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V----------------------- Legal Range -----------------------V V QUICK-HELP INTRODUCTION V .index -1 -1 .topic Using Quick-Help Welcome to FloorPlan Plus! You are currently viewing Quick-Help! Quick-Help is designed to give you fast, specific help on any menu or function that you will use in Floorplan Plus. Note that Quick-Help appears as a window in Floorplan Plus. When any window appears on the screen, all other menu funtions are disabled. You will not be able to activate any of the menus or functions until after you close the Quick- Help window. You can exit Quick-Help by pressing the ESC key or by clicking on the [Esc/Done] button using your mouse. Note that the current help topic is always displayed at the top of the help box. To view more on this topic, click on the [PageDown] button or press <PgDn> key on your keyboard. All of the functions available in the Quick-Help system are controlled through the buttons displayed below. You can activate any button by clicking on it with the LEFT mouse button or by pressing its keyboard equivalent. The functions of the control buttons are as follows: [Esc/Done] - Exit Quick-Help [ Index ] - Choose a new help topic from a complete index listing. [ Print ] - Print the entire text of the current help topic to your printer. [PageDown] - Display the next page (15 lines) of help text on the current topic. [ PageUp ] - Display the previous page of help text on the current topic. Press [PageDown] now for more information. Normally, you will not be prompted as to when to press the [PageDown] button. Instead, the word [More] will appear in the lower right-hand corner of the help screen. This means that there is additional page(s) of help text for that topic. The Quick-Help system can be activated at any time by either clicking on the [Help] button located on the top menu bar, or by pressing the <F1> key. If you want help on a specific function right away, simply position your pointer (using your mouse or keyboard) over the menu choice and click your RIGHT mouse button (or press the <Spacebar>). The Quick-Help box will appear with the help information you requested. If you wish to look at another help topic you can click your LEFT mouse button on [Index] or press the <I> key. If you are new to Floorplan Plus, it might be helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the terms and definitions. To do this, click on the [Index] button or press the <I> key, then highlight `Terms and Definitions' (it will be near the top of the list), and press the <Enter> key or click on the [OK] button. When you have finished reviewing all of the Terms and Definitions, you can select another topic from the index or press the <ESC> key to exit Quick-Help. The Quick-Help system was designed to provide the exact information you need instantly, and because it is so easy to get in and out of, you should learn to use it anytime while you are drawing. It will save you a lot of time and frustration. .end V----------------------- Legal Range -----------------------V V TERMS AND DEFINITIONS V .topic Terms and Definitions The following is a list of terms and definitions that you should become familiar with before you use Floorplan Plus. CLICK Anytime you see the word click, it means that you press the LEFT mouse button one time. DRAWING AREA - The main part of the Floorplan Plus screen where you will be doing all of your drawing. FUNCTION LIST - The function list is the list of function choices located along the left-hand edge of the screen. MENU BAR - The very top line of the screen that displays the six diferent menu choices: Help, File, Draw, Edit, Options and Object. You can access any of these menus by clicking on them with your mouse or by pressing the functions keys <F1>-<F6> respectively. HELP/STATUS BAR - The very bottom line of the screen. The Help/Status bar will give you context-sensitive help when the stats option is switched off. When stats is switched on, a number of variables will appear along the Help/Status Line. These variables; Scale, Grid Size, View On/Off, Snap On/Off, and Color allows you to view in a glance all of the variables that affect your drawing environment. You can toggle the Stats on/off by pressing the <Tab> key or by clicking on the [Stats] button located in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. ZOOM MENU - Located in the lower left-hand corner of the screen, the Zoom Menu contains all of the controls that help you move around the screen and view your drawing with different levels of magnification. When the Zoom Menu is turned off, only the directional arrows and the [Zoom] button are displayed. When the Zoom Menu is activated, a number of different zoom options are made available, and the [Pan] button is displayed. NOTE: Be sure to see the manual for more complete information on all of the terms and definitions. .end HELP MENU HEADER V----------------------- Legal Range -----------------------V .index 0 -1 .topic Using A Keyboard Although operating Floorplan Plus with a mouse makes things a little easier, we have gone to great lengths to make this program practical for keyboard users as well. If you are operating Floorplan Plus with a keyboard, you should become familiar with the following keyboard commands: </> The </> key toggles the pointer position between the drawing screen and the function list. If you begin with the pointer in the drawing screen and press the </> key once, the pointer will jump to the first selection in the function list. If you press the </> key a second time, the pointer will return to the drawing area. <TAB> The <Tab> Key toggles the Stats option on and off. When activated, Stats reports the selected scale, grid size, view on/off, snap on/off, current drawing color, and the Stats on/off indicator. <ALT+C> This function allows you change the current drawing color. The Current Color function is only available when using Floorplan Plus on EGA or VGA systems. <ALT+E> Pressing <Alt>+<E> will automatically zoom out so the entire floor plan fits within the drawing area. <ALT+G> The Set Grid function allows you to change what size you want the grid to be. The grid can be set almost any size, although it is reccomended that you use an even number (i.e. 1ft, 1½ft, 2ft, etc). <ALT+I> Pressing <Alt>+<I> will zoom in 2x. <ALT+O> Pressing <Alt>+<O> will zoom out 2x. <ALT+S> Use this function to turn the snap-to-grid feature on. When activated, this feature gives the grid lines a `magnetic' quality, pulling your pointer so that it is easy to draw along the pre-determined grid lines. <ALT+U> The Undo command will reverse the last action made in the drawing area. <ALT+V> This function makes the grid appear and dissapear. Even though the grid is not visible, it is still in effect. For example, if you activate the snap-to-grid feature, your pointer will still snap to the grid lines even though the grid is not visible. <ALT+Q> Exits the Floorplan Plus program. .end FILE MENU HEADER V----------------------- Legal Range -----------------------V .index 1 -1 .topic The File Menu The File Menu contains the following choices: ABOUT Information about Floorplan Plus NEW Use this function to clear the screen and begin a new drawing. SETUP The Setup function allows you to set a number of different values, such as scale, English or Metric, default settings, etc. Refer to section entitled `Setting Up Floorplan Plus' in your manual. LOAD Use this function to load a drawing