in another location, repeat step 4.

•	To cancel the task, press <Esc> or right-click and select Cancel from the menu.


Column Properties

Column properties include the following:

•	General information (name, description, price, and so on)

•	Material settings (type of materials, textures and colors)

•	Size Properties for rectangular and round columns

Certain properties are editable, while others are not. The number of non-editable properties depends on whether you are editing a column locally (in your drawing) or globally through the database. When you add a new column to the database, you can edit all properties initially.

See also:

•	General Properties

•	Material Properties

•	Size Properties

•	About Column General Properties

•	About Column Material Properties

•	About Column Size Properties


About Column General Properties

Specifying General Properties

When adding a new object to the database, you can control all general properties of that object (name, description, supplier, unit price, whether or not it is quantifiable). When editing an existing object, you can edit all general properties except the name.

The information on the General property page is reflected in the material list.

Name — the name of the object or symbol; make it descriptive so program users can tell one object from another

Description — enter any other description beyond the name that might be of use to people using the program

Supplier — enter the name of the firm who supplies the object as the stated price

Price — enter the price of the object, when entering prices, be consistent if you include shipping, sales tax (and so on) for one object, include it for all

Unit — enter the unit of measure for the object, for example, each, dozen, box, pound

Include in Quantity — Check this box if you want to include the cost of this object in the calculated room price

Hyperlink — Click this button to define a Hyperlink that provides more information about the object


About Column Material Properties

Specifying Material Properties

Every object in the database can have a texture or color assigned to it to make it look more realistic when inserted and viewed in your drawing. For example, a brick wall can have a brick texture assigned to it to make it look like a real brick wall (instead of just a shaded surface) when you view your drawing in 3D. Material settings also determine what color objects will be displayed in when you’re in plan view.

Material settings are especially important when creating a rendered or photorealistic view.

Most objects have two or more material settings - one for every component that makes up the object. A cabinet, for example, will have individual material settings for the cabinet body, the countertop and the door leaf.

Material settings consist of the following:

•	A surface property selection (e.g., wood or glass) that determines the general appearance of the object’s surface (glass is shiny, wood is more dull).

•	A texture or color assignment.

You can change the material/color setting of a selected object in your drawing or make a change globally through the database. If changing the color/material setting globally for an object, the change applies to all occurrences of that object.

FloorPlan stores materials in the Material Library

FloorPlan stores materials in the Material Libbrary which you can access by clicking on the Material box in the object’s Property dialog Material tab. When you open the Material Library dialog, click the plus sign (+) to the left of the options listed to expand the list of materials. When you find the material you want, select it and click OK to return to the Properties dialog.

To set/change an object’s material setting:

1.	Select the object whose material setting you want to change either in your drawing or in the database. If you select an object in your drawing, only that individual object will be changed.

•	If changing an individual object in your drawing, double-click it, or select it then right-click it and select Edit Properties from the local menu.

•	If changing the color/material setting globally through the database, click [image] [Edit Properties] in the database.

2.	In the object’s Properties dialog, select the Material tab.

3.	Set the texture or color for the elements as desired:

•	Element — the part of the object or symbol

•	Material Type — the type of material that makes up the element – click the drop-down list to choose the type of surface for the element

•	Material Texture — the texture that makes up the element – click in the box to open the Material Library where you can choose a texture from an expandable list

•	Color — the color of the element – click in the box to open the Color dialog where you can change the color

•	Texture Direction — (for Custom Objects) select the direction that the texture will run for that particular material from the drop-down list. Choose:
None — if there is no texture
X — if the texture follows the X axis
Y — if the texture follows the Y axis
Z — if the texture follows the Z axis

4.	Once you’ve made your selections, click [OK].


About Column Size Properties

Specifying Column Dimensions

When adding a new column to the database you can control the height, width, and depth of a rectangular column and the height and diameter of a round column.

Specifying the Dimensions of a Rectangular Column

If adding a new rectangular column to the database you can control its height, width, and depth. You can also make the column run from floor to ceiling automatically.

To specify the dimensions for a rectangular column:

1.	In the Column Properties dialog, select the Size tab.

2.	You have the following options:

•	To change the depth of the column, type the desired value in the A field.

•	To change the width of the column, type the desired value in the B field.

3.	If you want the column to run from floor to ceiling on the location it’s on, select the Auto Adjust Floor to Ceiling check box. Otherwise, uncheck this box and specify the desired height in the C field.

4.	Click [OK].

Specifying the Dimensions of a Round Column

If adding a new round column to the database you can control its height and diameter. You can also make the column run from floor to ceiling automatically.

To specify the dimensions of a round column:

1.	In the Column Properties dialog, select the Size tab.

2.	You have the following options:

•	To change the diameter of the column, type the desired value in the A field.

•	If you want the column to run from floor to ceiling on the location it’s on, select the Auto Adjust Floor to Ceiling check box. Otherwise, clear this check box and specify the desired height in the C field.

3.	Click [OK].


Roofs

 	Menu: Construct|Roofs

Creating a roof is very simple in FloorPlan 3D because the program does almost everything for you. All you have to do is select the Roof command and the program automatically places a roof over your exterior wall layout.

FloorPlan 3D puts roofs on by location. This means that if you have a ground floor wall layout that is different from the second floor wall layout, you must use the Roof command while on the Ground Floor location, then use it again while on the Second Floor location.

Initially the roof is always a hip roof, but you can change hip ends to gable ends very easily. You can also control the materials used for the roof as well as its dimensions (slope, thickness and overhang distance). You control all of these things through the database.

Roof Properties


Adding a Hip Roof with One Click

By default, FloorPlan 3D automatically places a hip roof over your exterior wall layout. If you want to create a gable roof instead, you can change hip ends to gable ends after the roof has been inserted.

Isometric View of a Hip roof

To insert a roof:

1.	From the Location toolbar, select the floor containing the wall layout you want to put a roof over.

2.	Click the [Roof] button on the Insert toolbar, or select Construct|Roof.

3.	Select the desired roof surface type from the database.

4.	Click on [image] (Insert) in the database area. FloorPlan automatically inserts a hip roof over your walls.


Changing the Type of Roof

The Roof command always places a hip roof on your model, but you can change it to a gable, mansard roof, or other styles of roofs. For the Gable roof, you select the hip ends on either end of the roof’s apex and replacing them with gable ends using settings in the database. For the Mansard roof, you add a second section to all four hips of the roof, incline the lower sections steeply and flatten the upper section.

Once you know how to change the roof to a gable roof, you can modify it further to create a Shed or Grambrel roofs Grambrel roofs have more than one Section on each side. When you work in the Roof Properties Size tab, you can right-click in the Section column and select either Add Section or Delete Section from the local menu. See "To change a Gable roof to a Gambrel roof:" below in this topic.

Tip: You may find it easier to complete this task if you hide the walls beneath the roof using the display filter. This makes picking the roof edges easier.

Isometric View of Hip roof

Elevation of a Gable roof

To convert a hip roof to a gable roof:

1.	Select a hip end to change by clicking on its outermost edge.

2.	Right-click the hip end and select Edit Properties from the local menu.

3.	In the dialog, select the Size tab.

4.	From the Roof Type drop-down box, choose Gable.

5.	Click [OK]. The hip end is converted to a gable end.

6.	Repeat the above steps for other hip end.

Tip: Sometimes it is easier to select portions of the roof from the 3D View.

1.	Click 3D View to move there.

2.	Use the View State button pad (with the binoculars) and click on the center button to move to a view directly over the roof.

3.	Click on one half of the roof to select that half.

4.	Hold down <Shift> and select the other half of the roof, then release the <Shift> key.
Make sure you have selected only the top portions of the roof. For this (and other) conversion to another style, you do not want to select the gable ends of the roof because you do not want to change them.

Elevation of a Gable roof

Elevation of a Gambrel roof

To change a Gable roof to a Gambrel roof:

A Gambrel also has two sides like the gable roof, but each side has more than one slope (each slope is called a section). You might see this type of roof in an old-fashioned American hay barn.

1.	Make sure you are in the Location that has the roof.

2.	Select only the tops of the gable roof in your drawing (see the Tip about selecting only part of the roof) and right-click the roof to bring up its local menu.

3.	Select Edit Properties to open the Roof Properties dialog.

4.	Select Size to move to the Size tab.

5.	Right-click in the row that is already defined and select Add section from the local menu.
FloorPlan will add another row for the new section and apply names to the sections once you have more than one.

6.	Repeat the last step to add more sections until you have four: Lower, Middle1, Middle2, and Upper. (Your roof may have fewer sections.)

7.	In A - Slope change the entry to Degrees.

8.	Enter the Properties for each section in the Angle, Overhang, and Height, (refer to those listed here as an example). The values you enter depend upon your project. However, the only the Lower section has an Overhang value other than zero. If you give values to each section for Overhang, your roof will end up with a pagoda –like quality to it. For a Gambrel roof, the lower section should have the steepest Angle (nearer to 90 degrees). As you proceed up the roof, each section will have a smaller degreed Angle than the previous.

Section   A. Angle B. Overhang H. Height Type

Lower      80        1’4"       2’      hip

Middle1     60         0       2’      hip

Middle2     40         0       2’      hip

Upper       20         0       2’      hip

•	Click on the drop-down list, and then type the value even though it is not on the list. Press <Enter> to set the value, otherwise it will not accept the value.

9.	Verify your settings in the Preview window on the right side of the Size tab as you work. Do not make any changes in the Type column. If you do, you will change the roof sections to gable ends, and that is not what you want to happen.

10.	Once the roof sections are defined correctly, click [OK] to return to your drawing where you can view your new roof.


Roof Properties

You change roofs one edge at a time.

Roof properties include the following:

•	General information (name, description, price, and so on)

•	Material settings (type of materials, textures and colors for the roof and fascia)

•	Size Properties for slope, thickness and overhang distance

Certain properties are editable, while others are not. The number of non-editable properties depends on whether you are editing a roof locally (in your drawing) or globally through the database. When you add a new roof to the database, you can edit all properties initially.

See also:

General Properties

Material Properties

Size Properties

About Roof General Properties

About Roof Material Properties

About Roof Size PropertiesAbout_Roof_Size_Properties>GenTopic


About Roof General Properties

When adding a new object to the database, you can control all general properties of that object (name, description, supplier, unit price, whether or not it is quantifiable). When editing an existing object, you can edit all general properties except the name.

The information on the General property page is reflected in the material list.

Name — the name of the object or symbol; make it descriptive so program users can tell one object from another

Description — enter any other description beyond the name that might be of use to people using the program

Supplier — enter the name of the firm who supplies the object as the stated price

Price — enter the price of the object, when entering prices, be consistent if you include shipping, sales tax (and so on) for one object, include it for all

Unit — enter the unit of measure for the object, for example, each, dozen, box, pound

Include in Quantity — Check this box if you want to include the cost of this object in the calculated room price

Hyperlink — Click this button to define a Hyperlink that provides more information about the object


About Roof Material Properties

Specifying Material Properties

Every object in the database can have a texture or color assigned to it to make it look more realistic when inserted and viewed in your drawing. For example, a brick wall can have a brick texture assigned to it to make it look like a real brick wall (instead of just a shaded surface) when you view your drawing in 3D. Material settings also determine what color objects will be displayed in when you’re in plan view.

Material settings are especially important when creating a rendered or photorealistic view.

Most objects have two or more material settings - one for every component that makes up the object. A cabinet, for example, will have individual material settings for the cabinet body, the countertop and the door leaf.

Material settings consist of the following:

•	A surface property selection (e.g., wood or glass) that determines the general appearance of the object’s surface (glass is shiny, wood is more dull).

•	A texture or color assignment.

You can change the material/color setting of a selected object in your drawing or make a change globally through the database. If changing the color/material setting globally for an object, the change applies to all occurrences of that object.

FloorPlan stores materials in the Material Library

FloorPlan stores materials in the Material Libbrary which you can access by clicking on the Material box in the object’s Property dialog Material tab. When you open the Material Library dialog, click the plus sign (+) to the left of the options listed to expand the list of materials. When you find the material you want, select it and click OK to return to the Properties dialog.

To set/change an object’s material setting:

1.	Select the object whose material setting you want to change either in your drawing or in the database. If you select an object in your drawing, only that individual object will be changed.

•	If changing an individual object in your drawing, double-click it, or select it then right-click it and select Edit Properties from the local menu.

•	If changing the color/material setting globally through the database, click [image] [Edit Properties] in the database.

2.	In the object’s Properties dialog, select the Material tab.

3.	Set the texture or color for the elements as desired:

•	Element — the part of the object or symbol

•	Material Type — the type of material that makes up the element – click the drop-down list to choose the type of surface for the element

•	Material Texture Balcony —  the texture that makes up the element – click in the box to open the Material Library where you can choose a texture from an expandable list

•	Color — the color of the element – click in the box to open the Color dialog where you can change the color

•	Texture Direction — (for Custom Objects) select the direction that the texture will run for that particular material from the drop-down list. Choose:
None — if there is no texture
X — if the texture follows the X axis
Y — if the texture follows the Y axis
Z — if the texture follows the Z axis

4.	Once you’ve made your selections, click [OK].


About Roof Size Properties

When you want to change the slope, thickness, or overhang of a roof, use the Roof Properties dialog Size tab. First you must select the sections of the roof that you want to change. Sometimes this might be the whole roof, other times only portions of it.

Tips: If you find it hard to select the peotions of the roof that you want to change:

•	Select the portion of the roof that you want using the 3D View View State button pad arrows.

1.	Switch to 3D View and activate its View State.

2.	Click the arrow that best positions you to reach that portion of the roof and click on it.

3.	If selecting more than one section of the roof, hold down <Shift> as you click on the roof succeeding portions.

4.	Now you can return to Plan View, right click and select Edit Properties from the local menu.

•	Hide everything in the drawing but the roof.

•	Another way to select the whole roof is to use the Edit|Select By Object Type command. Adapt these suggestion according to the particular situation in you drawing.

•	Consider removing the existing roof and adding a new roof in the database with the correct rather than make changes to every portion of the existing roof.

To change a roof’s dimensions:

1.	In the Roof Properties dialog, select the Size tab.

2.	You have the following options:

•	A -Slope (incline), choose either Degrees or X in 12 to indicate how you want to measure the slope. You will set the value in the A-Angle field not here in the Slope field.
For example if you want a 23-degree slope, choose Degrees from the drop box and type 23 in the A-Angle edit box below.
If you want a 5 in 12 slope, choose X in 12 from the drop box and type 5 in the A- Angle edit box.

•	To add or delete Sections to the roof, right-click in the Section column and select Add or Delete from the local menu. FloorPlan adds another section to the roof and names the sections once you have more than one. Then you can set the Angle, Overhang and Height for the new section.

•	To set the Angle for that section of the roof, enter the value in the unit of measure that you specified in A Slope.
For example if you choose Degrees in A Slope and want a 23-degree slope, type 23 in the A-Angle edit box.
If you choose X in 12 in A Slope and want a 5 in 12 slope, and type 5 in the A- Angle edit box.

•	To change the Overhang distance, type the desired value in the B - Roof Overhang field. When you have more than one section in a roof, you will want to specify an overhang only on the lowest section. If you specify overhangs on each section of a multi-section roof, it will have a pagoda-like look as the overhang projects out beyond the roof at the bottom of each section.

•	To change the thickness of the roof surface, type the desired thickness in the C - Roof Thickness field.

•	To change the roof edge to a gable end (if editing an existing roof), choose Gable from the Roof Type drop box.

3.	Click [OK].


Gable Roof

A gable roof rises upward from two opposite sides of a building. Unlike the hip roof which rises up from all sides of a building.

Tip: You may find it easier to create a gable roof if you hide the walls beneath the roof using the display filter. This makes picking the roof edges easier.

Isometric view of a Hip roof

Elevation of a Gable roof

To convert a hip roof to a gable roof:

1.	Select a hip end to change by clicking on its outermost edge.

2.	Right-click the hip end and select Edit Properties from the local menu.

3.	In the dialog, select the Size tab.

4.	From the Roof Type drop-down box, choose Gable.

5.	Click [OK]. The hip end is converted to a gable end.

6.	Repeat the above steps for other hip end.


Mansard Roof

A Mansard roof has two sloping panes in every side of the roof — a very steep lower section and an almost flat top section. This style of roof allows the maximum standing headroom under the roof compared to a roof with a more gentle slope.

Isometric view of a Hip roof

Isometric view of a Mansard roof

To change a Hip roof to a Mansard roof:

1.	Make sure you are in the Location that has the roof.

2.	Select the whole roof (if it is easier, use the Edit|Select By Object Type command).

3.	Right-click the roof to bring up its local menu and select Edit Properties to open the Roof Properties dialog.

4.	Select Size to move to the Size tab.

5.	Right-click in the Section cell that is already defined and select Add section from the local menu.
FloorPlan will add another row for the new section and apply names to the sections once you have more than one.

6.	In A - Slope change the entry to Degrees.

7.	Change the Angle, Overhang, and Height entries to:

Section   A. Angle B. Overhang H. Height Type

Lower      80        1’4"       8"      hip

Upper      01         0      Auto"    hip

You want the lower section to have a very steep angle, somewhere between 60 degrees and 90. You want the upper section to be almost flat, so enter 1 degree. Only the lower section should have an overhang. If you specify an overhang on the upper section, your roof will be pagoda shaped. Choose the amount of head room that you want the area under the roof to have for the entry in the lower Height. Let the upper be automatic (auto). Keep both sections as type Hip – do not make them gable ends.

8.	Verify your settings in the Preview window on the right side of the Size tab as you work. Do not make any changes in the Type column. If you do, you will change the roof sections to gable ends, and that is not what you want to happen.

