Vector View Tools

Select 3D> Create Vector View to display the Vector View Tools.

Camera Views

The Vector Full Camera tool creates a multi-floor view of the 3D model. It can be used to create both interior and exterior perspectives. The Vector Full Camera is a good tool for displaying cathedral ceilings, roofs, lofts, stairwell openings, or any other variation in floor and ceiling levels.

The Vector Floor Camera creates a vector view of the current floor only. This view does not show anything above the ceiling or below the floor. It is faster to generate than a vector full camera view, because less of the model is calculated. Check Restrict Camera to Room in the 3D Settings dialog to limit the view to the current room. See "3D Settings Dialog".

Vector camera views can be changed to Render Camera views. See "Render Current Vector View".

Both the Vector Full Camera and the Vector Floor Camera can be moved, rotated, raised, lowered or have their line of sight adjusted. The default camera height, angle and move increment are defined in the Camera Defaults dialog. See "Creating Camera Views".

Overviews

The Vector Full Overview creates an isometric drawing of the entire model, including all floors, ceilings, and the roof. All surfaces such as roofs, walls, and ceilings can be removed from the view in order to see into the model. See "3D Tools".

The Vector Floor Overview creates an isometric drawing of the current floor without a roof or ceiling. All lines are in true length but the drawing cannot be scaled.

The Framing Overview creates an isometric drawing of the framing in the model. Framing must be built before generating a framing overview. Framing overviews include all floors, walls, roof framing and foundations. Overviews can be rotated and viewed from any angle.

Overviews can be printed directly, sent to layout, or sent to a CAD detail. As a CAD detail, the lines defining any part of the view can be edited. See "Creating Overviews".

Cross Section/Elevation Views

Cross Section/Elevation views are the traditional, orthogonal views often used in drafting.

A Cross Section/Elevation view displays all floors of the model. It can be used to create both interior and exterior elevation views. If the view is created outside the structure looking toward it, the result is an exterior elevation. If the view is created inside the structure, or passes through any of the structure, a cross section is created.

The Backclipped Cross Section tool includes only the objects between the starting point and stopping point of the cross section line.

The Wall Elevation tool creates a single floor, single room elevation. It creates a 2D projection of a vertical face, such as a wall, and the objects between the wall and the camera. It is used primarily for applications such as kitchen elevations or bath elevations. It does not cut through walls or show the ceiling, flooring, or roof. The view can be taken at any angle to the wall(s).

See "Creating Cross Section/Elevation Views".