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This documentation was written with the utmost care; however, no liability whatsoever can be accepted. The documentation provided by Nemetschek AG is based on the full function scope of the program, even if you have not licensed individual program modules. In the event of discrepancies between the descriptions and the program, the menu and program lines displayed by the program take precedence. The contents of this document are subject to change without prior notice. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of Nemetschek AG. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. BAMTEC is a registered trademark of Hussler, Kempten, Germany. MicroStation is a registered trademark of Bentley Systems, Inc. AutoCAD, DXF and 3D Studio MAX are trademarks or registered trademarks of Autodesk Inc., San Rafael, CA. Parts of this product were developed using LEADTOOLS. (c) 1991-2000, LEAD Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Allplan is a registered trademark of Nemetschek AG, Munich. Allfa is a registered trademark of Nemetschek CREM Solutions GmbH & Co. KG, Ratingen. All other (registered) trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Nemetschek AG, Munich, 2007. All rights reserved. 1. edition, September 2007. Dcument no. 080eng01m05-1-BM0907
Manual
Contents
Contents
Welcome ......................................................................................... 6
Introduction............................................................................................................6 Sources of Information .......................................................................................7
Documentation................................................................................................................7 Additional Help................................................................................................................8
Installing ............................................................................................................... 17
First-time installation on a standalone workstation ...................................... 17 Installing for the first time in a network ............................................................ 19
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Basics............................................................................................. 20
User Interface...................................................................................................... 20
Title Bar........................................................................................................................... 21 Toolbars........................................................................................................................... 21 Flyouts ............................................................................................................................. 21 Palettes............................................................................................................................ 22 Menus .............................................................................................................................. 32 Shortcut menu ............................................................................................................. 33 Dialog line...................................................................................................................... 34 Status bar....................................................................................................................... 35 Basic Tools toolbar ...................................................................................................... 36 Default Configurations.............................................................................................. 37 Input options ................................................................................................................ 38
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Selecting elements............................................................................................. 67
Selecting Elements, Overview ................................................................................. 67 Selecting Elements by Clicking............................................................................... 68 Selecting Elements by Entering a Region ........................................................... 69 Using the Bracket Feature to Select Elements .................................................. 70 Applying a Filter to a Selection .............................................................................. 70 Filter Options in the Filter Assistant ..................................................................... 71
Using Handles...................................................................................................... 94
Using Handles ............................................................................................................... 94 Types of handles........................................................................................................... 95 Handle shapes ............................................................................................................... 96 Cursor shapes ................................................................................................................ 96 Editing Elements using Handles ............................................................................. 97
Using Wizards...................................................................................................... 97
Organizing Wizards..................................................................................................... 98 Using Elements from Wizards ................................................................................. 98
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Manual
Contents
Introduction
Allplan 2008
Welcome
Welcome to Allplan 2008, the high-performance CAD program for architects and engineers. In this manual you will familiarize yourself with the user interface and the basic tools provided in Allplan 2008. This way, you will quickly learn how to use Allplan 2008, and you will find that within a short time you will be in a position to carry out common operations with ease in order to accomplish your daily tasks. This chapter covers the following: Information on the contents of this manual Documentation for Allplan 2008 Additional help on Allplan 2008 Where to turn for training, coaching and project support
Introduction
This manual consists of two sections: Installation of Allplan 2008 An introduction to basic concepts and navigation This manual also assumes that you have a working knowledge of Microsoft Windows programs. Basic CAD knowledge is helpful; however, this manual will provide both the experienced CAD user as well as newcomers to CAD with a solid foundation in the methods and approach employed by Allplan 2008.
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Welcome
Sources of Information
Documentation
The Allplan documentation consists of the following: The online Help is the main source of information for learning about and working with Allplan . While you work with Allplan , you can get help on the current function by pressing the F1 key, or activate Help on the Standard toolbar and point to the icon on which you require help. The Manual consists of two parts. The first part shows how to install Allplan . The second part is designed to provide an overview of basic concepts and terms in Allplan FT as well as introduce approaches for entering data in Allplan . The Basic Tutorial guides you step by step through the most important tools for designing and modifying elements in Allplan . The Architecture Tutorial guides you step by step through the process of designing a building. In addition, you learn how to analyze and evaluate the building data using lists and schedules and to output the results to a plotter. The Engineering Tutorial guides you step by step through the process of creating key plans, shell and formwork drawings as well as reinforcement drawings. In addition, you learn how to output the results to a plotter. The brochure New Features in Allplan provides information on what's new in the latest version. Each volume in the Step-by-Step series deals with a specific concept or series of tools/modules in Allplan in detail. The areas covered include data exchange, system administration, geodesy modules, presentation tools, 3D modeling etc. These guides can also be obtained from the Nemetschek training department:
Sources of Information
Allplan 2008
Nemetschek Deutschland GmbH Campus Center Munich Konrad-Zuse-Platz 1 81829 Munich, Germany Phone: (0 18 01) 75 00 00 Fax: (0 18 01) 75 00 01
Additional Help
Tips on efficient usage
The Help menu includes Tips on efficient usage. This topic provides practical tips and tricks for working with Allplan in an easy and comfortable manner.
User board
User board in our Serviceplus portal: thousands of users exchange their knowledge. To register, go to http://serviceplus.nemetschek.de
LineLetter
The LineLetter is a publication that appears several times a year. It is sent in digital form free of charge to Serviceplus customers. The LineLetter includes practical tips and tricks on all program areas.
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Allplan 2008
Documentation Nemetschek Technology GmbH Konrad-Zuse-Platz 1 81829 Munich, Germany Phone: (0 18 01) 75 00 00 Fax: (0 18 01) 75 00 01 Email: Dokumentation@Nemetschek.de
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Installing Allplan
Read the following before installing
Installation Documentation
Documentation on installing of places: Allplan can be found in a number
The manual describes the procedure for a first-time installation at a standalone workstation and covers the essentials for first-time installation in a network. The Allplan CD contains the install.chm file, which provides additional, up-to-date and detailed information on installing and upgrading (standalone workstations and networks). We strongly recommend that you read this file before installing.
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Hardware requirements
The following table lists the minimum requirements for running Allplan: Minimum setup Intel Pentium III or compatible 1 GB RAM 5 GB free hard disk space Graphics board: resolution 1280 x 1024 and a memory of 128 MB Floppy disk drive, connection to network or email for installing the license Notes: Up-to-date information on hardware can be found on the Nemetschek website (http://www.nemetschek.de/info/sys2008). Allplan also runs on Apple hardware in conjunction with Intel processor and Windows operating system. Information is also provided on the website stated above.
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Software requirements
Allplan runs on the following operating systems: For a workstation, data server: Recommended: Windows XP Professional, Service Pack 2 Windows XP Home, Service Pack 2 Windows Vista Windows 2000, Service Pack 4 Windows Server 2003, Service Pack 2
For a data server: Novell NetWare 6.5 with NetWare Services Suse Linux 9.1 with Samba server 3.0 based on Reiser file system
When using a terminal server: Citrix Presentation Server, versions 4 and 4.5 Client Programm Neighborhood, version 10
Please check the entire network: all workstations must be equipped with one of the operating systems mentioned above. Note: Installations using other operating systems than the ones stated above are not tested (for example, other Linux versions or HP-UX). Please note that Allplan does not run on these operating systems. We do not provide any support for these types of installations.
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Further requirements
The following notes are particularly interesting when you have installed a new operating system (e.g. Windows Vista). The operating system must already be installed and running. The hardware and software requirements mentioned are also valid for computers which serve as file servers for Allplan. All peripheral devices must be connected and correctly configured. When you install two or more Allplan workstations in a network, it is essential that these workstations are networked correctly. When upgrading in a network, you need to install Allplan on all the networked workstations before you can resume your work. Please note the following: Allplan can only be installed when a valid ServicePlus agreement and/or license file is available for the workstation in question. You cannot use this version together with earlier Allplan versions or data thereof!
Every user must have full access to the Allplan folders; read access is not sufficient.
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Preliminary considerations
Allplan data can be classified as follows: Program files: these files are always installed locally on every workstation. Central file storage: projects and office standard, for example. This data can be installed locally or on a file server. Prior to installing, decide on the folder in which you want the program to be installed as this can only be altered later by uninstalling and re-installing. It is a good idea to keep the data files and program files in separate, central locations. This will facilitate backup operations later. An example:
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Installing
First-time installation on a standalone workstation
This section describes the procedure for a first-time installation of Allplan at a standalone workstation. Existing Allplan versions (V2005 or earlier) are not affected.
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10 Enter your user name and company name and click Next. 11 In the Installation Option dialog box, select First-time installation or First-time installation with data transfer. Then click Next. 12 If you selected the First-time installation with data transfer option: select the data you want to transfer to the new version and click Next. 13 If you want to install a time-limited Trial version, select the Trial license for temporary use only option in the Select License Information dialog box. 14 With valid ServicePlus agreement: select Existing license file in the License dialog box. 15 If you have purchased a new license for this workstation and this version of if you have purchased new modules with a new license file, select the new license file. 16 Then click Next. 17 Select the drive where the Allplan programs and files are to be installed. Program folder: this is where the Allplan program files are installed. Central file storage folder: this is where the data files (e.g., projects, office standard) are stored. 18 In the Setup Type dialog box select the desired setup type. Then click Next. Typical: installs all the common options. This is the recommended setting. Compact: only installs the essential program and files. Custom: installs the files you specify. By default, all components are enabled. Deactivate the component(s) you do not want to install in the Select Components dialog box. 19 In the Select Program Folder dialog box specify the program folder where the symbols are to be installed.
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20 Check the settings in the Start Copying dialog box. If the settings are OK, click Next to start the installation. 21 It can happen that you will now be prompted to restart the computer. Log on as Administrator for the local machine or as a user with administrator privileges again.
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Basics
User Interface
The following user interface is displayed the first time you start Allplan:
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Title Bar
The title bar of Allplan FTs application window shows the current project, current fileset and current document.
Toolbars
Toolbars contain icons that you can use to execute functions. Positioning the cursor over an icon displays a ToolTip with a short description of the function.
Toolbars can be arranged around the edge of the workspace (this is the default) or made to float anywhere on your screen. To float a toolbar, click the top border of the toolbar or its edge, press and hold down the left mouse button, and drag the toolbar into the workspace. You can use Fix Toolbars on the View menu to protect the toolbars from being moved inadvertently.
Flyouts
Icons with a small blank triangle contain what are known as flyouts. Flyouts contain additional related tools. Tip: If you click the icon, it takes some time until the flyout is opened. If you click the black triangle directly, the flyout opens immediately.
To open a flyout, click an icon with a black triangle and press and hold down the mouse button. To select a tool, keep the mouse button pressed down and position the cursor over the relevant tool. Then release the mouse button. Note: When a flyout is closed, the icon for the tool that you activated last is displayed. This way, you can activate the same tool
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several times in succession without having to open the flyout each time.
Palettes
Arrange palettes in workspace
Display palettes
You can use the shortcuts A (Wizard palette) E (Properties palette) F (Tools palette) M (Modules palette) to display the palettes in the foreground. Palettes that are already on top are closed when you press the relevant shortcut.
Dock palettes
Palettes can be arranged around the edge of the workspace. Click the title bar of a palette and drag it onto one of the arrows displayed in the workspace.
A transparent preview of the position is displayed while you keep the mouse button pressed down. Only when you release the mouse button is the palette moved to the position displayed. To minimize the palette, click you need to disable Hide automatically. To float a palette again, Hide automatically.