from disk. SAVE Use this function to save a drawing to disk. EXPORT Select Export to save your drawing to disk in the standard Encapsulated Post Script (EPS) file format. For more information on Exporting, please refer to the manual. ESTIMATOR This function allows you to save a special data file for use with the Estimator Plus program. MATERIALS Use this function to save a materials list of your floor plan to disk in the standard ASCII format. PRINT Sends your drawing to a pre-selected printer. QUIT Selecting Quit will exit the Floorplan Plus program. .end .index 1 0 .topic About The About Window The About window provides some information about the creators of Floorplan Plus. It also provides a few bits of technical information: (1) How much memory (in bytes and `pages') is available and (2) if Floorplan Plus is using EMS (Expanded Memory) or not. .end .index 1 1 .topic Starting a New Drawing If you wish to discard the drawing on the screen and start over, use the New function. To use the New function, click on the [New] button (located in the File Menu). You will be asked if you wish discard the current drawing. If you select `Yes' the current drawing will be lost and the screen cleared for a new drawing. Of course, if you saved the drawing to disk before you discarded it, then you will be able to retrieve it later. .end .index 1 2 .topic Setting Up FloorPlan Plus The Setup Menu allows you to change several of the program's variables - such as drawing size, resolution, wall types, wire & pipe types, measurement system (US or Metric) and hardware configuration. Unless you create sketches of several different types on a regular basis, you will only need to setup Floorplan Plus once in a great while. To learn more about setting up Floorplan Plus, please refer to the setion titled `Setting Up Floorplan Plus' in the manual. .end .index 1 3 .topic Loading a Drawing File To load a file from disk, click on the [Load] button (located in the File Menu). The Load Window will appear, along with a list of available files located in the current directory. Changing The Path To load a file from another directory or floppy disk, you will need to change the path. To change the path, position your cursor anywhere along the path name and click your left mouse button (or press the <Enter> key). A text cursor will appear, allowing you to change the path to a different sub-directory or disk drive. Using the Search Spec The Search Spec box allows you to list more than just the Floorplan Plus files, which all share the `FPD' extension. Changing the Search Spec can be useful if you want to save different types of drawings with a different file extension. However, for most users it is reccomended that you leave the Search Spec as is. Loading A File Directly If you already know the name of the file that you wish to load, you can use the Filename box. Simply type in the name of the file you wish to load and press the <Enter> key. The Filename box is especially useful when you are working with a large number of files. .end .index 1 4 .topic Saving a Drawing To save a file to disk, click on the [Save] button (located in the File Menu) and the Save Window will appear. If you wish to save the file in the current directory, simply type in the filename you wish the drawing to be saved under and press the <Enter> key. Saving To A Different Disk To save a file to another directory or to a floppy disk, you will need to change the path. To change the path, position your pointer anywhere along the path name and click your left mouse button (or press the <Enter> key). A text cursor will appear, allowing you to change the path to a different sub-directory or disk drive. .end .index 1 5 .topic Exporting a Drawing Floorplan Plus allows you to save your drawings using the standard EPS (Encapsulated Post Script) format. Exporting your drawings to this format is useful for importing them into other applications such as Windows(R), WordPerfect(R), PageMaker(R), Arts & Letters(R), paint programs and much more. Please refer to the manual for more information about exporting files. .end .index 1 6 .topic Creating an Estimator File Floorplan Plus allows you to save a special materials file for use with the Estimator Plus program. For more information about Estimator Plus, please refer to the Quick- Help index under `Estimator Plus'. .end .index 1 7 .topic Creating an Materials List This function allows you to save a materials list to disk using the standard ASCII format. This is useful for transfering material lists to reports and other related documents created in word processors. .end .index 1 8 .topic Printing a Drawing Floorplan Plus allows you to print your drawing to a number of Dot Matrix and Laser printers. The Print function allows you to: select printer drivers, change default print settings such as orientation, scale, active port, print quality, etc. Please refer to the manual for more detailed information. .end .index 1 9 .topic Exiting Floorplan Plus To exit the Floorplan Program, click on the [Quit] button (located in the File Menu) or press <Alt>+<Q>. If you have made changes to your drawing since saving, you will be asked if you wish to save your changes. .end DRAW MENU HEADER .index 2 -1 .topic The Drawing Menu The Drawing Menu contains the following choices: WALL Use this command to draw walls of various types. The wall length is displayed in the Help/Status bar. WIRE&PIPE - This command allows you to draw lines on your floor plan that represent different types of wire and pipe. You can choose from several different types of wire and pipe in the Options Menu. POINT Select this choice to draw a single point. Use this function to display small holes, nails, bolts, etc. LINE Use this command to draw lines on your floorplan. The line length is displayed in the Help/Status bar. RECTANGLE - The rectangle command allows you to draw various sizes of squares and other boxes or rectangles. The rectangle command is helpful in drawing desks, tables, concrete blocks, tiles, etc. POLYGONS - Use this command to draw mult-sided objects of any size. Polygons are often used to draw tiles, tables, spas, gazebos, flagstones, etc. You can select from 3 to 12 sides. CIRCLE Select this command to draw a circle of any size. The width and height of the circle is displayed in the Help/Status bar. Circles are often used to represent tiles, shrubs, pipe openings, tables, spas, etc. ARC The Arc command allows you to draw a portion of a circle on the screen. This function is useful for rounding off corners or placing a rounded end on a wall. It can also be used to create special shapes. ELIPSE This command allows you to draw a `flat' circle. The width and height of the elipse is displayed in the Status/Help bar. FREEHAND - Use this command to draw your own special shapes or odd-angled lines and curves. TEXT Select this function to enter text on the screen. There several pre-defined sizes of text available. .end .index 2 0 .topic Drawing a Wall The Wall command allows you to draw walls on the screen. To use the Wall command, position the pointer over the [Wall] button (located in the Draw menu) and either click the left mouse button or press the <Enter> key. In the drawing area, position your pointer to where you wish to start drawing the wall and click the left mouse button. You have now `anchored' one end of the wall to the screen. Using either your mouse or the arrow keys, stretch the wall to the length and angle you desire and click the left mouse