Displaying Vector Views

Up to four camera views and eight total 3D view windows can be open at any time. A camera symbol displays in floor plan view for each camera view that is open. The views are named and numbered sequentially in the order they were created. The camera symbol is an on-screen reference, and does not print.

Layer Display Options

Which objects display in a vector view is controlled in the Layer Display Options dialog. Line weights can be displayed using the Show Line Weights toggle button. Line weights can be specified by layer. From a vector view select Tools> Display Options to open the Layer Display Options dialog. See "Displaying Objects".

Enhanced Vector Views

Vector views can be drawn using Enhanced Line Drawing , a setting located in the Preferences dialog. See "Appearance Panel".

Enhanced vector views remove small gaps in vector lines, which can be useful in cross section/elevations and other images that are sent to layout.

Color On/Off

Select Tools> Display Options> Color On/Off to control the display of color in all views except render views. You can set defaults to specify whether cross section/elevations, vector views, and vector overviews are generated with colors turned on in the Options tab of the 3D Settings dialog.

The display of colors may or may not make a view easier to understand. Experiment to see what works for you, then set your default in the 3D Settings dialog for each view.

Colors are used in vector views to represent the use of different materials. The colors can be printed if you have a color printer, or can appear as shades of gray on a black and white printer. If you have assigned a picture file to represent the texture of a material in render views, the program can sample that picture file and define an approximate color to use in all vector views.

Select Tools> Display Settings> Color Off to turn off color for the current window. By default, the view appears in gray scale as long as Obey Color On/Off Setting is checked in the Preferences dialog. See "Appearance Panel".

If Obey Color On/Off Setting is unchecked, all lines appear in black and solid fills appear in either white or black, depending on the actual fill color when color is turned on. The background remains as defined in the Preferences dialog. See "Colors Panel".

To print in color, check Print in Color in the Print dialog. The program remembers your choice and checks it automatically on future print jobs.

Displaying Materials in Vector Views

The pattern lineweight for a material can be set in the Define Material dialog. See "Define Material Dialog".

There are a number of ways to change the material on an object from a vector view. See "Editing Materials".

Displaying Vector Overviews

Select 3D> View Direction Tools> View Angle to display the View Angle dialog. The dialog includes a picture of the exterior walls of the current floor as seen from the current view angle. Select the check boxes or move the slide bars to adjust the view. The picture updates to show all the adjustments being made. When you are satisfied, click OK to have the isometric drawing of the model adjusted to match.

With the View Angle tool, an isometric drawing can be generated from any conceivable angle, from the Top (bird's eye view) to an Elevation (straight on view) to the Bottom (worm's eye view), and anywhere in between.

Overview Direction Tools

These tools are available in vector overviews only. Access these tools by selecting 3D> Overview Direction Tools.

View Angle - Click to open the View Angle dialog.

Front View - Click for a front view of the model.

Back View - Click for a back view of the model.

Top View - Click for a top view of the model.

Bottom View - Click for a bottom view of the model.

Left Side View - Click for a left side view of the model.

Right Side View - Click for a right side view of the model.

Restore Original View - Click to restore the original view position.

View Angle Dialog

Select the check boxes to view model from Elevation, Top or Bottom.

Use the slide bar to adjust the height to view the model from.

Use the slide bar to adjust how close the view is to the model.

Use the slide bar to view the model from a different direction.

Select the check boxes to view the model from each side.

Note: An Elevation created by turning the view is different from that created using the Cross Section/Elevation camera. The CAD tools are not accessible in this type of view.

A simple preview showing only walls displays here.

Zooming in Vector Views

The Zoom Tools are available for all vector camera views and vector overviews.

Although the Zoom Tools function normally in vector views, the results may be affected by perspective distortion.

Selecting Window> Zoom In , Zoom Out or Fill Window does not change the field of view, but does redraw the view zoomed in or out, or adjusted as you want. You can use the Zoom tools to simulate Field of View settings.