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You can make settings for Hide automatically in the Customize dialog box - Palettes tab (Tools menu - Customize).
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You can use the Modules palette to switch between modules. This dialog box has its own shortcut menu, which includes tools for configuring its appearance: Text Only, Icons Only or Text + Icons. In addition, you can show and hide the plus sign (+) and the minus sign (-). Tip: You can also switch between modules without having to activate the Modules palette: click with the right mouse button in the workspace, point to Switch Module on the shortcut menu and select the desired module.
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Properties palette
The properties of selected elements are displayed and can be modified in the Properties palette. This palette is available for 2D elements and engineering elements; however, it cannot be used with architectural elements.
In Global Options, Display tab, you can specify whether double-clicking an element or clicking Properties on the shortcut menu opens the Properties palette or the Properties dialog box. However, the Properties palette provides more modification options for most elements. Properties of text and dimension lines are always displayed in dialog boxes, regardless of this setting. When you press SHIFT and double-click an element at the same time, the program always presents the properties in a dialog box. The Properties palette is divided into the following sections:
List box
The type and number of the selected elements are displayed in the list box at the top. Elements that cannot be edited using the Properties palette (e.g. architectural elements) are grayed out. Any modifications only apply to the elements selected here. Expand: shows format properties for engineering elements. Filter step by step: opens the Filter dialog box where you can filter the selected elements.
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Properties
The properties of selected elements are displayed and can be modified in the Properties area. The shortcut menu of a property provides several functions for applying the properties of an existing element to selected elements: Match property: matches a single property. Clicking same effect. Match group: matches all properties of the group. Match all (without geometry): matches all properties except for geometric properties. has the
Description
Additional information on the parameter to be defined in displayed in the Description area. You can use the shortcut menu to hide and show this area.
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Action bar
Match settings: copies the parameter settings of an element clicked and applies them to the current selection (if possible). Load favorite: loads properties from a favorite file (*.prop). Save as favorite: saves the properties currently set as a favorite file (*.prop).
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Tools palette
The Tools palette is divided into the following sections:
List box
You can choose a family in the list box at the top. You can use Browse... to find a tool by entering its name or a part thereof. When the Scan text in status lines option is active, the program also scans the text displayed for each tool in the status line. If the program finds a tool, you can activate this tool straight from the Browse dialog box; the Tools palette switches to the relevant module.
Tabs
You can use the tabs to select a module in the current family. You can use Customize... on the shortcut menu to define the position of the tabs. In addition, you can specify whether the tabs are to be displayed with or without text.
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Tools
The tools of the currently selected module are displayed in the Tools area. You can use Customize... on the shortcut menu to define the size of the icons. In addition, you can specify whether the icons are to be displayed with or without text The tools that are displayed in this palette are the same as those in the Create, Create II and Modify toolbars. Changes you make to these toolbars also affect the contents of the Tools palette.
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Wizards palette
The Wizards palette is divided into the following sections:
List box
You can choose a Wizard group in the list box at the top. You can use the shortcut menu to create new groups, add existing groups to the palette, rename the current group and remove the current group from the palette. Note: The Wizards that come with Allplan are stored in the \etc\Assistent folder. These Wizards cannot be changed. If you want to create your own Wizards, you must first create a new Wizard group. When you upgrade Allplan 2006 to Allplan 2008, the Wizards in the \std\assistent folder (from earlier versions) are combined into a Wizard group called Wizards.
Tabs
The tabs show the individual Wizards that are available in the current Wizard group. You can use the shortcut menu to add Wizards and to remove, replace and rename tabs.
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Workspace
The elements that are included in the relevant Wizard are displayed in the workspace. The shortcut menu of an element provides related tools, which can be activated. When you click with the right mouse button in an empty space, the shortcut menu allows you to open a Wizard and to save the current Wizard as a drawing file or NDW file. You can use drag and drop or CTRL+C and CTRL+V to copy elements from a Wizard into a document. The tools available for placing the copied elements are the same as those for placing symbols.
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Menus
The menus are located in the top border of the application window. All the tools found in the toolbars can also be activated via the menus. This varies according to the module you are working in.
Tip: You can also activate a menu by pressing and holding down the ALT key and clicking the underlined letter in the menu name.
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Shortcut menu
The shortcut menu is displayed at the position where the cursor is located when you right-click an element or in the workspace. When you click elements with the right mouse button, edit tools appropriate to the tool in question are presented. Double-click an element with the right mouse button. The tool by means of which the element was created is activated and all the settings are copied. If you click in the workspace with the right mouse button, several tools which are needed frequently are presented. You can also switch to the layout editor and toggle between modules.
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Dialog line
The dialog line below the workspace is where the program prompts you to enter values. Alternatives are separated by slashes. Note: You can perform calculations in the dialog line and you can transfer the results of measurement operations carried out with Measure as well as results directly from the Calculator. You can also use CTRL+C and CTRL+V to copy/paste text to/in the dialog line.
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Status bar
The status bar is the bottom line in the Allplan application window. Various types of information on the current drawing file are displayed here e.g., the reference scale and unit of length. You can also modify these values by clicking them. Note: When the Input Options in Status Bar option is active (on the View Toolbars menu), the Input options are displayed on the right in the status bar. Overview of elements in the status bar:
The current document type is displayed here.
The current mode is displayed here. This shows the type of entry the program expects. For more information, see Mode, overview. The current drawing type is displayed here. The current eference scale is displayed here. You can change the scale by clicking. The unit of length is displayed here. You can change the unit by clicking. The current system angle and the current unit of angle are displayed here. Click the angle displayed to change the system angle. You can select from a list of predefined values. You can change the unit by clicking. This shows how much of the memory reserved for drawing files has already been allocated (as a percentage).
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The top half of the Basic Tools toolbar includes all the important tools. These are tools that you will require time and again for example, drafting, text, dimensioning and edit tools. These tools are always available in the same configuration in all the modules. The bottom half includes the tool for accessing the Modules palette as well as module-specific tools in the Create, Create II and Modify flyouts. The contents of these tools change with the module you select. (The illustration shows the contents of the flyouts for the Draft module.) Note: An empty icon is displayed when the Create II or Modify flyouts do not contain any tools .
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Default Configurations
Allplan has several default configurations. Access to the most important tools for a specific discipline is provided in each of these configurations. To select a default configuration, click the View menu, point to Default Configurations and select a configuration. The relevant configuration toolbar is displayed depending on the configuration you have selected (the examples here show the Architecture and Engineering toolbars). These contain the most important tools for daily work. You can thus carry out design tasks without having to switch between modules.
Architecture configuration
Roofs and Planes flyout Architectural Components flyout Architectural Openings flyout Rooms flyout Stairs flyout Rafter Design flyout 3D Modification flyout
Engineering configuration
Model flyout Enter Bending Shape and Placement flyout Area Reinforcement flyout Area Reinforcement (Mesh) flyout BAMTEC flyout Display flyout Engineering Modify flyout Lists/Schedules flyout
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Input options
The toolbar with the Input options appears when a function offers several implementation options. To specify where the Input options are displayed on screen, select the View menu, choose Toolbars and then Input options: Input options in status bar Input options are docked at bottom right in the status bar. Input options in dialog line Input options are docked at bottom right in the dialog line. Float Input options Input options are displayed as a separate, free-floating toolbar.
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Basic Approach
Orientation in the Program The Modules
Allplan has a modular structure. In other words, it features individual program modules, each of which contains the necessary tools for a specific discipline. The most important tools are always at hand on the Basic Tools toolbar, the Configuration toolbars and on the menus. This way, access to the most frequently used tools is provided without requiring you to switch to a different module. The modules themselves are arranged in families: Basic family, Bonus Tools family, etc. To switch between the modules, the following three options are available: Click in the workspace with the right mouse button and select the desired module in the Switch module field on the shortcut menu. Tip: When you have enabled the Auto-select module (also when selecting the first line of the shortcut menu) option in the Global Options, Miscellaneous tab, the program automatically switches to the appropriate module when you create elements using the shortcut menu. You can use Tools - Customize to integrate icons from the Switch Module category in a toolbar or to define shortcut keys. This is the quickest way to switch to frequently used modules. Select a module in the CAD Navigator. This also clearly shows the structure of the individual modules.
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Note: The Plot Layout module cannot be accessed via the CAD Layout Editor tool. Navigator. Instead, use the
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Activating tools
You can click the relevant icon. You can double click the element with the right mouse button. This activates the tool that was used to create the element. All the settings and parameters of the element you clicked are used. You can activate tools via shortcut keys. An overview of predefined shortcuts is provided on the Help menu under Shortcut Keys Table. In addition, the shortcut key for tools where one has been defined is shown in the ToolTip. Use the shortcut menu. You can activate tools via the menu bar.
Executing tools
Instructions are provided in the dialog line after you have clicked a tool. For example: Point snap (e.g., Line tool: From point): Delete tool: Select elements to delete).
When appropriate, a dialog box or Context toolbar is displayed so that you can make settings for the function.
Quitting tools
Press ESC on the keyboard. Click a toolbar with the right mouse button. Activate a different tool.
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Correcting errors
When you make an error in Allplan, you can use Undo (Standard toolbar) to correct the error. The number of undo steps is unlimited. For example, if you inadvertently moved an element, you can annul the move. You can go back (undo) as many steps as you want, as far back as the last time the data was saved. Tip: If you inadvertently deleted elements, you can quickly restore them by immediately double-clicking in the workspace with the right mouse button (the Delete tool must still be active). You can undo several steps in one go. Click the arrow beside the Undo icon, keep the mouse button pressed down and drag the cursor over all the steps you want to undo. Then release the mouse button.
Redo redoes operations that you have undone. Redo operations, however, are not possible if you have added new design entities in the meantime. Note: You can also activate the Undo tool while another function is active. The function in question will close and all the entries you made while it was active are undone.
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When saving automatically. You can activate this function and Global Options, define the number of steps between saves in Miscellaneous tab.
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Note: The interval here is based on the number of tools you activate and not the time elapsed. If you spend some time drawing with the same tool, therefore, data is not saved automatically unless you quit the tool in between. Save, Standard Saving automatically or manually (using toolbar) does not cause the data to be compressed; in other words, the document size will not be smaller although you have deleted data. The reason for this is that the data you have deleted is still available in the memory so that you can redo the deleted data even after saving. To compress the data when you save manually, use Save and Compress (File menu). All the other actions that cause data to be saved also compress the data in question.
If you have inadvertently executed a function, you can use the .bak file to restore the original data of a drawing file/layout. All you need to do is rename the drawing file/layout in Windows Explorer. The following actions will cause Allplan to create .bak files: Copy/Move Elements between Documents... File Delete
Deleting the contents of drawing files and layouts in the Open on a project-specific basis: drawing files from fileset/building structure and Layouts dialog boxes.. Prior to importing data to drawing files using Import
Prior to importing data to drawing files using Add drawing files and layouts with resources to project. Note: Please note that these backup copies increase the volume of data involved in project backups. You should therefore delete
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unnecessary .bak files prior to backing up projects. .bak files can be deleted in the Services application. Open the Utilities menu and click Delete Temporary Files.
How to use .bak files Example: you have copied wrong elements to drawing file 4711.
1 Determine the folder where the current project is saved. Start the Services application, select the Service menu, choose Hotline Tools and double-click wopro. 2 Exit the Allplan project. 3 Delete or rename the file tb004711.ndw (new name: tb004711.ndw.old, for example). 4 Rename the file tb004711.ndw.bak (new name: tb004711.ndw).