9.	Once the roof sections are defined correctly, click [OK] to return to your drawing where you can view your new roof.


Shed Roof

Elevation of a Gable roof

Elevation of a Shed roof

A Shed roof has only one sloping plane, like one you might see on a lean-to shed. The shed roof is sometimes called a half-gable.

Tip: It might be easier to select half of the roof from the 3D View using the View State button pads. Position your view so you can select the side of the roof that you want to change. Then return to the Plan View, right-click and select the Edit Properties from the local menu.

To change a Gable roof to a Shed roof:

1.	Make sure you are in the Location that has the roof.

2.	Select only the half of the roof that you want to be the highest side (see the Tip).

3.	Right-click the roof to bring up its local menu and select Edit Properties to open the Roof Properties dialog.

4.	Select Size to move to the Size tab.

5.	Under the Type drop-down list, change the type from hip to gable.

6.	Click [OK] to change the hip end to a gable end and return to the viewing area where you can view the shed roof.


Dormers

A typical dormer sitting on a roof plane

Dormers are a framed projection through the sloping plane of a roof. Most often they have a vertical window that rises from the roof and which has its own roof. Dormers allow extra head room in the upper story. They provide light to the interior as well.

Many house styles have dormers, and there are many styles of dormers. You may want to include some in your design. Before you install your dormer, you need to consider its depth and height compared to the slope (rise and run) of the roof that the dormer will sits on.

To determine the maximum depth of the Dormer:

You will want to measure the distance from the center of the roof to the outside wall. This will be your maximum depth (from the side wall of the building to the center line of the roof). If you want to place the dormer lower on the roof, or do not want it to go all the way from ridge line to outer wall, you need to reduce the depth accordingly.

1.	In the Pan View, click Measure or select Tools|Measure from the menu.

2.	Click on the center line of the roof to pick your point and start the measure tool.

3.	Move the cursor to the outside wall so the line left by the Measure tool forms a right angle to the outside wall.

4.	Stop moving the cursor when it is over the outside wall, and note the distance in the Distance box in the upper left corner of the FloorPlan 3D desktop. You now know the maximum depth for the dormer for this roof.

To calculate the maximum height (MH) for your dormer.

Normally, you don’t want your dormer to be higher than the highest part of the roof it sits on.

This will take a little bit of math to figure out. Let’s plug in what we know for our example:

•	the distance that half the roof spans—you just measured that on your plan. Our hypothetically example measured 15 feet. Let’s label this value as "D" for depth (of the Dormer). Therefore Depth=D=15

•	the pitch or slope of the roof—remember, one way we express the slope is rise over run, and that relationship is part of the name of the various roofs in the FloorPlan database. You can verify the rise/run by checking the Properties for your roof or the database list. For our example, let’s say the slope is 8/12, that is, the roof rises 8 feet every time it spans 12 feet across. Let’s label the rise as ‘H" and the run as "R". Therefore Run=R=12 and Height=H=8

We now have enough information to compute the maximum height for your dormer.

We know that for every R (12 feet in our example) the roof rises H (8 in our example) feet.

If we know how many sets (let’s call that "S" for sets) of R(uns) are in D(epth), we can multiply the ‘S" (number of sets) times ‘H" (8 in our example) to determine the MH (Maximum Height). Now let’s write this out as a mathematical formula, then plug the numbers into the equation.

S=D/R

MH=S*H

For our example:

Depth=D=15

Run=R=12

Height=H=8

Sets=S=D/R

     S=15/12=1.25

Maximum Height=MH=S*H

MH=1.25*8=10

So the maximum height for our example dormer is 10 feet, So far our example dormer should be no more that 10’ high by 15’ deep for a dormer that would span from the ridgeline to the outer wall. The width will also be limited by the size of the roof and what other structures might be on it.

Once you have a general idea how big your dormer can be, go ahead and insert one in your roof.

To add a dormer in a roof:

1.	Select the location containing the roof from the Location toolbar.

2.	Click [image] (Roof) or select Construct|Roof.

3.	Choose the desired dormer from the database.

4.	Click [image] (Insert) in the database, position the dormer, and click to insert it.


Dormer Properties

Dormers have the standard General and Material Properties that all other objects. have. Their Size Properties are straight forward:

Scale—click the radio button that applies to select whether measurements are in Feet, Millimeters, or Custom

Up Axis—click the radio button that applies to select whether the X, Y or Z axis is the vertical axis (Z is the default)

Size—Enter the value for each dimension in their respective boxes for Width, Depth, and Height.

Depth of roofing—enter the value for the thickness of the roof. In most cases, this is the same as the thickness of the main roof.

General Properites

Material Properties


Skylights

Skylight let natural light into the very heart of your building. This can visually enlarge a small dark space. Adding Skylights is easy as one, two, three.

To add a skylight to you design:

1.	Select the location containing the roof from the Location toolbar.

2.	Click (Roof) or select Construct|Roof.

3.	Choose the desired skylight from the database.

4.	Click in the roof to add the skylight to your drawing.

Changing a Skylight

Once you select a skylight, you can move it, but you cannot resize it. If you want a skylight with different dimensions than the ones in the database, select a skylight from the list that is similar to the one you want to add, and click [image] (Add New). Describe the new skylight in all of the Property tabs, and click [OK] to add the new skylight to the database list. Now you can insert the new skylight in your design.


Skylight Properties

Skylight properties are similar to dormer properties. The General and Material properties follow the standard of other objects. The Size Properties differ in only one item—skylights have a depth of soffit instead of a depth of roofing.

Scale—click the radio button that applies to select whether measurements are in Feet, Millimeters, or Custom

Up Axis—click the radio button that applies to select whether the X, Y or Z axis is the vertical axis (Z is the default)

Size—Enter the value for each dimension in their respective boxes for Width, Depth, and Height.

Depth of soffit—enter the value for the height of the soffit.

General Properites

Material Properties


Cabinets

 	Menu: Insert|Cabinets

Cabinets are considered to be symbols since they are objects found in the database. However, they are not inserted in the same way as true symbols. You can insert a single cabinet or stretch to create a run of cabinets, just like when you create stairs.

Once you’ve got the basic structure of your model completed, you can add a variety of finishing touches to make your design look more true-to-life. Among these finishing items are base and wall cabinets. Base and wall cabinets include immovable wall or floor cabinet types like kitchen and bathroom cabinets. It does not include free-standing cabinet types like hutches and entertainment centers. Free-standing cabinet types are found under the Furniture category and are inserted as regular symbols.

See also:

•	Working with CabinetsWorking_with_Cabinets>GenTopic

•	Cabinet Properties


Working with Cabinets

 	Menu: Insert|Cabinets

Note: This procedure applies to immovable wall or floor cabinet types like kitchen and bathroom cabinets. It does not apply to free-standing cabinet types like hutches and entertainment centers. These types are found under the Furniture category and are inserted as regular symbols.

To insert a single cabinet or run of cabinets:

1.	From the Location toolbar, select the floor you want to assign the cabinet to.

2.	Click the [Cabinets] on the Insert toolbar, or select Insert|Cabinets.

3.	Select the cabinet type you want to insert from the database. An image of the cabinet appears on the screen.

4.	If you are inserting a single cabinet and not a run, right-click now and select Single Cabinet from the local menu. This option is a toggle between single cabinets and a run of cabinets.

5.	Position the cabinet in the desired spot using your cursor. If inserting a run of two or more cabinets, this will be the starting end of the run.

6.	If inserting a single cabinet, click to insert it.

7.	If inserting a run of two or more cabinets, click to anchor the starting end of the run. Stretch the cabinets to the correct length with your cursor. When the run is the correct length, click again to anchor the whole run of cabinets. If you want you can continue stretching in another direction (around a corner, for example).

8.	You have the following options:

•	To finish and exit the task, press <ENTER> or <Spacebar>, or right-click and select Finish from the menu.

•	To cancel the task, press <ESC> or right-click and select Cancel from the menu.


Cabinet Properties

Cabinet properties include the following:

•	General information (name, description, price, and so on)

•	Material settings (type of materials, textures and colors)

•	Size dimensions for height and width, base level and external base level measurements, and baseboard dimensions.

•	Cabinet Detail information (single or double-sided option, backsplash, toe space, nosing options, filler panel and countertop options, door and drawer styles)

Certain properties are editable, while others are not. The number of non-editable properties depends on whether you are editing a cabinet locally (in your drawing) or globally through the database. When you add a new cabinet to the database, you can edit all properties initially.

See also:

General Properties

Material Properties

Size Properties

About Cabinet General Properties

About Cabinet Material Properties

About Cabinet Size Properties

About Cabinet Detail Properties


About Cabinet General Properties

When adding a new object to the database, you can control all general properties of that object (name, description, supplier, unit price, whether or not it is quantifiable). When editing an existing object, you can edit all general properties except the name.

The information on the General property page is reflected in the material list.

Name — the name of the object or symbol; make it descriptive so program users can tell one object from another

Description — enter any other description beyond the name that might be of use to people using the program

Supplier — enter the name of the firm who supplies the object as the stated price

Price — enter the price of the object, when entering prices, be consistent if you include shipping, sales tax (and so on) for one object, include it for all

Unit — enter the unit of measure for the object, for example, each, dozen, box, pound

Include in Quantity — Check this box if you want to include the cost of this object in the calculated room price

Hyperlink — Click this button to define a Hyperlink that provides more information about the object


About Cabinet Material Properties

Specifying Material Properties

Every object in the database can have a texture or color assigned to it to make it look more realistic when inserted and viewed in your drawing. For example, a brick wall can have a brick texture assigned to it to make it look like a real brick wall (instead of just a shaded surface) when you view your drawing in 3D. Material settings also determine what color objects will be displayed in when you’re in plan view.

Material settings are especially important when creating a rendered or photorealistic view.

Most objects have two or more material settings - one for every component that makes up the object. A cabinet, for example, will have individual material settings for the cabinet body, the countertop and the door leaf.

Material settings consist of the following:

•	A surface property selection (e.g., wood or glass) that determines the general appearance of the object’s surface (glass is shiny, wood is more dull).

•	A texture or color assignment.

You can change the material/color setting of a selected object in your drawing or make a change globally through the database. If changing the color/material setting globally for an object, the change applies to all occurrences of that object.

FloorPlan stores materials in the Material Library

FloorPlan stores materials in the Material Libbrary which you can access by clicking on the Material box in the object’s Property dialog Material tab. When you open the Material Library dialog, click the plus sign (+) to the left of the options listed to expand the list of materials. When you find the material you want, select it and click OK to return to the Properties dialog.

To set/change an object’s material setting:

1.	Select the object whose material setting you want to change either in your drawing or in the database. If you select an object in your drawing, only that individual object will be changed.

•	If changing an individual object in your drawing, double-click it, or select it then right-click it and select Edit Properties from the local menu.

•	If changing the color/material setting globally through the database, click [image] [Edit Properties] in the database.

2.	In the object’s Properties dialog, select the Material tab.

3.	Set the texture or color for the elements as desired:

•	Element — the part of the object or symbol

•	Material Type — the type of material that makes up the element – click the drop-down list to choose the type of surface for the element

•	Material Texture — the texture that makes up the element – click in the box to open the Material Library where you can choose a texture from an expandable list

•	Color — the color of the element – click in the box to open the Color dialog where you can change the color

•	Texture Direction — (for Custom Objects) select the direction that the texture will run for that particular material from the drop-down list. Choose:
None — if there is no texture
X — if the texture follows the X axis
Y — if the texture follows the Y axis
Z — if the texture follows the Z axis

4.	Once you’ve made your selections, click [OK].


About Cabinet Size Properties

When adding a new cabinet to the database you can control its height, width, and depth. Some cabinet types, like corner cabinets, have additional measurements that determine the size of each portion of the cabinet.

To specify a cabinet’s dimensions:

1.	In the Cabinet Properties dialog, select the Size tab.

2.	Use the graphic provided in the dialog as a guide in filling out the available fields.

A.	the width of the cabinet

B.	the depth of the cabinet

C.	the height of the cabinet

D.	other information depending upon the particular cabinet

3.	Click [OK].


About Cabinet Detail Properties

Cabinet details are properties that determine the general appearance of a cabinet. You can control whether it is a single-sided or double-sided cabinet, which components it has (e.g., backsplash ), and the door and/or drawer style.

To change cabinet details:

1.	In the Cabinet Properties dialog, select the Cabinet Details tab.

2.	Enter information as needed to describe the details about the cabinet:

•	Cabinet Side — Choose either One Side or Both Sides. A one-sided cabinet is the type you would attach to a wall. An example of a two-sided cabinet is a kitchen island.

•	Leaf Side — Choose to have a door leaf on either One Side or Both Sides for a two-sided cabinet.

•	Backsplash — Check this check box if you want a backsplash.

•	Toe Space — Check this check box if you want toe space (the recessed area between the bottom of the cabinet and the floor).

•	Nose — Check this check box if you want nosing (the portion of a countertop that projects over the top edge of the cabinet).

•	Filler Panel — Check this check box if you want the cabinet to be a filler member between the wall and a cabinet or between two cabinets. Filler panels can be stretched.

•	Countertop — Check this check box if you want the cabinet to be a countertop only.

•	Door Style — Click this radio button to switch to available door styles. Then click on the desired door leaf style. Use the scroll bar at the bottom of the dialog to scroll to all the available door leaf styles.

•	Drawer Style — Click this radio button to switch to available drawer styles. Then click on the desired drawer style. Use the scroll bar at the bottom of the dialog to scroll to all the available styles

3.	Click [OK].


About Filler Panels

When adding a run of cabinets, you may end up with a gap between a wall and a cabinet or between two cabinets. For example, if you install a run of 3’ wide cabinets in wall space 13’ long, you will have a 1’ gap after you install 4 cabinets. Use a Filler Panel to fill in the gap. The advantage of the Filler Panel is that you can resize it.

You can designate any cabinet as a Filler Panel the cabinet’s Cabinet Detail Property tab.

To designate a cabinet as a Filler Panel:

1.	Select the cabinet in the drawing and right-click, then select Edit Properties to open the cabinet’s Property dialog.

2.	Click the Cabinet Details tab to move to that set of Properties.

3.	Check the Filler Panel checkbox to activate the feature.

4.	Click [OK] to set the Property and return to the drawing area.

Stretching Filler Panels

You can stretch the Filler Pane by selecting it, then placing your cursor over its end grip and dragging in the direction you want to stretch.

You know you are in Stretch mode when your cursor is a Stretch cursor

the stretch cursor


Plumbing Fixtures

Plumbing Fixtures include Bathtubs, Bidets, Faucets & Fittings, Sinks, Toilets, Tub & Shower Combos, Utility, Whirlpool Tubs, and Custom Plumbing Fixtures. You will find the Plumbing Fixtures commands on the Insert toolbar and the Insert menu.

Working with Plumbing Fixtures

Properties for Plumbing Fixtures


Working with Plumbing Fixtures

All Plumbing Fixtures are symbols in the database. So working with Plumbing Fixtures is the same as working with any symbol. You can insert them into your drawing, change some of their properties, hide or display them as you work on your design, reposition them, and add new (custom) Plumbing Fixtures to your database or your drawing.

See:

Inserting Symbols

Editing Symbol Properties

Displaying/Hiding Symbols

Grouping and Moving Objects

Adding New Symbols


Properties for Plumbing Fixtures

The Properties for Plumbing Fixtures will vary depending upon their features. All Plumbing Fixtures will have the standard General and Material Properties as well as Size Properties of some sort.

See:

General Properties

Material Properties

Size Properties


Electrical Fixtures

Electrical fixtures include Fans, Lighting, Switches and Outlets, and Custom Electrical Fixtures. You will find the Electrical fixtures on the Insert toolbar and the Insert menu. Some Electrical Fixtures have special properties because they are sources of light. If you are working with a source of light, be sure to refer to those topics that discuss light sources and working with them.

Working with Electrical Fixtures

Properties for Electrical Fixtures

Working with Light Sources


Working with Electrical Fixtures

All Electrical Fixtures are symbols in the database. So working with Electrical Fixtures is the same as working with any symbol. Some Electrical Fixtures have special properties because they are sources of light. If you are working with a source of light, be sure to refer to those topics that discuss light sources and working with them.

You can insert them into your drawing, change some of their properties, hide or display them as you work on your design, reposition them, and add new (custom) Furniture to your database or your drawing.

See:

Inserting Symbols

Editing Symbol Properties

Displaying/Hiding Symbols

Grouping and Moving Objects

Adding New Symbols

Light Sources

Photorealistic Settings


Properties for Electrical Fixtures

The Properties for Electrical Fixtures will vary depending upon their features. All Electrical Fixtures will have the standard General and Material Properties. Some will have Size Properties of some sort. From there it varies depending upon the item. Fans have properties that describe how they attach to the ceiling. Lighting has properties that describe the light they emit.

See:

General Properties

Material Properties

Size Properties

Light Sources

Behavior Properties


Behavior Properties

Behavior Properties describe how the item attaches to the ceiling. Fans and Hanging lamps are examples of objects that have Behavior Properties.

To set Behavior Properties for certain objects:

1.	Select the object, then right-click and select Edit Properties from the local menu.

2.	In the object’s Property dialog, click Behavior to move to that tab.

3.	Select the method of attachment from the drop-down list.

•	None — to specify no method of attaching the object to the ceiling.

•	Flat Ceiling Attachment — to identify the ceiling the object is attached to as flat

•	Cathedral Ceiling Attachment — to identify the ceiling the object is attached to as the very top of a cathedral ceiling

•	Vertical Cathedral Ceiling Attachment — to identify the ceiling the object is attached to as the side sloping portion of a cathedral ceiling

4.	Click OK to set the property and return to the drawing area.


Appliances

Appliances include both major appliances like stoves and refrigerators and countertop appliances. You will find the Appliances commands on the Insert toolbar and the Insert menu.


