CAD tools

Break

The Break command allows you to break an object into smaller components.

To break an arc into arcs

1. Select the arc that you want to break.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Break and then click Arc into arcs.
3. Type the number of desired break arcs on the dialog box that appears.
4. Click OK.

Result: The arc is broken equally into the number of arcs specified.

To break an arc into lines

1. Select the arc that you want to break.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Break and then click Arc into lines.
3. Type the number of desired break lines on the dialog box that appears
4. Click OK.

Result: The arc is broken equally into the number of lines specified.

To break a circle into arcs

Note: You can break circles into arcs only if they are perfectly round. If you have created a circle with a different horizontal and vertical radius, then you cannot break the circle into arcs.

1. Select the circle that you want to break.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Break and then click Circles into arcs.
3. Type the number of desired break arcs on the dialog box that appears
4. Click OK.

Result: The circle is broken equally into the number of arcs specified.

To break a circle into lines

1. Select the circle that you want to break.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Break and then click Circles into Lines.
3. Type the number of desired break lines on the dialog box that appears
4. Click OK.

Result: The circle is broken equally into the number of lines specified.

To break a rectangle at vertices

1. Select the rectangle that you want to break.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Break and then click Rectangles at Vertices.

Result: The rectangle is broken into lines between vertices.

To break a line at vertices

1. Select the multi-segment line that you want to break.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Break and then click Lines at Vertices.

Result: The continuous multi-segment line is broken at the segment intersections. Each vertex is now an independent line.

To break a line into lines

1. Select the line or multi-segment line that you want to break.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Break and then click Lines into lines.
3. Type the number of desired break lines on the dialog box that appears
4. Click OK.

Result: The line is broken equally into the number of lines specified.

To break a solid into surfaces

You can use this procedure to break solids like library objects, cones, and risers down into surfaces that you can customize individually. Note that when you do so, all of the object’s original appearance elements and sidedness properties remain intact.

1. Select the 3D solid that you want to break, a riser for example.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Break and then click Solids into Surfaces.

Result: Each segment of the solid becomes an independent surface.

Tip: Alternatively, to perform a break command, you can use the Break tool on the Tools toolbar. This is the same as choosing Specify from the Break sub-menu.

The Break button.

To break a solid into lines

You can use this procedure to break solids like library objects, cones, and risers down into lines. Note that when you do so, all of the object’s original appearance elements and sidedness properties remain intact.

1. Select the 3D solid that you want to break, a riser for example.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Break and then click Solids into Lines.

Result: Each segment of the solid becomes an independent line.

Tip: Alternatively, to perform a break command, you can use the Break tool on the Tools toolbar. This is the same as choosing Specify from the Break sub-menu.

The Break button.

To break using the specify dialog box

1. Select the object that you want to break.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Break and then click Specify.

3. Select the desired break type from the available options by selecting the appropriate check boxes. Based on the object that you have selected to break, these options vary.
4. In the boxes at the top right corner, specify the number of break lines or arcs if appropriate.
5. Select the Delete original objects checkbox if you want the original object to be replaced with the new “broken” ones.
6. Select the Put new objects on current layer checkbox if you want the new “broken” objects to be placed on the current layer, as opposed to the selected object’s original layer, if different.
7. Click OK.

Convert

The Convert command turns an object into a different kind of object. For example, you can convert a circle into a circular surface, you can convert lines into pipes or surfaces, and you can convert points into focus positions, rigging points and vice versa.

To convert a circle into an arc

Note: You can convert circles into arcs only if they are perfectly round. If you have created a circle with a different horizontal and vertical radius, then you cannot convert the circle into an arc.

1. Select the circle that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Circles into arcs.

Result: The circle is converted into a 360-degree arc. The marker points can be dragged out to open the arc, if desired.

To convert a circle into a surface

1. Select the circle that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Circles into Surfaces.
3. Type the number of segments to make up the contour of the surface on the dialog box that appears. You cannot type the number 1. The higher the number, the more circular the surface.

Result: The circle is converted into a surface.

Notes:

• If you type 2, the circle is converted into a linear surface.
• If you type 3, the circle is converted into a triangular surface.
• If you type 4, the circle is converted to a square surface.
• This pattern will repeat for each increment in the number of segments.

To convert a line into a surface

You can use this tool to convert a multi-segment Line object into a surface. Note that if the Line is not closed, this operation will close it by connecting the start and end points.

1. Select the Line object that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Lines into Surfaces.

Result: The line is converted into a surface.

To convert a line into a pipe

1. Select the line that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Lines into pipes.

Result: The line is converted into a pipe, assuming all of the properties and characteristics of a pipe. You can name it and hang fixtures on it.

To convert a pipe into a line

1. Select the pipe you want to convert.

Note: There cannot be any fixtures hanging on the selected pipe. You must unhang or delete any fixtures before attempting to convert the pipe into a line.

2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Pipes into lines.

Result: The pipe is converted into a line.

To convert a curved pipe into an arc

Note: This command only works if a curved pipe is selected.

1. Select the curved pipe you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Pipes into Arcs.

Result: The curved pipe is converted into an arc.

To convert an arc into a pipe

1. Select the arc you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Arcs into Pipes.

Result: The arc is converted into a pipe.

To convert an arc into surfaces

You can convert arcs into semi-circular or elliptical surfaces.

1. Select the arc you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Arcs into Surfaces.
3. Type the number of desired converted points (lines) on the dialog box that appears.
4. Click OK.

Result: The arc is converted into surfaces based on your specified number of points (lines).

Note: The first vertex of the resulting surface is the original start point of the arc.

To convert a rectangle into a line

1. Select the rectangle that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Rectangles into Lines.

Result: The rectangle object is converted into lines.