button or press <Enter>. NOTE: While you are drawing, the length of the wall is displayed in the Help/Status bar. Make sure the Stats option is turned off. Using Different Wall Types Floorplan Plus allows you to create a floorplan using several different types of walls. For example, you may wish to draw your floorplan using brick walls for the exterior and sheet rock walls for the interior. To choose a different wall type, first select the [Options] Menu, and then click on the [WallType] menu choice. For information on creating your own wall types, please see you manual under the section entitled `Modifying and Defining New Wall Types'. .end .index 2 1 .topic Drawing Wire and Pipe The Wire&Pipe command allows you to draw lines that represent wire and/or pipe on the screen. To use the Wire&Pipe command, position the pointer over the [Wire&Pipe] button (located in the Draw menu) and either click the left mouse button or press the <Enter> key. In the drawing area, position your pointer where you wish to start drawing the wire or pipe and click your left mouse button. You have now 'anchored' one end of the line to your screen. Using either the mouse or arrow keys, stretch the line to the length and angle you desire and click on the left mouse button. NOTE: While you are drawing, the length of the wire or pipe is displayed in the Help/Status bar. Make sure the stats option is turned off. Using Different Types Of Wire and Pipe Floorplan Plus allows you to design your floor plans using different types or wire and pipe. For example, you may want to lay 120V copper wiring through your walls, along with coaxial cable for the cable TV jacks throughout the house. To choose a different wire/pipe type, first select the Options menu, and then click on the [W&PType] button. For more information on creating your own types of wire and pipe, please see the section entitled `W&P Types'. .end .index 2 2 .topic Drawing a Point The Point function allows you to draw single points on the screen. Points are often used for representing nails, bolts, small holes, etc. To use the Point function, position the pointer over the [Point] button (located in the Draw menu) and either click the left mouse button or press the <Enter> key. In the drawing area, position your cursor where you wish to place the point and click the left mouse button. .end .index 2 3 .topic Drawing a Line The Line function allows you to draw lines on the screen. To draw a line, position the pointer over the [Line] button (located in the Draw menu) and either click the left mouse button or press the <Enter> key. On the screen, position your cursor where you wish to start drawing the line and click your left mouse button. You have now `anchored' one end of the line to your screen. Using either the mouse or arrow keys, stretch the line to the length and angle you desire and click on the left mouse button. NOTE: While you are drawing, the length of the line is displayed in the Help/Status bar. Make sure the Stats option is turned off. .end .index 2 4 .topic Drawing a Rectangle The Rectangle command allows you to draw squares or other boxes on the screen. To draw a rectangle, position the pointer over the [Rectangle] button (located in the Draw menu) and either click the left mouse button or press the <Enter> key. In the drawing area position the pointer where you wish the upper left-hand corner of the rectangle to be and click the left mouse button. Now move your cursor and the opposite corner of the rectangle will change size accordingly. NOTE: While you are drawing, the width and height of the rectangle is displayed in the Status/Help bar. Make sure the Stats option is turned off. .end .index 2 5 .topic Drawing a Polygon The Polygon function allows you to draw multi-sided objects on the screen (like a hexagon or octagon). To draw a Polygon, position the pointer over the [Polygon] button (located in the Draw menu) and either click the left mouse button or press the <Enter> key. In the drawing area, position the cursor where you wish the center of the polygon to be and click the left mouse button. Now move the pointer away from the placement point in any direction. A polygon will appear and grow in size the farther you move the cursor from the placement point. Using the left/right arrow keys or moving the mouse to the left or right will rotate the polygon while you are drawing it. When you use the Polygon function, it is set to a specific number of sides. To change the number of sides, select the [Polysides] command from the Options menu. You may enter any number between the 3 and 12. .end .index 2 6 .topic Drawing a Circle The Circle function allows you to draw circles of various sizes on the screen. To draw a circle, position the pointer over the [Circle] button (located in the Draw Menu) and either click the left mouse button or press the <Enter> key. In the drawing area, position the pointer where you wish the center of the circle to be and click the left mouse button or press the <Enter> key. Now move your cursor away from the placement point in any direction. A circle will appear and grow in size the farther you move the pointer from the placement point. NOTE: While you are drawing, the radius of the circle is displayed in the Help/Status bar. Make sure the Stats option is turned off. .end .index 2 7 .topic Drawing an Elipse The Elipse function allows you to draw `flat' circles. To draw an elipse, position the pointer over the [Elipse] button (located in the Draw Menu) and either click the left mouse button or press the <Enter> key. In the drawing area, position the pointer where you wish to start drawing the elipse and click the left mouse button. Now move the pointer away from the placement point in any direction. An elipse will appear and grow in size the farther you move the cursor from the placement point. NOTE: While you are drawing, the width and height of the elipse is displayed in the Help/Status bar. Make sure the Stats option is turned off. .end .index 2 8 .topic Drawing an Arc The Arc command allows you to draw a portion of a circle on the screen. This function is useful for rounding off corners or placing a rounded end on a wall. It can also be used to create special shapes. To draw an arc, position the pointer over the [Arc] button (located in the Draw Menu) and either click the left mouse button or press the <Enter> key. In the drawing area, position the pointer where you wish the center point of the arc to be and click the left mouse button (or press the <Enter> key). Now position the cursor you want one end of the arc to begin and click or press <Enter>. As you move the pointer the arc will grow accordingly. For a more detailed explanation of how to draw an arc (complete with diagrams) please refer to the user's manual. .end .index 2 9 .topic Drawing Freehand The Freehand function allows you to draw odd-angled lines and curves. To draw freehand, position the pointer over the [Freehand] button (located in the Draw Menu) and either click the left mouse button or press the <Enter> key. In the drawing area, position the pointer where you wish to start drawing, click and HOLD the left mouse button (or press the <Enter> key). As you move the mouse you will draw a continuous line on the screen. To stop drawing, either release the left mouse button or press the <Enter> key a second time. .end .index 2 10 .topic Creating Text The Text function allows you to create upper and lower case text at vitually any size and angle. Once the text