Working with Appliances

All Appliances are symbols in the database. So working with Appliances is the same as working with any symbol.

You can insert them into your drawing, change some of their properties, hide or display them as you work on your design, reposition them, and add new (custom) Appliances to your database or your drawing.

See:

Inserting Symbols

Editing Symbol Properties

Displaying/Hiding Symbols

Grouping and Moving Objects

Adding New SymbolsAdding_New_Symbols>GenTopic


Properties for Appliances

The Properties for Appliances will vary depending upon their features. All Appliances will have the standard General and Material Properties as well as Size Properties of some sort.

See:

General Properties

Material Properties

Size Properties


Furniture

Furniture includes items from Bedroom, Beds, Cabinets (such as entertainment centers or a hutch), Dining Chairs, Miscellaneous, Office, Outdoor, Sofas & Chairs, Tables, and Custom Furniture. You will find the Furniture commands on the Insert toolbar and the Insert menu.

See:

Working with Furniture

Properties of Furniture


Working with Furniture

All Furniture are symbols in the database. So working with Furniture is the same as working with any symbol.

You can insert them into your drawing, change some of their properties, hide or display them as you work on your design, reposition them, and add new (custom) Furniture to your database or your drawing.

See:

Inserting Symbols

Editing Symbol Properties

Displaying/Hiding Symbols

Grouping and Moving Objects

Adding New SymbolsAdding_New_Symbols>GenTopic


Properties of Furniture

The Properties for Furniture will vary depending upon their features. All Accessories will have the standard General and Material Properties as well as Size Properties of some sort.

See:

General Properties

Material Properties

Size Properties


Accessories

Accessories include finishing items like Art & Décor, Bath Accessories, Consumer Electronics, Fireplaces, Floral & Plants, Housewares, Mirrors, Miscellaneous, Office, Outdoor, Rugs, Window Treatments, and as with all symbols, Custom Accessories

The Properties for Accessories will vary depending upon their features.


Working with Accessories

All Accessories are symbols in the database. So working with Accessories is the same as working with any symbol.

You can insert them into your drawing, change some of their properties, hide or display them as you work on your design, reposition them, and add new (custom) Accessories to your database or your drawing.

See:

Inserting Symbols

Editing Symbol Properties

Displaying/Hiding Symbols

Grouping and Moving Objects

Adding New Symbols


Properties of Accessories

The Properties for Accessories will vary depending upon their features. All Accessories will have the standard General and Material Properties as well as Size Properties of some sort.

See:

General Properties

Material Properties

Size Properties


Light Sources

One sub category of symbols deserves special mention—lights and light sources. These include:

•	Lamps, lights, and other lighting devices

•	Windows, skylights, openings

•	Sunlight

•	Material settings for symbols and objects such as color, textures, reflective light and shadows,

It is particularly important to remember this when working with symbols that are lights or light sources. You can control all of these elements to get the exact image that you desire:

Set the colors and textures for a symbol in the database using the symbol’s Properties dialog.

Regulate the use of indoor lighting by the use of lighting symbols in your drawing.

We will not deal with a third method of controlling light here—specify the Sunlight and shadows in the sun position settings in the Options dialog—we wan t to discuss light in relationship to symbols instead.

FloorPlan 3D allows you to export your designs to virtual reality files that you can open in your Internet browser and walk through a model of your design.

One type of VRML file (Radiosity) takes into account the effects of light and shadow in your model.

If the space displayed in your VRML file is dark, you must add light sources to your design and generate a new Radiosity VRML file.

FloorPlan 3D also allows you to generate photorealistic image that resemble a real photographs. It uses the processes of radiosity and raytracing to generate the photorealistic image. These two techniques work together to calculate light distribution in your model by reading surfaces, shapes, textures, colors, lights and shadows.

If you are not satisfied with the Photorealistic image that you generated, you may have to add or delete light sources or adjust those properties that affect how the program reads the light.

For example, the more lights there are in a scene, the brighter the scene becomes. The higher the intensity setting of a light, the brighter the light will be. Lighter colored, surfaces are more reflective than dark surfaces. A shiny, smooth surface will reflect more light than a dull, rough surface.

Light distribution plays an important role in the way light appears in a room. A light source with point distribution casts the light out in all directions and is therefore harder to control than a light with spot distribution (where you can control the direction and fall-off of the light).

You can control the type, color, and intensity of the lighting objects in your database. You can also specify how you want the light to be distributed. These properties play a part in photorealistic image generation if the image includes lighting.

See:

Sun Position Settings

Photorealistic Settings

Working with Light Sources

Trouble Shooting a Photorealistic Image


Working with Light Sources

Specifying the Properties of Lights

All the lighting symbols in your database have a unique property page which determines the light’s type, color, and intensity. You can even specify how you want the light to be distributed from the lighting object.

The properties on this special page also play a part in photorealistic image generation if the image includes lighting.

To set a light property:

1.	Right-click on the light and select Edit properties from the local menu to open the Properties dialog..

2.	Click the Properties tab to move to that tab.

3.	Set the properties for the light:

•	Brightness Group

On the left — enter a value to quantify the unit of measure for the light

On the right — enter the unit (WATTS or LUMENS) for measuring the brightness of the light source

•	Efficiency — Specify the type of lighting, Incandescent, Halogen, or Fluorescent

•	Distribution — enter the type of light distribution

Point — the light is emitted equally in all directions.

Spot — the light is emitted as a beam with varying degrees of intensity.

•	Color Filler — Click to open the Color dialog to pick a color for the light

4.	Click [OK] to set the properties and return to the drawing area.


Taking a Walk through Your Model

FloorPlan 3D’s Walk Through feature lets you take a tour through your model. You can walk in any direction you like, at whatever pace you want using the Walk Through buttons.

You use the Walk Through feature while in 3D View mode.

To walk through your model:

1.	Make sure you are in 3D View mode (select the 3D View tab on the left window pane).

2.	Click the button with the binoculars on it to toggle from View mode to Walk mode. You know you are in Walk mode if you see a pair of feet on the button.
The viewpoint button arrows change to walk through arrows:

3.	Click the appropriate arrows to move through your model.

•	To return to regular 3D view, click the View/Walk toggle button again.

•	To switch to a plan view, select the Plan View tab on the left window pane.


Working with Views in the Drawing Area

FloorPlan lets you work with more than one view in the drawing area. You can create and save new views using the View and File menus. Then you can recall, and display them using File, View and Window menu commands.

File menu

View menu

Window menu


Photorealistic Images

Creating a Photorealistic Image

Menu: View|Photorealistic Image|Generate…

A photorealistic image resembles a real photograph. It includes colors, textures, light, and shadows. You can control all of these elements to get the exact "picture" you want. Colors and textures are set in the database through an object’s property pages. Sunlight and shadows are determined by sun position settings in the Options dialog. Indoor lighting is determined by the lighting symbols you have in your drawing.

You create a photorealistic view while in 3D View mode by making a simple menu selection.

To create a photorealistic view:

1.	Go to 3D View mode (select the 3D View tab in the left pane).

2.	Using either the viewpoint buttons or the Camera View feature, create the 3D view you want to capture. For example, if you want to create a photorealistic view of the living room, position yourself inside or near the living room and set up the view so you can see the objects inside the room.

You may create photorealistic images either in VRML(*.WRL) and bitmap (*.BMP) format. You can control the output of the image through the Options dialog before generating it. You can also load saved images as well as print them.

To generate the Photorealistic image in bitmap format, FloorPlan 3D uses the processes of radiosity and raytracing. These two techniques work together to calculate light distribution in your model by reading surfaces, shapes, textures, colors, and lights.

To create a photorealistic image:

1.	Select File|Radiosity VRML… to create a WRL file,

2.	or View|Photorealistic Image|Generate (for 3D view only) to create a *.bmp file.

3.	The Output VRML File or Output Bitmap File dialog opens.

4.	By default, the image is written to a file called output.wrl or output.bmp. It is stored in your FloorPlan 3D|Documents directory.

•	If you want to use a different file name or store the file in a different directory, click the [Browse] button and specify the desired file name and/or directory.

•	If you want to change the sun position settings shown in the Output Bitmap File dialog, click [Cancel] and select Tools|Options, then the Sun Position tab of the Options dialog.

•	If you want to change the settings for the output of the photorealistic image (e.g., size, quality, brightness, or Time Out factor for the radiosity process), click [Modify]. This takes you to the Photorealistic page of the Options dialog. For VRML files you can specify quality, brightness and timeout factors). See Working with Photorealistic Images for details).

5.	Click [OK] in the Output VRML File or Output Bitmap File dialog.

6.	The Photorealistic Image Generation dialog opens.

•	Step 1 (the preparation for export to a file) lasts up to a minute or so. Then, the generation process goes into its second stage (radiosity).

•	The radiosity process (Step 2) can take up to a few minutes, depending on the number of surfaces and lights in the view. You can stop the radiosity process at any time by clicking [Stop]. If you do this, however, the finished image file may be diminished in quality. It is recommended that you wait until the radiosity process has finished. When the radiosity is complete (or you click Stop), the image generation goes into its third and final stage (raytracing and bitmap file generation).

Note: If you click [Stop] during the raytracing process (Step 3), you will cancel the task completely.

7.	After a brief pause, the image is generated in a separate window.


Working with Photorealistic Images

Factors Affecting Photorealistic Images

Several factors affect the way a photorealistic image turns out. It’s a good idea to consider each of these factors before generating an image so you can get the result you want.

Sun Position

The position of the sun affects the intensity of the sun. The sun’s position is controlled by the Time of Day and Location in the World factors.

Windows

The more windows a room has, the more possible it is for light to come into the room.

Also, the position of windows has an impact on the amount of light that enters the room. For example, if a window is positioned so that there is direct sun coming through it, the result would be dramatically different than that of an ambient light coming through the window.

Lights

The more lights that are in the scene, the brighter the scene could become. The higher the intensity setting of a light, the brighter the light will be.

Light distribution plays an important role in the way light appears in a room. A light source with point distribution casts the light out in all directions and is therefore harder to control than a light with spot distribution (where you can control the direction and fall-off of the light).

Materials

The color of materials affects the way color is reflected in a room. If the image has taken on the color of a particular material, it usually means that the material’s color is too bright and should be darkened. The darker the color, the less light that is reflected into the room.

Different material types reflect light differently. A shiny or smooth surface will reflect more light than a dull, rough surface.


Trouble Shooting a Photorealistic Image

Troubleshooting a Photorealistic Image

Your photorealistic images may not turn out the way you want them to every time. Here are some common problems associated with photorealistic images.

Click on a problem to view possible solutions.

•	The image turned out black.

•	The image is not bright enough.

•	The image is too bright.

•	The colors didn't turn out as expected.


Trouble Black Image

The Image Turned Out Black

If your photorealistic image turned out black, try the following:

•	Check the Time of Day setting on the Sun Position page of the Options dialog. There is no sun after sunset.

•	Check the Location setting on the Sun Position page of the Options dialog. It may be night time in that part of the world.

•	Change the angle from North on the Sun Position page of the Options dialog.

•	Check if there are lights present in the scene.

•	Increase the Quality level on the Photorealistic page of the Options dialog.

•	Increase the Brightness level on the Photorealistic page of the Options dialog.


Trouble Image Not Bright Enough

If your photorealistic image is not bright enough, try the following:

•	Change the Time of Day setting on the Sun Position page of the Options dialog so it is closer to noon.

•	Change the angle from North on the Sun Position page of the Options dialog.

•	Add more lights to the scene.

•	Increase the intensity of the lights.

•	Increase the Quality level on the Photorealistic page of the Options dialog.

•	Increase the Brightness level on the Photorealistic page of the Options dialog.


Trouble Image too Bright

If your photorealistic image turned out too bright, try the following:

•	Change the Time of Day setting on the Sun Position page of the Options dialog so it is farther away from noon.

•	Change the angle from North on the Sun Position page of the Options dialog.

•	Remove some lights.

•	Turn down the intensity of lights.

•	Decrease the Brightness level on the Photorealistic page of the Options dialog.


Trouble Colors Wrong

The Colors Didn't Turn Out as Expected

The color of objects affects the way color is reflected in a room.

Check the color setting for objects. If the image has taken on a color of a material, the material’s color is probably too bright and should be darkened. The darker the material color, the less color that will be reflected into the room.


Radiosity VRML

FloorPlan 3D allows you to export your designs to virtual reality files. You can then open these VRML files in your Internet browser and walk through a model of your design.

There are two commands available for exporting to a VRML file: the Export command, and the Radiosity VRML command. Radiosity VRML takes into account the affects of light and shadow in your model.

To export a VRML file using the Export command:

1.	Select File|Export. The Save As dialog opens.

2.	Make sure VRML Files is selected in the Save As type box.

3.	Type a name for the drawing in the File Name box.

4.	In the Save In box, select the directory where you want to save the file.

5.	Click [Save]. The file is saved.

To export using the Radiosity VRML command:

1.	Select File|Radiosity VRML. The Output VRML File dialog opens.

2.	Click [Modify] and make any changes to the settings.

3.	Click [Continue] to proceed with the export.

The Photorealistic Image Generation dialog opens, indicating the progress of the export.

When the export is complete, a VRML preview window will open.

It may take some time for the picture to appear in the preview window, depending on the complexity of the exported file. When the virtual image is generated, you can walk through it using the arrows as navigation tools.

If the space is dark, you must add light sources to your design and generate a new Radiosity VRML file.

Light Sources

Photorealistic Settings

Trouble Shooting a Photorealistic Image


Saving and Restoring Views

Saving Views

 	Menu: View|Save View….

You can save any view that is currently on the screen and call that view up again when you want. When you save a view, you give it a name and description to help you identify it for future use.

To save a view:

1.	Select View|Save View.

2.	In the Name box of the Views dialog, type a name for the view (Plan View, Front Elevation, etc.).

3.	In the Description box, type a brief description of the view if needed.

4.	Click [OK].

You can also save a view as a BMP or JPG. See Save View As for more information.

Restoring Views

 	Menu: View|Restore View…

You can call up any view that you have saved at any time. When restoring a view, you can choose to have the view come up in a new window. This means you could then toggle between the current view and the restored view, or view them both at the same time.

To restore a view:

1.	Select View|Restore View.

2.	In the List of saved views box, select the view you want to restore.

3.	If you want the restored view to appear in a new window, select the New Window check box.

4.	Click [OK].


Adding Steps

You add steps just like you add stairs. Make sure you are on the location at the base of the stairs.

1.	Select [image] (Stairs) or select Construct|Stairs from the menu.

2.	Select Steps or Circular Steps from the Objects Type drop-down list, then pick the particular steps from the Database list.
When you insert the steps in the drawing, you will follow the same procedure, click one, two , three.

3.	Click once to anchor the position of the steps;

4.	Click a second time to position the base and begin to draw the staircase;

5.	Click a third time to anchor the top end of the set of steps.

You can also add a new section to steps if you decide that your design situation warrants it. See To Add a New Section to the Steps for more information.


To Add a New Section to the Steps

If you inserted steps (rather than stairs) into your design, you can add or delete sections to the upper end of the steps in your drawing.

1.	Select the steps that you want to remodel. Right-click and select either Add Section|Straight Section or Add Section|Circle Section from the local menu. The cursor will have the new section attached to it.

2.	Move the cursor in the direction that you want the steps to take. You can see them stretch as you draw.

3.	When the new section is where you want it, click to anchor the top of the new step section.

You can also delete the section of steps that you added last by itself:

1.	Select the section of steps.

2.	Right-click and select Delete Section from the local menu.


To Exit FloorPlan 3D

To exit FloorPlan 3D:

Select File|Exit or click on the [X] in the upper right-hand corner of the Application window.


To Start FloorPlan 3D

To start FloorPlan 3D:

1.	On the Windows taskbar, click [Start].

2.	Select Programs|IMSI FloorPlan 3D v7|FloorPlan v7.0. The FloorPlan initial screen appears.

3.	In the Getting Started section of the initial screen, select New to start a new drawing or Open to open an existing drawing.


To Change the Background Color or Pattern

You can change the background color of your drawing area, or choose a patterned background like a sky or forest.

To change the background of your drawing area:

1.	Select Tools|Options. The Options dialog opens.

2.	Select the Textures tab.

3.	To apply a color and texture to the background, do the following:

•	To select a color for your background, click the Background option’s Color box and make a selection from the Color dialog.

•	To select a pattern for your background, make a selection from the Texture box.

4.	Click [OK].


To Change Ground Plane Dimensions

To set the dimensions of your ground plane:

1.	Select Tools|Options. The Options dialog opens.

2.	Select the Textures tab.

3.	In the Ground Plane Dimensions group, specify the desired length and width for the ground plane in the Length and Width boxes.

4.	Click [OK].


Status Bar

The Status sits directly below the default position for the Inspector bar

The Status bar provides dynamic information about the current object or command. Refer to it for information and prompts that suggest actions you may take.


Glossary

Click on a letter to see a list of terms beginning with that letter

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  XYZ


Backsplash

The rear, vertical section of a countertop that attaches to the wall and prevents water from running down behind a cabinet.


Baluster

A vertical member that supports a stair rail.


Balustrade defined

A railing comprised of balusters, top rail, bottom rail and newel posts. Used along stair landings, porches, decks and balconies. Also called a banister.


Bearing

The horizontal direction of a property line measured from a reference direction and expressed in degrees.


BMF

Building Model File. Extension given to FloorPlan 3D files.


Camera View defined

A feature that lets you capture a perspective view of your model from any height and angle.


Marqueeing

A method of selecting objects where you draw a rectangle around the objects from right to left with your cursor.


