VIEWS

[Llian]

I drew a box in plan and want to see its 4 sides/ elevations. What tool or function, without having to select 3D model, to this ?

[NCornia]

So you just want to see elevations of your box? Use the Elevation tool. Is this all you want to do or did I miss the point of your question?

[Llian]

Thanks...but all i want to see is during 'design' stage where I can draw and see all the elevations at the same time prior to laying out in the Layout sheet.
Here's a screenshot of 2 display fixtures plan [3d] I drew above my Furniture Plan [View Map]. I have been going back n forth using the marque and show selection 3d marquee to see how they look during 'designing'. I tried using the interior elevations to place them on all the 4 sides but ..again, back n forth with the view map / elevations/ etc just to see in quick mode.

[NCornia]

Off the top of my head this is the way I would achieve it:

Since AC does not have simultaneous updates for multiple windows you will have to toggle, but you can reduce it to hitting a single key.

Put Elevations around your work area and place the 4 views on a layout like I showed above.

Draw in plan. To Quickly toggle to Layout with all elevations hit F7 Elevation will all be in one place and will update.

Toggle back to plan hit F2

And if you want to toggle to 3D, hit F3


It would be awesome to have live views in all windows so that you could see your changes instantaneously in plan/elevations/3D but it is not killing me that AC does not have it. And yes, I know r^@#t can do this so no gloating on the other side of the aisle. Using the function keys works well for me. If GS adds live views in the future though I will not complain.

You could also tile your windows and just click between the plan, elevations or layout. The window will update when you click on it.

[NCornia]

One thing, since you are primarily using a MAC you will either need to hold the fn key while hitting F2, F3, F7 etc. OSX integrates the Function keys with the hardware such as volume control, screen brightness, etc.

To disable these, eliminatin the need to hold the fn key, you can do this: http://osxdaily.com/2010/05/12/switch-your-mac-function-keys-to-work-as-standard-function-keys/

[Llian]

Thanks....look like i've to create zones ..... anyways, i'm trying to figure this zone tool and having a little trouble getting around it! i'm posting a question in a separate post.