is written, it can be copied and rotated just like any other object. Changing Text Size Before you enter text on the screen, you should set the text size. To set the text size, position your pointer over the [TextSize] button (located in the Options Menu) and either click the left mouse button or press the <Enter> key. A window will appear with a list of different preset text sizes. You may pick any of these, or select either `custom size' or `real-time sizing'. If you select `custom size', then you will be prompted to enter the text size you desire in feet and inches. If you select `real-time sizing' then you will be able to set the text size every time you add text to your drawing. Entering Text To enter text, position the pointer over the [Text] button (located in the Draw Menu) and either click the left mouse button or press the <Enter> key. In the drawing area, position your pointer where you wish to begin entering the text and click the left mouse button (or press the <Enter> key). If you selected `real-time sizing', then the next step will be to determine the size of the text. Move the pointer away from the starting point until the line reaches the desired height, and click or press the <Enter> key. The final step is to determine the angle and direction you wish the text to be entered. Move the guidline with the mouse or arrow keys to the angle and direction that you wish the text to be entered and click or press the <Enter> key. Now, you can begin typing in text. You can continue typing text off the screen - it will be there when you zoom out later. Once you are finished entering the text, press the <Enter> key to exit the typing mode. NOTE: If you stretch the guidline to the left of the base point (starting point), then the text will be entered upside-down. .end EDIT MENU HEADER .index 3 -1 .topic The Edit Menu The Edit Menu contains the following choices: UNDO The Undo function reverses your last action. MOVE Use this function to move one or any number of objects from one place to another. COPY The Copy function will make a copy of any object including lines, walls, etc. ROTATE Use this function to rotate an object to any angle, within one degree of accuracy. MIRROR The Mirror function will produce an exact reflection of an object. FLIPH Select the Flip Horizontal function to flip an object over on its horizontal axis. FLIPV Select the Flip Vertical function to flip an object over on its vertical axis. ERASE Use this function to remove an object or group of objects from the screen. CHANGECLR - Select this function to change the color of an existing object to the current drawing color. ADJLENGTH - This function allows you to adjust the length of a wall, line or rectangle. CUTWALL The Cutwall function allows you to cut an opening in a wall for a door, picture window, addition, etc. .end .index 3 0 .topic Using Undo The Undo function reverses your last action. For example, if you draw a line on the screen and then click on the [Undo] button, the line would dissapear. If you selected the Undo function a second time, the line would reappear. The Undo function can only remember the last action that occured in the drawing area. .end .index 3 1 .topic The Move Function To use the Move function, click on the [Move] button (located in the Edit Menu). Once Move is selected, position the pointer directly on the object and either click or press the <Enter> key. If you wish to move a group of objects, position the pointer above and to one side of the group to be moved and click your left mouse button (or press the <Enter> key). Now move the pointer to the opposite corner, forming a box around the group of objects that you wish to move, and click the left mouse button a second time (or press the <Enter> key). The selected object(s) will change to a dim, white color. Once you have marked the object, click anywhere on the image (or press <Enter>) and the object will move wherever you move the pointer. Once you have positioned the object in its new location, click the left mouse button (or press <Enter>) to permanently place it there. .end .index 3 2 .topic The Copy Function To use the Copy function, click on the [Copy] button (located in the Edit Menu). Once Copy is selected, position the pointer directly on the object and either click or press the <Enter> key. If you wish to copy a group of objects, position the pointer above and to one side of the group to be copied and click your left mouse button (or press the <Enter> key). Now move the pointer to the opposite corner, forming a box around the group of objects that you wish to copy, and click the left mouse button a second time (or press the <Enter> key). The selected object(s) will change to a dim, white color. Once you have marked the object, click anywhere on the image (or press <Enter>) and a copy of the object will move wherever you move the pointer. Once you have positioned the copied object in its new location, click the left mouse button (or press <Enter>) to permanently place it there. .end .index 3 3 .topic The Rotate Function To use the Rotate function, click on the [Rotate] button (located in the Edit Menu). Once Rotate is selected, position the pointer directly on the object and either click or press the <Enter> key. If you wish to rotate a group of objects, position the pointer above and to one side of the group to be rotated and click the left mouse button (or press the <Enter> key). Now move the pointer to the opposite corner forming a box around the group of objects that you wish to rotate, and click the left mouse button a second time (or press the <Enter> key). The selected object(s) will change to a dim, white color. Once you have marked the object, click anywhere on the image (or press <Enter>) and then move your pointer away from the selected object(s). Notice a line runs from the point you selected to the pointer itself. This reference line makes it easier to obtain a precise angle. The angle at which the object is rotated is displayed in the Help/Status bar (make sure Stats is turned off). Once you have rotated the object to its new angle, click (or press <Enter>) to permanently place it there. .end .index 3 4 .topic The Mirror Function To use the Mirror function, click on the [Mirror] button (located in the Edit Menu). Once mirror is selected, position the pointer directly on the object and either click or press the <Enter> key. If you wish to mirror a group of objects, position the pointer above and to one side of the group to be mirrored and click the left mouse button (or press the <Enter> key). Now move the pointer to the opposite corner forming a box around the group of objects that you wish to Mirror, and click the left mouse button a second time (or press the <Enter> key). The selected object(s) will change to a dim, white color. Once you have marked the object, click anywhere on the image (or press <Enter>) and then move your pointer in the direction that you wish a mirrored copy of the object to appear. For example, if you move the pointer left, a mirror image of the selected object will appear directly to the left of the object. Please refer to the user's manual for a more detailed explanation. NOTE: The mirror function will make a reverse copy of text, but will not truly mirror it since the text would then appear backwards and impossible to read. .end .index 3 5 .topic Flip Horizontal To use the Flip Horizontal function, click on the [FlipH] button (located in the Edit Menu). Once Flip Horizontal is