Database defined

A collection of data files.


Dimensions defined

Labels indicating the length or width of objects.


Display Filter defined

A feature that allows you to show and hide selected locations or selected objects on a location.


DXF

Drawing Exchange File format used for translating files among different CAD programs.


Fascia

A horizontal roof edge to which you would attach a gutter.


Filler Panel

A strip of wood or other member used to fill a gap between two cabinets or between a cabinet and a wall.


Gable Roof

A roof that rises upward from two sides of a building. Compare to hip roof.


Glazing Thickness

The thickness of glass.


Grid defined

A set of horizontal and vertical lines at a set spacing.


Hip Roof

A roof rising from all sides of a building. Compare to gable roof.


Lite

A pane of glass in a window or door.


Locations

A grouping of information on a specific layer (floor level).


Material List defined

A list of materials complete with quantities and prices.


Mullion

A thin, non-structural bar dividing window frames.


Newel Post

The end post to which a stair rail is fastened.


Nose

The molded piece that projects over the front edge of a countertop.


Overhang

The part of the roof that extends over the side wall.


Pan

Moves the display around on the screen.


Pocket Door

A door that rolls on an overhead track into a frame hidden in the wall.


Properties defined

Things like name, colors, dimensions, and materials that define an object.


Render Mode

The display type while viewing your model in 3D. Choose from shaded, wireframe, or rendered.


Rendered View defined

A display type (while in 3D) where your model is displayed complete with textures, colors, and shading.


Sash

A frame that holds one or more panes of glass. Set in the window frame.


Snap

A drawing aid that makes your cursor snap to predefined points on a drawing grid.


Setback

The distance a building is located from the front, side, and rear property lines.


Shaded View defined

A fully shaded color view of your model (while you’re in 3D).


Sill Width

The width of a window sill member.


Site Boundary defined

The perimeter of the building site.


Slope defined

The ratio of roof rise to run.


Symbol defined

A reusable drawing object comprised of two or more other objects (e.g., fridge).


Toe Space

A recessed area between the bottom of a cabinet and the floor.


Windowing

A method of selecting objects where you draw a rectangle around the objects with your cursor from left to right.


Wireframe View defined

A display type (while in 3D) where you can see all the lines that make up objects and therefore see through objects.


Zoom Dynamic defined

Lets you zoom dynamically. Select a specific area to zoom in on and control the size of the selection window.


Zoom Extents defined

Creates a view where your entire drawing is visible on the screen.


Zoom In defined

Creates a closer view.


Zoom Out defined

Creates a more distant view.


Zoom Previous defined

Returns to the previous view.


Zoom Window defined

Zooms in on an area you select by windowing.


Angle defined

The included angle of the view (the larger the angle, the wider the view).


Height defined

The height of the camera. By default, this value is the same as the height of the current location.


Save View defined

Saves the Camera View under a specified name.


Restore View defined

Displays a saved Camera View.


Reset

Resets the Angle, Tilt Angle, Height, to the defaults.


Glossary A

A-Frame — A roof shape with a very steep pitch. In an A Frame, the roof runs all the way to the ground, forming a gable or "A" shape

Adobe — Unburned brick dried in the sun, traditionally used for building in the American Southwest, Spain and Latin America. Usually covered with stucco in homes.

Aggregate — A surfacing or ballast for a roof system. Aggregate can be rock, stone, crushed stone or slag, water-worn gravel, crushed lava rock or marble chips.

Align The faces of objects that are in line with each other, or when their center-lines lie on the same axis.

Aluminum — A non-rusting metal used in roofing for metal roofing and the fabrication of gutter and flashings.

Aluminum Siding —  Lightweight material that is often painted rather than left in its natural color.

Application Rate — The rate at which a material is applied per unit area.

Arabesque — Decoration in the "Arab" style. characterized by symmetrical intertwining branches, leaves and other plant forms and the absence of human or animal forms

Arcade — a series of arches supported by columns or piers, it may be attached to a wall (blind) or freestanding.

Arch — Usually a curved or pointed structural member on a door or open entryway, however there are many different types A curved structure used as a support over an open space, as in a doorway; a method of spanning an opening, stronger than a lintel.

Architectural Panel — A metal roof panel that usually requires solid decking underneath.

Architectural Shingle — Shingle that provides a dimensional appearance..

Architrave — A wooden surround to a door or window frame; also the molding around an arch.

Ashlar — smooth square stones laid in a horizontal fashion; used for foundations or facing of masonry walls.

Asphalt — A substance left as a residue after processing crude oil or petroleum. Asphalt can be refined to conform to various roofing grade specifications, for example:

•	Dead-Level Asphalt — A roofing for use in roofs which do not exceed a ¼ in 12 slope (2%).

•	Flat Asphalt — A roofing asphalt for use in roofs which do not exceed a ½ in 12 slope (4%).

•	Steep Asphalt — A roofing for use in roofs which do not exceed a 3 in 12 slope (25%).

•	Special Steep Asphalt — A roofing for use in roofs which do not exceed a 6 in 12 slope (50%).

•	Asphalt Emulsion — A mixture of asphalt particles and an emulsifying agent such as bentonite clay and water.

•	Asphalt Felt — An asphalt-saturated and/or an asphalt-coated felt membrane.

•	Asphalt Roof Cement — The proper name for Plastic Cement and Flashing Cement. Asphalt roof cement consists of solvent-based bitumen, mineral stabilizers, and other fibers

•	Asphalt Shingle A roofing material made of a brown or black tar-like substance mixed with sand or gravel.

Atrium — An inner courtyard of a home or other building that is open to the sky or covered by a skylight.

Attic — The open area above the ceiling and under the roof deck of a steep-sloped roof.

Awning Window — A window hinged along the top edge.

Axis (pl. axes) — The centerline of openings or objects that align in a row along an imaginary line.


Glossary B

backsplash

Balcony — A platform projecting from an upper story and enclosed by a railing.

Baluster — Any of the small posts that make up a railing as in a staircase; thus forming a balustrade; may be plain, turned, or pierced.

baluster

balustrade

Balustrade — A railing held up by balusters; a railing of small posts topped by a coping usually at the edge of stairs, balcony, or on a roof.

Bargeboard — a board trim that is usually carved and projects from the gable line of a roof, used to hide the ends of the horizontal roof timbers

Barrel tiles — Rounded clay roof tiles most often used on Spanish-style houses. Usually red, but available in many colors.

Baseboard — Finish trim where the floor and walls meet.

Bay — a division of space that is repeated within a building, a three bay house would have three spaces repeated along one side as in two rooms and a hall. A space that projects from the rest of the building as in a bay window.

Bay, bow and oriel windows — These windows project out from the front or side of a house and form an alcove inside. Oriel windows generally project from an upper story, supported by a bracket. Bay windows are angled projections that rise up from the ground on the first floor. Bow windows are rounded projections, often formed of the window glass itself.

Bead molding — A small, cylindrical molding enriched with ornaments resembling a string of beads.

bearing

Bell-cast Eaves —  A roof which curves, sloping more gently toward the bottom like the curve at the bottom of a bell.

Belt-course — A horizontal band similar to but thicker than a string course, marking subdivisions of a building.

Beveled — A stone cut at angles for a more decorative display.

Beveled Wood Ridge — A wood strip that covers the ridge pole; commonly found on wood-shake roofs.

Blister — A pocket of air trapped between layers of the outer coating of a building, like the roof or paint. Blisters are usually caused by water or other foreign substances.

Blocking — Pieces of wood built into a roof assembly used to stiffen the deck around an opening, support a curb, or for use as a nailer for attachment of membranes or flashing.

BMF

Board and Batten — Vertical siding where wood strips (battens) hide the seams where other boards are joined.

Bond — 1. Refers to the pattern formed by mortar joints between bricks, blocks or stones. 2. The force(s) holding two components in positive contact.

Bonding Agent — A chemical agent used to create a bond between two layers.

Bonneted — a dormer with a semicircular roof line, normally containing an arched window.

Boot — A piece of material preformed to protect roof penetrations from dirt, moisture and other foreign and/or damaging substances.

Bow window — A rounded bay window; windows that project out from the front or side of a house and form an alcove inside.

Bracket — a supporting feature under an eave line or raincap, designed to bear a projected weight, such as a window, usually decorative.

Bricks — Common building blocks made from clay burnt in a kiln.

British Thermal Unit (BTU) — The heat energy necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit, a joule.

Buckle — A long, tented displacement of a roof membrane. Can occur over insulation and deck joints.

Built-Up Roof Membrane — A roof membrane consisting of layers of bitumen, which serves as the waterproofing component, with plies of reinforcement fabric installed between each layer. The reinforcement material can consist of bitumen-saturated felt, coated felt, polyester felt or other fabrics. A surfacing is generally applied and can be asphalt, aggregate, emulsion or a granule-surfaced cap sheet.

Bundle — An individual package of shingles or shakes. There are usually 3, 4 or 5 bundles per square (material to cover 100 square feet)

Butt edge — A squared edge intended to meet up with another butt edge.

Butt Joint — Where two separate, adjacent pieces of material abut.

Buttress — A structure built against a wall to support or reinforce it; a projecting mass normally of brickwork or masonry that is used to support a structure; gives additional strength usually to counteract the outward thrust of an arch or vault. See also Flying Buttress

Butyl — A hydrocarbon radical, Butyl has a rubber-like consistency, is formed from the copolymerization of isobutylene and isoprene and is used primarily in sealants and adhesives.

Butyl Rubber — A butyl-based, synthetic elastomer.

Butyl Tape — A sealant tape used in numerous sealant applications such as sealing sheet metal joints.


Glossary C

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Canopy — A projection or hood over a door, window, niche, etc.

Cantilever — A horizontal projection from a building, such as a step, balcony, beam or canopy, that is without external bracing and appears to be self-supporting.

Capital — The head or crowning feature of a column; the elaboration at the top of a column, pillar, pier or pilaster.

Casement — in a window refers to a window that opens in or out in the manner of a door

Casing — The trim around a window or door.

Castellated — Decorated with battlements (a parapet with alternating indentations and raised portions); also called crenellation. Buildings with battlements are usually brick or stone.

Caulk — (1) A material with no elastomeric properties used for sealing joints. (2) The act of sealing a joint of material; to fill a joint with mastic or asphalt cement to prevent leaks.

CCF — 100 cubic feet.

C-Channel — A structural framing member that, when viewed across its sections, has the shape of a "C".

Cedar Shingle — A roofing material made of durable pinewood.

Ceiling level — In FloorPlan, the height the ceiling is above the floor

Cellulose — A complex carbohydrate, (C6H10O5)n, that is composed of glucose units, forms the main constituent of the cell wall in most plants, and is used in the manufacturing of organic roofing materials.

Cement Blocks — Mass produced building blocks made from pouring concrete into a mold, sometimes called Hadite bricks

Ceramic tile — Any of a wide range of sturdy floor and wall tiles made from fired clay and set with grout. May be glazed or unglazed. Colors and finishes vary. May be used indoors or out.

Chair-rail molding — A wooden molding placed along the lower part of the wall to prevent chairs, when pushed back, from damaging the wall. Also used as decoration.

Chalk — A powdery residue on the surface of a material.

Chalk Line — (1) A string on a reel in a container that can hold chalk; (2) A line made on by pulling taut a string coated with chalk and snapping it.

Channel Flashing — Flashing with a built-in channel for runoff; used where roof planes intersect other vertical planes.

Chemical Resistance — A materials ability to retain its properties when it comes into contact with certain chemicals.

Chevron — A decorative V-shaped line.

Chimney — A passage or structure extending above the roof, through which smoke escapes.

Chiseled — A stone shaped by a sharp-edged hand tool.

Chamfer — A beveled edge.

Circulation — That part of a room or building required for movement of people from place to place.

Cladding — A material used to cover the exterior wall of a building.

Clapboard — Tapered horizontal boards used as siding, thickest on their bottom edge; each meant to overlap the one below.

Clerestory (Clearstory) — A room that extends above an abutting roof section of a building, often penetrated by windows.

Clerestory window — A window (usually narrow) placed in the upper walls of a room, usually at an angle, to provide extra light.

Clipped Gable — A gable cut back at the ridge in a small hip configuration.

Coal Tar Pitch — A type of coal tar used in dead-level or low-slope built-up roofs. It is not for use in roofs exceeding ¼" in 12" (2%) slope.

Coal Tar Felt — A roofing membrane saturated with refined coal tar.

Coal Tar Roof Cement — A trowelable mixture of processed coal tar base, solvents, mineral fillers and/or fibers.

Coating — A layer of material that is spray, roller, or brush applied over a surface for protection or sometimes decoration.

Cohesion — Mutual attraction by which the elements or particles of a body or substance are held together.

Column — A slender, vertical structural member placed on a footing or foundation used to support horizontal above-ground building components.

Combing Ridge — A term used to describe an installation of finishing slate at the ridge of a roof whereby the slates on one side project beyond to the apex of the ridge.

Combustible — Capable of igniting and burning.

Composition Shingle — A type of shingle used in steep-slope roofing and generally comprised of weathering-grade asphalt, a fiber glass reinforcing mat, an adhesive strip, and mineral granules.

Concrete — Cement mixed with coarse and fine aggregate (pebbles, crushed stone, brick), sand and water in specific proportions. There are three types of concrete — precast, reinforced and prestressed.

Condensation — The conversion of water vapor to liquid state when warm air comes in contact with a cold surface.

Conduction — The transmission or conveying of something through a medium or passage, especially the transmission of electric charge or heat through a conducting medium without perceptible motion of the medium itself.

Conductor Head — A component used to direct water from a through-wall scupper to a downspout. Also known as a Collector Head.

Conical — A furnace cap, resembling or shaped like a cone.

Construction Joint — A constructed joint where two successive installments of concrete come together.

Contact Cements — Adhesives used to adhere or bond roofing components.

Coping — the piece of material used to cover the top of a wall and protect it from the elements. It can be constructed from metal, masonry, or stone.

Copper — A reddish-brown element that conducts heat and electricity very well. It is also used as a primary roof material as well as a flashing component. Copper turns a greenish color after being exposed to the weather for a length of time and appears in the middle of the Galvanic Series.

Corbelling — Stone or wood projecting from a wall or chimney for support or decoration.

Corinthian column — In classical architecture, a column decorated at the top with simulated acanthus leaves, scrolls and other lavish ornamentation.

Cornice — 1. A horizontal projecting part that crowns the wall of a building.2. Any projecting ornamental molding that finishes or crowns the top of a building, wall, arch, etc.

Counter Batten — Wood strips installed vertically on sloped roofs over which horizontal battens are secured.

Counterflashing — Formed metal sheeting secured to walls, curbs, or other surfaces, for use in protecting the top edge of base flashings from exposure to weather.

Course — (1) The term used for each row of building materials, such as shingle, brick, or stone that forms the part of the building; (2) One of multiple layers materials applied to a surface. For example, a three-course flashing consists of a layer of mesh or other reinforcing material sandwiched between two layers roofing cement.

Cove — In roofing, a heavy bead of sealant material installed at the point where vertical and horizontal planes meet. It is used to eliminate the 90° angle. See also Fillet.

Cove molding — The large concave molding produced by the sloped or arched junction of a wall and ceiling. Popular accent for dramatic living rooms.

Cover Plate — A metal strip sometimes installed over the joint between formed metal pieces.

Coverage — The surface area covered by a material.

Crack — A separation or fracture occurring in a material. See also Split.

Cresting — The top line or surface of a structure.

Cricket — A roof component used to divert water away from curbs, platforms, chimneys, walls, or other roof penetrations and projections. See also Saddle.

Cross Ventilation — The effect of air moving through a roof cavity between vents.

Crown molding — A molding where the wall and ceiling meet; uppermost molding along furniture or cabinetry.

Cupola —A small, dome-like structure, on top of the house. Also known as a Crow’s Nest. Usually only decorative in modern homes. Older cupolas can be reached by stairs.

Curb — (1) A raised member used to support skylights, HVAC units, exhaust fans, hatches or other pieces of mechanical equipment above the level of the roof surface, should be a minimum of eight inches (8") in height; (2) A raised roof perimeter that is relatively low in height.

Cure — A process by which a material is forms permanent molecular linkages by exposure to chemicals, heat, pressure, and/or weathering.

•	Cure Time — The time necessary to effect curing.

•	Curing Agent — A material additive that alters chemical activity between the components resulting in a change in the rate of cure.

•	Curing Compound — A liquid that is applied to newly installed concrete which slows water loss while curing.

Cut-off — A detail designed to seal and prevent lateral water movement in an insulation system, and used to separate different sections of a roofing system.

Cutout — The open area between shingle tabs. Also known as a "throat".

Cutstone — Large stones cut individually, used for a foundation or wall of a house.


Glossary D

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Dado — The zone between a chair rail or lower part of a sill and the baseboard.

Dead Level — Refers to a roof with no slope or pitch.

Dead-Level Asphalt — A roofing asphalt conforming to the requirements of ASTM Specification D 312, Type I. This asphalt is for use in roofs which do not exceed a ¼ in 12 slope (2%).

Dead Loads — Permanent, non-moving loads on a roof resulting from the weight of a building’s components, equipment, and the roof system.

Deck — The surface installed over the supporting framing members; as a part of a system like a roof, the surface to which the roofing is applied.

Dentil — small tooth like molding adorning an area under an overhang; square blocks in series under a cornice.

Dimensional Shingle — A shingle that is textured, (and sometimes laminated) to produce a three-dimensional effect.

Dimensional Stability — The ability of a material to retain its current properties and to resist a change in size resulting from exposure to temperature changes and moisture.

dimensionsdimensions_defined

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Dome — An arched roof or ceiling with a partial-spherical shape on a circular or square base. Domes can be segmented, semicircular, pointed or bulbous. When decorated with stained or painted glass, adds light and color to a room or foyer.