To convert a rectangle into pipes

1. Select the rectangle that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Rectangles into Pipes.

Result: The rectangle object is converted into pipes.

To convert a rectangle into surfaces

1. Select the focus rectangle that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Rectangles into Surfaces.

Result: The rectangle object is converted into surfaces.

To convert a spline into pipes

1. Select the spline you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Splines into Pipes.
3. Type the number of desired converted pipes on the dialog box that appears.
4. Click OK.

Result: The spline is converted into the specified number of pipes and automatically grouped.

To convert a focus position into a point

1. Select the focus position that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Focus positions into points.

Result: The focus position is converted into a point. Any fixtures that were focused to the initial focus position retain their orientation, but lose the association with that point.

To convert a point into a focus position

1. Select the point that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Points into focus positions.

Result: The points are converted into a focus position, and are automatically called “Label.” To change the name for the newly created focus position, refer to Focus Position properties.

Tip: Alternatively, to perform a convert command, you can use the Convert tool on the Tools toolbar.

 The Convert button.

To convert a focus position into a text label

1. Select the focus position that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Focus Positions into Text Labels.

Result: The focus position is converted into a text label. Any fixtures that were focused to the initial focus position retain their orientation, but lose the association with that point.

To convert a text label into a focus position

1. Select the text label that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Text Labels into Focus Positions.

Result: The text label is converted into a focus position.

To convert a line into a focus line

1. Select the line object that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Lines into Focus Lines.

Result: The line object is converted into a focus line.

To convert a focus line into a line

1. Select the focus line that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Focus Lines into Lines.

Result: The line object is converted into a focus line. Any fixtures that were focused to the initial focus position retain their orientation, but lose the association with that line.

To convert an arc into a focus arc

1. Select the arc object that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Arcs into Focus Arcs.

Result: The arc object is converted into a focus arc.

To convert a focus arc into an arc

1. Select the focus arc that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Rectangles into Lines.

Result: The arc object is converted into a focus arc. Any fixtures that were focused to the initial focus position retain their orientation, but lose the association with that arc.

To convert a point into rigging points

1. Select the point that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Points into Rigging Points.

Result: The point object is converted into a rigging point.

Note: The type of converted rigging point symbol is Lighting by default.

To convert a rigging point into points

1. Select the rigging point that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Rigging Points into Points.

Result: The rigging point object is converted into a point.

To convert using the specify dialog box

1. Select the object that you want to convert.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Convert and then click Specify.

3. Select the desired conversion type from the available options by selecting the appropriate option buttons. Select the Don’t convert option button if you do not want to convert the circle into either an arc or a surface.

Note: For circles, select the Arcs or Surfaces option button, and then type the number of points as discussed above.

4. Select the Delete original objects checkbox if you want the original object to be replaced with the new “converted” one.
5. Select the Put new objects on current layer checkbox if you want the new “converted” objects to be placed on the current layer, as opposed to the selected object’s original layer, if different.
6. Click OK.

Divide

The Divide command separates objects into equal parts. The initial object is left intact (if not deleted), and the parts are identified by newly created objects, such as points or lines.

To divide an arc into lines

1. Select the arc that you want to divide.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Divide and then click Arcs into lines.
3. Type the number of lines desired on the dialog box that appears.
4. Click OK.

Result: The arc is divided into equal parts by the number of lines specified. The lines are automatically drawn from the center of the arc outward, resulting in something similar to a pie chart.

To divide an arc into points

1. Select the arc that you want to divide.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Divide and then click Arcs into points.
3. Type the number of points desired on the dialog box that appears.
4. Click OK.

Result: The arc is divided into equal parts by the number of points specified. The points are placed along the arc at the calculated interval.

To divide a circle into lines

1. Select the circle that you want to divide.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Divide and then click Circles into lines.
3. Type the number of lines desired on the dialog box that appears.
4. Click OK.

Result: The circle is divided into equal parts by the number of lines specified. The lines are automatically drawn from the center of the circle outward, resulting in something similar to a pie chart.

To divide a circle into points

1. Select the circle that you want to divide.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Divide and then click Circles into points.
3. Type the number of points desired on the dialog box that appears.
4. Click OK.

Result: The circle is divided into equal parts by the number of points specified. The points are placed along the circle at the calculated interval.

To divide a cylinder into circles

1. Select the cylinder that you want to divide.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Divide and then click Cylinders into circles.
3. Type the number of circles desired on the dialog box that appears.
4. Click OK.

Result: The cylinder is divided into equal parts by the number of circles specified. The circles are stacked within the cylinder at the calculated interval.

To divide a cylinder into lines

1. Select the cylinder that you want to divide.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Divide and then click Cylinder into lines.
3. Type the number of lines desired on the dialog box that appears.
4. Click OK.

Result: The cylinder is divided into equal parts by the number of lines specified. The lines follow the same pattern as the cylinder’s existing segments, but at the calculated interval.

To divide a line into points

1. Select the line that you want to divide.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Divide and then click Lines into points.
3. Type the number of points desired on the dialog box that appears.
4. Click OK.

Result: The line is divided into equal parts by the number of points specified. The points are placed along the line at the calculated interval.

Note: Lines may also be divided by adding vertices. In this case, no new objects are created; the line is simply divided by marker points.

To divide a rectangle into points

1. Select the rectangle that you want to divide.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Divide and then click Rectangle into points.
3. Type the number of points desired on the dialog box that appears.
4. Click OK.

Result: The rectangle is divided into equal parts by the number of points specified. The points are placed along the rectangle perimeter at the calculated interval.

To add a vertex to a line

1. Select the line to be divided.
2. Right-click on the line segment that you want to divide, and then choose Add Vertex.

Result: The original line remains intact. A marker point is placed at the midpoint of the line.

