Basic Concept behind 2D/3D CAD
2D / 3D
TurboFLOORPAN consists of a 2D Plan mode and a 3D Model View and you generate both at the same time in the Drawing Area. To do this you select from predefined 'symbols' in the right Catalog and usually 'draw' in 2D mode.
3D 'Space'
The Building Locations icon (little house on lower left) is where you set the infomation controling your 3D 'Space'. This is similar to actual building techniques where you can set a height for a foundation / ground floor / second floor etc. To the right of the Building Location icon is the locatons drop down list. Select the floor you want to draw out from that list which is tied directly to your settings.
Toolbars
Under the top Menu bar are the Toolbars. When you select one of them a corresponding list of 'symbols' available pop up in the right Catalog.
Drawing Walls
The simpilest way to draw walls is to select one from the list on the right, click once to start a wall segment and a second time to end it , and then on to the next. You can then complete and enclosed building shape and move them as needed.
Walls to specific length
Use the adjacent walls to define a walls length. Click a wall on either side of the wall you want to size and then select its Dimension, enter your length in the Pop Up box.
Edit / Add to Catalog
On the right Catalog listing, select the item you want change and either select Edit or Add New and make your changes in the dialog box. If you Add New make sure to rename it. When you close the program it will ask if you want to save the changes. Saying yes makes them available for future use.
Objects Properties
Any object in the Drawing area can be adjusted by selecting it and then Right Click / Properties.
Saving Project
Auto Save is on by Default in Program Setting (menu bar), this will always save as the same name. Use File / Save AS option to both save in a specific folder and as a specific name. Do this Often and with New Names to prevent loss of file if a crash occurs. Crashes occur in all programs.
Rendering
You must be in 3D view to start a rendering. Click lower '3D icon and 3d Perspective' , use the lower right navigation tools to move about in space. Once a view is established, go to View / Render 3D Real View.
Select 'Options' to set Sun angle and Time of Day, and in Render tab set Quality and output options.
When you return to the 3D Real View you have Basic and Advanced options. Basic is raytrace and can be at higher qualities quickly. Advanced is Radiosity + Raytrace and can take much longer. Rendering is an art form , practice , practice , practice.
Sharing your Work
You can send your files to other TurboFLOORPLAN users.
You can use File / Export to save a dxf files to send to Architects / Engineers / Landscapers for further work.
You can open the dxf files in TurboCAD, to create full working Drawings.
You can use Print option and print to PDF (free Cute PDF is a good program).
You can export as a Drawing or as a Model.
HELP / HELP / HELP
Under 'Help' on the top bar of the Program is a Users Guide, make sure you review it completely.
Help itself is context sensitive and each dialog box has a Question Mark at the bottom of it which opens help for that subject.
USE HELP!!!
EXPERIMENT / READ and DON'T GET FRUSTRATED
