total newbie

[Anonymous]

I would like to see the length of the wall as I draw it or be able to set a dimension line so I know how long the wall is when it is drawn. How is this done ?

[Anonymous]

The length is displayed in the "R" (radius) field of the coordinates palette. This assumes that the "R" & "A" fields are set to relative (click the triangle/delta button so it looks pushed-in/darker). This means that the values will be relative to the local origin of whatever you are presently doing. Otherwise they will be relative to the "User Origin" which is the little black X that you can move to any detectable point with shift+ alt/option (no need to click). The same goes for "X" and "Y" coordinates.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I have understood your explanation but the r value doesn't make any sense to me. I have a scale of 1:50 and the r values are coming out at around the 2000 mark when I snap to grid which doesn't make any sense to me. (2000 what mm?) Thanks for your help but I'll find a more straight forward program.

[Anonymous]

If it looks like mm it probably is. This is set in Options > Preferences > Working Units and Levels. Scale is not meaningful here since you are working in world dimensions, not on paper.

[Djordje]

salv wrote:
Thanks. I have understood your explanation but the r value doesn't make any sense to me. I have a scale of 1:50 and the r values are coming out at around the 2000 mark when I snap to grid which doesn't make any sense to me. (2000 what mm?) Thanks for your help but I'll find a more straight forward program.

The scale is for display purpose, meaning that the relative elements of the plan (text, dim text ...) resize them selves, and the objects look differently.

You have to set your working units in Preferences. Whatever is in the coordinate filed is in the working units that are set - in your case, most probably mm.

Don't use the grid; learn how to input coordinates. Check the Help file.

[Anonymous]

Sorry if I sounded a little harsh. I was getting a bit frustrated. Your replies have given me encouragement to put more effort into learning the program. I am going to get some help. I mean I am going to have a peek at the help section.

[Djordje]

salv wrote:
Sorry if I sounded a little harsh. I was getting a bit frustrated. Your replies have given me encouragement to put more effort into learning the program. I am going to get some help. I mean I am going to have a peek at the help section.

Trying to do it on your own will end in frustration, and, even worse, wrong workflow.

Try to input your exact location in USA, see if there are user groups around you, talk to your reseller. In the beginning, there is nothing like an afternoon with someone who already knows.

[KeesW]

Total Newbie
I concur - go and talk to an experienced user. You could also purchase Virtual Tutor for v9 - a DVD tutorial. I've been an Archicad user since v5 - and still get something out of whenever I use it. Not very expensive and it will really get you going.