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Allplan features
You can use the Clipboard in Allplan just as you would in any other Windows application. Note, however, that there are some special elements and properties: Layers: elements retain their layers. Elements on frozen layers (visible and hidden) are not copied. Group number: elements get new group numbers when they are placed. Elements that used to have identical group numbers will now be given the same group numbers, too. File size: if the admissible file size is exceeded, the program will issue an error message. Text: if the application from which you have copied text to the Clipboard is an OLE server (Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel, for example), the contents of the Clipboard are pasted as an OLE object into Allplan. To paste the contents of the Clipboard as normal text, use Insert Contents Unformatted (Unicode) Text. Text of this kind is assigned the text parameters currently set. FEA and Allfa elements: FEA and Allfa elements cannot be copied to the Clipboard.
Copy
Use this tool to copy selected elements and put them on the Clipboard. You can then paste these elements from the Clipboard as often as you need using Paste and Paste to Original Position. The elements can also be pasted into other applications. This command is not available when no element is selected.
Cut
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Use this tool to cut selected elements and put them on the Clipboard. You can then paste these elements from the Clipboard as often as you need using Paste and Paste to Original Position. The elements can also be pasted into other applications. This command is not available when no element is selected.
Paste
You can paste Allplan elements, text (e.g. from a word processing program ) and bitmaps from the Clipboard into Allplan. This tool is only available in plan view. If the Clipboard is empty or contains elements that cannot be pasted into Allplan, this command is not available. If the application from which you have copied text to the Clipboard is an OLE server (Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel, for example), the contents of the Clipboard are pasted as an OLE object into Allplan. To paste the contents of the Clipboard as normal text, use Insert Contents. Note: Allplan elements can only be pasted from the Clipboard into the same type of document from which they were copied to the Clipboard. The contents of the Clipboard are always pasted into the active document even if the data was copied from a file open in edit mode.
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Insert contents
You can use this tool to specify which element in the Clipboard is to be pasted into Allplan. You can use this tool when the Clipboard contains several formats supported by Allplan (e.g. bitmap and pure text).
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Use
Refresh sets the display scale so that all the elements in the visible files can be seen. But if you have loaded a view using View, only this view is displayed. Save, Load
Regen
Reduce View
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You can choose between plan view and any of the standard views.
3D View
3D View opens the 3D View dialog box, where you can set and save views.
For more information, see 3D View.
Navigation Mode
In a viewport: sets a perspective view. When dragging, the cursor behaves as if you were in an animation window (sphere mode, camera mode). In an animation window: when switched off, you can draw in animation windows as you would in isometric windows. Previous View displays the previous view. Next View displays the next view.
Save, Load View Saves the view currently set or loads a view you have saved. This way, you can save frequently used views and retrieve these whenever they are needed.
Note: As long as the button is active (pressed in), clicking Refresh does not refresh the entire drawing but just the section of the drawing that is currently displayed. To deactivate the button, click it again.
Sets the display scale. You can select from a list of default values or enter any value in the data entry box. Then press ENTER to confirm. Places the viewport so that it is always on top (i.e., in front of) the other ones. This tool is not available when the viewport is maximized. Activate Section displays an architectural section that you have Define Section. You can define the sections clipping path defined with by pointing and clicking, or by entering the section identifier.
Activate Section
Copy to Clipboard
Copy to Clipboard copies the current contents of the screen to the Clipboard. You can then paste the data from the Clipboard into Allplan (as a bitmap) or into other applications using Paste or Insert contents.
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Setting
Color for elements in reference drawing files Color for elements on frozen layers
Where?
Tools Options - Global Options - View tab
Select, Set Layers Select Layer/Visibility tab Options - Global Options - View tab
3 4 5 6 7
Construction line color and Tools linetype Use color 1 for all elements Color stands for pen Default pen, color (for hatching, patterns, fonts) Text height defines pen thickness (for Allplan fonts) Pen, line, color from layer
Tools -
Options - Text
8 9
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Setting
File status Show/Hide tool, Surface elements in background option Sequence element property Time when elements were created/modified
Explanation
Elements in the current document or in files open in edit mode are always displayed in front of elements in files open in reference mode. When this option is enabled, surface elements (hatching, pattern, fill) are displayed behind other elements. See Sequence property Elements that were created/modified later are displayed in front of other elements.
3 4
To get information on the sequence in the plot layout, see Sequence in which design elements print (see "Sequence in which elements print" on page 188).
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Sequence property
By default, elements are displayed in the sequence in which they were created or modified. This way, the element you created or modified last is always on top. The program provides several settings for changing the sequence in which elements are displayed. For example, you can prevent fills from hiding the elements below. This property defines the sequence in which elements are displayed and it is saved as a number between -15 and +16. This value controls how elements are displayed on screen: the element to which you have assigned the highest value is displayed on top of all the other elements. When two elements have the same number, the element you created last is displayed on top of the other one. New elements get a fixed default value. Allplan 2003 elements with the Always on Top format property are automatically assigned a value of 12. More information is provided in Values for the Sequence property. Note: New elements are always displayed on top. The settings are only applied to the elements when you execute Regen.
In the case of elements with subordinate elements (such as smart symbols, element groups, XRefs), the setting made for the parent element has priority over the setting made for the child elements. If, for example, you configure the program to display an element group on top of another element group, all the elements of which this element group consists are displayed on top of the elements of the other element group, regardless of the settings made for the individual subordinate elements.
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Default value
+16 +11 +10 +5 0 0 -3 -4 -5 -7 +7
+6
-1 -8
Notes: Converting a surface element to another one using Convert Surface Element does not change the display priority. Elements in files open in reference mode are always displayed behind the elements in the current drawing document or in files open in edit mode.
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When you have enabled the Surface elements in background Show/Hide, fills are always behind other elements, option in regardless of the priority set.
Does this...
Moves the element to the top. This element is assigned a priority value of +16. Moves the element to the bottom. This element is assigned a priority value of -15. Moves the element up one level. The priority value of this element is increased by a factor of 1. Moves the element down one level. The priority value of this element is reduced by a factor of 1. Moves the element in front of another element. Compared with the selected element, the priority value of the modified element is increased by a factor of 1. Moves the element behind another element. Compared with the selected element, the priority value of the modified element is reduced by a factor of 1.
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The Format QuickSelect toolbar includes a dropdown list with the four most important pen thicknesses, linetypes and line colors. You can use Defaults, Pen Thickness, Linetypes and Color Assignments to configure which settings are presented for selection on this toolbar.
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Note: The format properties of individual elements can also be modified via the shortcut menu by clicking Format Properties.
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Using Linetypes
A linetype is a repetitive combination of line sections and empty spaces in between. Allplan provides 15 different linetypes, which you can activate by entering the relevant numbers. Using Defaults Linetypes + Format Properties on the Tools menu, you can modify the definition of the individual linetypes. Linetype 1 cannot be changed; it is always defined as a continuous line. When you draw an element, it is either assigned the linetype currently set or the one used in the active layer (see Matching layers' format properties (see "Using the layers format properties" on page 64)).
Using Colors
Allplan provides 256 colors. When you draw an element, it is either assigned the color currently set or the one used in the active layer (see Matching layers' format properties (see "Using the layers format properties" on page 64)). When the Color stands for pen option is enabled, the color of elements is defined by their pen thickness. Thus, the color displayed on screen is not the color of the element but the color assigned to the respective pen thickness. The assignment of colors to pens is carried out using Tools Defaults Pen Thickness. Fills are always displayed using their own colors. Each of the 256 basic colors can be assigned a printout color in the Pen and Color Assignment for Plot dialog box (Plot Layouts tool Settings tab - Pen and color assignments...). For more information on printing color layouts see Printing out color layouts (see "Printing color layouts" on page 191).
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between 2.15 mm and 3 mm high be drawn with pen 1, while text that is between 3.00 mm and 4.25 mm is drawn with pen 2.
When the Auto-select pen based on font height option is disabled, the line color and thickness of text is based on the current pen thickness and line color setting on the Format toolbar or on the settings made for the current layer. Linetype no. 1 is always used to display text. For detailed information, see Settings defining how elements are displayed on screen (on page 53).
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Format properties can be matched in three ways: You can make these settings in the Format Definition tab. Format properties are not matched: each new element assumes the properties that are current on the Format toolbar. Copy to Format toolbar as a proposed value is enabled: when you create an element, the properties that are assigned to the current layer are set on the Format toolbar. The format properties of the element can be modified when you create it (on the Format Modify Format Properties). The toolbar) and later on (using layer is not associated with the element; in other words, later modification of the layers format properties has no effect on the elements to which this layer is assigned.
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From layer in a fixed manner is enabled: depending on the setting you make for Assign, use linestyle, the following two options are available: Assign, use linestyle disabled: you can define the layers format properties individually. Assign, use linestyle enabled: the layers format properties are adopted from a linestyle. For more information, see Using linestyles.
With this setting, the layers format properties are used for new elements. The format properties cannot be modified either at Modify creation time (on the Format toolbar) or later (using Format Properties). You can only change them by modifying the format properties of the layer. The element is associated with the layers format properties in a fixed manner. When you change the format properties of the layer later, the format properties of all the elements to which this layer is assigned change accordingly. Instead of the current settings, From Layer is displayed on the Format toolbar and in the Format Properties dialog box. Note: When working with pen thickness and line color of text as well as pen thickness, linetype and line color of dimension lines and dimension text, you have to take into account special conditions that control the assignment of pen thickness and line color and that override the From Layer property.
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Using linestyles
Linestyles allow you to define the display of elements based on the reference scale or drawing type. Requirements: the From layer in a fixed manner option is activated and the Assign, use linestyle box is checked.. The format properties (pen, line, color) you define for a layer can be saved in a named linestyle. Elements can then assume the format properties of this layer. When defining linestyles, you can specify whether they change with the scale or drawing type. Linestyles can be defined differently for various scale ranges/drawing types so that the display of elements varies depending on the reference scale/drawing type. Several predefined, DIN 1356-1-compliant linestyles are shipped with the program. Linestyles are project resources. Consequently, when creating a project, you can specify whether you want to use the linestyles in the office standard or project-specific linestyles. You can also apply the As construction lines setting to scale ranges/drawing types. Elements with this layer are then displayed using the linetype and color of construction lines. But these elements are not real construction lines; they are not selected if you apply the filter for construction lines. Linestyles cannot be set to Hidden. To hide a linestyle, you need to hide the relevant layer. However, you can use the name of a linestyle for defining a layer set which hides the corresponding layers. Important: Working with linestyles and different settings for various scale ranges and/or drawing types requires a carefully thought out approach!
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Selecting elements
Selecting Elements, Overview
In order to edit elements you need to select them. First, select the edit tool (e.g., Copy) and then select the elements to which the tool is to be applied. You can select elements either by clicking them or by defining a region around the elements you want to select. You can use the Filter Assistant toolbar to help you select elements. The following table provides an overview of selection options: To do this ...
Select an element. Select several elements and/or regions.
Do this
Click the element. Select the Brackets feature in the Filter Assistant, click the elements and/or specify the regions. Then close the brackets. You can also open/close these metaphorical brackets by right clicking in the workspace. To specify a selection rectangle: Press and hold down the left mouse button to open a selection rectangle. In Global Options, Entry tab, you can specify that selection rectangles are only closed when you click a second time. In the Filter Assistant, you can specify whether elements fully bounded by the region, fully bounded and intersected, or only intersected elements are selected. To specify a fence: Click Fence and enter the points to define the outline of the fence.
Select all elements. Reselect the elements that were selected last. Select elements with the same group number.