Doric column — The simplest of the three classical styles of Greek columns (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian) with a simple decoration around the top, usually a smooth or slightly rounded band.

Dormer — A framed projection or window unit projecting through the sloping plane of a roof which also has its own roof.

Dormer window — A window placed vertically in a sloping roof that has a tiny roof of its own. Most often seen in second-floor bedrooms.

Double-hung Window — A window which operates by means of two sashes that slide vertically past each other.

Downspout — A metal or plastic pipe connected to the gutter or other drainage unit for runoff. Also called a leader.

Drain — a device used to carry water off of a roof.

Drip edge — A non-corrosive, non-staining material used along the eaves and rakes of steep roofs that allow water to drip clear of underlying construction.

Dry Rot — Wood rot caused by certain fungi as a result of condensation build-up, leaks that go unattended, or other problems. Dry rot spreads and damages wood products touching the affected area.

Dutch Door — A door divided horizontally in two; the upper and lower portions may be opened together or individually.

Dynamic Load — Any moving load on a roof such as people, equipment, or wind

DXFDXF


Glossary E

Eaves — The under part of a sloping roof overhanging a wall. The projecting lower edge of a roof.

Eaves-Trough — Another name for Gutter.

Edge Stripping — Roofing material used to seal perimeter edge metal and the roof itself.

Edge Venting — The installation of vent material along a roof edge (e.g., Starter Vent) as part of a ventilation system. Edge vent material should be used in conjunction with other venting material (e.g., ridge vent) as it not intended for use by itself.

Elastomer — A material which, after being stretched, will return to its original shape.

Ell — An extension of a building at right angles to its length.

Entablature — The area above an entryway that holds the transom.

Exhaust Vent — A device used to vent air from the roof cavity with vents that are installed on or near the higher portions of the roof such as the ridge.

Expansion Joint — A built-in separation between building sections to allow for free movement between the sections without damaging the buildings structural components.

Exposure — The portion of the membrane that is not overlapped by the succeeding ply or course. Or, the portion of the roofing material exposed to the weather after being installed.

Eyebrow — A small, shed roof protruding from the main roof or located on the side of a building below the level of the main roof.


Glossary F

Facade — One of the exterior faces (walls) of a building.

Facing — A covering applied to the outer surface of a building.

Fanlight — A semicircular, semi-elliptical, or arched window with a horizontal sill, that has radiating glazing bars suggesting a fan.

fascia

Fascia — A horizontal band or board, often used to conceal the ends of rafters; the front of an object.

Fasteners — Devices used to secure roof system components.

Felt — A roofing sheet made of interwoven fibers. The fibers can be wood or vegetable for Organic Felts, glass fibers for fiberglass felts, polyester, or asbestos.

Festoon — A carved or painted ornament in the form of a garland of fruit and flowers tied with ribbons and suspended at both ends in a loop; also called a swag.

Fiberglass Insulation — Insulation composed of glass fibers used to insulate walls and roofs. It can be rigid board or blanket insulation.

Field of the Roof — Refers to the central part of a roof away from the perimeter.

Fieldstone — A stone used in its natural shape, usually rough and irregularly shaped pieces, used to cover the surface of a building, make a walkway, line a garden bed, etc.

filler panel

Film — A membrane or sheeting material with a nominal thickness of 10 mils or less.

Finial — A formal ornamentation fixed to the top of a canopy, gable, pinnacle, peak, arch, gable, etc; a knob-like ornament.

Fishscale Shingles — A shingle having straight sides and rounded bottoms.

Flammability — The ability of a material to burn or ignite.

•	Flame Retardant — A substance used to impede a material’s tendency to burn or ignite.

•	Flame Spread — A measure of relative combustibility. The flame spread of a tested material is rated relative to asbestos cement board (flame spread = 0) and red oak flooring (flame spread = 100).

•	Flash Point — The lowest temperature of a liquid material at which combustion will occur when air reaches its surface.

Flashing — Components used to seal the building at areas where the building covering is interrupted or terminated. For example, pipes, curbs, walls, etc.; when correctly installed, helps prevent moisture entry into the building.

•	Flash — v. To install flashing components.

•	Flashing Cement — A trowelable mixture of solvent-based bitumen and mineral stabilizers. may contain asbestos stabilizers or for non-asbestos materials. It can be used on vertical surfaces and has a high softening point, low ductility

•	Flashing Collar — A flashing component used to seal soil pipe vents, hot stacks or other roof penetrations.

Flat Roof — A pitchless roof type most favorable in dry climates.

Fleche — A very small wooden spire.

Flue — The hollow passage that carries smoke and heat to the outside from the fireplace or furnace.

Flying Buttress — A detached pier supporting the weight of a wall.

Footing — A type of stone edging on a masonry wall.

Foundation — The base of a house providing stability and rigidness.

Foyer — The entrance hall of a home.

Frame — Of wood construction.

Framed Opening — a structurally-framed opening in a roof of a building for use in installing large items such as HVAC units, skylights, or ventilators.

French doors — A pair of doors with glass panes for most or all of their length.

Frieze — A decorated band along the upper part of an interior wall or above doorways and windows.


Glossary G

gable roof

Gable —A triangular area of an exterior wall formed by two sloping roofs.

Gable roof — A type of roof containing sloping planes of the same pitch on each side of the ridge. Contains a gable at each end.

Gallery — A long room, often on an upper floor, for recreation, entertainment or display of artwork.

Galvanize — To coat with zinc.

Galvanized Steel — Steel that is coated with zinc to aid in corrosion resistance. when used in roofing, should be Hot-Dipped Galvanized with a G-90 coating.

Gambrel —A roof where each side has two slopes; a steeper lower slope and a flatter upper one; a traditional American hay barn.

Gauge — A standard of measurement. For instance the thickness of sheet metal or the diameter of wire. The thicker the wire or metal, the lower the gauge.

Gazebo — A small lookout tower or summerhouse with a view, usually in a garden or park, but sometimes on the porch or roof of a house; also called a belvedere.

Geodesic dome — A building that features self-bracing triangles in a pattern that gives maximum structural advantage, thus using the least material possible; a lightweight, domed frame covered with wood, plywood, glass or aluminum.

Girt — A horizontal beam place between support columns that is used for attaching wall cladding.

Glass Block — A window type formed by a compilation of small translucent cubes of glass.

glazing thickness

Gothic Window — a triple arched window where the center pane is taller than the sides.

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Grout — A thin mortar used to fill cracks in masonry and tile.

Gutter —A metal or plastic pipe that collects water off the eaves and channels it to the downspouts.


Glossary H

Half Gable Roof — See Shed Roof.

Half-timbering — A method of construction featuring walls built of timber framework (post and beam) with the spaces filled in by plaster or brickwork.

Hatch — A unit used to provide access to a roof from the interior of a building.

Header — A brick laid in a wall so that only its end appears on the face of the wall. To add a varied appearance to brickwork, headers are alternated with "stretchers," bricks laid full length on their sides.

Head Height — In FloorPlan the height at which FloorPlan places the tops of the window. This specification is set in the Locations Settings dialog.

Heat Transfer — Thermal energy going from an area of higher temperature to an area of lower temperature by conduction, convection, or radiation.

Herringbone work — Stone, brick or tile work in which the components are laid diagonally instead of horizontally, forming a distinctive zigzag pattern along a wall face.

hip roof

Hip or Hipped roof — A type of roof containing sloping planes of the same pitch on each of four sides. Contains no gables.

HVAC — Acronym for Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning.


Glossary I

Ice Dam — Ice formed at the transition from a warm surface to a cold surface, such as along the overhang of a house. The build-up of ice is the result of ice or snow melting on the roof area over the warmer, living area of a building and then refreezing when it runs down and reaches the overhang.

Ignition Temperature — The minimum temperature at which a material will combust.

Infrared Thermography — The use of an infrared camera to detect moisture in insulation.

Insect Screen — Material used to inhibit an insects ability to enter a building through openings in a roof such as vents.

Insulation — Material used to help maintain a certain temperature in a building by reducing the flow of heat to and from that building.

Intake Ventilation — The part of a ventilation system used to draw fresh air in. Usually vents installed in the soffit or along the eaves of a building.

Ionic —The type of Greek column topped by a single scroll just below the top.


Glossary J

Jack — See Roof Jack.

Jamb — The vertical members of a window or door frame.

Jenkins-head Roof — A gabled roof with its apex truncated by a small hipped roof.

Joint Tape — Tape used to seal joints between insulation boards.

Joist — Any of the parallel horizontal beams set from wall to wall to support the boards of a floor, ceiling or roof of a building.


Glossary K

Keystone — The central, topmost stone of an arch.

Knee Cap — Sheet metal trim that fits over a panel rib after it has been cut and bent.


Glossary L

Lattice — A grille created by criss-crossing or decoratively interlacing strips of material. Often used in garden structures.

Lattice window — A window with diamond-shaped leaded lights or glazing bars arranged like an openwork screen; also, loosely, any hinged window, as distinct from a sash window.

Lap — The part of the roofing material that overlaps a section of adjacent material.

•	Lap Cement — Asphalt-based roof cement used to adhere overlapping plies of asphalt roll roofing.

•	Lap Seam — Where two material that overlap are sealed together.

Lead — Metal used for flashing material.

Leaded Window — A window decorated by artistic inserts of lead. Smaller panes of glass, often art glass, held together by soldered lead cames.

Leaf — the part of a door that swings open or closed; what most think of as the door

Lintel — A horizontal beam or stone bridging an opening (most often over a door).

Live Loads — Temporary items on a roof such as equipment, people, snow, etc. which the roof must be designed to support.

LM —an abbreviation for Lumen, a measure of light

location

Log-construction — A form of timber construction in which walls are made of tree trunks (or logs planed down to create flat or rounded sides) that are laid horizontally on top of each another.

Loggia — A gallery open on one or more sides, sometimes pillared. It may also be a separate structure, usually in a garden.

Louver — The part of a shutter which opens and closes.

Louver Vent — An opening fitted with a series of sloping slats arranged to admit light and air but shed rain.

Lumen — a measure of light; a unit of luminous flux equal to the light emitted in a unit solid angle (1 steradian) by a uniform point source of one candela intensity. Abbreviation — lm.


Glossary M

Mansard — (1) A type of roof with two slopes on each of the four sides, the lower slope being steeper than the other. . (2) The upper story formed by the lower slope of a mansard roof.

Mantelpiece — The wood, brick, stone or marble frame surrounding a fireplace, sometimes including a mirror above.

marqueeing

Masonry — Refers to bricks, concrete, or concrete blocks.

Mastic —Asphalt Roof Cement.

material list

Mechanical Fasteners — Devices such as screws, plates, battens, nails, or other materials that are used to secure roofing materials.

Membrane — The portion of the roofing system that serves as the waterproofing material. Can be composed of one material or several materials laminated together.

Meter — Metric unit of length measurement equal to 39.37 inches.

Mil — A unit of measure equal to 0.001 inches (1/1000 in.) used to indicate the thickness of a roofing membrane.

Mildew — A superficial coating or discoloration of organic materials caused by fungi, especially under damp conditions.

Millimeter — Metric unit of measure equal to one thousandth (0.001) of a meter, or 0.03937 inches.

Millwork — Finished woodwork, cabinetry, carving, etc.

Mineral Fiber — Inorganic fibers of glass or rock.

Miter — The joint made by two diagonally cut pieces put together.

Moisture Relief Vent — A vent installed through the roofing membrane to relieve moisture vapor pressure that has been trapped within the roofing system.

Molding — Shaped decorative outlines on projecting cornices and members in wood and stone.

Monolithic — Used to describe something without seams; formed from a single material.

Mortise & Tenon — a joint made between two pieces of wood where the projecting part of one piece fits into a corresponding cutout on another.

Mullion — A vertical post or other upright that divides a window or other opening into two or more panes. Sometimes only ornamental.

mullion


Glossary N

Nailer — A piece of lumber, preferably treated, that is secured to the deck, walls, or to pre-manufactured curbs. Nailers are used to receive fasteners for roof membranes. Generally, nailers are installed wherever it is necessary to secure base flashings and edge metal.

Newel — The end post of a stair railing.

newel post

Newton (N) — In the meter-kilogram-second system, the unit of force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram one meter per second per second (s².)

Niche — A recess in a wall (interior or exterior), especially for a statue. Usually curved at the back.

Non-Breathing Membrane — A membrane that does not permit water vapor or air to permeate it.

Non-Flammable — Material with no measurable flash point.

nose


Glossary O

overhang

Overhang — The portion of the roof structure that extends beyond the exterior walls of a building.

Obelisk — An Egyptian monument with a tall, tapering shaft of stone with a pyramidal top.

Ogee Arch — an arch with a compound curve, partly concave and partly convex;

Oriel — A box-like window projecting from the wall of a house like a Bay window.

Outlet — A passage connecting the gutter to the downspout.


Glossary P

Pan (in FloorPlan)

Palladian window — a three-part window where the center window is arched and wider than the two straight topped side windows.

Pallet — A platform used to hold materials.

Paneling — The lining of a wall with a wainscot.

Parapet Wall — A part of a perimeter wall that extends above the surface of the roof.

Parquet — Floor Wood flooring laid to form geometric patterns.

Partition — The name given to an interior wall.

Patio — Paved recreation area, usually at the rear of a home.

Pedestal — In classical architecture, the base supporting a column or colonnade.

Pediment — In classical architecture, a low-pitched gable above a portico; also a similar feature above doors in homes. It may be straight or curved, "broken'' in the center, or solid.

Penthouse — A separately roofed structure on the top of a tall block of apartments/condominiums, or simply the top-floor unit in a residential high-rise.

Pergola — A covered walk in a garden, usually formed by a double row of posts or pillars with joists above and covered by climbing plants.

Picture Window —One single, large window pane that does not open from either side.

Pier — A vertical, non-circular masonry support, more massive than a column.

Pilaster — A shallow pier or a rectangular column projecting only slightly from a wall. Primarily decorative.

Pillar — Similar to but more slender than a pier, also non-circular.

Pitch — The slope of a roof; the rate at which a roof or other surface slopes.

Plaster — A surface covering for walls and ceilings applied wet, dries to smooth, hard protective surface.

Plenum — A space or enclosure in which air or other gas is at a pressure greater than that of the outside atmosphere.

Ply — A layer of material in which several layers make up the whole.

Pocket door — A door which slides open into cavities within walls, seeming to disappear when open.

pocket door

Point distribution — a type of light distribution where the light is distributed uniformly overall as opposed to spot distribution

Porch — The roofed entrance to a house; an open or enclosed gallery or room on the outside of a building.

Portico — A roofed entrance to a house with columns supporting a pedimental roof usually more elaborate than a porch.

Porte-cochere — A roofed structure extending from the side or front entrance of a home over an adjacent driveway to shelter those getting in or out of vehicles.

Precast concrete — Concrete components cast in a factory or on site before being placed in position.

Prefabricated — A house or components whose substantial parts are made entirely or in sections away from the building site.

Prestressed concrete — A development of ordinary reinforced concrete. The reinforcing steel is replaced by wire cables in ducts.

Primer — A material that is applied to a surface in order to increase that surface’s ability to adhere to or work in conjunction with a subsequently applied material.

Properties

Purlin — Horizontal secondary structural member used to transfer loads from the primary structural members.

PVC —Polyvinyl Chloride, used in plastic piping


Glossary Q

Quoin — A stone or block reinforcing or accenting the corners of a building, common accent in Georgian homes.


Glossary R

Radiosity —

R-Value — The measure of a material’s resistance to heat flow. The higher a material’s R-value, the more it insulates.

Rafter — A roof beam sloping from the ridge to the wall plate which supports a roof.

Raggle — A groove that is cut into the side of a vertical surface such as a wall or chimney that is used to insert a flashing element such as a counterflashing.

Raincap — feature over an opening such as a window or door, a wide trim developed to shed water away from the opening. Can be heavy and decorated or light and plain.

Rake — The sloped perimeter edge of a roof that runs from the eaves to the ridge. The rake is usually perpendicular to the eaves and ridge.

Raytrace —

Recess — The window niche in which a window is fitted.

Reinforced concrete — Steel rods are inserted in concrete beams to help them withstand longitudinal stress without collapsing. This development has allowed the construction of very large structures using concrete beams.

render mode

rendered view

Return — the part of a pattern that continues around a corner.

Ridge — The line where two planes of roof intersect, forming the highest point on the roof that runs the entire length of the roof.

•	Ridge Cap — Material applied over the ridge or hip of a roof.

•	Ridge Course — The final course of roofing applied that covers the area where two or more roof planes intersect.

•	Ridge Vent — An exhaust venting device located at the ridge of a roof that works in conjunction with a starter or under eave soffit vent and is used to ventilate attics. Ridge vents and their cooperative starter or soffit vents should be installed at a 1:1 ratio in order to function properly.

Ridgeboard — A decorative board standing on edge, along the ridge of a roof.

Ridgepole — The horizontal beam at the ridge of a roof, to which rafters are attached.

Riser — The vertical portion of a step.

Roof Assembly — A term used to describe all of the roof components including structural roof deck.

Roof Cement —Asphalt Roof Cement and Coal Tar Roof Cement.

Roof Jack — (1) A steel bracket fastened to the roof that is used to support toe boards. (2) A term used to describe a Pipe Boot or Flashing Collar.

Roof System — Multiple roof components assembled to provide waterproofing (and sometimes insulating) capabilities for a structure.

Roundel — a circular molding.

Rubble — Masonry construction using stones of irregular shape and size.

