HELP IMPORTING *.3DS FILE TYPE

[Les Miles]

Hi all  I have just received my turbo floor plan pro v16 2 days ago and  Iam absolutely  addicted to it
I have tried to solve 2 issues with no luck  any help would be much appreciated

#1   I  can't duplicate a custom designed window from one wall to the opposite wall only duplicate to  the same wall
#2  how do I import my custom made objects  that I created and saved in  3DS file type back into the catalog I have followed instruction from apprevious topic but cant retrieve it when I go to find the add element I get stuck there can never find step 2 define element.

regards Les

[funrob29]

Hi Les

I don't believe windows will duplicate.

#1 After creating  and placing your custom window in the wall give it a new name and go to File/Catalogs/Save Element to Catalog then select the window and save to catalog. It will save the new element in the window Catalog for you.
You need to select the new custom window from the window catalog and place it on the opposite wall and as many walls you would like the same window

#2 File/Import/Object Wizard/ 1-Give element new name/ 2-What type of element you want this to be( This is the important step, the type you select here determines  its place in the catalog )

Hope this helped 

Robert ( another TFP, TC, ProArchitect Addict )


 

[Allan Chesney]

Hi Les,

Welcome to TurboFloorPlan and the forum! - and Yes, it is addictive!!

Robert was replying the same time as me so he has covered some of the points. I will just  add a little to point 2.

I am not sure how you have tried to import the 3DS but there are two ways. One is by File/ Import/ Import Wizard (as Robert entioned) but this will only import the 3DS into your current model - NOT the catalogue. You can add it to the catalogue later if you want using  File / Catalogues / Save Element To Catalogue but it can be hard to find later unless you took particular note where you indicated you wanted to save it during the initial import. The latter is why Robert stressed this as an important point. If you forget your original choice, then when you eventually save it you can forget where it was.

I find the safest way to import objects is to go to the section of the Catalogue were you want to store it (eg Interior Accessories or Exterior Accessories) and just right click in the Catalogue list itself , select Add Element and then "Import geometry from file". The 3DS will be saved into the chosen section of the Catalogue and appear there immediately for use in the model.

Note that you cannot add elements to some sections of the Catalogue. These include Walls, Windows and Doors as these and some other elements, have special characteristics attached (eg  Windows and Doors cut holes in walls automatically - imported objects do not have the functionality to do that so cannot be imported into those sections). LIghting can  be attached to an  imported element but the object must be imported from within one of the Lighting Properties boxes where these is an option to Import.

Bear in mind too that imported objects can increase memory use, (dramatically sometimes if they are complicated), and can be the source of corrutions in models, so make sure that you save often and keep backup files, just in case.

Allan

[Les Miles]

thanks for getting back to me .
your reply has solved the problem as soon as I read that you cant save the file to Walls, Windows and Doors thats exactly where I have been trying to put them .

[Les Miles]

With duplicating windows  #1 what you suggested is what I have been doing it seems like a lot of extra steps for something that I thought would be just a click of a mouse
thanks again for your quick responce
regards les

[Allan Chesney]

Hi Les,

RE the imports:
If you have a 3DS custom window/door you can cut a hole in the wall using the Opening tool and import the window into some other section and move it into place. However, generally it is possible to get almost any window/door configuration using the existing windows/doors without having to import them - they are VERY customisable.

I know what you mean about the duplication of windows but obviously the programers think that we should be designing the windows before we insert them - in other words add a new on in the catalogue and then insert it. Logical I suppose, but sometimes you do not see the problem until later!   

By the way - in case you did  not know, you can do a bulk Replace. Select a window, then right click and Select All Similar, then Replace.  All the windows will be upgraded to the new version.

Allan

[Les Miles]

thanks Allan
the window that I am refering to is a custom design corner window which creates lots of problem
when it comes to cutting holes in walls , I am not at my computer now so I cant check, but I dont think it will let me cut the opening at the end of the wall .so I have to create it using 3 location , it would be fantastic if the programers had a basic corner window in the catalog that was programed to cut the corner wall out

Les

[funrob29]

Hi Les

I created this corner opening by Breaking the 2 corner walls at the length desire, then selected the 2 corner broken walls and change the wall height to 3'-0". Then I duplicated to the second floor and not deleted the original in the first floor. I then change the second floor wall distance from the floor to -1'-0 and I change the height of the wall to 1'-0" High.

You can then place the custom 3Ds window into the drawing and position in the opening!

Hope this helped 

Robert

[Les Miles]

thanks Allan you make it all sound so easy .