Some tools (e.g. Export) let you select all the elements in the current document by clicking All in the Input options. Click Reselect in the Filter Assistant.
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Click on an element with the middle and then right mouse button. This selects all the elements in the current document that have the same pen or linetype. Whether elements with the same pen or with the same linetype are selected depends on the setting in Settings tab. Options Global Options
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Note: default.
In Global Options, Display tab, you can configure the program to display selection rectangles as colored areas. The color of the area changes with the selection option you activate: The easiest way to enter the region is to press and hold down the left mouse button and to enter two points that define diagonally opposite corners of a selection rectangle. You can also use to enter a freeform region. Fence
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Click elements and/or open selection rectangles or fences. Click Bracket to close the bracket feature.
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Use
Matches all or specific properties of an element and uses this/these as the filter criteria. Filters by elements with a specific pen. Filters by elements with a specific linetype. Filters by elements with a specific color. 256 colors are available. Filters by layers. All layers used in the active document and in the drawing files open in edit mode are available. Filters by elements belonging to a group with a specific number. Filters by elements created in construction line format. Filters by elements created as pattern lines. Filters by elements with a specific attribute. Filters by hatching styles with a specific number. Filters by patterns with a specific number. Filters by area styles with a specific number. Filters by point symbols with a specific number.
Filters by elements, e.g., lines, hatching, smart symbol. Filters by elements created with the Digital Terrain Model module. Filters by elements created with the Urban Planning or module. Landscaping
Filters by elements in layouts. You can also filter based on scale and drop-in angle.
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Filters by architectural elements. You can define the type of architectural element, thickness and material. For more information, see Filter by architectural component. Filters by Allfa elements.
Allfa
Meshes
Selection Option for Ambiguous Elements on/off Reselect Elements Fence on/off Fully Bounded Fully Bounded and Intersected Intersected Only Select Elements Based on Direction
When there are congruent elements, this lets you select the one to be activated. When this option is disabled, the element that was created first (i.e., the older one) is selected. Selects the elements that were selected last. Lets you enter a selection fence. Click the first point again to close the polyline. Selects the elements that are fully bounded by the selection window only. Select the elements that are fully or intersected by the selection window. Only selects elements that are intersected by the selection window. The selection depends on the direction in which you enter the region: To the left selects the elements that are fully bounded or intersected by the selection window. With this method, the selection rectangle is shown as dashed lines. To the right selects the elements that are fully bounded by the selection window.
Brackets
Activates the bracket feature. All the elements you select after opening the brackets, whether selected in a rectangle, fence or individually, are added to the selection. Click the Bracket tool again to close brackets. Filters elements you have already selected or filtered according to additional filter criteria.
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Precision Drawing
Basics
Overview
With Allplan, you can quickly create precise and exact designs without even knowing the coordinates of points or the lengths of elements and without having to create complex designs in construction line format. You can match length values and coordinates from existing elements. In addition, you can perform calculations in the dialog line, as well as employ the measuring tools and the calculator, and then transfer the results you obtain into the dialog line.
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You can use to copy the result to the Clipboard and paste it into other Windows applications (CTRL+V).
You can restrict movement to either horizontal/vertical (ortho constraint) or set a cursor snap angle of your choice. The current setting for the system angle is taken into account. For example, if the system angle is set to 30, then this is interpreted as being horizontal. Note: If you have set a cursor snap angle, then this will have priority over any point snap settings you have made, as well as any other settings on the shortcut menu. This means that only points in alignment with one of the set cursor snap angles will be snapped.
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You can use the following options in the dialog line to restrict cursor movement to a specific direction or angle: Icon Function
No icon pressed in Ortho constraint Cursor snap 15.00 Cursor snap angle
Use
The lines can be drawn at any angle. This is the default setting. The line can only be drawn at right angles to the current system angle. The line can only be drawn at specific angles. Define the cursor snap angle here (only possible when is enabled).
Point Snap
When you place a point with the left mouse button, you can snap to points on existing elements as you do so. You can snap to the following types of points: endpoints, midpoints, division points and points of intersection. You do not need to know the coordinates of these points, nor is it necessary to work with construction lines. When CursorTips are activated, a symbol (known as a CursorTip) is displayed at the center of the crosshairs. The CursorTip shows the kind of point that has been detected in the snap radius. Using Point Entry Options, you can set the types of points the system is to snap and whether the system is to scan active, edit or reference drawing files for points. By means of linear snap, you can align points exactly with existing points. Here, too, visual aids are provided to facilitate the process. Note: If you have set a cursor snap angle, then this will have priority over any point snap settings you have made, as well as any other options you have selected on the shortcut menu. This means that only points in alignment with one of the set cursor snap angles will be snapped.
Using CursorTips
When CursorTips are activated, CursorTips are displayed at the center of the crosshairs before you set points. These CursorTips indicate the type of point detected within the snap radius. CursorTips are displayed after you have activated a drawing tool (the Line tool, for
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example) and you move the crosshairs across the workspace. You can specify which types of points the system is to look for in Point Entry Options provided on the shortcut menu. The following CursorTips are displayed to indicate the different types of points: Icon Meaning
Free point: There is no defined point within the snap radius. The circle represents the size of the snap radius. End point: Snaps to the nearest element endpoint. This option cannot be deactivated. Intersection: Snaps to the point of intersection between two elements within the snap radius. Midpoint: Snaps to the nearest midpoint of a line or polygon inside the snap radius. Tangential point: Snaps to the nearest tangential point of an arc, circle or ellipse. Quadrant point: Snaps to the nearest quadrant point on an arc, circle or ellipse. Gridpoint: Snaps to the nearest gridpoint inside the snap radius. Note: The grid is defined with Grid Settings. The
Grid on/off (on the grid is only visible when Special toolbar) is active. Gridpoints are snapped even when the grid is not displayed. Reference point of dimension lines: Snaps to existing reference points when you draw dimension lines. Linear snap using middle mouse button or CTRL + left mouse button: With this, the nearest point in the snap radius is snapped with CTRL + left mouse button when placing points. This way, you can quickly draw mutually perpendicular lines. This option cannot be disabled. Element: Snaps to the nearest point on an element within the snap radius.
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(A) Crosshairs (B) Snap radius (1) The program snaps to the coordinates of this point as it is within the snap radius.
Note: In Global Options you can configure the system to emit an acoustic signal when the point clicked is not a defined point.
)1(
) B(
) A(
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Linear snap
You can use linear snap to place points so that they are in direct alignment with existing points. To do this, use CTRL + left mouse button. If the system finds a point within the snap radius, the point set is placed in such a manner that it is exactly aligned with the nearest point found inside the snap radius. Alignment is based on the selected system angle. If the Show linear snap option in Point Entry Options is enabled, the program highlights the points that are in perpendicular alignment before a button is pressed and creates temporary construction lines stretching to the point. This provides a better visual check when using the linear snap tool. Tip: Drafting using linear snap is mainly useful with drawings consisting of few design entities. It becomes more difficult to align with the correct point as the number of design entities increases. Note: Pressing the SHIFT key during this process will temporarily hide the linear snap feature.
)2(
)A( )B(
Crosshairs Snap radius Linear snap feature Point snapped
)1(
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The last point entered is used. The point snapped is fixed; the offset values entered in the x, y or z direction apply to this point even when the crosshairs snap to other points. The current coordinate is used as the fixed coordinate. You can select the X, Y, or Z coordinate or a combination thereof on a submenu. All the point entries you make (in the dialog line or using the cursor) apply to the X coordinate snapped. This way, you can place points in exact alignment with existing points. All the point entries you make (in the dialog line or using the cursor) apply to the Y coordinate snapped. This way, you can place points in exact alignment with existing points. All the point entries you make (in the dialog line or using the cursor) apply to the Z coordinate snapped. This way, you can place points in exact alignment with existing points. Snaps to the point of intersection between two elements. Finds the midpoint of an element (e.g., a line) or a line that you enter. Finds the midpoint of an arc, ellipse, part of an ellipse or spline. Divides a line that you enter or an element into an arbitrary number of segments. The division points can be addressed by clicking or entering a number. Finds the point on an element that is obtained by dropping a perpendicular line from an arbitrary point onto the element.
Fixed Y
Fixed Z
Perpendicular
Basics Places a point on an element that is at a specific distance from a (reference) point. The reference point is displayed as a direction symbol and is located at either the start or the end of the element, depending on which is nearest to the point you clicked. The distance between the displayed reference point and the contact point is displayed in the dialog line. Finds a point obtained from the point of intersection of two new circles that you enter.
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Offset by Radius
Divide Element ,
Station Element
and Perpendicular through Station tools, you can make point settings here. Places a point on a track line.
Deletes all the track points placed; the track lines are determined again. Opens a dialog box in which you can make settings for CursorTips and specify point entry options.
Track/Extension Point
Delete Track Points Point Entry Options
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Use
Lets you enter absolute coordinates in the dialog line. These coordinates are relative to the origin (= global point) of the CAD system (0, 0, 0). You can also get the coordinates of an existing point by clicking it or entering its point number. Finds a point based on its global X coordinate (relative to the origin (= global point) of the CAD system (0, 0, 0)). Finds a point based on its global Y coordinate (relative to the origin (= global point) of the CAD system (0, 0, 0)). Finds a point based on its global Z coordinate (relative to the origin (= global point) of the CAD system (0, 0, 0)). Lets you enter relative coordinates in the dialog line. You can place a point based on its offset relative to the point currently snapped or the last point entered. Finds a point based on its offset in the X direction relative to the last point entered. Finds a point based on its offset in the Y direction relative to the last point entered. Finds a point based on its offset in the Z direction relative to the last point entered. Places a point at a specific distance and a given angle from the last point. Enables/disables the automatic detection of closed, delimited areas.
Array length
Clicking this button places the reference point only on points of a grid whose settings you can specify. The current coordinates relative to the last point entered are displayed in a ToolTip attached to the crosshairs. This is where you select or enter the value for Array Length. This setting also applies for track lines. The following icons only appear when you have activated an entity creation function (e.g. Line):
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Array length
Manual Lines at right angles (ortho constraint) Cursor snap 15.00 Cursor snap angle
Basics The line can only be drawn at right angles to the current system angle. The line can only be drawn at specific angles. Define the cursor snap angle here (only possible when is enabled).
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Entering points, overview
An element you are in the process of entering is displayed in the preview as it is placed in the workspace. In other words, the point to which the crosshairs snap defines where and how the element is placed. Elements that can be snapped are displayed in selection color. This way, you can place points and enter elements quickly and easily even when you have to work with complex drawings consisting of countless points. Entering Points using the Dialog Line Entering Points using the Shortcut Menu Entering Points using the Array Length Option Entering Points, Examples
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Except for the Draft, Text and Dimension Lines modules in which the third dimension is usually not required, the z direction is also available:
Note: Points snapped are displayed in all views. All the entries you make in the dialog line apply to the point snapped. Use the TAB/PAGE UP key or SHIFT+TAB/PAGE DOWN key to toggle between the data entry boxes. You can also do calculations (as with Calculator).
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Fig.: calculation:
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Fig.: preview of the point, at an offset of DX=2, DY=3 to the point snapped
When you press ENTER or click in the workspace, the point you have just entered serves as the start point of the new element (line in this example) or as the reference point for modification tools.
Fig.: press Enter or click in the workspace to place the point; the line is attached to the crosshairs
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But before you place this point, you can also move the crosshairs to another point in the workspace: now all the entries you make in the dialog line apply to the new point snapped.