Tip: Alternatively, to perform a divide command, you can use the Divide tool on the Tools toolbar. This is the same as choosing Specify from the Divide sub-menu.

The Divide button.

Notes:

• This procedure can be repeated for vertices within a line. The marker points will always be placed at the mid point of the vertices.
• Marker points can be dragged out to re-shape the line.
• If the line is deleted, the marker points are also deleted.

To divide using the specify dialog box

1. Select the object you want to divide.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Divide and then click Specify.

3. Select the desired divide type from the available options by selecting the appropriate check boxes.
4. Select the Delete original objects checkbox if you want the original object to be deleted when the new ones are created.
5. Select the Put new objects on current layer checkbox if you want the new objects to be placed on the current layer, as opposed to the selected object’s original layer if different.
6. Click OK.

Extrude

The Extrude command allows you to turn a 2D object like a line or an arc into a surface, or turn a surface into an extruded surface or 3D solid.

The extrusion will occur parallel to the axis of the missing coordinate. For example, objects such as line, circle, arc, or rectangle or a surface shown in plan view will extrude vertically.

To extrude an arc

1. Select the arc that you want to extrude.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Extrude and then click Arcs into Surfaces.
3. Type the distance to extrude the arc on the dialog box that appears.
4. Type the number of segments for the new surface in the # of Points box. You cannot type the number 1. The higher the number, the more circular the surface.
5. Click OK.

Result: The arc is extruded into surfaces based on your specified number of points and distance.

To extrude a line

1. Select the line that you want to extrude.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Extrude and then click Lines into Surfaces.
3. Type the distance to extrude the line on the dialog box that appears.
4. Click OK.

Note: For splines, you must specify the number of segments for the new surface in the # of Points box.

Result: The line is extruded into a surface based on your specified distance.

To extrude a circle

1. Select the circle that you want to extrude.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Extrude and then click Circles into Surfaces.
3. Type the distance to extrude the circle on the dialog box that appears.
4. Type the number of segments for the new surface in the # of Points box. You cannot type the number 1. The higher the number, the more circular the surface.
5. Click OK.

Result: The circle is extruded into surfaces based on your specified number of points and distance.

To extrude a rectangle

1. Select the rectangle that you want to extrude.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Extrude and then click Rectangle into Surfaces.
3. Type the distance to extrude the rectangle on the dialog box that appears.
4. Click OK.

Result: The rectangle is extruded into surfaces based on your specified distance.

To extrude a surface into a solid

1. Select the surface that you want to extrude.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Extrude and then click Surfaces into Solids.
3. Type the distance to extrude the surface on the dialog box that appears.

Tip: You can also use the Extrude tool on the Tools toolbar.

The Extrude button.

4. Click OK.

Result: The surface is extruded into a solid based on your specified distance.

Note: You can also view and edit the extrude properties in the extruded object’s Properties tab.

Extrude objects

The Extrude Objects command allows you to turn a 2D object like a line or an arc into extruded objects where extruded surface geometry can be modified with options that apply textures to fit the geometry and a smoother appearance.

The extrusion will occur parallel to the axis of the missing coordinate. Objects such as line, spline, arc, circle or rectangle shown in plan view will extrude vertically.

To extrude an arc into an extruded object

1. Select the arc that you want to extrude.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Extrude Objects and then click Arcs into Extruded Objects.

Result: The Extrude Arcs into Extruded Objects window appears.

3. Type the value for Distance 1 to set the extrude distance of one end of the arc.
4. Type the value for Distance 2 to set the extrude distance of the opposite end of the arc.

Note: If you wish to have a uniform height for the extruded object, set the same value for Distance 1 and Distance 2.

5. Type the Number of Points to set the number of vertices that divide the arc. You cannot type the number 1. The higher the number, the smoother the curve of the extruded arc.
6. Type the number of Extruded Segments to specify the number of dividing segments that will make the extruded object.
7. Select the Extrude in Both Directions checkbox if you wish to extrude the 2D object in both opposite directions from the axis with respect to the Wireframe view currently viewing the object.
8. Select the Stretch Texture checkbox if you wish to fit the applied image or video texture onto the resulting extruded surface geometry. If disabled, the default rectangular texture is applied to the largest extents of the object, and sections will be cut based on the resulting height (if two extrude distances were used).
9. Select the Smooth Shading checkbox if you wish to display extruded objects with a smoother appearance.
10. Click OK.

To extrude a line into an extruded object

1. Select the line that you want to extrude.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Extrude Objects and then click Lines into Extruded Objects.

Result: The Extrude Splines into Extruded Objects window appears.

3. Type the value for Distance 1 to set the extrude distance of one end of the line.
4. Type the value for Distance 2 to set the extrude distance of the opposite end of the line.

Note: If you wish to have a uniform height for the extruded object, set the same value for Distance 1 and Distance 2.

5. Type the Number of Points to set the number of vertices that divide the line. Minimum number is 1.
6. Type the number of Extruded Segments to specify the number of dividing segments that will make the extruded object.
7. Select the Extrude in Both Directions checkbox if you wish to extrude the 2D object in both opposite directions from the axis with respect to the Wireframe view currently viewing the object.
8. Select the Stretch Texture checkbox if you wish to fit the applied image or video texture onto the resulting extruded surface geometry. If disabled, the default rectangular texture is applied to the largest extents of the object, and sections will be cut based on the resulting height (if two extrude distances were used).
9. Select the Smooth Shading checkbox if you wish to display extruded objects with a smoother appearance.
10. Click OK.

To extrude a circle into an extruded object

1. Select the circle that you want to extrude.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Extrude Objects and then click Circles into Extruded Objects.

Result: The Extrude Circles into Extruded Objects window appears.

3. Type the value for Distance 1 to set the extrude distance of one end of the circle.
4. Type the value for Distance 2 to set the extrude distance of the opposite end of the circle.