selected, position the pointer directly on the object and either click or press the <Enter> key. If you wish to flip a group of objects, position the pointer above and to one side of the group to be flipped and click the left mouse button (or press the <Enter> key). Now move the pointer to the opposite corner forming a box around the group of objects that you wish to flip, and click the left mouse button a second time (or press the <Enter> key). The selected object(s) will change to a dim, white color. Once you have marked the object, click anywhere on the image (or press <Enter>) and the object will be flipped horizontally. See the user's manual for an example. .index 3 6 .topic Flip Vertical To use the Flip Vertical function, click on the [FlipH] button (located in the Edit Menu). Once Flip Vertical is selected, position the pointer directly on the object and either click or press the <Enter> key. If you wish to flip a group of objects, position the pointer above and to one side of the group to be flipped and click the left mouse button (or press the <Enter> key). Now move the pointer to the opposite corner forming a box around the group of objects that you wish to flip, and click the left mouse button a second time (or press the <Enter> key). The selected object(s) will change to a dim, white color. Once you have marked the object, click anywhere on the image (or press <Enter>) and the object will be flipped vertically. See the user's manual for an example. .end .index 3 7 .topic The Erase Function To use the Erase function, click on the [Erase] button (located in the Edit Menu). Once erase is selected, position the pointer directly on the object and either click or press the <Enter> key. If you wish to erase group of objects, position the pointer above and to one side of the group to be erased and click the left mouse button (or press the <Enter> key). Now move the pointer to the opposite corner forming a box around the group of objects that you wish to erase, and click the left mouse button a second time (or press the <Enter> key). The selected object(s) will change to a dim, white color. Once you have marked the object, click anywhere on the image and it will be removed from the screen. .end .index 3 8 .topic The Change Color Function To use the Change Color function, click on the [ChangeClr] button (located in the Edit Menu). Once Change Color is selected, position the pointer directly on the object and either click or press the <Enter> key. If you wish to change the color of a group of objects, position the pointer above and to one side of the group to be changed and click the left mouse button (or press the <Enter> key). Now move the pointer to the opposite corner forming a box around the group of objects that you wish to change, and click the left mouse button a second time (or press the <Enter> key). The selected object(s) will change to a dim, white color. Once you have marked the object, click anywhere on the image (or press <Enter>) and the object will be redrawn using the current drawing color. .end .index 3 9 .topic Adjusting Wall & Line Length To use the AdjLength function, click on the [AdjLength] button (located in the Edit Menu). Once Adjust Length is selected, position the pointer near the end of the wall or line that you wish to adjust and click or press the <Enter> key. If properly selected, the end of the wall or line will become `attatched' to your pointer allowing you to change its length and angle. Once the wall or line is positioned where you want it, click or press the <Enter> key. .end .index 3 10 .topic Cuting Lines and Walls To use the Cut Wall function, click on the [CutWall] button (located in the Edit Menu). Once Cut Wall is selected, position the pointer where you wish to begin cutting the wall and click or press the <Enter> key. A reference line will be anchored at the point you just selected. Use the mouse or arrow keys to stretch the reference line along the wall. When the reference line is as long as the `hole' you wish to make in the wall, click or press the <Enter> key. The selected area of wall will dissapear, leaving two dashed lines as a guide for placing windows, doors, etc. .end OPTIONS HEADER .index 4 -1 .topic The Options Menu The Options Menu contains the following choices: WALLTYPE This function allows you to select different wall types. Choose from five different wall types. W&PTYPE Use this function to select different types of wire and/or pipe. LINETYPE Select LineType to change between solid, dotted, dashed, and dot-dash-dot lines. POLYSIDES This function allows you to change the number of sides drawn on each polygon. AUTOLABEL Use this function to toggle the AutoLabel option on/off. TEXTSIZE Selecting TextSize allows you to change the size of available text fonts. MEASURE This function allows you to measure the length, width, or height of any object, wall, or line. PERMITER Use this function to calculate the perimeter of a structure or building. AREA Select the Area function to calculate the square footage of a selected area. .end .index 4 0 .topic Select Current Wall Type Floorplan Plus allows you to design your floor plans using a number of different wall types. For example, you may want to constuct the exterior using a brick wall type, while you create the interior using a sheet rock wall type. The Wall Type function in the Options Menu allows you to change between different types or walls. Floorplan Plus includes five pre-designed wall types. ou may modify these wall types using the Setup function in the File Menu. To use the Wall Type function, click on the [WallType] button (located in the Options Menu). A window will appear with a list of available wall types. Use the mouse or arrow keys to select the wall type you desire, then click on the [OK] button or press the <Enter> key. All walls drawn thereafter will be of the type you just selected. NOTE: For more information on how to create a new wall type, please refer to the user's manual. .end .index 4 1 .topic Select Current Wire/Pipe Type Floorplan Plus allows you to design your floor plans using a different types or wire and pipe. For example, you may want to lay 120V copper wiring through your walls, along with coaxial cable for cable TV jacks throughout the house. The Wire&Pipe function in the Options Menu allows you to change between the different types of wire and pipe. Floorplan Plus includes three types of wire and two types of pipe for your convienience. You may modify any of these existing types through the Setup function in the File Menu. To use the Wire & Pipe Type function, click on the [W&PType] button (located in the Options Menu). A window will appear with a list of available wire and pipe types. Use the mouse or arrow keys) to select the type you desire, then click on the [OK] or press the <Enter> key. All Wire & Pipe drawn thereafter will be of the type you just selected. NOTE: For more information on how to create a new Wire or Pipe type, please refer to the user's manual. .end .index 4 2 .topic Set Current Line Type Floorplan Plus allows you to draw lines using one of four different patterns. The Line Type function allows you to select a new line pattern. To select a new line type, click on the [LineType] button (keyboard users can press the </> key to quickly place the pointer at the top of the functions list and then use the down arrow key to select the [LineType] button) and either click or press the <Enter> key. The Line Type window will appear with a list