Importing Custom Objects Into Catalog

[garystan]

          Hi everybody :
               I've been trying to add a Custom Object into the Catalog, and it doesn't seem to be working.   I followed the instruction (to the letter) in the HELP file.   Opening the Catalog>Elements Manager. selectiong the Folder to which I want to add the Custom Object.   Clicking on EDIT>Add Element.   And  I keep getting the Folder which has the  "existing" Objects.   I can't seem to get to the IMPORT dialog box where I'd select  "Import from Geometry"  or   from my files.    I'm trying to import a  floor lamp.  It's a .skp file.
               I'm pretty sure I'm doing something wrong, but what ?

                                                                                                                          garystan

[garystan]

      Me again :

                    From within TFP>Program Settings>General, then under  "File Paths",   I DO find the location of the Catalog Directory.   When I click on that, the dialog box shows  where the  parts of the Catalog are located.     Apparently,  from the printout that I made of that,  when I try to locate the Catalog Directly  manually in the C: ,  it's nowhere to be found  (?).

                                                                                                                            garystan

                                                                                                                                             

[Draft Patrick]

Hi there,

try this -->  File --> Import --> Object Wizard
As per your previous post, confirm if the file is in the correct version

Then, you can use --> File --> Catalogs --> Save Element to Catalog or you can click on the Catalog icon (looks like a book) --> Save to Catalog

Pat

[Doug.S]

Assuming your catalog is working OK...you can see and use it in an open .bld file...

2 ways to insert an object into the catalog (doing this from memory...so exact words may be different....when I get a chance to open TFP  I may have better info/more clarity):

- insert an object into the scene, select object, then save it to your catalog

- the approach you are trying should work OK: menu ,catalog, import

Often the key is TFP won't always put things where you want them...especially lights...tho there was a set of .pdf help files on-line from IMSI to help with that...search for "lights or lighting"  I think it is in a "sticky" topic

Anyway, probably most successful place to store imported items is in interior accessories...and if you don't like the folder name you can start a new folder in that category....right-click along the way to find how/when to create a new folder, and do other stuff, as TFP often has hidden features in the rt-clk.

I think the help file has correct info otherwise.

.skp files sometimes won't import if there is a mismatch of SU version that created and saved the .skp file...too new and TFP can't handle it....there are several threads in this forum that discuss versions of .skp that work in which version of TFP.

While others are thinking of better help....you might want to describe exactly what you are doing and seeing...via post a screen shot of what seems wrong...and a screen shot of what was the last correct thing you did before the next step that seems broken.

[Allan Chesney]

Hi Garystan,

First can I suggest that you make your second post a separate  question as it is not related to the light import question.  It will make it easier later for others to find these if it is separate - or I can make it into a separate one if you like.

There were posts from Doug and Pat while I was doing this but will post it anyway as importing a light is different.

Re importing a SKP object:

I've been trying to add a Custom Object into the Catalog, and it doesn't seem to be working.   ....    I'm trying to import a  floor lamp.  It's a .skp file.

Personally I never use the Elements Manager for this purpose. It is fine for making a whole series of changes but if you are just adding one element, it is far easier to just go to the area of your Catalogue (right side of screen), just right click and Add the elemnet there. This way there is no question as to where it will end up in the Catalogue - it will be exactly where you put it. If you want to put it into a special folder of its own (eg My Lights) then add the folder in Elements Manager first, then use the process below. If you accidentally put it in the wrong section of Lighting (eg a Floor Lamp in Ceiling Fixtures) then use the Elements Manager to drag it to the correct folder.

Using the method below, you will find you have a slightly different process for adding a light (if you want it to actually light up that is). The Help file is referring to an ordinary element. An imported object will only have lighting properties if it is imported into the 'Interior Lighting' or 'Exterior Lighting' sections of the catalogue. Import it anywhere else and it will not light up, and 'light' cannot be added to it later.

This is the process I would use:

1. In your on-screen Catalogue, Right Click in the Lighting section (eg in your case Lamps - for a floor lamp) and select Add Element, (the dialog box will just show you one of the light fittings.)

2. Click the Select button at the bottom.

3. Browse to the DXF, SKP or 3DS file on your computer (Note:  It defaults to look for DXF so change it to SKP).

4. Change the size, light bulb and other settings if you want.

5. Give it a name

6. Click OK to save it to the Lighting section of the Catalogue.

I hope that helps,

Allan

[Doug.S]

   From within TFP>Program Settings>General, then under  "File Paths",   I DO find the location of the Catalog Directory.   When I click on that, the dialog box shows  where the  parts of the Catalog are located.     Apparently,  from the printout that I made of that,  when I try to locate the Catalog Directly  manually in the C: ,  it's nowhere to be found  (?).garystan

default location should be here:
C:\ProgramData\IMSIDesign\TURBOFloorPlan3D Home & Landscape PRO 16\Catalogs

But not much reason to go there except to make a copy as backup before you make catalog changes.

[Doug.S]

IMSI FAQs .pdf's, one for catalogs is here:

http://imsidesign.com/Products/TurboFLOORPLAN/FAQs/tabid/659/Default.aspx

[Allan Chesney]

Hi Doug,

There was a 'sticky' post about Catalogues and referring to this PDF, but it was made 'unsticky' because too many were reading it and trying to set up new cartalogues unnecessarily. Some became completely 'unstuck' in the process!

As you said, there is little reason to go there other than just to do a backup from time to time.

Allan

[garystan]

    Hi :

              First of all, I want to thank DraftCad, Doug S.  and  Mr. Allan Chesney for all your inputs.    I got that "custom" light into the catalog  (and floor plan).    Much appreciation !!
               I did a post of the pics in the Gallery.   
               I put one here, just  as  a  "teaser" (?). 

                                                                                                                                                       garystan