Note: If you wish to have a uniform height for the extruded object, set the same value for Distance 1 and Distance 2.

5. Type the Number of Points to set the number of vertices that divide the circle. You cannot type the number 1. The higher the number, the smoother the resulting curve of the extruded circle.
6. Type the number of Extruded Segments to specify the number of dividing segments that will make the extruded object.
7. Select the Extrude in Both Directions checkbox if you wish to extrude the 2D object in both opposite directions from the axis with respect to the Wireframe view currently viewing the object.
8. Select the Stretch Texture checkbox if you wish to fit the applied image or video texture onto the resulting extruded geometry. If disabled, the default rectangular texture is applied to the largest extents of the object, and sections will be cut based on the resulting height (if two extrude distances were used).
9. Select the Smooth Shading checkbox if you wish to display extruded objects with a smoother appearance.
10. Click OK.

To extrude a rectangle into an extruded object

1. Select the rectangle that you want to extrude.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Extrude Objects and then click Rectangle into Extruded Objects.

Result: The Extrude Rectangles into Extruded Objects window appears.

3. Type the value for Distance 1 to set the extrude distance of one end of the rectangle.
4. Type the value for Distance 2 to set the extrude distance of the opposite end of the rectangle.

Note: If you wish to have a uniform height for the extruded object, set the same value for Distance 1 and Distance 2.

5. Type the number of Extruded Segments to specify the number of dividing segments that will make the extruded object.
6. Select the Extrude in Both Directions checkbox if you wish to extrude the 2D object in both opposite directions from the axis with respect to the Wireframe view currently viewing the object.
7. Select the Stretch Texture checkbox if you wish to fit the applied image or video texture onto the resulting extruded surface geometry. If disabled, the default rectangular texture is applied to the largest extents of the object, and sections will be cut based on the resulting height (if two extrude distances were used).
8. Select the Smooth Shading checkbox if you wish to display extruded objects with a smoother appearance.
9. Click OK.

Note: You can also view and edit the extrude objects properties in the extruded object’s Properties tab.

Fillet

The Fillet command joins two lines sharing the same end point or two apparent intersecting lines with an arc. A fillet radius must be specified to achieve the desired fillet angle.

To set the fillet radius

1. From the Tools menu, choose Fillet and then click Specify fillet radius.
2. Type a radius measurement for the resulting fillet.

Note: All subsequent fillet commands will follow this value until it is modified again.

To fillet two lines

1. Select the lines to be filleted.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Fillet and then click Fillet.

Result: The lines are joined by an arc based on the value set for the fillet radius.

Notes:

• You must set a fillet radius before you can perform this command.
• If the fillet radius is 0, the lines will be extended and joined at their intersection. If they are already intersecting, nothing occurs.

Align

You can use the Align tools to quickly and precisely align a series of objects that you have drawn or have inserted from the Library into your drawing. For example, if you have manually placed some chairs in your drawing, you can select them all and align them in one of six ways.

Note: You cannot use the Align tool to align fixtures.

You can align the selected objects from the:

• top
• bottom
• left
• right
• center (horizontally)
• center (vertically)

Before choosing any of these options, you must select one of following three options:

• To First Selected: Objects selected after the first object was selected will align (Left, Right, Centered Horizontally, etc.) to that first object.
• To Last Selected: Objects selected before the last object was selected will align (Left, Right, Centered Horizontally, etc.) to that last object.
• To Extents: All selected objects (regardless of selection order) will align to the left-most, right-most, bottom-most, etc. point of the left-most, right-most, bottom-most, etc. object, respectively.

To align objects

Note: You can align objects using the Align tools, or the CAD Align toolbar. The following procedure details how to use the CAD Align toolbar.

1. Select the objects that you want to align by clicking and dragging a selection box around them, or selecting them individually.
2. Ensure that the CAD Align toolbar is visible.
3. Choose your preferred alignment option:

• To First Selected
• To Last Selected
• To Extents

Note: Before you align the objects, it is recommended you first verify that they will not overlap each other in their new positions.

4. On the toolbar, select how you would like to align the selected objects:

• Top
• Bottom
• Left
• Right
• Center Horizontally
• Center Vertically

Array

The Array command is used to make multiple copies of an object distributed evenly along a line, arc, in a grid pattern, or, in the case of fixtures, along a pipe or straight length of truss.

Note: For details about array fixtures along a pipe or truss, see Hanging multiple fixtures.

To perform a linear array

1. Select the object that you want to copy.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Array and then click Array Linear.
3. Click a point on your drawing or type in coordinates to specify the direction and interval for the linear array. For example, to place a copy of the selected object every 5’ at a 45-degree angle, type the following, and then press ENTER:

@5’<45 

Result: The Linear Array window appears.

4. In the Linear Array window, in the Length section, select whether the section drawn in Step 3 will be an Interval, or the Total Distance of the array.
5. If you selected Interval, you may click Use object extents for interval to automatically populate the Interval box with the dimensions of the selected object.
6. In the Object Placement section, select which values are available for editing from the Specify by drop-down list.

Note:

• When performing an array copy, the value not chosen for editing is calculated automatically by WYSIWYG and is greyed out.
• To undo changes made to the copy values, click Reset button.

The Reset button.

7. In the Number in row box, enter the total number of copies desired (this includes the original object).
8. In the Interval box, enter the interval distance between objects.
9. In the Total Distance box, enter the distance from the first to last object.
10. Select the Align Objects to Line checkbox to align objects to the line.
11. If you want to scale the copied objects, select the Apply Scale checkbox in the Scale Objects section and choose the scaling options that are available for editing.
12. Select the Uniform radio button to display all the copied objects in one size.