of four different types o lines to choose from. Use the mouse or arrow keys to highlight the line type you desire and either click on the [Ok] button or press the <Enter> key. The line type you select will then become the current type. The next time you use the [Line] drawing function, you will be drawing with the line pattern you just selected. .end .index 4 3 .topic Set Polygon Side Count The Poly Sides function allows you to change the number of sides drawn on each polygon. To select a new Poly Sides value, click on the [PolySides] button (keyboard users can press the </> key to quickly place the pointer at the top of the functions list and then use the down arrow key to select the [PolySides] button) and either click or press the <Enter> key. A window will appear asking you to enter the number of sides future polygons should have. You may enter any value between 3 and 12. Type in the value and press the <Enter> key. From this point forward, all polygons drawn using the [Polygon] function will have the number of sides you specified. .end .index 4 4 .topic Auto Labeling (Set/Size) This function allows you to toggle on/off the Auto-Label feature. When turned on, all walls can be labeled with its length along with boundary arrows. Immediately after the wall is drawn, the label can be positioned on either side of the wall, or eliminated from the drawing area altogether. When turned off, the option of placing a label indicating the wall length is eliminated. NOTE: Most floorplan drawings will label the dimensions of outside walls. Depending on the purpose of your drawing, interior walls may or may not be labeled. .end .index 4 5 .topic Text Size / Drawing Mode This function allows you to select from several different pre-defined text sizes. You can also define your own custom text size or use the real-time sizing. Real-time sizing allows you to specify the text size at the time you are entering text on the screen. To select a new text size, click on the [TextSize] button (keyboard users can press the </> key to quickly place the pointer at the top of the functions list and then use the down arrow <> key to select the [TextSize] button) and either click or press the <Enter> key. The Text Size window will appear with a list of several different sizes of text to choose from. Use the mouse or arrow keys <> to highlight the text size you desire and either click on the [Ok] button or press the <Enter> key. The next time you enter text, it will appear in the size you selected. .end .index 4 6 .topic Measure Length The Measure function allows you to measure any distance in the drawing area. Using the Measure function is very much like using a tape measure. To use the Measure function, click on the [Measure] button (keyboard users can press the </> key to quickly place the pointer at the top of the functions list and then use the down arrow <> key to select the [Measure] button) and either click or press the <Enter> key. Once Measure is selected, click or press the <Enter> key to `anchor' one end of the measuring line. Stretch the line tothe other end of the wall or object that you are measuring and click or press the <Enter> key again. The length will appear in a small window in the center of the drawing area. Click on the [Ok] button or press the <Enter> key to make the window disappear. Note: You can activate the measure function by pressing the <F9> key, regardless of what menu is currently displayed. .end .index 4 7 .topic Measure Perimeter The Perimeter function allows you to calculate the perimeter of virtually any area. The most common use of this function is to calculate the perimeter of the exterior of a house or other building. To use the Perimeter function, click on the [Perimeter] button (keyboard users can press the </> key to quickly place the pointer at the top of the functions list and then use the down arrow <> key to select the [Perimeter] button) and either click or press the <Enter> key. The Perimeter function works by drawing a line along the `perimeter' of the house, room, or object you have selected. Once Perimeter is selected, choose a spot where you wish to begin drawing the outline and click or press the <Enter> key. With either the mouse or arrow keys, position the pointer to next place that you need to make a corner and click or press the <Enter> key. Once you have finished outlining the perimeter that you wish to calculate, click the right mouse button or press the <Space Bar> to close the area. A window will appear with both the perimeter and area calculations. .end .index 4 8 .topic Measure Area The Area function allows you to calculate the total area of any room, house, yard, etc. To use the Area function, click on the [Area] button (keyboard users can press the </> key to quickly place the pointer at the top of the functions list and then use the down arrow <> key to select the [Area] button) and either click or press the <Enter> key. The Area function works by drawing a line along the `perimeter' or edge of the house, room, or object you have selected. Once Area is selected, choose a spot where you wish to begin drawing the outline and click or press the <Enter> key. With either the mouse or arrow keys, position the pointer to next place that you need to make a corner and click or press the <Enter> key. Once you have finished outlining the perimeter that you wish to calculate, click the right mouse button or press the <Space Bar> to close the area. A window will appear with both the perimeter and area calculations. .end OBJECTS HEADER .index 5 -1 .topic The Objects Menu The Objects Menu contains the following choices: CREATELIB This function allows you to create a new user library to store floorplan objects. SELECTLIB This function selects the current object library from which to load and save objects. RENAMELIB This function is used to change the description (name) of an object library. REMOVELIB This function is used to remove unwanted library files from the system. LOADOBJ Loads an object from the current object library. SAVEOBJ Used to save a selected area as an object in the current object library. OBJINFO This function allows you to measure the length, width, or height of any object, wall, or line. REMOVEOBJ This function removes an unwanted object from the current object library. BREAKOBJ This function is used to breakup an object into its base parts. .end .index 5 0 .topic Using the Catalog Function The Catalog function allows you to obtain a printed list of the contents of each object library. To use the Catalog function, make sure your printer is turned on and on line. Click on the [Catalog] button (keyboard users can press the </> key to quickly place the pointer at the top of the functions list and then use the down arrow <> key to select the [Catalog] button) and either click or press the <Enter> key and Floorplan Plus will print the contents of each library on a seperate sheet of paper. This is a useful feature for comparing libraries for duplicate objects. .end .index 5 1 .topic Creating an Object Library This function allows you to create a new library to store objects. To create a new library, click on the [CreateLib] button (keyboard users can press the </> key to quickly place the pointer at the top of the functions list and then use the down arrow <> key to select the [CreateLib] button) and either click or press the <Enter> key. Once selected, a window will appear asking you to type in the title or description of the new library. You may