Basic Questions

[mysticlady]

Hello again,

I have a couple of questions:

Does the boxed version include more accessories, furnishings, etc than the trial version.

Also, is there a setting in the program where you can have objects placed directly on a table, countertop etc instead of having to elevate every time.

Thanks!

[Allan Chesney]

The trial version is the full version but the CD does have some extra elements. These can however be downloaded also.  In fact not many are useful - I have only kept one!

Elevation is the only way to go I think since many tables etc are different heights.  You can set the element height itself in the elements list if you are using one many times but different table heights would still be a problem.

Allan

[mysticlady]

Thanks again for your help, you are so informative, I appreciate it alot:)

[Doug.S]

Your question reminds me of a feature found in other 3D programs...drop.

I'll add as a feature request.

[mysticlady]

I think what I find the most frustrating about this program is having to enter numbers to elevate objects to countertops, tables and so on. And as if that isn't bad enough, you have to elevate it higher than the surface and then go back to the object and enter numbers again to bring it back down to the surface. I have other design programs where you just drag up or down with the mouse for elevation and strecth & resize as well, unlike Turbo where you have to enter dimensions for resizing. I hope the next version will resolve these issues.

[Allan Chesney]

You should not have to eleveate it above the table and lower it again.  To get the height right from the start just select the table or whatever and check the in Properties how high it is first.  Then just enter this figure in the elevate height of the object to go on the table (or a mm (fraction) more just in case).

Allan

[mysticlady]

Thanks for the tip, I'm going to try it. I also wanted to mention that when I create a house with the option of a crawl space  with 2' above ground level, I try creating a porch with railing and steps. But the porch steps and railing stay floating in mid air. I've tried various ways and still can't figure out why it's doing that. So I end up having to enter elevation numbers to bring down the porch steps and deleting the railing. Otherwise, I end up placing a deck & resize, but I would like the option of using a concrete floor and regular steps.  Other than that, the program is good and thanks to your tips about the lighting and rendering I am able to do some pretty good rendering.

[Allan Chesney]

I am not sure I quite understand the term 'crawl space' but if you want the porch at a lower level then put it on its own Location with the Floor Level set accordingly.

Allan

[Doug.S]

"crawl space" in US is the typically un-excavated, or dirt area, under a framed first floor (surrounded by the foundation) and allows a person to crawl around under the floor for access such as repair of electrical, drain pipe or HVAC. It is normally vented to exterior....though sometimes fully insulated (and protected from ground moisture) to act as a heat storage bank for "green" heating/cooling systems.

There could be an issue if an object is to be placed on a table at exactly the same height as a table top....so after getting the height of the table top, set the bottom of the object to very slightly above the table such as +1/64" or 1mm (which will not usually be seen in 3D except at an exact parallel elevation view)....or, if at exact same height as table, be sure to turn collision detection "off" to avoid interference between object and table....so they may interfere but never noticed in a 3D render.

[mysticlady]

It never occured to me about turning collision off. Can you please tell me where is the setting? I wonder if by turning the collision off will it be easier when I place furniture on top of an area rug, because I always have to elevate the furniture as well.

In reference to the crawl space, I only choose that option so that the house is set higher to make a porch. I know there are other ways to set the house higher and no matter which way I do it, a simple porch steps is floating in mid-air. So I gave up & just do a small deck & change the materials on it which saves a lot of time.

[Allan Chesney]

You will find the Collision On/Off switch is on the Status Bar along with a number of other useful switches.  If it is not there you can turn it on in Settings/Program Settings.

As I mentioned earlier, if you put the porch on a different location you can set it at any height you want.  Settings / Building Locations - just create a new one for the Porch and set the floor level where you want it in relation to the Ground Floor.

Allan

[mysticlady]

I will check the settings tonight, hopefully it will be alot easier. Thank you so much Allan, it is greatly appreciated!

[Doug.S]

also if you have the pro version with landscaping tools you can make the terrain work with your design and simulate the actual land/lot or show a cut/fill or other surface "adjustments" and tree/shrub/plants as well as exterior lighting

if you have a basement design consider terrain can be made to cut-out around the building automatically so it does not show in the below ground interiors....see "program settings"

[mysticlady]

Thanks Doug, I will play around with the terrain settings. I'm still not familiar with all the terrain features & haven't tried building something on a different location as Allan had suggested nor have I tried what you mentioned about the cut-out feature. I will explore those options, thanks!

[Allan Chesney]

Locations are like work areas within your model that work almost independently of each other. I say 'almost' because windows and doors will cut through walls that occupy the same space on different Locations but otherwise the do not interact.

The Location controls the vertical aspect of 3D - it is the third dimension, so if you have height issues think Locations. Automatically the roof will sit on the walls and the wall height is automatically set by the Locations wall setting. If some part of the building has lower walls and a lower roof or floor, then it needs to be on its own Location.

You can use Locations to get things out of the way at times. For example you could put all your furniture on a Location by itself and then turn it all off while you play with walls etc - depending on the PC and size of the model that could stop the PC from slowing down.

The Terrain is another preset location in itself that works slightly differently and if you want you can make it slope. On the plan view it is always editable while you have to choose if other Locations to edit one at a time.

I hope that helps to make the use of Locations clearer.

Allan