OR,

Select the Non-Uniform radio button to display the copied objects in different sizes.

13. If Uniform was selected, type the value in the X box to specify a uniform scale factor of the last copied object in the array. The sizes of the copied objects multiply uniformly in increments from the first to the last copied object.

OR,

If Non-Uniform was selected, type the values in the X, Y and Z boxes to specify the scale factors of the last copied object in the array. The sizes of the copied objects multiply in increments from first to the last copied object.

14. Click OK.

To perform an array along a path

Perform this procedure to copy a selected object along a path that shares the same design as a line, arc or spline.

1. Draw a line, arc or spline that will act as a path for the cloned object.
2. Select the object you want to copy.

Note: The object will be copied from its current location. To copy the object on top of the path, snap the object to the end point of the path.

3. From the Tools menu, choose Array then click Array Along Path.

Result: The Array Along Path window appears.

4. Under Length, select one of the two options:
5. Number to clone a specific number of objects along the path.

OR

• Interval to clone the object at specific intervals along the path.

Note: Objects can be cloned a specific number of times, or at specific intervals along the path. When one option is selected, the other will become unavailable.

5. Under the Object Placement section, if Number was selected previously, enter the number of time the object is to be cloned in the Number of items field. If Interval was selected, enter the distance at which the object will be cloned in the Interval field.

Note: If Interval was chosen, The Unused Distance field will show how much space along the path will be unused with no objects cloned.

1. Select from the Unused Location drop-down list where the unused space should be along the path.

6. To have the object clones aligned to the path, select the Align To Path checkbox.
7. If you want to scale the copied objects, select the Apply Scale checkbox in the Scale Objects section and choose the scaling options that are available for editing.
8. Select the Uniform radio button to display all the copied objects in one size.

OR,

Select the Non-Uniform radio button to display the copied objects in different sizes.

9. If Uniform was selected, type the value in the X box to specify a uniform scale factor of the last copied object in the array. The sizes of the copied objects multiply uniformly in increments from the first to the last copied object.

OR,

If Non-Uniform was selected, type the values in the X, Y and Z boxes to specify the scale factors of the last copied object in the array. The sizes of the copied objects multiply in increments from first to the last copied object.

10. Click OK.

Result: The object will be cloned in a patter based on the path.

To perform a polar array

1. Select the object that you want to array.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Array and then click Array Polar.
3. Click a point that will represent the center of the circle around which the objects will be arrayed.
4. In the Polar Array dialog box that appears, type the total number of copies desired (this includes the original object) in the Number of items box.
5. In the Angle to fill box, type the total angle in degrees to fill with copied objects.
6. Select the Rotate object checkbox if you want the copied objects to rotate as they are pasted around the center of the circular array, as shown below:

7. If you want to scale the copied objects, select the Apply Scale checkbox in the Scale Objects section and choose the scaling options that are available for editing.
8. Select the Uniform radio button to display all the copied objects in one size.

OR,

Select the Non-Uniform radio button to display the copied objects in different sizes.

9. If Uniform was selected, type the value in the X box to specify a uniform scale factor of the last copied object in the array. The sizes of the copied objects multiply uniformly in increments from the first to the last copied object.

OR,

If Non-Uniform was selected, type the values in the X, Y and Z boxes to specify the scale factors of the last copied object in the array. The sizes of the copied objects multiply in increments from first to the last copied object.

10. Click OK.

To perform a grid array

Perform this procedure to array the selected object in a grid pattern in the direction and at the distance that you specify.

1. Select the object that you want to array.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Array and then click Array Grid.

Result: The Grid Array window appears.

3. Select whether the horizontal and vertical lengths will be an Interval, or the Total Distance of the array.

Note: Click Freehand to manually draw the horizontal and vertical lengths of the gird array.

4. If you selected Interval, you may click Use object extents for interval to automatically populate the Horizontal Interval and Vertical Interval textboxes with the dimensions of the selected object.
5. Specify which values will be available for editing.

Note:

• When performing an array, the value not chosen for editing is calculated automatically by WYSIWYG and greyed out.
• To undo changes made to the clone values, click the Reset button.

The Reset button.

6. Enter the number of columns in the grid.

Note: This value includes the original object(s) as the first “column” of the grid. For example, if you type 3, the object is copied and pasted twice beside the original object in the direction and at the distance that you specify.

7. In the Interval box, enter the spacing between each horizontal object in the grid.
8. In the Total Distance box, enter the distance from first to the last horizontal object in the grid.
9. Select the Fill direction in which you want the object(s) to be copied horizontally in the grid, either to the right or left of the original object.
10. Type the number of rows in the grid.

Note: This value includes the original object(s) as the first “row” of the grid. For example, if you type 3, the object is copied and pasted twice above or below the original object at the distance that you specify.

11. In the Interval box, enter the distance between each vertical object in the grid.
12. In the Total Distance box, enter the distance from the first to the last vertical object in the grid.
13. Select the Fill direction in which you want the object(s) to be copied in the grid vertically, either above or below the original object.
14. Click OK.

To perform a random fill

Random fill is used to take an object and randomly copy it in a defined space.

1. Select the object that you want to copy.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Array and then click Random Fill.

Note: The Random Fill window appears.

3. In the Number of Objects box, enter the number of copied objects to appear.
4. Enter the Horizontal Distance of the defined space.

Note: You can select Interactive to draw the horizontal and vertical lengths.

5. Select the Fill direction in which you want the object(s) to be copied horizontally, either left or right of the original object.
6. Enter the Vertical Distance of the defined space.
7. Select the Fill direction in which you want the object(s) to be copied vertically, either above or below the original object.
8. If you want to scale the copied objects, select the Apply Scale checkbox in the Scale Objects section and choose the scaling options that are available for editing.
9. Select the Uniform radio button to display all the copied objects in one size.