enter any combination of letters or numbers up to 40 characters long. Click on the [Ok] button or press the <Enter> key when you are finished. A file window will appear, asking for the file name under which you wish the library to be stored under. Type in any name, up to eight characters in length. Press the <Enter> key and a new library is created to store objects in. .end .index 5 2 .topic Selecting an Object Library This function allows you to select from a list of available object libraries. Once you have selected a library, it will remain the current library until another one is selected. Floorplan Plus is packaged with two libraries. To select a new library, click on the [SelectLib] button (keyboard users can press the </> key to quickly place the pointer at the top of the functions list and then use the down arrow <> key to select the [SelectLib] button) and either click or press the <Enter> key. Once selected, a window will appear with a list of available object libraries. Using the mouse or arrow keys <> highlight the library you wish to use and click on the [Ok] button or press the <Enter> key. .end .index 5 3 .topic Renaming an Object Library This function allows you to change the description of an object library. To give a library a new name, click on the [RenameLib] button (keyboard users can press the </> key to quickly place the pointer at the top of the functions list and then use the down arrow <> key to select the [RenameLib] button) and either click or press the <Enter> key. Once selected, a window will appear asking you which library you wish to rename. Use the mouse or arrow keys <> to highlight the library name you wish to change and either click or press the <Enter> key. Once selected, another window will appear allowing you to enter a new description. You may enter any combination of letters or numbers up to 40 characters long. Click on the [OK] button or press the <Enter> key when you are finished. The new library, along with a description will be saved to disk. .end .index 5 4 .topic Removing an Object Library This function allows you to erase an unwanted library permanently from the system. To remove a library, click on the [RemoveLib] button (keyboard users can press the </> key to quickly place the pointer at the top of the functions list and then use the down arrow <> key to select the [RemoveLib] button) and either click or press the <Enter> key. Once selected, a window will appear asking you which library you wish to remove. Use the mouse or arrow keys <> to highlight the library name you wish to erase and either click or press the <Enter> key. Once selected, you will be asked if you are sure about your decision. Click on the [Ok] button or press the <Enter> key to confirm your decision. The library is then eliminated from the system permanently. .end .index 5 5 .topic Loading an Object Once you have selected a library, this function allows you load an object from it. To load an object, click on the [LoadObj] button (keyboard users can press the </> key to quickly place the pointer at the top of the functions list and then use the down arrow <> key to select the [LoadObj] button) and either click or press the <Enter> key. Once selected, a window will appear with a list of available objects. Using the mouse or arrow keys <> highlight the object you wish to use and click or press the <Enter> key. Floorplan Plus will now return you to the drawing screen and a dim white outline of the object will appear under your pointer. Simply position the object where you desire and click or press the <Enter> key. .end .index 5 6 .topic Saving an Object Once you have selected the library you wish to save the object in, the [SaveObj] function allows you to save a selected object in that library. To save an object, click on the [SaveObj] button (keyboard users can press the </> key to quickly place the pointer at the top of the functions list and then use the down arrow <> key to select the [SaveObj] button) and either click or press the <Enter> key. Once selected, you may click on any part of the object with the RIGHT mouse button. If you wish to save a group of objects, position the pointer above and to one side of the group to be saved and click or press the <Enter> key. Now move the cursor to the opposite corner, forming a box around the group of objects that you wish to rotate, and click or press the <Enter> key. The selected object(s) will change to a dim, white color. Once selected, a window will appear, asking you if this is a new object. If you have never saved this object before, then select `Yes' and you will be asked to enter an object name. If you select `No' then a list of all objects in the currently selected library will appear. Use the mouse or arrow keys <> highlight the object you wish to overwrite and click or press the <Enter> key. Floorplan plus will save the object under the name you selected. .end .index 5 7 .topic Changing Object Information To view and/or change an object's information, click on the [ObjInfo] button (keyboard users can press the </> key to quickly place the pointer at the top of the functions list and then use the down arrow <> key to select the [ObjInfo] button) and either click or press the <Enter> key. Once selected, a window will appear with a list of objects. Use your mouse or arrow keys <> to highlight the object you wish to view and click or press the <Enter> key. After selecting an object, the description, part number and category of the object will appear on the screen. Press the <Tab> key to advance the cursor to another field. If you change any of the information, select the [Save] button to write the changed information to disk. .end .index 5 8 .topic Removing an Object Occasionally, you may wish to remove an object from a library. The Remove Object function allows you to do this. To save an object, click on the [SaveObj] button (keyboard users can press the </> key to quickly place the pointer at the top of the functions list and then use the down arrow <> key to select the [SaveObj] button) and either click or press the <Enter> key. Once selected, position the pointer directly on the object and click using the right mouse button or press the <Enter> key. If you wish to save a group of objects, position the pointer above and to one side of the group to be saved and click or press the <Enter> key. Now move the cursor to the opposite corner, forming a box around the group of objects that you wish to rotate, and click or press the <Enter> key. The selected object(s) will change to a dim, white color. Click or press the <Enter> key to confirm your selection, or click the right mouse button or <Spacebar> to abort. Once selected, a window will appear, asking you if this is a new object. If you have never saved this object before, then select `Yes' and you will be asked to enter an object name. If you select `No' then a list of all the objects in the currently selected library will appear. Use the mouse or arrow keys <> highlight the object you wish to overwrite and click or press the <Enter> key. Floorplan plus will save the object under the name you selected. .end .index 5 9 .topic Breaking Up an Object To break up an object, click on the [BreakObj] button (keyboard users can press the </> key to quickly place the pointer at the top of the functions list and then use the down arrow <> key to select the [BreakObj] button) and either click or press the <Enter> key. Once selected, you may click on any part of the object with