Fig.: preview of the point with an offset of DX=2, DY=3 refers to the new point snapped
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Entering Points using the Shortcut Menu Tools and options provided on the shortcut menu
Click with the right mouse button to access the tools and options on the shortcut menu, which assist you in the process of placing and snapping to points. Tip: When you point to an element and click the right mouse button, the program automatically applies the tool selected on the shortcut menu to the element clicked and places the point. When you have opened the shortcut menu by clicking in the workspace, all you need to do is click an element and the program will apply the selected tool to the element clicked.
Fig.: the midpoint of an existing line can be determined quickly by opening the shortcut menu directly on the element
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Fig.: midpoint of diagonal by clicking the endpoints of a box
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Precision Drawing Point Symbol Definition When you employ the Divide Element,
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Station
Perpendicular through Station tools, Element and you can make point settings here. For example, you can define the symbol used to represent the point (for single elements) as well the primary and secondary point number. Track/Extension Point Places a track point. Delete Track Points Deletes all the track points placed; the track lines are determined again. Point Entry Options This is where you can specify in a dialog box the kinds of points the program is to scan the workspace for. CursorTips are small symbols that appear at the center of the crosshairs to indicate the type of point (midpoint, intersection, grid point, ...) the system will snap to when you click. In addition, you can set general defaults.
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You can select a predefined length or enter a value in the data entry box.
Clicking the data entry box in the middle opens a shortcut menu with functions for entering values.
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Brick plus joint (e.g. 1cm) form a grid unit. Protrusion dimension/grid dimension: value for an additional joint is not added Outer dimension -: the value defining the width of one joint is subtracted Opening dimension +: the value defining the width of one joint is added
Clicking the selection box on the right with the right mouse button opens a shortcut menu which you can use to enter the joint width:
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Tip: The Array length option provides additional support as you work in Animation windows. The end point of the rectangular wall can only be placed based on the settings made for the Array length option.
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Using Handles
Using Handles
Handles are small, filled boxes that appear at specific points of select objects. You can copy, move, resize, rotate and stretch elements by clicking these handles and dragging.
When editing elements using handles, you select the elements first and then edit them using the mouse. To resize bitmaps, bitmap areas and OLE objects so that their proportions are retained, use the handles displayed at the corners. Dragging with the handles displayed in the middle, however, will cause the elements to be stretched in one direction. Consequently, the proportions are not kept. You can stretch lines, polylines splines, arcs, circles, surface elements (hatching, patterns, fills) and architectural elements (as with the Stretch Entities tool). Pressing and holding down the SHIFT key moves the elements in an orthogonal direction or along the track lines. You can change the radii of circles by clicking and dragging the quadrant handles. In addition, arcs can be lengthened or shortened by clicking and dragging the handles displayed at the end points or by entering the new included angle in the dialog line.
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Types of handles
Handles assume different colors. You can change these colors in the Global Options, Display tab. Unselected handles: handles that are displayed on elements you have selected.
Selected handles: handles you have selected in order to stretch entities. You can select handles by pressing and holding down the SHIFT key and clicking the handles. Subsequent modifications apply to all selected handles.
Dynamic handles: When the cursor is within the snap radius of a handle, the color of the handle in question will change. This indicates that Allplan will snap to this handle and use it as a snap point when you move elements. This way, you can place elements in a precise manner.
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Handle shapes
You can tell which operations are possible by the shape and fill of the handle: Stretching entities Moving or copying Resizing Restricted moving (e.g. windows in walls) Mirroring
Cursor shapes
When the cursor is within the snap radius of a handle, it assumes a certain shape, which varies depending on what is possible: Moving Stretching entities Resizing using the handles displayed at the corners (e.g. bitmaps) Resizing using the handles displayed in the middle (e.g. bitmaps); this causes the proportions to change
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Do this ...
Click element Click in the workspace, press and hold down the mouse button and open a selection rectangle. Press and hold down the CTRL key and click the additional element. Press CTRL+A On the shortcut menu, click Delete or press the DEL key. Click the selected elements at a handle and drag. Press the SHIFT key to move or copy selected elements.
Using Wizards
A Wizard is a small window which is displayed in the Wizards palette and includes a pictogram-like key representing all frequently used tools. Clicking an element with the right mouse button opens a shortcut menu with similar tools. Using the Wizard, you don't have to go through the time-consuming process of looking for icons or tools. The program comes with a number of predefined Wizard files. In addition, you can also create your own Wizards. These predefined Wizards are installed in the Wizard (\etc\assistent) . Wizards can be saved as NDW files or as drawing files. All you need to do is click in the Wizard window and select the desired function. Drawing files and NDW files can be saved as Wizards. Click Save Copy As on the File menu and set the file type to Wizard (*.nas).
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Organizing Wizards
Wizards are combined in groups. The individual Wizards in a group are displayed as tabs in the Wizards palette. You can select a Wizard group by clicking the list box at the top of the Wizards palette. Wizard groups are saved in the *.nasgd file. You can use Add group... on the shortcut menu to select an existing *.nasgd file and add this file to the palette (when you want to use a Wizard group of a colleague, for example). A Wizard group file is a text file and contains references to the individual Wizard files (*.nas). You can use the shortcut menu of a tab to to add, remove, replace and rename tabs. You can arrange the tabs using drag and drop. The ToolTip of a tab shows the path and file name of the associated Wizard file. Note: The Wizards that come with Allplan are stored in the \etc\Assistent folder. These Wizards cannot be changed. If you want to create your own Wizards, you must first create a new Wizard group. When you upgrade Allplan 2006 to Allplan 2008, the Wizards in the \std\assistent folder (from earlier versions) are combined into a Wizard group called Wizards.
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Use
You can use this tool to apply hatching to an area. You can use this tool to apply a pattern to an area. You can use this tool to apply a color fill to an area. You can use this tool to place bitmaps. You can use this tool to apply architectural surface styles to 2D areas.
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The following tools are available for modifying filled areas: Icon Function
Reshape Surface Element, Architectural Area
Use
You can use this tool to add areas to hatching, patterns, fills, bitmaps or architectural elements (slabs, rooms, stories, floors, ceilings, roof covering) or remove such areas.
Split Surface Elements, You can use this tool to split hatching, patterns, fills, bitmaps and Archit. Elements architectural elements (walls, columns, slabs, beams, upstands, rooms, stories, floors, ceilings) into two parts. This can be useful if you need to split up the 3D plan for creating the plan or plot. Merge Surface Elements, Archit. Elements Convert Surface Element Stretch Entities You can use this tool to merge two areas of hatching, patterns, fills, bitmaps and architectural elements (walls, slabs, beams, upstands, rooms, stories, floors and ceilings) to form a single element. You can use this tool to convert surface elements (hatching, patterns, fills or bitmaps) to surface elements of the same or different type. You can also use the tool simply to modify the properties of a surface element. You can use this tool to modify the outline of filled areas.
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In hatching defaults: You can set the spacing between hatching lines (for the Adjust to scale in plan setting) and the scale to which the line spacing is to apply. This setting also defines how component hatching behaves.
Note: When you change the defaults, all the areas where this hatching style has been applied also change.
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Display in layout
At a scale of 1:50, the spacing between the hatching lines is the same as at 1:100; the number of lines doubles. The spacing is based on the value set for the line spacing in the hatching defaults, regardless of the scale.
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Display in document
As the number of hatching lines doubles, the display in drawing files changes dynamically with the reference scale.
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Display in layout
At a scale of 1:50, the spacing between hatching lines is twice as large as at 1:100; the number of lines remains constant. The spacing is based on the value set for the line spacing in the hatching defaults and on the reference scale to which the line spacing is to apply.
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Example: You are using hatching 1 with the following settings: the line spacing is 3 mm and the Reference scale for adjusting line spacing so that it is true to scale is set to 1:100. You create this hatching using the Adjust to scale in plan setting and place it in the layout at a scale of 1:50. The spacing between the hatching lines in the layout is calculated as follows: Line spacing (as set in defaults): reference scale for adjusting line spacing x scale of layout; i.e. in this example: 3mm : 1/100 x 1/50 = 6mm. At a layout scale of 1:100, the line spacing is 3mm.
Display in document
As the number of hatching lines remains constant, the display in the drawing file does not change even when you change the reference scale.
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When Reference scale for adjusting line spacing so that it is true to scale is set to 1, the hatching behaves as if the Constant in plan option was enabled. In other words, the spacing between the hatching lines always stays the same, regardless of the scale. This setting is usually used. See Constant in plan hatching setting. When Reference scale for adjusting line spacing so that it is true to scale exceeds 1, the hatching behaves as if the Adjust to scale in plan option was enabled. In other words, the spacing between the hatching lines changes dynamically with the scale. See Adjust to scale in plan hatching setting.
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The values for the height and width factor of the pattern. These values are also entered in the pattern parameters.
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Display in layout
At a scale of 1:50, the size of the pattern elements is the same as at 1:100; the number of pattern elements doubles. The size is based on the value set in the pattern defaults and on the height/width factor in the pattern parameters.
Example: You are using pattern 301 and the height of one pattern element in the layout should be 10 mm. A height of 100 mm is defined for pattern 301 in the pattern defaults. Therefore, you need to enter a factor of 0.10 in the pattern parameters (height x factor = height of one pattern element in layout). As a result, the height is 10 mm (100 mm x 10), regardless of the scale.
Display in document
As the number of pattern elements doubles, the display in documents changes dynamically with the reference scale.
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Display in layout
At a scale of 1:50, the size of the pattern elements is twice as large as at 1:100; the number of pattern elements remains constant. The size of an individual pattern element is based on the value in the pattern defaults, on the height/width factor in the pattern parameters and on the scale at which the layout element was placed.
Example: You are using pattern 301 and the height of one pattern element in the layout should be 10 mm at a scale of 1:100. A height of 100 mm is defined for pattern 301 in the pattern defaults. Therefore, you need to enter a factor of 10 in the pattern parameters (height of one pattern element in layout = pattern height as set in defaults x factor x layout scale). At a scale of 1:100, the height is 10mm (100mm x 10 x 1/100); at a scale of 1:50, the height is 20mm.
Display in document
As the number of pattern elements remains constant, the display in the drawing file does not change even when you change the reference scale.
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Click Click
to add a new wall thickness value. to remove a wall thickness value. to look for the wall thickness
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Note: The layer currently set is also saved. When you retrieve favorite files later, this layer is automatically set as the current layer. Use to save entire components as favorites. Favorite files are given element-specific or component-specific filename extensions. Click to retrieve favorite files (standard components).
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Using Symbols
A symbol is essentially a file consisting of any number of design entities. Symbols can be used repeatedly within a drawing. The size of a symbol is practically unlimited. You can even save an entire drawing file as a symbol. The following tools on the Standard toolbar can be used to save and retrieve symbols: Get from Library Write to Library Allplan ships with a set of basic symbols. However, you can also create your own symbols or purchase various symbol catalogs from Nemetschek. Symbols provide the following advantages: You can create a library of symbols that contains frequently used components. Instead of drawing the component from scratch each time, just retrieve the symbol from the symbol file. Symbols are placed as an entity group. This means that they can be addressed (click with the middle and left mouse buttons or use SHIFT+click) and modified as a single entity. You can also modify each individual element separately. You can also access the extensive symbol catalogs offered by Nemetschek. A lot of the symbols offered here will display with different levels of detail, depending on the scale that is set. Symbols automatically adapt to the reference scale. If your symbols include text, then this, too, can be made to change with the reference scale.
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)C(
)B(
)A(
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window frame whose sections remain constant - as opposed to the glass surface whose height and width needs to be variable.