OR,

Select the Non-Uniform radio button to display the copied objects in different sizes.

10. If Uniform was selected, type the value in the X box to specify a uniform scale factor of the last copied object in the array. The sizes of the copied objects multiply uniformly in increments from the first to the last copied object.

OR,

If Non-Uniform was selected, type the values in the X, Y and Z boxes to specify the scale factors of the last copied object in the array. The sizes of the copied objects multiply in increments from first to the last copied object.

11. Click OK.

Distribute objects

A group of objects can be selected and then distributed in a straight line between two points.

To distribute objects between two points

1. Select the objects to be distributed. From the Tools menu, choose Distribute Objects and then click Between Two Points.

OR

Click the Between Two Points tool on the Tools toolbar.

 The Between Two Points button.

2. Click on the drawing to set the first distribution point.
3. Click on the drawing to set the second distribution point.

Result: The objects are distributed evenly in a straight line between the two chosen points.

Distance

The Distance tool enables you to measure the distance and angle from one point to another.

To measure a distance

1. From the Tools menu, choose Distance.

Tip: You can also use the Distance tool on the Tools toolbar.

 The Distance button.

2. Pick the starting point for the measurement.
3. Pick the end point of the measurement.

Result: The length and angle of the specified trajectory is displayed on the cursor’s instruction tooltip and in the bottom left corner of the Status bar.

Tip: When selecting the starting and end points for the measurement use the snap tools for precision.

Angle

The Angle tool enables you to measure the angle between two intersecting lines.

To measure an angle

1. From the Tools menu, choose Angle.
2. Pick the starting point of the measurement.
3. Pick the end point of the measurement.

Result: The angle between the two intersecting lines is displayed on the cursor’s information tooltip and in the bottom left corner of the Status bar.

Boolean operations

The Boolean Operations series of tools enable you to choose two different sets of objects and then perform one of three actions on them:

• Unite Objects: This option enables you to join the two sets of objects together as one, merging their common area so that it is indistinguishable from the original objects.
• Intersect Objects: This option enables you to choose two sets of intersecting objects and then delete everything outside of their common area.
• Subtract Objects: This option enables you to select two sets of objects, and then subtract the overlapping area of the second set from the first set that you chose.

Selection sets

When using any of the Boolean Operations tools, you must select two sets of objects, Set 1 and Set 2. Here are some guidelines for your selection sets:

• The only valid 2D object for Boolean operations is a surface.
• Valid 3D objects for Boolean operations include: Risers, Cylinders, Spheres, Cones, Extruded Surfaces, as well as any 3D objects resulting from a 3D x 3D Boolean operation. You cannot perform Boolean operations on library items or venues. To include a venue, you must first break it into surfaces.
• Each selection set include only one 2D object or only one 3D object.
• You cannot combine 2D and 3D objects in a single selection set.
• Each set can include either 2D or 3D objects. You can specify a selection set comprising one 2D object and a selection set with one 3D object in the same Boolean operation.
• All operations that involve a 3D object require that Set 1 intersects with Set 2.
• For operations that involve only 2D objects, the objects in each selection set do not need to intersect physically; however, the projection of the objects in Set 2 must intersect with those in Set 1 along the plane in which you are currently working. For details, see Projection and intersection.
• In a Boolean operation involving one 2D object in one selection set and a 3D object in the other selection set, the 3D object must be in the second selection set.

With these rules in mind, the possibilities for selection set combinations are:

• one 3d object x one 3d object
• one 2d object x one 2d object
• one 2d object x one 3d object

Color and texture

Based on the type of object in your selection set, color and texture are treated differently after you perform a Boolean operation.

• 2D objects maintain their color and texture after a Boolean operation is performed on them; 3D objects maintain only their color (they lose any texture applied to them).
• In a Boolean operation involving only 2D objects or only 3D objects, the objects in the second selection set adopt the properties of the objects in the first selection set after the operation is complete.
• In a Boolean operation involving only 3D objects, if one or both of the objects has a texture applied, then both objects end up with no texture or color after the operation is complete.
• When you perform a Boolean operation on a 3D object, the object is converted into a set piece after the operation. Since you cannot apply a texture to set pieces, it is recommended that you convert it into a custom library object and then apply the texture. For details, see To create a custom library item. Alternately, you can convert the object into 2D surfaces before you perform the Boolean operation and then customize it.

Projection and intersection

When performing any of the Boolean Operations procedures on selection sets involving 2D and 3D objects, note the difference between projection and intersection.

• Projection: When you are working with only 2D objects, the objects in one selection set need only “project” upon the objects in the other set within the active view; that is, the objects in each set do not have to physically touch, but they must overlap in the view in which you are performing the action.
• Intersection: When you are working with only 3D objects or a mixture of 2D and 3D objects, the objects in each selection set must physically touch before you can successfully perform the Boolean Operations action, that is, they must intersect with each other.

About the boolean operations feature and view planes

There are three View Planes or axial planes in your drawing: (XY-plane, XZ-plane, and YZ-plane). Based on the view you are in (Plan, Front, Back, Left, or Right), some of these planes may not be visible. For example, when you are in Plan view, the XZ and YZ planes are invisible.

When you perform any of the Boolean Operations procedures with a 2D surface in the second selection set, note how the objects appear on the active View Plane. Their appearance will give you an idea of the What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get result from the perspective of the active view. By noting the active View Planes, you can perform any of the Boolean operations on surfaces without requiring them to be co-planar.

Examples - 2D parallel objects

In the following graphic, selection set 1 includes a red 2D surface, and selection set 2 includes a yellow 2D surface. Both surfaces were drawn so that they overlap in Plan View, as shown in the upper-left quadrant:

When you perform a Unite procedure with these sets in the Plan view quadrant, the results are successful because you can see that the yellow surface projects onto the red surface in this view (they overlap).