the RIGHT mouse button. If you wish to break up a group of objects, position the pointer above and to one side of the group to be saved and click or press the <Enter> key. Now move the cursor to the opposite corner, forming a box around the group of objects that you wish to rotate, and click or press the <Enter> key. The selected object(s) will change to a dim, white color. Click or press the <Enter> key a second time to confirm, and the object will be `broken'. .end .index 6 0 . topic Turning the Help/Status Bar On/Off The Help/Status bar has two different faces. If Stats is turned off, then Smart Help is displayed in the Help/Status bar. If Stats is turned on, then the Help/Status bar will display a number of adjustable settings, such as drawing scale, grid size, and drawing color. You can switch Stats On/Off by either clicking on the [Stats] button or by pressing the <Tab> key. .end .index 6 1 .topic Set Drawing Scale Floorplan Plus allows you to set the drawing scale and adjust it at any time - even in the middle of creating a floor plan. The drawing scale is the scale that the floor plan is displayed on the screen. To set the drawing scale, either click on the Scale indicator (located in the Help/Status bar) when Stats is activated, or press <ALT>+<Z>. A window will appear requesting what one screen inch should represent. The scale can be set to almost any size, although it is reccomended that you use an even number (i.e. 6 inches, 1ft, 2ft, 1½ft, etc). .end .index 6 2 .topic Set Drawing Grid Floorplan Plus allows you to set the drawing grid and adjust it at any time - even in the middle of creating a floor plan. To set the drawing grid, either click on the Grid indicator (locate in the Help/Status bar) when Stats is activated, or press <ALT>+<G>. A window will appear requesting what you wish the grid width to be. The grid can be set almost any size, although it is reccomended that you use an even number (i.e. 6 inches, 1ft, 2ft, 1½ft, etc). .end .index 6 3 .topic Toggle View Grid (On/Off) The View Grid function allows you make the grid appear and dissapear on the screen. You can make the grid appear by either clicking on the View on/off indicator (located in the Help/Status bar) when Stats is activated, or by pressing <ALT>+<V>. Repeating this procedure will make the grid dissapear. .end .index 6 4 .topic Toggle Grid Snap (On/Off) Use this function to turn the snap-to-grid feature on. When When activated, this feature gives the grid lines a magnetic quality, pulling your cursor so that it is easy to draw along the pre-determined grid lines. To turn on the snap function, click on the Snap on/off indicator (located in the Help/ Status bar) when Stats is activated, or press <ALT>+<S>. Repeating this procedure will turn the snap feature off. NOTE: Even when the grid does not appear on the screen, it is still active. Therefore, the Snap function will still work regardless of whether the grid appear on the screen or not. .end .index 6 5 .topic Set Draw Color The Set Draw Color function allows you to change the current drawing color. To change the current drawing color, click on the Color indicator (located in the Help/Status bar) when Stats is activated, or press <ALT>-<C>. The Help/Status bar will change into a row of sixteen diferent colors. Position your cursor with the arrow keys or mouse and click or press the <Enter> key to select the new drawing color. NOTE: This function is only available on Floorplan Plus when using systems that support EGA or VGA color graphics. .end ZOOM MENU .index 7 0 .topic Zoom Menu The Zoom Menu allows you to view your floorplan under different levels of magnification. It also allows you to select a single part of your floorplan and enlarge it to fill the screen. The Zoom Menu can be turned on/off by positioning the cursor over the [Zoom] button and clicking the left mouse button (or by pressing the <Enter> key). Panning Around The Screen If the Zoom Menu is turned off, the [Zoom] button will appear above four direction arrow buttons. These arrows are used to move up, down, left or right on the screen. This is useful when you need additional drawing space to add more to your drawing (like another room to a house). To use the direction buttons, position the cursor over the button of the direction you wish to move and either click your left mouse button or press the <Enter> key. Each time you press on of the directional arrow buttons, the screen will move approximately one-quarter of a screen. Using the Zoom Features To activate the Zoom Menu, position the cursor over the [Zoom] button and either click the left mouse button or press the <Enter> key. The Zoom Menu has the following choices: PAN Selecting the Pan button will turn the Zoom Menu off and the directional arrow keys will re-appear. WINDOW The window function allows you to select a specific part of the drawing and enlarge it to fill up the entire drawing screen. IN 2X Use this function to zoom in (magnify) to half the size of what is currently visible on the screen. OUT 2X Use this function to zoom out (enlarge) to twice the size of what is currently visible on the screen. EXTENTS Selecting the Extents command will automatically reduce or enlarge your drawing so that it fits within the boundaries of the drawing screen. Thisis a quick and easy way to see your entire drawing. .end .index 7 1 .topic Window Zoom The Window function allows you to select a specific part of the drawing and enlarge it to fill the entire drawing area. To use the Window function, click on the [Window] button or press <Alt>+<W>. Position the pointer above and to one side of the area you wish to magnify and click or press the <Enter> key. Move your pointer to the opposite corner of the area you wish to magnify and click or press the <Enter> key a second time. The area you surrounded with the zoom window will expand to fill the entire drawing area. .end .index 7 2 .topic Zoom in 2x Use this function to zoom in (magnify) to half the size of what is currently visible on the screen. To zoom in 2x, either click on the [In 2x] button or press <Alt>+<I>. Every time you repeat this procedure, the image on the screen will be magnified 100%. .end .index 7 3 .topic Zoom out 2x Use this function to zoom out to twice the size of what is currently visible on the screen. To zoom out 2x, either click on the [Out 2x] button or press <Alt>+<O>. Every time you repeat this procedure, the image on the screen will zoom out, showing an additional 100% of your drawing. .end .index 7 4 .topic Zoom to Drawing Extents Selecting the Extents function will automatically reduce or enlarge your drawing so that it fits within the boundaries of the drawing area. This is a quick and easy way to see your entire drawing. To use the Extents function, click on the [Extents] button or press <Alt>+<E>. .end PAN MENU .index 8 0 .index 8 1 .index 8 2 .index 8 3 .index 8 4 .topic Panning Around The Screen If the Zoom Menu is turned off, the [Zoom] button will appear above four direction arrow buttons. These arrows are used to move up, down, left or right on the screen. This is useful when you need additional drawing space to add more to your drawing (like another room to a house). To use the direction buttons, position the cursor over the button of the direction you wish to move and either click your left mouse button or press the Enter key. Each time you press on of the directional arrow buttons, the screen will move approximately one-quarter of a screen. .end .endhelp