Run — The horizontal dimension of a slope, the distance the slope spans/

Rusticated Stone — Masonry cut in massive blocks separated by deep joints, used to give a rich, bold texture to an outside wall. Effect sometimes simulated in stucco and other building materials.


Glossary S

Saltbox — a type of house, developed from a one-and-a-half story house with an addition to the rear of a structure, the shape is said to resemble an eighteenth century salt box.

sash

Sash — An individual frame around a window.

Sash window — A window formed with sashes, or sliding frames running in vertical grooves, also known as double- hung window.

Screeding — Bringing the surface of concrete to the final, desired look and finish by removing any excess or unwanted material.

Self-Tapping Screws — Fasteners that make screw thread receivers when screwed into a hole.

setback

shaded view

Shaft — A long, slender part of a pillar that adds support to an overhanging structure.

Sheathing — A covering over the structural frame of a building, onto which the cladding is attached.

Shed Roof — A roof with only one sloping plane. Also known as Half Gable.

Shingle — (1) A single piece of prepared roofing or siding material, either asphalt or wood. (2) To install a wood or asphalt shingle .

Shiplap — A board siding with joints cut out of the board allowing pieces to fit together with no overlapping.

Shutter A movable cover for a window used for protection from weather and intruders.

Shutter Dogs— Small metal structures used to hold the shutters against the wall.

Side Lap — The longitudinal overlap of neighboring materials.

Sidelight — windows placed on either side of another window or door that are narrower than the center opening.

Siding — Exterior wall finish materials applied to the outside of a structure.

Sill — The bottom horizontal framing member of a door or window opening.

sill width

Sill Flashing — Flashing material(s) used to waterproof the bottom framing member of a door or window opening.

Single Hung — referring to a window with a fixed top sash and a lower sash that slides vertically.

site boundary

Skylight — A window in a roof or ceiling designed to admit light and set over a curbed opening in the roof.

Slate — A fine-grained metamorphic rock that splits into thin, smooth-surfaced layers used in steep slope roofing applications.

Sliding Window — A window that opens by sliding large panes from one side to the other.

Slope — The angle of incline of a roof expressed as a percent or as a ratio of rise to run (expressed as the amount of vertical rise for every twelve inch (12") horizontal run.) For instance, a roof that rises four inches (4") for every twelve inch (12") horizontal run, is expressed as having a "four in twelve" slope; often written as "4/12." Expressed as a percentage, the slope would be 33%, which is equal to 4 divided by 12. Also known as the Pitch of a roof.

slope

Soffit — The underside of a member such as a beam or arch, or of an eave, overhang, dropped ceiling, etc.

Soffit Vent — An intake ventilation device located in the roof soffit. An exhaust vent should be installed on or near the ridge of the roof to work in conjunction with the roof soffit vent in order to properly ventilate the attic space.

Soil Pipe — A pipe that penetrates a roof and is used to vent a building’s plumbing.

Solarium — A glass-enclosed porch or room, often used to display flowers and other plants; also called a sunroom or garden room.

Solder — Any of various fusible alloys, usually tin and lead, used to join metallic parts.

Snap — a tool in FloorPlan that aids in aligning objects

Spanish Clay — Tile A roofing material made from clay soil into red brick; common to Mediterranean Revival houses.

Specification — Written requirements for a construction project; contains but is not limited to the following — the scope of work, methods of construction, and materials.

Spire — The pyramidal structure soaring from a tower or roof .

Spot Distribution — a type of light distribution where the light is focused on one point or spot.

Square — (1) 100 square feet of roof area (9.29 m2) in the USA. (2) 10 square meters (107.639 ft.2) of roof area using the metric system of weights and measures.

Static Load — Roof loads that do not move such as HVAC units.

Steep-Slope Roof — A roof with a slope exceeding 3 in 12 (25%). Deemed appropriate to receive water-shedding type roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, wood shakes and shingles, concrete or clay tile, etc.

Steep-Slope Roofing Materials — Roofing materials that depend on their water-shedding capabilities to keep moisture from entering a building. These materials are generally installed on roofs with slopes that equal or exceed 3" in 12" (25%).

Steeple — A tall tower forming the superstructure of a building, such as a church or temple, and usually surmounted by a spire.

Step Flashing — Pieces of metal or other material that are used to flash roof projections such as chimneys, walls, curbs, etc. The pieces are installed between each course of roofing and generally have a vertical flange equal in length to that of the horizontal flange.

Story — A horizontal division of a building, from the floor to the ceiling above it.

String-course — Similar to a belt-course but thinner; a horizontal band or molding marking architectural subdivisions, such as stories.

Strut — A roof timber, either upright and connected to the rafter above it, or sloping, connecting another post to the rafter.

Stucco — A sturdy type of plaster used on exterior walls; often spread in a decorative pattern; a mixture of cement, sand, and water spread over metal screening or chicken wire on wooden walls covered with tar paper.

Stud — A vertical wood support in a frame wall; the smaller upright beams in a house, to which drywall panels or laths for plaster are attached.

Surround(s) — The molding which outlines an object or opening.

Swiss Cap — A decorative furnace cap that exhales smoke by spinning.

symbolsymbol_defined

Symmetrical — When two halves of an object are mirror images of each other.


Glossary T

Terrace — A level promenade in front of a building; usually made of stone and accented with plants, statuary, etc.

Terra Cotta — A semi-fired ceramic clay used in building construction. Usually red.

Terrazzo — A sturdy flooring finish of marble chips mixed with cement mortar. After drying, the surface is ground and polished.

Thatch Roof — A roof covering of straw, reeds or even living grass growths that are bound together in order to shed water. In modern homes, most "thatching'' is only decorative, simulated with shingles.

Thermal

•	Thermal Barrier — Material used in conjunction with polyurethane foam that is designed to inhibit the rise in temperature of the foam during a fire in order to delay the foam’s involvement in the fire. Time ratings for thermal barriers should exceed 15 minutes.

•	Thermal Conductance (C) — A constant, equal to a material’s k-value (Thermal Conductivity) divided by the material’s thickness in inches; used often for materials of composite construction such as insulation.

•	Thermal Conductivity (k) — The heat energy that will be transmitted by conduction through 1 square foot of 1inch thick homogeneous material in 1 hour when there is a difference of 1 degree Fahrenheit perpendicularly across the two surfaces of the material. The higher the k-value, the lower the R-value. Materials with high k-values are good heat conductors, and conversely.

•	Thermal Insulation — A material used to reduce heat flow.

•	Thermal Movement — Movement of a material resulting from temperature changes.

•	Thermal Resistance (R) — The measure of a material’s ability to resist heat flow. The formula for Thermal Resistance is R = L / k where (L) is the material’s thickness and (k) is the material’s Thermal Conductivity constant. The higher a material’s R-value, the better it insulates, and conversely.

•	Thermal Shock — The damage to a roof resulting from expansion and contraction which are the result of sudden extreme temperature changes. Thermal Shock often occurs when a cold rain shower suddenly cools a roof during a hot day.

•	Thermal Stress — Stress to a roof system or component caused by expansion and / or contraction from temperature change.

•	Thermal windows — Windows designed with multiple panes to trap air and provide greater insulation.

Threshold — A horizontal piece forming the bottom frame of a door opening.

Timber —Large dimensional lumber used in creating the structure of a wall.

Tie-beam — The main horizontal beam in a roof, connecting the bases of the rafters, usually just above a wall.

toe space

Tongue and Groove — A type of wooden siding with the edge of one board fitting into the groove of the next.

Transom — the horizontal framing member between a door and a window above; also refers to the window above a door; small, usually rectangular or fanlight window over a door when open used to cross-ventilate a home,

Tread —The horizontal portion of a step, usually with a rounded edge , or 'nosing' which overhangs the riser.

Trellis —A system of horizontal joists supported on posts, designed to support growing plants.

Trim — The framing or edging of openings and other features on the facade of a building or indoors. Trim is usually a different color or material than the adjacent wall.

Truss — A number of pieces of lumber framed together to bridge a space, such as a roof truss.

Turret — A very small, slender tower. In modern homes, usually only ornamental.


Glossary U

UBC — Uniform Building Code.

UL — Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. — A non-profit agency which serves as the testing arm of the National Board of Fire Underwriters. It maintains laboratories for the examination and testing of various devices, systems, and materials to determine their safety against the hazards of fire, wind, and accidents.

UL Label — A label that has been stamped on certain materials by authority of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. indicating that the material has met certain performance criteria.

Underwriters Laboratories — See UL Underwriters Laboratories, Inc

Uplift — See Wind Uplift.


Glossary V

Valley — The internal intersection of two sloping roof planes that runs from the eaves to the ridge. This intersection collects the most water run-off.

Veneer — Any of the thin layers of wood glued together to make plywood or facing materials.

Vent — An opening or device used to permit air or vapors to exit an enclosed structure.

Ventilator — A device that circulates fresh air and expels stale air.

Vinyl — A synthetic type of siding used for its economic value and durability.

Void — An open space or a break in continuity; a gap.


Glossary W

Wainscot — A paneling applied to the lower portion of an interior wall, usually wood in a plain design; may be painted or only varnished.

Wall Height — In FloorPlan, the height of walls from the floor to its top

Waterproof — Being resistant to moisture infiltration.

Waterproofing — The treatment of a surface or structure in order to prevent the passage of water under hydrostatic pressure.

Weep Holes — Small holes used to permit moisture to drain that has gathered inside a building component.

Weeping mortar — This decorative mortar appears to "drip'' out between the exterior bricks in a home.

Weld — To join multiple metal or PVC components together by heat fusion.

Widow's walk — A small, railed observation platform atop a house. Once used to scout for seamen, such walks are usually square, done in elaborately-worked wrought iron or wood.

Wind Load — The force that wind puts on structures.

Window — an opening in a wall usually filled in with glass or plastic that lets in light and may provide views of the other side of the wall. Windows that open also let in air.

windowing

wireframe view


Glossary X Y Z

X

Y

Z

Zoom Dynamics — Lets you zoom dynamically. Select a specific area to zoom in on and control the size of the selection window.

Zoom Extents — Creates a view where your entire drawing is visible on the screen.

Zoom In — Creates a closer view.

Zoom Out — Creates a more distant view.

Zoom Previous — Returns to the previous view.

Zoom Window — Zooms in on an area you select by windowing.


To Change Startup Options

FloorPlan 3D provides several Startup options.

To change the Startup Options:

1.	On the Windows taskbar, click [Start].

2.	Select Programs|IMSI FloorPlan 3D v7|StartUp Options.

3.	If you want to connect to the Internet each time you start the program, select the Connect to the Internet automatically when you start the program check box. This allows you to use the Internet Palette immediately when the program is started.

4.	If you want the program to start without displaying the initial screen, clear the Show the initial screen every time you run the program check box


To Create a Shortcut to FloorPlan

To create a shortcut for starting the program:

1.	In My Computer or Windows Explorer, find the folder in which you installed FloorPlan 3D.

2.	To create a shortcut that will start the initial screen, drag the file FRONTLINE.EXE onto your desktop.

3.	To create a shortcut that will start the program without the initial screen, drag the file FP3D7.EXE onto your desktop.


Getting the Help You Need

The following sources of information are available to help you learn and use FloorPlan 3D.

•	The FloorPlan 3D User Guide which includes tutorials

•	The Onscreen User Guide, which is the same as the FloorPlan 3D User Guide but in Portable Document Format (PDF).

•	Searchable Help

•	Context-sensitive Help

•	Readme.txt

•	Internet Palette

•	Support ServicesTechnical_Support>GenTopic


Onscreen User Guide

FloorPlan 3D has an onscreen user guide.

Th Onscreen User Guide is in Portable Document Format (PDF) and is located on the FloorPlan 3D CD- ROM #1. Acrobat Reader must be installed on your computer to read the Onscreen User Guide PDF file.

If you do not already have Acrobat Reader on your computer, please refer to "Installing Adobe Acrobat Reader" in the first chapter of the Guide, for information about installing it from the FloorPlan 3D CD- ROM.

The Onscreen User Guide for FloorPlan 3D contains the same information as the printed User Guide, but you can take advantage of the interactive features of the PDF. When you click on the hyperlinks found in the places listed below, Acrobat Reader takes you directly to the information you are seeking:

•	Bookmarks for chapters and topic headings.

•	Table of Contents topics.

•	Cross-references to other sections of the User Guide.

•	Hyperlinks to Web site URLs.

•	Index page numbers.

Note: If you try to print the PDF and find that the images are blurry, it may be due to a problem with printing PDFs to non-PostScript printers using Adobe Acrobat Reader version 3. If you are using a PCL printer, there is an update to Acrobat Reader version 3 on the Adobe Web site that can help resolve the problem. After you install Acrobat Reader, you can download the update at:
http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/505e.htm.

To view the manuals on your computer screen:

1.	On the Windows taskbar, click [Start].

2.	Select Programs|Adobe Acrobat|Acrobat Reader 4.0 to start Adobe Acrobat Reader.

3.	Once Acrobat Reader is open, select File|Open from the Acrobat Reader main menu.

4.	Navigate to your CD-ROM drive in the Open dialog and double-click first on the CD-ROM drive, then on the Manuals folder.

5.	Now you can double-click on the FPlan3D.pdf file to open the manual.

For help with viewing, searching, or printing the manuals, choose Adobe Acrobat Reader Help from the manual’s Help menu.


Context-Sensitive Help

The status bar at the bottom of the main window displays information about

•	the function you are performing,

•	the dialog or table which is displayed, or

•	the selected menu item.

In most cases, this form of help is all you will need to use FloorPlan 3D.

FloorPlan 3D also provides context-sensitive help from many of the program’s dialogs:

•	click [Help] or

•	press <F1> .

To view a description of a box or button in a dialog, do one of the following:

•	Place your cursor over the item (e.g., a button in a dialog) you want to query, right-click the item, then choose What’s This? from the pop-up menu.

•	Click on the item that you want to query and press <F1>.


Readme.txt

The Readme file contains last-minute information that was not included in the User Guide. You can view the Readme by selecting it from the FloorPlan 3D Program Group on the Windows Start menu.

From the Windows taskbar, click [Start], then select Programs|IMSI FloorPlan 3D v7 |FloorPlan 3D 7.0 Readme.

We suggest that you print the Readme file and save it for future reference. If you do not have access to a printer, make sure that you at least become familiar with the contents of the Readme file.


Zoom Controls in the Camera View

The Camera Controls in the 3D Palette include standard Zoom and Pan tools that let you position the camera in the Camera View area to get the 3D View you want.

You can zoom in on the entire model or a selected portion of it.

The Zoom tools include:

•	 — Zoom In

•	 — Zoom Out

•	 — Zoom Window

•	 — Zoom Dynamic

•	 — Zoom Extents

•	 — Zoom Previous

IDH_Panning


Manual Camera Controls

In addition to standard Zoom buttons, there are several options for controlling your Camera View.

To set the Camera Controls manually, click in the control that you want to change, and type in the new value.

These are the controls that you can change manually:

Camera Control - Action when changed

•	Angle 	- The included angle in the view (the larger the angle, the wider the view).

•	Tilt Angle	- The angle your camera is tilted at (straight ahead, up or down).

•	Height	- The height of the camera above the floor level.

•	Reset	- Resets the Angle, Tilt Angle and Height values to the defaults.

To save the Camera View, click (Save View) on the Views toolbar or select View|Save View.

To return to a Plan View, select the Plan View tab


View State

About the View State

The View State allows you to create various views of your model from different perspectives. They give you a better sense of what your model will look like in real life. The binocular button in the Viewpoint area indicates you are in View State. If you see the pair-of-feet button instead, click it to change to the View State.

View State button pad

The View State Viewpoint arrows determine the specific view you will see:

•	front, rear, and side elevations

•	rear-left and -right isometric views

•	front-left and -right isometric views

View State Viewpoint arrows determine the type of view

Click on any Viewpoint arrow and FloorPlan 3D automatically renders the corresponding view in the viewing area for you.

 See Elevations and Isometric Views for more information about these types of Views available in the View State.


Walk State

About the Walk State

FloorPlan 3D’s Walk State lets you tour your model. You can "walk" in any direction using the Walk-State arrows.

To walk through your model:

1.	Select the [3D View] tab next to the Preview window.

2.	Click the Binocular icon in the Viewpoint area to switch to the Walk State view.
The pair-of-feet button indicates you are in Walk State View.
The Viewpoint arrows become Walk-Through arrows.

Walk State button pad - Walk State arrows determine the direction you will move as you Walk-through your model

3.	Click the desired directional arrows to move through your model.

4.	To return to regular 3D View, click the View/Walk button again.

5.	To switch to a Plan View, select the Plan View tab.


Moving from File to File

You can from have more than one drawing open at a time in FloorPlan 3D. If you want to move to another drawing, use the Window menu command (Window|Name of Open File). Select the desired drawing from the list of open files to make that drawing appear in the drawing or viewing area.

If the file you want was one you used recently, you can use the File menu command (File|Name of 4 Most Recently Used Files). Select the file from the list on the File menu, and FloorPlan 3D will open the file in its most recently used view. This save you the trouble of browsing through files in the Open dialog.


Moving from View to View

You can move from View to View in two ways:

•	Click the desired tab (Plan View, 3D View, Internet to move to the corresponding View or Palette.

•	Choose the desired Viewing option from the menu (View|Plan View, View|3D View, View Plan View/3D View Palette, View|Internet Palette) to move to that view.


Viewing Two or More Views at Once

The New View command puts the current view into a new window so you can create a new view and either toggle between views or display them all on the screen at the same time using the standard Window menu commands (Window|File Name of Open View, Window|Tile, or Window|Cascade).

