topic Re: Measure tool grayed out in Modeling

Measure tool grayed out

Anonymous — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:27:43 GMT

Hi, i am using archicad 13, i also have 9 and when i go to 3D i want to measure the vertical height when i am at side view but the measure tool is grayed out

Can somebody tell me if its possible to use the measure tool in 3D at archicad 13 or 9? If yes then how?

Thanks!

Re: Measure tool grayed out

David Maudlin — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 13:43:15 GMT

fusemkd:

I tried this in AC 13 and the Measure tool works in 3D along as there are points for the tool to respond to on the model (corners, temporary Snap points, etc). I was able to invoke the Measure tool using a keyboard shortcut.

You should add a Signature to your Profile (click the Profile button near the top of this page) with your ArchiCAD version and operating system (see mine for an example) for more accurate help in this forum.

David

Re: Measure tool grayed out

Anonymous — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:38:17 GMT

oh sorry i wrote wrong thing

i was actually asking for the Dimesnion Tool, not measure sorry.
So i wanted to know how can i use that? I'd like to do it on side view to get the vertical heights. And also if possible to be on wireframe mode

Re: Measure tool grayed out

Barry Kelly — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 01:54:54 GMT

The dimension tool is a 2D tool and can not be used in a 3D view.
For the side view you can create an Elevation and dimension in there.

For the wire frame view have a look in your library for a 3D dimension object that you can use and stretch that into place.

Or better still you can create a "3D Document" of your 3D view which you can dimension with the dimension tool.

Barry.

Re: Measure tool grayed out

David Maudlin — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 13:05:24 GMT

fusemkd:

As Barry said, the annotation tools do not work in the 3D Window, but you can create a 3D Document of the 3D view which can use the Dimensioning, Text and other annotation tools. In the Help files see Virtual Building > ArchiCAD Model Views > 3D Document.

Thanks for adding the signature.

David

Re: Measure tool grayed out

Anonymous — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 08:40:26 GMT

Is there a way i can change that 3D document into wireframe?

-Thanks!

Re: Measure tool grayed out

David Maudlin — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 13:46:52 GMT

fusemkd:

the 3D Document does not have a wireframe mode (it is really a Shaded view, thought there are settings so it appears as Hidden Line). I have 2 workarounds, but each has its flaws:

1. In the 3D Window, set the view to Wireframe, then use the Marquee Tool, Flat Geometry Method, to copy the image. This can be pasted into any drawing window (Plan, Worksheet, etc) and the 2D annotation tools used for dimensions and notes. The downside is that the pasted image is just 2D lines, no longer part of the model, so if the model changes this process will have to be repeated.

2. In the Materials Settings, create a new material that has a Transmittance setting (under Internal Engine: Transparency) of 51 or greater. Assign this material to all of the parts in the 3D Window you want to be wireframe. Create the 3D Document, and in the 3D Document settings, turn on Transparency (under Uncut Elements). The downside to this method is that it changes your material assignments on the model.

Neither is perfect, but one or the other will get the output you need, depending on the trade offs you are willing to make.

David

Re: Measure tool grayed out

Anonymous — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 16:56:54 GMT

Thank you very much, it worked!

Re: Measure tool grayed out

Barry Kelly — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 02:27:07 GMT

fusemkd wrote:
Is there a way i can change that 3D document into wireframe?

-Thanks!

Not wire frame as such but you can set the uncut surfaces to have a uniform pen colour and then set that pen colour to a white pen.

You could even use the transparent pen (Ø) if you want.

This will give the illusion of wire frame and still you have a fully live 3D document that you can dimension and annotate as you wish.

Barry.

Re: Measure tool grayed out

David Maudlin — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:10:51 GMT

Barry:

Your solution is fine if he can use Hidden Line, but not for Wireframe.

David

Re: Measure tool grayed out

Barry Kelly — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 01:29:53 GMT

David wrote:
Barry:

Your solution is fine if he can use Hidden Line, but not for Wireframe.

David

True, I was confusing hidden line with wire frame myself.
Not sure why anyone would use a true wireframe in a document.
Barry.

Re: Measure tool grayed out

David Maudlin — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:32:46 GMT

As it turns out, there is a way to get Wireframe in a 3D Document: any elements on a Layer that has been set to Wireframe (the 3D View Display option in the Layers dialog box) will appear in Wireframe mode.

David

Re: Measure tool grayed out

Erika Epstein — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:06:50 GMT

Ooh very nice David , thanks for pointing that out. Great way to do cut away views with wireframe walls, and solid for other elements