using a different element

[jstranger]

Sorry - yet another question! Hopefully this is an easy one.

Not sure I am using the correct terminology here, but if I (say) draw a fence based on a particular fence type (say a 914mm picket fence) how do I easily change it to a different type (say a different height picket or a ranch fence) in order to be able to visualise different options without having to redraw it? Or should I first be creating my own catalog element (e.g. 'My Fence') and then modifying that?

And are there any sources of new elements that do not quite fit any of the standard catalog types? For example, a chain link fence or a lattice fence with top and bottom rails? Can't see how I can create what I want using the standard editing feature.

Jon

[Doug.S]

to adjust fence, select the fence, right click, properties, look all about and try anything in the dialog boxes to adjust

if that is not effective and you want a different fence, select fence, right click, replace, and select from list and edit/adjust it (the replaced item)

Note if you adjust things, and save catalog changes when closing the program, the original objects/materials are no longer there....if you wish to preserve originals, select item and save as a copy/rename/change the copy...save catalog on close keeps both the original and the new item...but catalog size grows.

(suggest you save an unchanged master catalog offline somewhere if you mess up the catalog and want to start over or recover a std item)

If none of the objects available suit your needs even with all the manual adjustments possible....

- "make" something from other parts....remember you can make parts transparent to use pieces...many things have multiple uses...like a stepping stone as a shelf..be very imaginative

- make or find a 3D model such as .3ds and import from www or your modelling program...search this forum for .3ds and you may find something useful

free SketchUp (SU) at Google is easy to use, can make your own objects, imports as .skp file to TFP12 OK, and SU has a large free web library of .skp items

[jstranger]

Many thanks - I hadn't spotted the 'replace' option for some reason.

Jon

[jstranger]

A further follow-up I am afraid.

I am trying to import a .3ds file into my catalog by following the Importing Custom Objects into Your Catalog article in the TFP Help. But when I select Edit > Add Element (at step 4) I get the Edit Element dialog for the first element in that group rather than a Define Element dialog - and hence no Import geometry from file radio button etc and no Open dialog. What am I doing wrong?

Jon

[Allan Chesney]

Jon,

Try another Category - You cannot import into some of them (eg Cabinets).

Allan

[jstranger]

Allan - thanks for the reply and sorry for taking so long to response but I still cannot get this to work. I have created a completely new catalog in case this is anything to do with permissions. I have then created a new group called Fences in this catalog. I then select Catalog Manager and select any element type from the Elements menu (I assume this is what you mean by Category). I then select Edit-Add Element but instead of getting a Define Element dialog I just get an Edit Element dialog for a 200mm general wall (which is presumably a default type). I do not get any import options. If I do the same with the supplied catalog and select any of the existing element types from the Elements menu I get the same result - but in this case for the 1st supplied element of that type.

Any guidance would be welcomed.

Jon

[Allan Chesney]

Jon,

As mentioned earlier you cannot add imported objects into some groups.  I dont think you can add to Walls. I know Accessories is OK.

Imported objects will not extend like fences and walls so the more adjusting you can do of those the easier insertion will be.

Walls can be made into fences and wainscot, covimg. baseboard and chair rail can be moved and used for different effects. Parts can be made transparent to make open bits .

[Doug.S]

another approach may work?

instead of import direct to catalog you can import and place in the drawing

when done, select object and add it to the catalog.

I don't remember the details but early on I did an import to drawing and forgot to save to catalog and lost it and had to import again for the next drawing

Importing direct to catalog is the better approach but be sure you know where you put it....sometimes I lost things into a "default" folder and it was hard to find.

Interior Accessories seems to accept anything...and you can name a folder there so its easier to find your imported stuff. Don't import to lights....even if its a light.

You can search this forum for "catalog" or "import" etc to find more help.

IMSI Design has a .pdf file on the catalog and how it works
http://www.imsidesign.com/Support/TurboFLOORPLANSupport/tabid/515/Default.aspx

Doug.S