To display a Plan View on top of a 3D view:

1.	View the model in Plan View.

2.	Select Window|New View. A new window appears containing the Plan View. Notice that a colon and number appear after the drawing name. For example, if your drawing is called abc.BMF, the name in the new window says abc.BMF: 2, indicating that you are in the same drawing but creating a new view (the original view becomes abc.BMF: 1).

3.	Create the desired 3D view.

4.	Select Window|Tile. The 3D view window appears above the Plan View window.


Precision

A field in the Options dialog Environment tab.

Precision — ranges from 0 to 4; choose the number of places after the decimal point that the program will use in numeric fields.

To set the precision:

1.	Select Tools}Options to open the Options dialog Environment tab

2.	In Precision, enter the value for the number of places after the decimal point that FloorPlan will use for numeric fields.

3.	Click [OK] to set the options and return to the drawing area.


Working with the Program

As you begin to work with FloorPlan you need to become familiar with some of the basic procedures of the program:

•	Opening, closing and saving drawings

•	Defining Floor Locations and knowing their importance

•	Measuring distances within your drawing

•	Working with a Material List

•	Selecting, editing, and moving objects and symbols

•	Adding Text Labels and Dimensions Annotations

•	Displaying and Hiding Text

•	Displaying and Hiding Dimensions

•	Working with objects and symbols

Once you are familiar with these procedures, and processes, you will be well on your way to completing your design.


Setting Up a Drawing

When you start FloorPlan 3D, the program opens up a new drawing and gives it the default name of Building 1. You can rename the drawing when you save it.

Note: The default unit of measure in FloorPlan 3D is feet and inches. If you want to use a different unit of measure you should select it in the Options dialog before you start draw


To Save a Drawing

You should save your drawings frequently.

Note: If two or more views of your model are open during a drawing session, all views are saved. This means that when you open the drawing next time, all the views will be available (you’ll be able to toggle between them using the Window menu).

To save the current drawing:

Click (Save) on the Standard toolbar, or select File|Save. The drawing is saved under the current name.
If you have not yet named the drawing, the Save As dialog opens, allowing you to specify a name for your drawing.

SEE ALSO: "THE MATERIAL LIST" contains information on setting up the general appearance of the FloorPlan 3D window (toolbars, background color, etc.).


To Open an Existing Drawing

You can open any existing BMF file in FloorPlan 3D.

To open an existing drawing:

1.	Click (Open) on the Standard toolbar, or select File|Open. The Open dialog appears.

2.	Browse to the desired file, select it and click [Open].

Note: If you want to open a saved view (that you saved using the Save View command), you have to use the Restore View command.


Changing a Floor Location's Definition
Changing a Floor Location’s Definition

You can change a floor location’s name, floor level, head height, ceiling level, or wall height in the Floor Location Settings dialog, but only to define the next Floor Location that you want to put on the Location Toolbar list.

Note: Any changes that you make do not affect the existing locations in the drawing.

1.	Select Tools|Locations. The Floor Location Settings dialog opens.

2.	Click the value you want to change. The selected field is highlighted in blue.

3.	Type the new value, then press <Enter> to set the value.

4.	Click [OK] to .leave the Floor Location Settings dialog.


Adding a New Floor Location

If you want to draw floor plans for additional levels, you have to create a new floor location first. Then FloorPlan 3D can assign objects to the new location.

To add a new floor location to the Location drop-down list on the Location toolbar:

1.	Select Tools|Locations. The Floor Location Settings dialog opens.

2.	Click [Add]. A new location is added to the list.

3.	Specify a name, floor level, head height, ceiling level, and wall height for the new location.

4.	Click [OK] once you are satisfied with your entries to add the location to the list.


Deleting a Floor Location

You can remove any floor location except the Ground or Second Floor from the list provided there are no objects on that location.

To delete a floor location:

1.	Select Tools|Locations. The Floor Location Settings dialog opens.

2.	Select the location to delete.

3.	Click [Delete]. The location is removed from the list.


Displaying/Hiding Floor Locations

You can control the display of individual floor levels in your drawing using the Display Filter. You may, for example, want to hide the ground floor temporarily while working on the second floor, then display them both when you’re finished.

To display/hide a floor location:

1.	Click (Display Filter) on the Views toolbar or select View|Display Filter. The View Display Filter dialog opens.

2.	Make sure Location is selected in the Sort By box.

3.	Click the light bulb icon to the left of the floor level you want to display or hide.

4.	If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the floor level is currently displayed.

5.	If the light bulb is not lit (white), the floor level is currently hidden.

6.	Click [OK].

Tip: You can also display and hide individual items like furniture or text on each floor level. Simply expand the filter tree below the appropriate floor level and use the light bulb icons to turn items on and off.


Measuring Distances

You can measure the distance between any two points using FloorPlan 3D’s interactive Measure feature. Once you’ve selected the first point, watch the distance measurement on the screen adjust as you move your cursor away from the first point.

To measure distance:

1.	Click (Measure) on the Tools toolbar or select Tools|Measure. A small box appears at the top, left corner of your screen.

2.	Click in the drawing to Pick the first Point of the distance you want to measure.

3.	Move your cursor in the direction you want to measure.

4.	Watch the Running Distance measurement in the Measure box.

5.	Click to exit the task.


Defining Specific Floor Locations

FloorPlan 3D allows you to identify and define more than one floor level. It calls these levels Locations and lists them on the Locations toolbar. By default, FloorPlan 3D has two pre-defined locations: the Ground Floor and Second Floor.

When you create or insert an object in your model, that object is assigned to a specific floor location (such as the Ground Floor). You know what Location you are using because FloorPlan 3D displays the current location in the Locations toolbar. If a Location that you want to work on is not already on the Locations toolbar, you will have to add it to the toolbar before you can work in that location.

You can add and delete locations as needed, and change the definition of each location in the Floor Location Settings dialog.

The settings in this dialog establish the height of the walls, the height of the windows on the walls, and the level of the ceiling.

To open the Floor Location Settings dialog, click (Location Settings) on the Tools toolbar or select Tools|Locations.

A location’s definition consists of

Element	— Definition

Name —	Label used to reference the location (e.g., Ground Floor).

Floor Level — The height of the floor above the ground.

Head Height — The distance from the floor to the top of windows.

Ceiling Level — The distance from the floor to the underside of the ceiling.

Wall Height — The total height of the location’s walls from the floor to the top of the walls.


To display/hide text:

Displaying/Hiding Text

You can temporarily hide text from your drawing using the display filter feature.

To display/hide text:

1.	Click the [image] [Display Filter], or select View|Display Filter.

2.	From the Sort By drop box in the View Display Filter dialog, choose Element.

3.	To display/hide all text in your drawing, click the light bulb icon next to the Text option. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the text is currently displayed. If the light bulb is not lit (white), the text is currently hidden from view.

4.	To display/hide the text on a specific location, expand the tree below the Text option and click the light bulb icon next to the appropriate floor location.

5.	Click [OK].


To display/hide walls:

Displaying/Hiding Walls

You can temporarily hide all existing walls or all walls on a selected location using the Display Filter feature.

To display/hide walls:

1.	Click the [image] [Display Filter] on the Views toolbar, or select View|Display Filter.

2.	From the Sort By drop box in the View Display Filter dialog, choose Element.

3.	To display/hide all walls on all locations, click the light bulb icon next to the Walls option. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the walls are currently displayed. If the light bulb is not lit (white), the walls are currently hidden from view.

4.	To display/hide walls on a specific location, expand the filter tree below the Walls option and click the light bulb icon next to the desired floor location.

5.	Click [OK].


To display/hide floors and ceilings

Displaying/Hiding Floors

When you draw a wall layout, FloorPlan 3D automatically creates floor surfaces for you. You can temporarily hide all existing floor surfaces or floor surfaces on a selected location using the Display Filter feature.

To display/hide floor surfaces:

1.	Click the [image] [Display Filter] on the Views toolbar, or select View|Display Filter.

2.	From the Sort By drop box in the View Display Filter dialog, choose Element.

3.	To display/hide all floors on all locations, click the light bulb icon next to the Floors option. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the floors are currently displayed. If the light bulb is not lit (white), the floors are currently hidden from view.

4.	To display/hide floors on a specific location, expand the filter tree below the Floors option and click the light bulb icon next to the desired floor location.

5.	Click [OK].

Displaying/Hiding Ceilings

When you draw a wall layout, FloorPlan 3D automatically creates ceiling surfaces for you. You can temporarily hide existing ceiling surfaces on a selected location using the display filter feature.

To display/hide ceiling surfaces:

1.	Click the [image] [Display Filter] on the Views toolbar, or select View|Display Filter.

2.	From the Sort By drop box in the View Display Filter dialog, choose Element.

3.	To display/hide all ceilings on all locations, click the light bulb icon next to the Ceiling option. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the ceilings are currently displayed. If the light bulb is not lit (white), the ceilings are currently hidden from view.

4.	To display/hide ceilings on a specific location, expand the filter tree below the Ceiling option and click the light bulb icon next to the desired floor location.

5.	Click [OK].

Displaying/Hiding Floor Levels

Use the Display Filter feature to hide and display selected floor levels. You may, for example, want to hide the ground floor level temporarily while working on the second floor level, then display them both when you’re finished.

To display/hide a floor level:

1.	Click the [image] [Display Filter] on the Views toolbar, or select View|Display Filter.

2.	Make sure Location is selected in the Sort By drop box.

3.	Click the light bulb icon to the left of the floor level you want to display or hide.

4.	If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the floor level is currently displayed.

5.	If the light bulb is not lit (white), the floor level is currently hidden.

6.	Click [OK].


To display/hide doors

Displaying/Hiding Doors

You can temporarily hide all existing doors or the doors on a selected location using the display filter feature.

To display/hide doors:

1.	Click the [image] [Display Filter] button on the Views toolbar, or select View|Display Filter.

2.	From the Sort By drop box, choose Element.

3.	To display/hide all doors on all locations, click the light bulb icon next to the Doors option. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the doors are currently displayed. If the light bulb is not lit (white), the doors are currently hidden from view.

4.	To display/hide doors on a specific location, expand the filter tree below the Doors option and click the light bulb icon next to the desired floor location.

5.	Click [OK].


To display/hide windows

Displaying/Hiding Windows

You can temporarily hide all existing windows or the windows on a selected location using the display filter feature.

To display/hide windows:

1.	Click the [image] [Display Filter] on the Views toolbar, or select View|Display Filter.

2.	From the Sort By drop box in the View Display Filter dialog, choose Element.

3.	To display/hide all windows on all locations, click the light bulb icon next to the Windows option. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the windows are currently displayed. If the light bulb is not lit (white), the windows are currently hidden from view.

4.	To display/hide windows on a specific location, expand the filter tree below the Windows option and click the light bulb icon next to the desired floor location.

5.	Click [OK].


To display/hide columns

Displaying/Hiding Columns

You can temporarily hide all existing columns or the columns on a selected location using the Display Filter feature.

To display/hide columns:

1.	Click the [image] [Display Filter], or select View|Display Filter.

2.	From the Sort By drop box in the View Display Filter dialog, choose Element.

3.	To display/hide all columns on all locations, click the light bulb icon next to the Columns option. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the columns are currently displayed. If the light bulb is not lit (white), the columns are currently hidden from view.

4.	To display/hide columns on a specific location, expand the filter tree below the Columns option and click the light bulb icon next to the desired floor location.

5.	Click [OK].


To display/hide stairs

Displaying/Hiding Stairs

You can temporarily hide all existing stairs or stairs on a selected location using the display filter feature.

To display/hide stairs:

1.	Click the [image] [Display Filter] button on the Views toolbar, or select View|Display Filter.

2.	From the Sort By drop box in the View Display Filter dialog, choose Element.

3.	To display/hide all stairs on all locations, click the light bulb icon next to the Stairs option. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the stairs are currently displayed. If the light bulb is not lit (white), the stairs are currently hidden from view.

4.	To display/hide stairs on a specific location, expand the filter tree below the Stairs option and click the light bulb icon next to the desired floor location.

5.	Click [OK].


To display/hide balustrades

Displaying/Hiding Balustrades

You can temporarily hide all existing balustrades or the balustrades on a selected location using the display filter feature.

1.	To display/hide balustrades:

2.	Click the [image] [Display Filter], or select View|Display Filter.

3.	From the Sort By drop box in the View Display Filter dialog, choose Element.

4.	To display/hide all balustrades on all locations, click the light bulb icon next to the Balustrades option. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the balustrades are currently displayed. If the light bulb is not lit (white), the balustrades are currently hidden from view.

5.	To display/hide balustrades on a specific location, expand the filter tree below the Balustrades option and click the light bulb icon next to the desired floor location.

6.	Click [OK].


To hide/display the roof

Displaying/Hiding the Roof

You can temporarily hide an existing roof using the display filter feature.

To display/hide the roof:

1.	Click the [image] [Display Filter], or select View|Display Filter.

2.	From the Sort By drop-down box, choose Element.

3.	To display/hide the roof on all locations, click the light bulb icon next to the Roof option. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the roof is currently displayed. If the light bulb is not lit (white), the roof is currently hidden from view.

4.	To display/hide the roof on a specific location, expand the filter tree below the Roof option and click the light bulb icon next to the desired floor location.

5.	Click [OK].


To hide/display cabinets

Displaying/Hiding Cabinets

You can temporarily hide all existing cabinets or the cabinets on a selected location using the display filter feature.

To display/hide cabinets:

1.	Click the [image] [Display Filter] on the Views toolbar, or select View|Display Filter.

2.	From the Sort By drop box, choose Element.

3.	To display/hide all cabinets on all locations, click the light bulb icon next to the Cabinets option. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the cabinets are currently displayed. If the light bulb is not lit (white), the cabinets are currently hidden from view.

4.	To display/hide cabinets on a specific location, expand the filter tree below the Cabinets option and click the light bulb icon next to the desired floor location.

5.	Click [OK].


To display/hide the site boundary

Displaying/Hiding the Site Boundary

You can temporarily hide an existing site boundary using the display filter feature.

To display/hide the site boundary:

1.	Click the [image] [Display Filter], or select View|Display Filter.

2.	From the Sort By drop box, choose Element.

3.	Click the light bulb icon next to the Site option. If the light bulb is lit (yellow), the site boundary is currently displayed. If the light bulb is not lit (white), the site boundary is currently hidden.

4.	Click [OK].


To add a terrain to the site

To insert a terrain over your site:

1.	Click [image]  (Landscape) from the Tools toolbar or select Construct|Landscape to display the types of Terrain in the Object Type list.

2.	Click [image] (Add New) so you can insert your own custom terrain. The Terrain Properties dialog opens to the Custom Object tab.

3.	In the Create Object group, click the Regular Sloped Mesh radio button, then click the Mesh Settings button to open the Regular Sloped Mesh Setting dialog.

4.	Set the properties in the dialog:

•	Grid Divisions — set how many grid sections there will be
X Division— specify the number of divisions from near to far
Y Division — specify the number of divisions from left to right

•	Grid Spacing — set how far apart the grid divisions will be
X Spacing — specify the vertical spacing between the horizontal lines
Y Spacing — specify the horizontal spacing between the vertical lines

•	Mesh Corners, Z1, Z2, Z3 — set the height or elevation of this point on the grid (refer to the diagram)

•	Material Type — choose a mater for this part of the Terrain from the drop-down list
Material Texture — click to choose a texture from the library
Color — click to choose a color for this texture from the Color dialog

5.	Click [OK] when you have made your settings to return to the Terrain Properties Custom Object tab. The material names you just specified should appear in the Material names list.

6.	Select the Category and Subcategories that you want this particular terrain to be stored under in the database from the drop-down lists.

7.	Click General to move to the General tab.

8.	Name your custom terrain and enter any of the other General properties that you want to specify.

9.	Click Material to move to the Material tab.

10.	Specify or change the Material type and color for the listed elements if you wish to do so. You can also indicated if each should have a direction to run its texture.

11.	Click Size to move to the Size tab.

12.	Set the Size Properties according to you needs:

•	Scale — choose the unit of measure for the scale:

Inches
Millimeters
Custom and value text box

•	Up Axis specify the Up Axis for 3-Dimensional views

X
Y
Z

•	Size — specify the width, depth and height of the terrain

13.	When you have set all of your properties and are satisfied with them, click [OK] to return to the drawing area with the terrain attached to your cursor.

14.	Click in the Ground Plane to insert the terrain.


Working with the Terrain

Now that you’ve insert the terrain, you can select it and fine tune its dimension and points (called nodes).

To change the terrain:

1.	Select the terrain and right click to bring up its local menu.

2.	Select the command from the menu that performs the task you want to accomplish:

•	Edit Properties — to edit the Terrain’s properties

•	Goto Hyperlink — if active, to go to a Hyperlink associated with this terrain

•	Delete — delete the terrain from the drawing

•	Extend to Ground Plane — To extend the terrain so it covers Ground Plane

•	Scale In — to reduce the amount of space the terrain covers

•	Scale Out — to increase the amount of space the terrain covers

•	Add Nodes — to add a node to the terrain so you can set an elevation for that point

With Global Triangulation — determines the point using global references

With Local Triangulation — determines the point using local references

•	Edit Nodes — to activate the node on the terrain so you can set or change their elevation or position


Changing Terrain Properties

Changing Terrain Properties

You can change the Material Properties for the Terrain at any time.

To edit properties for the terrain:

1.	Select the Terrain.

2.	Right-click and select Edit Properties from the local menu,

3.	Click Materials to move to the Materials Properties.

4.	Click in the Material box or Color box for the element that you want to change.

5.	Once you have made your selections from the Material Library or the Color dialog, click OK to return the drawing area.

