I'm new to this program, using the trial version (v14). I've learned that there is a "Drop Exterior Face" value that is set at 12" by default, but I can't seem to find a way to change it (no option in wall properties). There is a reference to this feature in the user guide.
I find it strange that there is no way to perform a search in Program Help.
After a few days of usage, I'm still undecided on whether to buy this program because of various odd behaviour. For example, there is no indication of current length when stretching a wall. Changing the dimension directly is cumbersome when it displaces the position of a single attached wall. I've discovered how to avoid displacing multiple attached walls by multiple-selecting them before changing the dimension of the wall.
Thanks for any help.
Hi,
Welcome to the TruboFLOORPLAN forum.
I have only just started using V14 so still new to some of the features including the drop face. It is certainly not where it used to be but I need to look at this a little more. Anyone else found that yet?
There is a Search in the help. Just click the magnifying glass icon on the extreme right of the toolbar. EDIT: My help toolbar has now disappeared also! Bug here somewhere I suspect!
When you draw a new wall you should see the dimension as you drag. If this is not happening try turning off the Hardware Acceleration in Settings/Program Settings/ Graphics.
There are several ways of changing and/or displaying, wall dimensions, including the lengthen option (right click) which will not change the other walls. This has been discussed a lot in this forum, so try the Forum Search for Dimensions. I suspect these will all work in the same way as in V12. They appear to from my so far limited use.
If I may just allude to your user name "goodintheory" - IF that name relates to TurboFLOORPLAN, then hopefully you will find that you may have to change it later to "goodinfact"! That opinion is not based on V14 of course yet, but based on daily use of versions back to V3 (too many years ago to mention). If you are looking for a quick 3D model of buildings and landscape and photocrealistic images of them, then you you will find you are onto a good thing.
All the best,
Allan
Thanks, Allan.
This program does seem to be a tremendous value, and I will probably buy it, but I've run into many problems in my project to build a simple 1 1/2 story house. I've resolved many of them by finding workarounds on this forum, and by trial and error.
One example is that this program cannot seem to create a simple L-shaped roof consisting of two gables that intersect at the corner. I've found that I have to break and move a part of the roof inward for the gable conversion to work satisfactorily. I then have to manually move one point a bit to resolve a rendering anomoly where the soffit along one edge does not appear in the 3D view.
The missing search function in the Program Help is a bug. I've managed to reproduce the bug by accessing the help from the menu bar at some point after following help links within a catalog element. I see that with a correctly displayed help interface, the search function is readily apparent.
My problem with stretching a wall is that there is no display showing its length while it is being stretched. When a wall is first drawn, it does show the length, but when editing the wall by clicking on its endpoint, there is no measurement displayed. The problem has nothing to do with hardware acceleration (I've turned it on and off). I'm using an Nvidia Quadro FX 4600 with the latest certified drivers.
I have many more issues to address in my initial project, but here's a quick one: is a chain-link fence element available in the catalog of the full version? I suppose there is no way to create an irregularlly shaped terrain mesh (four different side lengths).
I agree it is tremendous value especially with the new plan drawing/printing options.
Yes two adjacent gables are a bit difficult to achieve but it can be done with just a couple of edded Breaks in the corner and another one along the straight side.
The dissappearing toolbar in Help is a real pain!
For visibility of the measurement while Lengthening a wall, Use the right click Lengthen, click the wall, then drag it - you will see the measurement in the Commander bar (Turn it on in Settings / Program Settings / Workspace if necessary).
Not aware of a chainlink fence but I have created a 3DS to look a bit like one. This was created using a piece of ceiling. Just long rectangle, drag the long sides close together and right click to curve these two sides. It was then exported as a 3DS (turn off Terrain) and right click Added into Interior Accessories. During the import I rotated the axis so the 'droop' was down. I then exported and imported again so it is up the right way automatically for you. If you unzip the file there will be two files - one has the posts as well but they may not be what you want so you have just the "chain" to use between your own posts. If it is not thick enough you may want to create it again and not bring the lines of the 'ceiling' too close together. You can set the colours and size after import. Use a texture on the chain (mosaic tiles for example) it may give a chain effect. You could create the links but it would be a bit of work to do so and probably not look much different unless really close.
Do a search for Gothic arch that may have more detail on theis technique of creating things. Also Useful Shapes (in Tips and Tricks I think).
Hope this helps.
Allan
Wow, thanks for your efforts in helping me out! Your suggestions are a step in the right direction for getting a handle on the program.
Quote from: Allan Chesney on March 17, 2009, 10:40:36 PM
I have only just started using V14 so still new to some of the features including the drop face. It is certainly not where it used to be but I need to look at this a little more. Anyone else found that yet?
Hi Allan,
I was just wondering if you (or anybody else) found out how to use this feature- "drop exterior face"? It has a default distance of 12" or so, but how do we extend/change this? It wouldn't seem to make sense that they would take out a necessary tool from the previous version.
By the way, I agree that this program is an incredible value. I am competent with CAD but a novice with TurboFloorplan, and every time I turn around I stumble across a powerful new feature or tool. Unbelievable bang-for the-buck.
Thanks
George
Hi George,
I have had a bit of a play with this and it does appear to have gone. I only work with single story usually, and the face issue has not been a problem because, if I have a thinner floor slab, which typically we do as they are always concrete here, it is not a problem as the extra 'face' goes below the terrain. (Try as Section view close up).
However the situation does become a problem with the second storey as illustrated in the image. As you can see the 300 mm face extends 200mm below my 100 mm upper floor and covers part of the window that has purposely been set to ceiling height. If the texture was the same it would not be noticed but is when it encroaches on the window.
If your problem is only on the ground floor then you just need to lower the ground floor 'floor level' and the unwanted portion will go below the terrain. (you would have to lower all upper floors by the same amount though also, or you may have a gap between the ground floor walls and upper floor (although the upper floor walls drop face would probably cover it).
I am going to raise this as a 'bug' or at least an undesirable emission.