(A) 3D view (B) 2D view (for a scale range of 1:1 to 1:99) consists of two foils as the profiles remain constant while the glass surface is resized. (C) 2D view for a scale range of 1:100 to 1:500
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Activate the Smart Symbol tool (Create menu - Bonus Tools - Smart Symbols), specify the path where to save the smart symbol, enter a name for it and assign parameters. Select the elements to be placed on the first smart symbol foil.
Define the other foils. Every area that is subject to a separate resizing definition gets its own foil.
Define the smart symbols MinMax box. Use Get from Library (Standard toolbar) to insert the smart symbol in the workspace.
)C(
1 lioF )A(
)B(
)A(
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Paths
When saving or retrieving standard components, symbols and smart symbols, the system will prompt you to specify a path for the files in question. The example below shows the dialog that is displayed when saving a symbol. The distinction between the Office, Private and External paths is particularly important in a network environment. However, you can also structure your data if you are using a standalone version.
Path
Office
Meaning
The files in this folder are available to all users in the network. By using an office standard, you ensure that the plans in your office have a uniform appearance. The office standard can only be modified by the system administrator. The files in this folder are only available to one specific user. The files in this folder are only available in one specific project. The files in this path are for backing up or exchanging data.
Your own path When saving or retrieving symbols or smart symbols, you can define your own paths by clicking Add Folder....
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Linking objects
When objects are associated with Allplan, a link between the Allplan document and the object in question is established. When the object changes, the link in Allplan can be updated manually. Double-clicking the linked object in Allplan opens it in its original application and you can edit it as usual. When objects are linked with Allplan, the path to the source document and thus, to the original application must be retained. When you rename one of these two, you have to establish the link again.
Embedding objects
When objects are embedded in Allplan, a copy of the source document is placed in the Allplan document. After you have inserted this copy, it is no longer linked to the source document; in other words, the Allplan document cannot be updated to reflect any changes you make to the source document. Embedded objects can be edited either in Allplan or in their original application; but any changes you make to the object have no effect on the source document.
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exceeds the values mentioned above, you can use the Edit Bitmap tool to resize the file and save it (under a different name). You can use the Bitmap area tool to insert large bitmap files that cannot be inserted as OLE objects.
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OLE objects associated with Allplan need to be updated manually. You can only use Windows drivers to print out OLE objects. Nemetschek drivers cannot be applied. When you have enabled the display list, OLE objects are displayed as frames.
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Using XRefs
Using XRefs
You can place a document (drawing file or NDW-format file) as a XRef in a document as often as you need. The document will update automatically to reflect any changes you make to the document you have inserted as a XRef. XRefs can be inserted at any scale and at an angle you specify. Please note that you cannot use empty documents to insert them as XRefs. XRefs can be placed as normal or advanced XRefs. For more information, see Comparison between normal and advanced XRefs. A XRef is always placed so that its size matches that of the elements in the document. If the size changes later, you can use Update All XRefs on the shortcut menu to update the extents. XRefs can be clipped (but this is only possible when you modify XRefs; you cannot clip XRefs when placing them). You can enable and disable the display of XRefs and XRef borders in Show/Hide. XRefs are always placed on the current layer. But the individual elements of which a XRef consists retain their layers. When you modify the status of a layer, you need to select the Regen function in order for the elements within the XRef to update automatically. Please note that a document which already contains a XRef cannot be inserted as a XRef again. If a document which is inserted as a XRef no longer exists, the border and the reference are retained, and the file name of the associated document is displayed in the border.
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Editing XRefs
You can edit XRefs using the following Allplan tools: Delete, Copy, Move and Rotate. You can use Modify Format Properties to change the format properties of XRefs (e.g. layers). Other Allplan tools cannot be applied to XRefs. The scale and the angle of the XRef can be modified at a later stage. You can also change the clip region later on. XRefs can only be modified and edited as a single entity; you cannot modify individual elements of a XRef. Selecting Edit Reference Drawing File on the shortcut menu of a XRef lets you directly open the drawing file which has been inserted as a XRef. When you change the display sequence of XRefs, this modification always affects the entire contents of the XRef file.
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Advanced
x x
Normal
x x -
Analyzed and evaluated in lists and schedules x (not with engineering elements!) Adjustment of dimension text and size of text x when XRef is resized Clipping Display of detailing windows Auto-detection of text direction Default reference planes from source/target x x
Note: When you insert advanced XRefs, the required disk space increases by the data volume of the document contained in the XRef as this data is also stored in the memory. Normal XRefs do not increase the data volume.
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The table below shows the differences between the tools for handling files when you work in a project-based manner and when you work on a document-oriented basis. Function
Create new document/drawing file
Project-based approach
Open on a Project-Specific Basis (How) Open on a Project-Specific Basis (How) Copy/Move Elements between Documents (How) Open on a Project-Specific Basis (How) - open a drawing file in reference mode Or XRef (How)
Document-based approach
New (How)
Open (How)
Save As (How)
NDW-XRef (How)
Project-based approach When you work on a project-oriented basis, you use drawing files that are structured in projects. You can add drawing files open in reference or edit mode or XRef files as backdrops. Document-based approach When you work on a document-oriented basis, you use individual NDW-format files. In this case, you can add NDW-XRef files as backdrops.
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In order to edit the drawing files, they have to be activated (opened). This is done in the Open on a Project-Specific Basis: Drawing Files from Fileset/Building Structure dialog box.
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Remark
The active drawing file is the one on which you draw. There must always be one active drawing file. Elements in edit mode drawing files are visible and can be modified. You can open up to 60 drawing files in edit and/or reference mode. Elements in drawing files that are open in reference mode are visible, Global Options, you can configure the but cannot be modified. In program to display all the elements in reference drawing files using a single color. Empty drawing files cannot be opened in reference mode. Elements on inactive drawing files are not visible. Empty drawing files have no data type icon. Drawing files can temporarily be assigned to filesets; this assignment is cleared when you switch to a different fileset.
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Information
Memory allocation
Meaning
This shows how much of the memory reserved for a file has already been allocated (as a percentage). Background information: a certain amount of memory is reserved for files. The number of the current file is displayed here. The number is also displayed in the title bar of the Allplan application window. The file type is displayed here. This corresponds to the data type icon that is displayed in the status bar. The maximum amount of memory available for the file is displayed in Kbytes. The minimum and maximum coordinates in the file are displayed here.
Document
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Any structural levels: in addition, you can use custom structural levels, which you can insert anywhere in the building structure. Click Restrictions of building structure on the shortcut menu of a project to specify which structural levels can be used in the building structure and which structural levels can be assigned drawing files. For example, you can specify that only IFC-compliant structural levels can be used.
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Clicking a check box activates the relevant structural level and all subordinate levels. Clicking a check box while pressing the CTRL key only activates this structural level. Subordinate levels are not selected.
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A: the height of the associated default reference planes is displayed beside the relevant structural level. B: when a drawing file adopts the height of the default reference planes from the superordinate structural level, nothing is displayed. C: when the height of the default reference planes in a drawing file differs from the height assigned to the superordinate structural level, the height is displayed in blue. D: when a drawing file does not adopt its default reference planes from the plane model, "-" is displayed. E: if the default reference planes assigned to a drawing file are not available, "?" is displayed (for example, when you delete the planes from the plane model later). When you move the cursor over a height displayed, the ToolTip shows the name of the plane model, pair of reference planes and of the default reference plane. When Show pairs of planes in color in tree structure is enabled in the Plane Manager options, the ToolTip appears in the corresponding color (not with Windows Vista).
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You have the following options: Import data again: you import data modified externally; the current building structure is overwritten. Save: you can decide which changes to retain:
The discarded building structure is saved as a conflict document (*.conflict). Note: The plane manager can only be opened by one user at any one time. If another user has already opened it, the name of this user is displayed in the ToolTip.
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In the dialog box, a red cross indicates structural levels and drawing file assignments that are no longer permissible.
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Applied to
Check box (structural level) Structural level, drawing file Check box (structural level) Structural level, drawing file Structural level, drawing file Structural level, drawing file Structural level Drawing file Structural level, drawing file Structural level, drawing file Structural level, drawing file Structural level, drawing file Structural level, drawing file Structural level Drawing file List Structural level, drawing file Structural level Drawing file
Does this
Select (including all subordinate structural levels) Select Select (clicked structural level only) Add, remove selection Select (range) Move within structural level Select similar structural levels Select similar drawing files Move to a different structural level Remove from structure Scroll (+CTRL = faster) Copy within structural level Copy Expand, collapse Select drawing file and close dialog box source drawing files for list Shortcut menu General shortcut menu Expand (when closed); change drawing file status (when open) Switch drawing file status
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Browse... Searches for full names or parts of names of drawing files and/or filesets. When Set bookmark is active, all the objects found are automatically marked with bookmarks. Update Updates the filesets and drawing files or the building structure displayed (for example, after the building structure has been modified by another user). Plane manager Opens the plane manager. Create Fileset Creates new filesets. Fileset Filter Opens a dialog box in which you can apply a filter to define which filesets are displayed based on attributes you select. For more information, see Filter projects, drawing files, filesets and layouts using attributes. Jump to the last active fileset Displays the fileset you selected last. Set/delete bookmark Places or deletes a bookmark for the drawing file/fileset selected. Jump to the next bBookmark Goes to the next drawing file/fileset marked with a bookmark. Jump to the previous bookmark Goes to the previous drawing file/fileset marked with a bookmark. Delete all bookmarks Deletes all bookmarks. / Mark locked drawing files, filesets on/off Specifies whether locked drawing files and filesets (i.e. drawing files and filesets opened by another user) are marked with a symbol or
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not. The name of the user is displayed when you click Properties on the shortcut menu. This option is only available when workgroup is installed. Options You can use this tool to make basic settings for the Open on a project-specific basis: drawing files from fileset/building structure dialog box. For example, you can specify the size of the icons displayed. For more information, see Options. Drawing File Filter Opens a dialog box in which you can apply a filter to define which drawing files are displayed based on attributes you select. For more information, see Filtering drawing files, filesets and layouts. Determine drawing file size Displays the size of drawing files in KB.
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Understanding Layers
Layers provide an additional means of applying a structure - within drawing files. Metaphorically speaking, a layer is a transparency on which design elements belonging to a specific category (load-bearing walls, non-bearing walls) are drawn. Layers can be set so that they are visible or hidden. The use of layers obviates the need for frequent switching between drawing files and they ensure that associative elements - such as wall dimensions or sill elevation labels - reside in the same drawing file and yet can still be hidden from view. Layers are important organizational elements. Their importance increases the more people are involved in a project and the more a CAD system is used for the specialist design processes. Layers do not replace drawing files. Rather, they complement them.
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Task-oriented approach
For individual disciplines or design phases like, for example, designing the office arrangement in an administrative building, the same reference drawing files and current drawing file are required for each floor. As you work, you need to switch between the floors frequently. If you work with layers, you do not need to reassemble the necessary drawing files each time or create filesets with each new project. Just define the layer sets you need for certain design phases/disciplines and store these as an office-specific standard. You can reuse the layer sets time and again even in new projects.
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Data access
In the case of data organization with layers,, all the data is in one drawing file (i.e. in one file). This means that only one user at a time can access the data. To facilitate concurrent activity, the data which needs to be available to several users at the same time must be arranged on different drawing files.