However, when you try to do the same action in the bottom left quadrant (Front View), the operation is unsuccessful because neither surface projects onto the other (they do not overlap in this view).

Tip: To overcome this limitation, in the case noted above, you could extrude the surface in selection set 2 into a 3D solid, ensuring that the solid touches the surface in selection set 1. In some cases, it is much easier to perform a Boolean operation with 2D surfaces in the first selection set and a 3D solid in the second set because the operation is View Plane independent. For example, when you are cutting windows in walls, it is usually best to use 2D surfaces for both the windows and walls because you can project the image of the windows onto the walls (for details, see To cut holes in walls with the subtract tool). However, if you have an odd-shaped building like a Pentagon, it would be impossible to align the walls with the View Plane. In this case, therefore, it would be easier to use cylinders for the shape of the windows and intersect them with the walls wherever you want a window to appear, before performing the Subtract procedure.

Examples - 2D non-parallel objects

If the surfaces in each of the selection sets are not parallel, the results of a Boolean operation can differ according to the active View Plane. In the following graphic, the red surfaces comprise selection set 1 and the yellow surface is selection set 2. Note that the yellow surface is rotated so that it is not parallel to any of the surfaces in set 1.

In this case, when you perform a Subtract operation in Plan view, the results are predictable: the hole the size of the yellow surface appear on the selected red surface, as shown below. Note that the holes are not perfectly circular, but rather take on the exact shape of the angled circle as it appears in Plan view.

When you perform the same action in Front view, the operation fails because none of the surfaces in set 1 or set 2 is co-planar in this view.

However, when you switch to Right view and perform a Subtract, a hole appears only on the back surface (the one onto which the circle projects in this view), as shown below.

Example of 2D object and 3D solid

Note that if you convert the circular surface into a 3D solid, then you must ensure that it physically intersects with at least one of the 2D surfaces in set 1 before you can successfully perform a Boolean Operations procedure, as shown below; it is not enough for the object to project upon one of the surfaces. For details on projection and intersection, see Projection and intersection.

When you perform a Subtract action on these sets in Plan view, the results are as follows:

Examples of each boolean operations procedure

The following graphic shows the two object sets that will be used as examples in each of the procedures in this section.

Set 1 consists of the red cylinder and set 2 consists of the aqua cylinder:

Uniting objects

This option enables you to join two sets of intersecting objects together as one, merging their common area. Note that when you unite objects, the second set of objects adopts the properties of the first set that you chose (i.e., its color, texture, etc.)

Note: If you are uniting a 2D object like a surface with a 3D object like a riser, the 2D object must be in the first selection set and the 3D object in the second. After you perform this operation, the 3D object adopts the properties of the 2D object, becoming a flat surface with the same color and texture as the 2D object.

The following graphic shows how the two sets of objects are united to become one object. Note how the second object set (the aqua cylinder) takes on the properties of set 1, becoming red.

Note: When you perform a Boolean operation on a 3D object, the object is converted into a set piece after the operation. Since you cannot apply a texture to set pieces, it is recommended that you convert it into a custom library object and then apply the texture. For details, see To create a custom library item. Alternately, you can convert the object into 2D surfaces before you perform the Boolean operation and then customize it.

To unite objects with the boolean operations feature

Note that you can only select one 2D object in each selection set; you cannot select multiple 3D objects in a selection set.

1. In one of the 2D Wireframe views of CAD mode, select the first object that you want to join with the second object.
2. Click Tools > Boolean Operations > Unite Objects.
3. Click to select the second object set that you want to join with first set.
4. Right-click and choose Finish Unite.

Result: Based on the complexity of your selections, you may have to wait a few moments for the calculations to finish and the objects to be united.

Intersecting objects

This option enables you to choose two sets of overlapping or intersecting objects and then delete everything outside of their common area. Note that when you intersect objects, the intersection that remains behind maintains the properties of the objects in the first selection set.

The following graphic shows the result of intersecting the red and aqua cylinders. Note how the remaining portion is red, just like the cylinder in set 1.

To intersect objects with the boolean operations feature

Note that you can only select one 2D object in each selection set; you cannot select multiple 3D objects in a selection set.

1. In one of the 2D Wireframe views of CAD mode, select the first object that you want to intersect with the second object.
2. Click Tools > Boolean Operations > Intersect Objects.
3. Click to select the second object set that you want to intersect with first set.
4. Right-click and choose Finish Intersect.

Result: Based on the complexity of your selections, you may have to wait a few moments for the calculations to finish and the objects to be intersected.

Subtracting objects

This option enables you to select two sets of objects, and then subtract the overlapping area of the second set from the first set that you chose.

This feature is particularly useful for cutting a hole in a surface to create a window. Note, however, that if you are cutting a hole in a wall to create a window, it is easiest to work only with 2D objects in each selection set since they do not have to physically touch. Instead, the “window” shapes need only to project onto the walls in the active view. For details, see Projection and intersection. For details on cutting holes into walls, see To cut holes in walls with the subtract tool.

The following graphic shows the result of subtracting the aqua cylinder from the red cylinder.

To subtract objects with the boolean operations feature

Note that you can only select one 2D object in each selection set; you cannot select multiple 3D objects in a selection set.

1. In one of the 2D Wireframe views of CAD mode, select the first object that you want to keep in your drawing (the second set object will be subtracted from this set).
2. Click Tools > Boolean Operations > Subtract Objects.
3. Click to select the second object set that you want to subtract from the first set.
4. Right-click and choose Finish Subtract.

Result: Based on the complexity of your selections, you may have to wait a few moments for the calculations to finish and the objects to be subtracted.

