Add element, but not from scratch

[George Smith]

Does anybody know why some elements in the catalog allow you to add a new element using that element as a basis, and some don’t (some force you to start from scratch)?  There are 2 different dialogs.

For example:
1. open a 'Building' item in the catalog on right of screen, right-click a wall, 'add new', and it allows you to start with all the specs of that wall.
2. open an 'Interior' item, right-click on a piece of furniture, and you have to start from scratch. (Define Element/ Use Parametric Template or Open From File)

Yes, you can work-around by inserting that item, then selecting it, then changing it, then going to Catalog/Save Element to Catalog, then clicking on it....But in some situations that's not easy at all.

Thanks

[Allan Chesney]

Hi George,

That appears to be a fundamental difference between building (interconnected construction elements) and isolated elements that do not connect as such to the building.  No doubt there is some technical programming reason but I would have thought it would not be too difficult to do this.

Probably the simplest way it could be introduced would be to select Edit Element, as you can now, make the changes to that element and then have a Save As button so you can give it a new name and save it to the catalogue. This would be easier than the roundabout method of inserting it first etc.  You can of course alter it on the Edit Element option and change the name but that changes the original - it does not save it in addition to the original, so a Save As option would be ideal.

We need to list that as a feature request I think, but I suspect too late now for V15 since Envisioneer 6 is already released, (unless it is already included there of course - We will have to wait and see on that one).

Allan

[George Smith]

Thanks Allan.
Oh well; not that big of a deal, I guess.  Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.