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If you find that you often require the same combination of visible and hidden layers (for dimensioning or labeling at certain scales, for example), then it is best to define what is known as a layer set. You can also use layer sets when assembling your layout later on so that only the visible layers are printed out. Tip: Right click an element and, on the shortcut menu, select Modify Layer Status and then Isolate Element Layer to hide all the layers with the exception of the layer on which the element clicked is located. Note: You can configure the program to display all the elements on frozen layers using a single color by activating the check box in the Display area of the Layer dialog box.
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structure. The layer structure consists of the following three hierarchic levels: The first level describes the layer category (e.g., ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING). The second level is divided into special fields within the category (e.g., Design, Room). The third level consists of the layers themselves. Every layer has a full (long) name with a detailed explanation of the contents. Each layer also has an abbreviated name (e.g. Ceiling, RO_CE).
The current layer's abbreviation is displayed on the Format toolbar. The layer's full name is shown in the ToolTips of the Select, Set Layers list box. When you create a project, you can specify whether you want to use the layer structure of the office standard or a project-specific layer structure. See Using project resources. You can save layer structures as named files and retrieve them later when needed. If you have assigned linestyles, they are saved together with the layer structure (with the same file name plus the extension .sty). When retrieving a saved layer structure, you can decide whether to use the relevant linestyle file.
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Explanation
The layer on which you draw. Elements in this layer are visible and can be modified. Elements in this layer are visible but cannot be modified. Elements in this layer are not visible and cannot be modified.
You can tell which rights the current privilege set has by the color of the icons bottom: yellow = edit right, gray = viewing right only -> cannot be set to modifiable). The color of the icons top shows the current visibility status. You can restrict access to layers in the Select Layer/Visibility tab. For example, you can change the status of layers from Modifiable to Visible, frozen. Layer access rights also depend on the privilege set to which a user belongs. Privilege sets are required when there are several users working on different levels within the layer hierarchy. This ensures that the layers which serve as the basis for a design are not changed by users unless their privilege set has the explicit right to do so. Consequently, you cannot assign a higher status to layers (for example, set hidden layers to modifiable) when you belong to a privilege set that is not granted full access rights to the relevant layers.
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Format properties can be matched in three ways: You can make these settings in the Format Definition tab. Format properties are not matched: each new element assumes the properties that are current on the Format toolbar. Copy to Format toolbar as a proposed value is enabled: when you create an element, the properties that are assigned to the current layer are set on the Format toolbar. The format properties of the element can be modified when you create it (on the Format toolbar) and later on (using Modify Format Properties). The layer is not associated with the element; in other words, later modification of the layers format properties has no effect on the elements to which this layer is assigned. From layer in a fixed manner is enabled: depending on the setting you make for Assign, use linestyle, the following two options are available: Assign, use linestyle disabled: you can define the layers format properties individually. Assign, use linestyle enabled: the layers format properties are adopted from a linestyle. For more information, see Using linestyles.
With this setting, the layers format properties are used for new elements. The format properties cannot be modified either at Modify creation time (on the Format toolbar) or later (using Format Properties). You can only change them by modifying the format properties of the layer. The element is associated with the layers format properties in a fixed manner. When you change the format properties of the layer later, the format properties of all the elements to which this layer is assigned change accordingly. Instead of the current settings, From Layer is displayed on the Format toolbar and in the Format Properties dialog box. Note: When working with pen thickness and line color of text as well as pen thickness, linetype and line color of dimension lines and dimension text, you have to take into account special conditions that control the assignment of pen thickness and line color and that override the From Layer property.
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User interface
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Preview (C)
A preview of the currently selected document (drawing file, layout) is displayed in the preview area. To move the preview, click it with the middle mouse button and drag. To zoom in on an area in the preview, open a selection rectangle using the left mouse button. Double-clicking with the middle mouse button restores the preview to its original size. Alternatively, press the * key on the number pad. To display in an isometric view: use the number keys on the number pad. Check that the Num Lock key is active as you do so.
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Sorted in ascending order (arrow points upwards) and according to drawing name
Sorted in descending order (arrow points downwards) and according to drawing name
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Selecting documents
To manipulate several documents in a single operation (to copy or move them, for example), you need to select them first. The following methods are available for selecting documents: To select a single document, click it. To select a series of non-adjacent documents, press and hold down the CTRL key and click the documents.
Tip: You can also use key combinations to select documents. For example, you can quickly select all the entries in a list by selecting the first document in the list and then pressing SHIFT+CTRL+END.
To select a range of drawing files, click the first drawing file in the range, then press the SHIFT key and click the last drawing file in the range at the same time. Alternatively, open a selection rectangle encompassing the documents you want to select.
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A company logo and address is displayed in the header and footer of a report. The program ships with the logo and address of Nemetschek AG but, of course, you can replace this information with your own logo and address: To replace the logo displayed in the header, enter your company logo in the rptlogo.bmp file in the nem\Allplan \etc folder. The logo is resized to a size of 120x120 pixels in the report. You need to make this change at each workstation. To modify the information displayed in the footer, start Allplan , click Tools Defaults Office name and address and enter relevant information. If you are working on a network using workgroup manager, only the administrator (sysadm) can make these entries or changes.
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MicroStation files (.dgn) Allklima files (.hls) HPGL2 files (for import only) Spirit files (for import only, requirements). SVG files (or export only) ODX batch files (.ncb). See Using batch files
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To convert files
1 Click Import to start the import.
2 In the Open dialog box, select a file type, folder and the file(s) you want to convert. 3 Click Open. Allplan starts the automatic assignment.
4 Start the conversion by clicking OK. Note: To check or modify the assignments, click Modify. 5 Then check the log file.
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Import the data and move it towards the origin using the Move tool provided in Allplan.
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Important: Using an offset is usually the better solution: Point coordinates are measured correctly and they are not changed. This is particularly important when exporting the data again. The offset that is set is automatically taken into account when exporting and importing. Moving data always changes the coordinates themselves. Use this option only when you do not have to export the data again.
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Unit
Depending on whether your colleague is using m, cm or mm, they will enter 1.0, 100.0 or 1000.0 when drawing a one-meter line. With the Unit parameter, you indicate to the program whether the value is to be interpreted as mm, cm, dm, etc. During import: This is where you set the unit with which the file being converted (the source file) was created. During export: This is where you set the unit with which the exported file (the destination file) is to be further edited. Contact the person with whom you are exchanging data to find out which unit they are using in their files. The reason for this is that in the case of coordinate and length entries, only the figure is present and not the unit. In DWG/DXF files, the elements can be stored in any unit. Note: In some systems, the unit in which lengths and coordinates are saved is predefined and must therefore not be altered here. In Allplan, lengths and coordinates are always saved as mm, regardless which unit was used when the data was entered. To account for different units, use the Resizing factor parameter (see below). Another option is to remove the unit saved together with a file (see "Entfernen einer fest gespeicherten Einheit aus DWG- oder DXF-Dateien" on page Fehler! Textmarke nicht definiert.). Note: The unit the destination system saves in is always predefined and is based on the destination system in question. For conversions to Allplan, for example, data is always saved using the unit mm; for conversions to AutoCAD the unit is always m.
Plan scale
This is where you set the reference scale with which the file being converted was created. The plan scale controls text size, text spacing, the size of point symbols, linetype definitions and hatching definitions. Note: Depending on the source and destination system, it is not always possible to change the plan scale. For example, when exporting from Allplan, the current drawing file scale is displayed and cannot be altered.
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Resizing factor
You can use this to enlarge (>1) or reduce (<1) coordinates and length values in the data being converted. This parameter is always available. For more information, see Resizing factors.
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defined by special names that indicate the direction of conversion and the systems. (For example, the standard configuration file for conversion from Allplan to AutoCAD is: nx_ALLFT_AutoCAD.CFG). You can also create your own configuration files.
Theme files end in .nth and they are saved to the users data exchange folder \usr\local\i_o. Note: You can use the @THEME_FILE xxx.nth command (with or without path) in .ncb batch files, too. When you do not specify a path, this command is applied to the folder you selected last using SOURCE_DIR. Note: Click the Save button to save the settings you have made for each conversion direction (e.g. AutoCAD -> Allplan, Allplan -> AutoCAD) in the registry.
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Resolve and export layouts Created file(s) A single file. If Layouts / XRef Files is enabled: each document becomes a group. If Convert XRef to smart symbol is enabled: each document becomes a block.
Export layouts as complex elements Export to model space: a separate file is created as an external reference (Xref) for each document and a main document is created for the layout. The individual documents are always created as .dwg-format files. Export to paper space: a single file; each document becomes a separate viewport. Depending on the setting in the Elements to explode area Depending on the setting in the Elements to explode area Depending on the setting in the Elements to transfer area
Explode elements (in doucments) Explode elements (in layouts) Filter elements (in doucments)
Always Depending on the setting in the Elements to explode area Disable the relevant options in the Plot Layouts tool, Plot elements area and enable the Visible data option for the export. Depending on the setting in the Elements to transfer area Yes (regardless of the setting made in the Transfer area) If Convert XRef to smart symbol is enabled: if a document is placed several times with different clip boundaries, it may happen that the document is always placed in a clipped or unclipped state in AutoCad. Model space
Filter elements (in layouts) Consider clip boundaries (using layout windows, for example)
Depending on the setting in the Elements to transfer area Export to model space: No Export to paper space: yes
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Move Image (in normal viewports only) Moves the elements displayed. Click Move Image and hold down the mouse button and click the start and end point for the move. You can also move the elements by pressing and holding down the middle mouse button and then dragging. Double-clicking with the middle mouse button moves the elements back to their original position. Rotate Rotates the preview by 90 in a counter-clockwise direction. scale Defines the scale at which the elements are displayed. To enter a scale, click in the field, specify a scale (all you need to do is enter a value, 33, for example) and press ENTER to confirm. Margins Displays all margins as lines. You can move these lines by dragging and dropping them - this way, you can increase or reduce the margins. Print Preview Options Defines options for the print preview in a dialog box. For more information, see 'Print Preview Options' dialog box. Print Prints out the document displayed on screen. The printer selected in Print Setup is used. Set up printer Use this to select and configure a printer. The first time you open the print preview, the standard Windows printer is used. Export PDF File Use this to export the elements displayed as a PDF file. For more information, see 'Export PDF File' dialog box. Help Provides help on the print preview.
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Close Click Close to exit the print preview and to return to the usual workspace. You can also press ESC to quit the print preview.
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color printer, the colors print out as they are currently displayed on screen. Use color 1 for elements in reference drawing files When this option is active, all elements in reference drawing files appear in black. This applies regardless whether the Use the same Global color for elements in reference drawing files option (in Options) is enabled or not. Otherwise, color printers print out the elements in reference drawing files using the colors which are visible on screen Format When you check the Define format box, you can choose between Portrait and Landscape. This setting only apples when you print straight from the print preview and does not affect the standard printer setting. Print animation window in high resolution Please note the following: You should only enable this check box if your computer is equipped with a fast processor and enough RAM. In addition, check that your printer has enough memory, too. You should disable this check box if printing is very slow and the result does not suit your requirements.
Margins tab On the Margins tab, you can define the width of the margins and of the header and footer. All values are entered in mm. In addition, you can specify where the screen contents are displayed after starting the print preview. You do not need to open the Print Preview Options dialog box if you want to change the width of the margins. All you need to do is display the margins by clicking Margins and change their width by dragging and dropping them. Left, Right, Top, Bottom Use this to set the width of the margins. Header, Footer This is where you define the distance of the header and footer from the upper and lower page boundaries.
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Default position Use this to specify where the screen contents are displayed after starting the print preview. Bottom left: the screen contents are displayed at bottom left. Centered: the screen contents are centered. Current view: the screen contents are displayed as they currently appear in Allplan.