To cut holes in walls with the subtract tool

In this procedure, you can use the Boolean Operations > Subtract tool to cut a line of round windows into two opposing walls of your venue.

1. In the CAD Mode > Drawing Quad tab, draw a venue (for example, a black box).
2. Click the venue to select it, and then right-click and choose Tools > Break > Solids into Surfaces.

Note: Since the window shapes are a series of 2D surfaces, it is best to convert the 3D venue into a 2D surface as well. This way, the window shapes only have to project onto the “walls” in the same plane. If the venue is a 3D object, then the windows would have to physically touch them (intersect) before you perform the Subtract operation. For details, see Projection and intersection.

3. Click to highlight the Front view quadrant.
4. Click the Circle tool, and then click OK to accept the default size of 4’.
5. In the Front view quadrant, click to place the circle half-way up the wall, at one end of the room, as shown below:

6. With the circle still selected, right-click and choose Tools > Convert > Circles into Surfaces.
7. Type 20 and click OK. (The higher the number of points, the smoother the outline of the circle.)
8. With the circle still selected, click Tools > Array > Linear.
9. In the Front view quadrant, click the extreme right-hand wall to pick the destination point.
10. Type 3 for the Number in row and 20 for the Interval, and then click OK.

Result:  The circular surfaces are arrayed along the length of the room.

11. In the Plan view quadrant, click the surface of the Black Box outline to select it, and then click Tools > Boolean Operations > Subtract Objects.
12. Click to select a circular surface, and then right-click and select Finish Subtract.
13. Apply step 11 and 12 for the next circular surface.

Result: The circular windows are “cut” into the walls of the venue, as shown in the following graphic:

Consolidated mesh

This feature helps increase performance in Shaded views by enabling you to consolidate complex objects comprising multiple polygons/”sub-objects” into objects that behave as a single entity. Consolidating meshes is essentially the same as creating new (custom) Library Items. However, while both methods make WYSIWYG “see” the object as a single entity, when you use the Consolidate Mesh command, you don’t actually create a new Library Item, and the increase in file size depends on the items that are selected.

To determine which objects in your scene to consolidate, it is recommended that you enable the new Object Bounding Box feature on the View Options tab. Once you do so, objects that appear with a high number of bounding boxes are all candidates for consolidation.

Notes:

• It is not recommended including library items from the WYSIWYG/VIVIEN library as part of the selection which mesh consolidation will be performed on.
• If you consolidate an object to which a texture has been applied, the texture may not behave correctly because the object’s underlying geometry will be different. To maintain proper texturing AND have the file perform well for pre-visualization, it is recommended that you create a copy of the final file. Optimize the copy, and then use the optimized file for pre-programming purposes and the original file for screenshots and/or renderings.

To use the consolidated mesh feature

Note: Boolean Operations cannot be performed on Consolidated Mesh objects.

1. In a Wireframe view, select the object that you want to consolidate.
2. Click Tools > Consolidate Mesh.

Result: A message box appears to notify that a library item is selected, and offers the option to include or not.

3. Click Yes.

Result: A message box appears, confirming that the operation is complete, and displaying the number of polygons that have been removed from the file.

4. Click OK. The item is now consolidated into an abject that behaves as a single entity.

Revolve

This feature enables the creation of three-dimensional object by revolving a surface along an axis, copying the surface X number of times along the rotation, and filling in the spaces in between making it solid.

An example simple surface before using the revolve.

The example surface revolved 180° from the axis.

The example surface revolved 360° from the axis.

To use the revolve feature

1. In a Wireframe view, select the surface that you want to revolve.
2. Click Tools > Revolve.
3. Click to place the first axis point the surface will revolve around.
4. Click to place the second axis point the surface will revolve around.

Result: The Revolve dialog box appears.

5. Enter in how many degrees the surface will rotate on the axis in the Angle field.
6. Enter the number of times the surface is to be copied in the Number of segments field.
7. To remove the original surface after revolving, select the Delete original objects checkbox.
8. To smooth the revolved surface, select the Smooth shading checkbox by.
9. To include the revolved surface on the current layer, select the Put new objects on current layer checkbox.
10. Click OK.

Result: The surface revolves and creates a three-dimensional object.

Trimming lines

The Trim tool can be used to remove sections of drawn lines that intersect a referenced object (arc, circle or line) drawn on the same plane. Trimming will remove all of the selected line segments, stopping at where it intersects with the referenced object.

To trim a line

1. In the drawing, select the reference object.
2. From the Tools menu, choose Trim.

Tip: The keyboard shortcut to access the Trim tool is CTRL+T.

3. Click on a segment of line you want to remove that intersects the referenced object.

Result: The selected line segment is removed, from where the line intersects the reference object to where the line ends or intersects the object again.

4. Continue trimming lines as needed.
5. To end trimming line, right-click and choose Finish Trim or Abort Trim. Alternately, the ESC key can be pressed.

Extending lines

The Extend tool can be used to lengthen straight lines until they touch a referenced object (arc, circle or line) drawn on the same plane.

Note: Lines can only be extended if they are able to intersect the reference object when extended. If they will not intersect, the line will not extend.

To extend a line

1. In the drawing, select the reference object (line, arc or circle).
2. From the Draw menu, choose Extend.

Tip: The keyboard shortcut to access the extend tool is CTRL+SHIFT+T.

3. Click on a line that you want to extend to the reference object.

Result: If the selected line can intersect the reference object, it will extend until it has done so. If the line can not intersect the object, it does not extend. The selected line will intersect all other objects in its path to reach the reference object. If the line can intersect the reference object on both ends, both line ends will extend until they intersect the reference object.

4. Continue extending lines as needed.
5. To end extending lines, right-click and choose Finish Extend or Abort Trim. Alternately, the ESC key can be pressed.