See

Material PropertiesMaterial_Properties>GenTopic


To Delete the Terrain

Deleting the Terrain Altogether

To delete a terrain:

1.	Select the terrain.

2.	Press <Delete>.


To extend the Terrain to the Ground Plane

When you extend the terrain to the Ground Plane, it changes the size of the terrain so that it covers the ground plane.

To extend the terrain to the Ground Plane:

1.	Select the terrain.

2.	Right-click and select Extend to Ground Plane from the local menu.


To scale the terrain larger or smaller

You can double or half the area the terrain will cover.

To scale the terrain mesh In or Out:

1.	Select the terrain.

2.	Right-click and select

•	Size*2 to double the size of the terrain

•	Size/2 to reduce the size of the terrain by half.


Changing Terrain Nodes

To add nodes with Local or Global Triangulation to the terrain mesh:

1.	Select the terrain.

2.	Right-click and select Add Nodes option according to your needs

•	With Global Triangulation — determines the point using global references

•	With Local Triangulation — determines the point using local references

3.	The program activates all of the nodes on the terrain. Next, click in the terrain area to insert the new node.

4.	When the Elevation dialog pops up, enter the elevation for the new node.

5.	Continue to add nodes as needed.

6.	Right-click and select Finish from the local menu to leave the command.

To edit a node:

7.	Select the terrain.

8.	Right-click and select Edit Node from the menu.

9.	The program activates all of the nodes on the terrain. Position the Edit Node cursor over the node that you want to edit and right-click

10.	Select the edit option that you want from the local menu:

•	Elevate to open the Elevation dialog where you can specify the elevation of the node.

•	Delete Node to delete the node from the grid.

11.	When you are through editing, click outside of the terrain to deselect it and exit the command.


About Fences and Gates

 	Menu: Construct|Fences

Adding fences and gates is similar to installing walls and doors. Remember that you will be working in Plan View on the Ground Floor.

To add a fence by clicking and stretching:

1.	Select [image] (Insert Fence) from the from the toolbar or Construct |Fences from the menu.

2.	Select the Fence type that you want to use from the database list.

3.	Click in the drawing area to select a starting point for the fence. Move your cursor in the direction that you want the fence to run and watch the auto-dimensioning values as you stretch the fence.

4.	When the fence is the desired length, click to select the end point for that stretch of fence.

5.	To draw the adjacent fence, move your cursor to stretch the next fence, then select its end point.

6.	When you are finished drawing sections of fence, right-click and select Finish from the local menu or press to exit the task.

You can cancel the Fence command at any time:

•	press <Esc>

•	right-click and choose Cancel from the local menu.

 	Menu: Construct|Gates

To add a gate to the new fence:

1.	Select the location where you want to place the gate in the Location toolbar.

2.	Click [image] (Insert Gate) on the Insert toolbar or select Construct|Gates.

3.	Choose the gate you want to insert from the database. The gate as it appears from the top is attached to your cursor.

4.	Move your cursor to position the gate in the desired fence. Watch the auto-dimensions on either side of your cursor as it touches the fence. They tell you how much distance is on either side of the gate as you are positioning it in the fence.

5.	When the gate is in position, click to insert it.

6.	You have the following options:

7.	To insert the same gate in another fence, simply repeat steps 4 and 5.

8.	To finish and exit the task, press or the spacebar, or right-click and choose Finish from the local menu.

9.	To exit the task, press or right-click and choose Cancel from the local menu.


Using the Inspector Bar to add the Fence

When the drawing Fences, FloorPlan 3D displays the Inspector Bar near the bottom of the FloorPlan 3D window just above the Status bar. The Inspector Bar makes it easy to specify the exact length and precise angle that you want the fence to take.

Define the angle according to the direction you want the fence to stretch. You may enter any value between those listed in the table (that is any value between 0 and 360), and the fence will stretch towards the specified point. The diagram and table give you a general idea of the direction the fence will take. So, if you enter 45 in the Angle box, the fence will stretch in a directions half way between the right side of the screen and the top (half way between 0 and 90). An angle specified at 200 degrees would stretch to the left of the screen and angled somewhat lower than a 180-degree angle. Most often, plans will use the four angles shown in the diagram and table.

To draw a fence using the Inspector Bar:

1.	Click (Site Information’s) on the Insert toolbar or choose Insert|Site Information.

2.	Select the fence type you want to use from the database list.

3.	Click in the Drawing Area to select a starting point for the fence.

4.	Press to activate the cursor in the Length box or click in the Length box on the Inspector Bar.

5.	Type the desired length of the fence.

6.	Press to move to the Angle box.

7.	In the Angle box, type a value for the angle and press to draw the fence with the length and angle that you specified.

8.	To draw the adjacent fence, highlight the figure in the Length box and type in the length of the next fence. Press to move to the Angle box. Type in the desired angle and press . The fence is drawn with the length and angle that you specified.

9.	If you don’t want to draw another section of fence, right-click and select Finish from the local menu or press to exit the task.


Specifying Fence Dimensions

When adding a new fence to the database, you can change the height, width, base level, and external base level of a fence. You can also control the height and thickness of the baseboard that is inserted with the fence. The dimension needed to describ a fence depend upon the type of fence it is. Use the diagram in the dialog as a reference as you enter the dimensions.

To specify the dimensions for a new picket fence:

1.	In the fence Properties dialog, select the Size tab.

2.	Set the dimensions in the Fence Properties Size tab

•	A - Height of the picket

•	B - Distance from picket center to picket center

•	C Center of top rail to top of post

•	D Center of bottom rail to ground

•	E Width of the picket

•	F Center of top rail to top of picket

•	G Height of lower rail

•	To include a newel post, select the Newel Post check box.

•	To include newels, select the Newels check box.

•	To include a bottom rail, select the Low Rail check box.

3.	Click OK to set the properties and return to the desktop.

A rail fence will not require dimensions for pickets, but you will need to specify the number of rails:

•	2 railing

•	3 railing

•	4 railing


Balcony, Decks and Outdoor Furnishings

Balconies can fill several purposes other than just being viewing platform either inside or outside of your building.

They allow you to view an area used everyday at eye level from a different perspective. This view from above can provide a sense of spaciousness when you look down. At the same time, adjacent areas "borrow" the space so they appear bigger than they really are.

Inhabitants can use the balcony to monitor the "goings on" without being in the midst of the action. It gives the viewer space to decide whether to join an activity or remain an onlooker.

A portion of the space occupied by the balcony can serve double duty. It might house bookshelves turning the area into a library/reading area, or its walls can become come a gallery to display favorite works of art.

Outdoor balconies invite inhabitants to take part in the out-of-doors without leaving the building perimeter. Additionally a second-story balcony offers sheltered access to the ground floor inhabitants at the same time it offers out-of- doors access to those upstairs.

Decks are can also serve dual functions. Besides acting as passage or walkways, they act as outdoor living areas. Whether providing private or more public views and coupled with landscaping, they help stretch views from indoors and provide found space when inhabitants expand their activities to the deck.

Both balconies and decks are easy to incorporate into your design. As with other objects, you must:

1.	Select the proper tool from the toolbar or command from the menu.

2.	Select the type of object from the Object Type list.

3.	Select the object from the database list.

4.	Click [image] (Edit Properties) below the database list to open the Properties dialog for the item.

5.	Click Script to move to the Script Property tab,

6.	Check the Script used to create the deck or balcony to see if it reflects the type of deck or balcony you need. If you want to draw the item by clicking the corners, choose script 0, the one with the hand holding a pen. Click [OK] when you are ready to return to the drawing area

7.	Click in the drawing at the first corner of the deck to begin drawing it. Continue around, clicking at each corner until you complete the deck. Right-click and select Finish from the local menu to leave the command.


About Driveways

When you add a driveway, you identify the key points of the drive, then FloorPlan smoothes out and connects the sections you just identified. You can perform several operations on the driveway once you create it.

When you select the drive, you must click on one of the perimeter lines. Whichever section you click will be highlighted in red, the other segments will be highlighted in blue. When you right-click the drive, the local menu appears with these options. Some of the commands act on the selected segment of the drive. Others let you work on any similar element of the drive:

Edit Properties — opens the Properties dialog

Goto Hyperlink — activates any Hyperlink associated with this object

Delete — deletes the path or driveway

Edit Node — allows you to edit any node in the driveway. You can stretch the drive length wise or cross wise. You can also distort the shape of the drive by moving the node in an unexpected direction.

Elevate — sets the elevation of the drive

Add Segment —adds a segment to the driveway. Use this option when you want to smooth out a turn so it is more rounded or when the design requires you be precise.

Delete Segment —deletes a segment of the driveway

Divide Segment — divides the selected segment in two


Adding a Driveway

Driveways and paths offer safe and easy access to different part of your building site. You can create paths or driveways easily with just a few clicks of the mouse. The keys to completing your driveway easily are to:

•	Determine where the center of the driveways sits in relation to buildings on the property.

•	Zoom to a position in your Plan View that allows you to draw the whole drive without having to change your vantage point.

•	Verify the width of the path or drive in the Driveway Properties Size tab.

:

1.	Select [image] (Driveways) from the Insert toolbar or Construct|Driveway from the menu.

2.	Select the type of Driveway from the Object Type list.

3.	Select the Driveway from the database list. You might want to Click Edit Properties and go to the Size page. Verify that the width you want for the driveway is the same as the one in the Width text box. If so, click [OK] to continue with drawing the driveway.

4.	Click in the drawing to anchor the center of one end of the driveway.

5.	Stretch the cursor and click the second point. If your drive turns a corner, you can easily make the turn. Click to start the turn. Depending upon how sharp you want the turn, continue around clicking as you go until you have identified all pertinent points for the drive. If your drive is a straight line, you’ll only have to click to anchor both ends of the drive.

6.	When you have anchored both ends of the driveway, right-click and select Finish from the local menu.

See

Driveway Properties


Driveway Properties

Driveways have four property tabs:

General — Driveway General properties are the same as those for all other objects. See General Properties

Material — Driveway Material properties are the same as those for all other objects. See Material Properties

Size — the Size tab specifies three definitions:

•	Width — specify the width for the driveway or path in the unit of measure

•	H1 Elevation —enter the elevation for the beginning of the section of the drive

•	H2 Elevation —enter the elevation for the end of the section of the drive

Apply To — The very first time you add a new Driveway you can specify if you want apply your own Size Properties to the driveway you are using as a model. If you want to apply changes to only some of the Size Properties, check the appropriate checkbox, otherwise clear them


To Insert or Draw a Wall

You can insert a wall into your drawing or add a new wall by specifying its properties and then add it to your design.

To draw or insert a wall:

1.	From the Location toolbar, select the floor to which you want to assign the wall.

2.	Click [image] [Walls], or select Construct|Walls.

3.	Select the wall type you want to use from the database (if not already selected).

4.	Select a start point for the wall by clicking the mouse in the drawing area.

5.	Move your cursor in the direction you want the wall to run and watch the auto-dimensioning as the wall stretches.

6.	When the wall is the desired length, click the mouse to select the wall’s end point. The wall is complete.

7.	You have the following options:

•	To finish the wall and exit the task, press <ENTER> or <Spacebar>, or right-click and select Finish from the menu.

•	To continue the neighboring wall, simply move your cursor to stretch the wall, then select the next end point.

•	To draw a new wall elsewhere, press <ENTER> then repeat steps 3 - 6.

•	To cancel the task, press <ESC> or right-click and select Cancel from the menu.


Standard Toolbar

New, Open, Save, Print, with Copy, Paste, Undo, Redo, Help

Use the Standard toolbar to work with files, edit selected items, and search for information about FloorPlan 3D. See File Menu and Edit Menu for more information.

•	 New — Start a new FloorPlan drawing file (BMF file).

•	 Open — Open an existing FloorPlan drawing file (BMF file).

•	 Save — Save the current drawing.

•	 Print — Print the current view.

•	 Copy — <Ctrl>+<C>copy the selected item to the clipboard

•	 Paste — <Ctrl>+<P>paste the item on the clipboard into the selected area

•	 Undo — <Ctrl>+<Z> Reverses the last action you performed. If the command is grayed-out, there is no action that can be undone

•	 Redo — <Ctrl>+<Y> Use this command to reapply an action that has been undone. This command becomes available only after you have used the Undo command.

•	 Help — a complete Help reference


Zoom Toolbar

Zoom In, Zoom Out, Zoom Window, Zoom Dynamic, Zoom Previous, Zoom Extents, Pan

While working in FloorPlan 3D, you will often want to zoom in on different parts of your drawing or move out for an overall perspective. You can also move the image around (pan) in order to bring a particular area into view.

The Zoom tools include:

•	 Zoom In — gain a closer perspective of the desktop

•	 Zoom Out — gain a broader, more overall perspective of the desktop

•	 Zoom Window — resizes your view on the window that click-drag with the magnifying glass cursor

•	 Zoom Dynamic — resizes your view to the area defined by the box attached to your regular cursor. Click the took, then click in the drawing to anchor the box. Move the cursor to resize the box to include only the items you want to see. Right-click to set the area and resize your view.

•	 Zoom Previous — returns to the last view

•	 Zoom Extents — resizes your view to include all of the items drawn in your design.

•	 Zoom Pan — allows you to move laterally in your design. Click the tool, then click the hand cursor in the drawing to anchor the tool. Stretch the cursor in direction that you want to move. A line trails behind the hand to the anchor point. Click a second time when you have reached the distance that you want to move. The view repositions the specified distance.


Tools Toolbar

Locations, Dimensions, Text, Measure, Material List, Prepared Site

•	 Locations — opens the Locations Settings dialog where you specify the properties for the locations listed on the Locations toolbar.

•	 Dimensions — —opens the Dimensions Properties dialog where you can specify text label and drawing dimension options.

•	 Text — opens the Text Properties dialog where you can set Font style and color.

•	 Measure — allows you to pick a point and then measure the distance from that point in your drawing.

•	 Material List — opens the list of materials generated by FloorPlan as you draw you model. If specified as part of an object’s properties, uses the price of the objects used in the drawing to calculate the cost of a room.

•	 Prepared Site — lets you work with Site preparation in your drawing.


Views Toolbar

Display Filter, Toggle Grid, Save View, and Restore View

Use the Views toolbar to change what you can view on the desktop with:

•	 Display Filter — opens the Display Filter dialog where you can specify which objects or symbols to show or hide. You can filter these items by:
Location — lets you select items only on one location or level
Element — lets you select all specified elements throughout your design

•	 Toggle Grid — shows or hides the grid in the drawing area. You set grid spacing and snap to grid in the Options dialog Environment tab (Tools|Options menu)

•	 Save View — opens the Save View dialog where you can specify which level to use when saving the view and if you want to save the view in a separate file

•	 Restore View — opens the Restore View dialog where you can specify and preview which view you want to restore


Alignment Toolbar

Align Left, Align Right, Align Top, Align Bottom, Align Centers Top/Bottom, Align Centers Left/Right

Alignment toolbar —
Use the Alignment toolbar to arrange symbols in your drawing.

•	 Align Left — To align the left side of the target object’s selection box to the left side of the anchor object’s selection box, select Left.

•	 Align Right — To align the right side of the target object’s selection box to the right side of the anchor object’s selection box, select Right.

•	 Align Top — To align the top of the target object’s selection box to the top of the anchor object’s selection box, select Top.

•	 Align Bottom — To align the bottom of the target object’s selection box to the bottom of the anchor object’s selection box, select Bottom.

•	 Align Centers Top/Bottom — To align the center of the target object to the top/bottom center of the anchor object, select Center TB.

•	 Align Centers Left/Right — To align the center of the target object to the left/right center of the anchor object, select Center LR. Align Vertically Top — To align the top of the target object’s selection box to the top of the anchor object’s selection box, select Top.

•	Align Vertically Bottom — To align the bottom of the target object’s selection box to the bottom of the anchor object’s selection box, select Bottom.

•	Align Vertically Center — To align the center of the target object to the center of the anchor object, select Center.


Location Toolbar

The Location toolbar tells you which level of your building that you are currently working on. Since all objects and symbols are assigned to a location, you must be aware of your current location when working in your drawing.

Select the (floor) level or story that you want to work on from the drop-down list. If the level that you want to work on is not listed, you must add it to the list using the Locations Settings dialog. See What Is the Current Location? and Adding a New Location to the List on the Location Toolbar for more information.


Insert Toolbar

Walls, Doors, Windows, Roofs,

Stairs, Balustrades, Columns, Cabinets, Site Information,

Appliances, Furniture, Plumbing, Electrical, Accessories,

Slabs, Balconies, Decks, Landscape, Fences, Gates, Driveways

The Insert toolbar houses tools found in both the Construct and Insert menus. They give you access to all of the objects and symbols in the database.


Save View As

The Save View As command on the View menu lets you save a rendered view of your model as a BMP or JPG file that you can print it using graphics utility program such as Paint.

To save your 3D view as a BMP or JPG file:

1.	Click 3D View to move to that view.

2.	Use the camera controls to set up the vantage point that you would like to capture

3.	Select View|Save View AS from the menu to open the Save As dialog.

4.	Choose either BMP or JPG from the Save as type drop-down list

5.	Click Options to set BMP or JPG file options:

6.	If saving as a BMP, the BMP Properties dialog opens where you can select from one of the radio buttons that specify your settings for the view:

•	1 bit

•	4 bits

•	8 bits

•	16 bits

•	24 bits

•	32 bits

7.	If saving as a JPG, the JPG Properties dialog opens. You can set properties for:

•	Image quality

•	Optimize Huffman Codes

•	Smooth dither

•	Save Settings as Default

8.	Click [OK] to leave the JPG Properties and return to the Save As dialog.

9.	Navigate to the folder where you want to store the file and enter the name that you want to give the file in the File name entry box.

10.	Click Save to save the file in the chosen format.

You can now view and print this saved view from any graphics utility such as Paint.