Show margins When you activate this check box, a border indicating the margins and the header and footer is applied to the printout. Large icons When you enable this check box, large icons are displayed. Reset This button resets the values in this dialog box to their defaults. The default values are: Left=0, Right=0, Top=0, Bottom=0, Header=10, Footer=10. In addition, the default position is restored. Header and footer tab On the Header and footer tab, you can define the text which is to appear in the header and/or footer. You can enter any text in the data entry box. You can also insert Allplan attributes (project name, drawing name, office name, date etc.). In addition, you can add bitmaps (e.g. company logo). Text entry box Use this to enter text, which can consist of several lines. The text is cut when it exceeds the maximum width or height of the header/footer. font Use this to set a font and formatting (e.g. font and size) for the header and/or footer. You can use all the TrueType fonts installed on your system. The formatting applies to the entire header and/or footer.
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Alignment of text Use this to specify how the text is to be aligned in the horizontal direction. You cannot make any settings for the vertical direction. The setting you make here does not apply to bitmaps. Bitmap This opens the Associate with bitmap dialog box, in which you can add a bitmap (e.g. a company logo) as a .bmp -format file to the header or footer or remove a bitmap you have already inserted. The bitmap is resized so that it fits in the header and/or footer. Attributes This is where you can select an Allplan attribute and insert it in the header or footer by double-clicking. The attribute is inserted at the current position of the cursor. To delete an attribute which you have inserted beforehand, select it in the text entry box and press DEL. Note: You can specify the number of decimal places for the Scale attribute. You can enter up to nine decimal places. For two decimal places, enter the following: &[scale,2] When you do not enter anything, no decimal places are displayed. Show header and footer Use this check box to define whether the contents of the header and footer are displayed and printed out or not.
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Procedure:
1 Use Layout Editor (Standard toolbar) to switch to the Plot Layout module. Layout Border to position the border of the layout 2 Use within the inner boundary of the layout sheet. Layout Element or NDW Layout Element to place 3 Use documents and filesets within the layout border. 4 Use Label to place a label (a title block, for example).
5 Place text, dimension lines and primitives in the layout. (This is optional.) 6 Use Plot Layouts to print the plan. You can also select the output device and the paper size here. Note: It is advisable to save the label using a 1:1 reference scale.
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Windows drivers
If you are using Windows drivers, you can access any plotter or printer that has been configured under Windows just as you would from any other Windows application. This means that the output devices can be selected directly in Allplan and you can make printer and document settings there, too. When you use HP DesignJets and compatible printers, raster drivers can be purchased for printing out large-format and complex layouts. As the new element types, which can only be output using Windows drivers, are being used increasingly, Windows drivers are becoming more and more important.
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Components of a layout
The illustration below shows you the main components of a layout in Allplan: Layout sheet Layout Border Text in layout You can add text, dimension lines and design entities to layouts. These elements are only dislayed in the relevant layout.
The outer border defines the size You can choose from several predefined layout borders or of the selected layout sheet, define your own ones. while the inner border defines the printable area (layout sheet minus device margins).
Layout size Information on the height, width and area of the layout border is provided between the outer and inner borders.
Title block
Drawing files can be placed individually You can use label styles that update automatically to or as a fileset in layouts. NDW files, however, can only be placed individually. reflect alterations you make. To achieve congruent placements, all you need to do is click in a document you have already placed.
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This is usually the easiest approach: As opposed to layout sections, it is not necessary to create an original layout from which to cut a section to create a new layout. Additional documents can subsequently be inserted in a layout window.
You can use the Crop Layout module to 'cut' the oversize layout into a number of sections.
Use this option when you want to create layouts in addition to the original one. the section is not to be perpendicular to the layout. you want to create a site plan-specific layout border.
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Printing in the Plot Layout module: activate the Surface elements in background of each document option in the Plot Layouts tool, Selection tab. Printing with Print: activate the Surface elements in Show/Hide.
Printing in the Plot Layout module: scanned images always print in the background (within a drawing file). Printing with Print: scans are printed in the foreground Show/Hide.
Sequence in which documents and other elements in the layout print out
Documents are printed out first and then all the other elements directly placed in the layout (title blocks, symbols, fills created in the Draft module). In other words, these elements hide all the documents. You can only control this sequence by saving the elements placed directly in the layout in a document (see above: Sequence with several documents).
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just prior to printing. Plot Layouts, Settings tab, click thePen and color In assignments button. In the More settings area, you can switch between Print in color, Line colors using shades of gray and Line colors in black. When set to Line colors using shades of gray or Line colors in black, lines are displayed using shades of gray or in black/white and fills displayed in color. When set to Print in color, all elements (lines and fills) are displayed in color.
Creating plotfiles
Instead of printing out your layout, you can print it to file (known as a plotfile). The data, which is otherwise sent directly to the output device and processed there, is written to a file which can be printed out at any time. The plotfile created can be sent to a service bureau for printing or you can print it out later using Print Plotfiles and Archives. When creating the plotfile, please check that you have selected the printer on which the file will later be printed out. The procedure is different depending on whether you are using Nemetschek drivers or Windows drivers. Tip: The Export HPGL File, Bitmap File tool provides a comfortable way of creating plotfiles for the most common types of plotter as you do not need to define printers and/or output channels for this tool.
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Index
.
.bak files 45
A
access rights 154 to layers 154 activate and quit tools 41 adjust units when converting 167 advantages of data organization using layers 148 apply hatching apply pattern or fill 100 array length 90 assignments 169 overview 169 save in configuration files 169 auxiliary point for offset (shortcut menu when entering points) 87
basics 83 Clipboard 47 basics 47 color output of layouts 191 colors 60 basics 60 COM navigation 42 components of a layout 186 configuration files use 169 configuration toolbars 37 controlling the display on screen 50 coordinate offset 166 coordinates enter 73 copy and move across documents use .bak Files 45 copyright 2 correct errors 43 create plotfiles 192 cursor snap symbols 75
B
base of perpendicular (shortcut menu when entering points) 87 behavior of overlapping elements 188 behind another element 57 bitmaps 172 export 172 bitmaps as OLE objects 121 bracket feature for selecting elements 70 bring to front 57 building lists 137 create project structure 137
D
define elements pen thickness, linetype and line color 58 DGN file 173 dialog box open on a project-specific basis - files and filesets 143 dialog line 34 disadvantages of data organization using layers 149 display format properties on screen 53 display list 50 display sequence 54, 55, 56, 57 define 54
C
calculator 83
196
Index modify sequence element property 57 sequence element property 55 values for sequence element property 56 division point (shortcut menu when entering points) 87 document 133 drag handles 94, 95, 96, 97 drawing aids 99 drawing file status 132 drawing files 131, 132, 143, 149 information on current document 133 open on a project-specific basis dialog box 143 relationship with layers 149 status 132 understanding drawing files 131 DXF/DWG/DGN files export bitmaps 172 export layouts 173 export scanned images 172
Allplan 2008 selected elements 70 filter assistant 71 overview 71 filter options in filter assistant 71 flyouts 21 format properties 64 colors 60 display on screen 53 FromLayer 63 get from layer 64 line colors 60 linetypes 60 pen thickness 59 FromLayer (format property) 63 use 63
G
grid 79
H
handles 94, 95, 96, 97 hatching styles 100, 102 architectural components 107 constant in plan 103 scale 102 scale-based adjustment in plan 105 scale-based display 102 Hotline tips create plotfiles 192
E
edit elements using handles 97 edit OLE objects 122 edit XRefs 125 embed OLE objects 121 enter length values 73 enter length values and coordinates 73 enter polyline 99 export 172 bitmaps 172 file types 164 layouts 173 external path 119
I
import file types 164 files with large coordinates 166 large coordinates 166 in front of another element 57 information 133 information on current document 133 input options 38 intelligent cursor (CursorTips) 75 interfaces export layouts 173
F
file types for import and export 164 fill 100 filter 70, 71 filter assistant 71
Manual
Index
197 basics 66 linetypes 60 basics 60 link OLE objects 121 lock coordinate (shortcut menu when entering points) 87
L
labeling pen thickness and line color 60 last point (shortcut menu when entering points) 87 layer sets 151 use 151 layer visibility 152 in doucments 152 layers 147, 149 advantages of data organization using layers 148 define layer on which to design 150 disadvantages of data organization using layers 149 general Information 147 layer access rights 154 layer sets 151 match layers' format properties 64 privilege set 151 relationship with drawing files 149 set visibility in documents 152 structure 152 work with layer structures 152 layouts 173, 182, 183 assemble 182 components 186 export 173 general 182 place portions of documents in layouts 187 print in color 191 sequence in which elements and documents print 188 line colors 60 basics 60 linear snap 78 linear snap function 78 linestyles 66
M
menus 32 midpoint (shortcut menu when entering points) 87 modules 39 modules palette 24
N
Nemetschek drivers 183 general Information 183
O
office standard 119 offset 166 use for import/export 166 offset by radius (shortcut menu when entering points) 87 OLE objects bitmaps 121 edit 122 embed 121 link 121 restrictions 123 transparency 122 use OLE objects 120 one level to the back 57 one level to the front 57 open on a project-specific basis (tool) 130 orientation in program, the modules 39
P
paths 119 pattern 100, 108 architectural components 111 constant in plan 109 scale 108 scale-based adjustment in plan 110
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Index scale-based display 108 pen thickness 59 basics 59 place portions of documents in layouts 187 plot 183 color output 191 sequence of elements and documents 188 plot profiles basics 193 plotfiles 192 general notes on creating plotfiles 192 point assistant 80 point entry array length 90 dialog 84 overview 83 shortcut menu 87 point of intersection (shortcut menu when entering points) 87 point snap 75 align 78 intelligent cursor (CursorTips) 75 point snap methods 80 point snap with left mouse button 77 point symbol (shortcut menu when entering points) 87 polyline entry tools 99 basic rules 99 overview 99 precision drawing 73 print print preview 175 raster driver 184 print preview load options 180 options 177 overview of tools 175 save options 181 print preview (tools) 175 private 119 privilege set 151
Allplan 2008 project structure for building lists 137 prototype files 171 use 171
R
raster driver 184, 185 basics 184 enable 184 set properties 185 reference point (shortcut menu when entering points) 87
S
save components as favorites 113 save settings as favorites in dialog boxes 112 save your work 44 scanned image 172 export 172 select 67, 68 elements 67 select elements by clicking 68 select elements by entering region 69 send to back 57 sequence 54, 55, 56, 57 shortcut menu 33, 42 show/hide tools in viewport border of animation window 51 smart symbols 115, 116, 118 components 116 general approach for defining smart symbols 118 properties 116 what are smart symbols? 115 status bar 35 structure and manage data 127 structures 130 use 130 symbols use 114
T
text
Manual
Index pen thickness and line color 60 theme files use 170 title bar 21 toolbars 21, 36, 37 basic tools 36 configuration toolbars 37 window 51 transparency of OLE objects 122
U
use bracket feature to select elements 70 use configuration files 169 use CursorTips 75 use drawing aids 74 use grid 79 use handles 94, 95, 96 use linestyles 66 use OLE objects 120 use prototype files 171 use shortcut menu 42 use structures 130 use symbols 114 use theme files 170 useful aids 80 dialog line 80 shortcut menu 80 user interface 20
W
Windows drivers 183 general Information 183 wizard 97 general information 97 work with projects, drawing files and layers in project-specific manner 40
X
XRef 124, 126 comparison between normal and advanced XRefs 126 edit 125 use 124
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