rockyshepheard

Thank you for your suggestions. I suppose the reason I didn't use a door is because (as far as I know) CA cannot combine a tudor arch with a round arch (essentially the structure whose heals sit on top of two columns. If CA can achieve that, I need to know about it. When you say why not start with a 3D polyline, I have not found a drawing tool called that. I had to do a lot of digging even after people told me how to do it, to accomplish it, since it's a lot of menu picks. Maybe my menus are not set up like everyone else's. Too bad the menu isn't set up like... Sketch 3D Polyline Polyline Primatives Points Splines Bezier Curves etc. Then, I know I want to create a shape so I pick one. The way I see it now, the line, arch circle, box and spline seem to be right there as if to say start with these. I'm wondering why there isn't an icon for a 3D polyline along with those. I am in the process of reading the manual so I know I'm showing my ignorance of most of it. I feel I'm getting better with each job and definitely appreciate how generous everyone in this forum has been. Rocky

Here's how to make a 3D Molding Polyline object. 1. In 2D make a cross section that is perpendicular to the object face you wish to add to. 2. Use the drawing tool to create a path for a section (you will pick in the step 5). 3. Right click on the polyline and select "convert CURVE TO polyline". 4. Adjust number of sections. 5. Double click on polyline. 4. Select "3D molding polyline". 5. Select a molding section from the library and click ok. 6. You won't see it in the cross section but you will in the 3D. (Note...it may be hidden behind another object so you'll have to adjust the y variable to get it in correct location.

I dont see the adjust number of sides box after I convert to polyline. How did you adjust?

I tried redoing it as an arc as opposed to a line (and convert to arc tool). I can't get it to be more than 4 segments.

Yes. Thanks to you and Tommy. The only thing I'm missing is how to increase the number of segments so it looks like a smooth arch. If I open the object can I modify it after the fact or must I start from scratch? I could not understand what you meant re the dimension for the events text. Why would a dimension that is small cause that error? Thanks!

Made some progress. 1. In 2D make a cross section that is perpendicular to the object face you wish to add to. 2. Use the drawing tool to create a path for a section (you will pick in the step 5). 3. Right click on the polyline and select "convert polyline". 4. Select "3D molding polyline". 5. Select a molding from the library and click ok.

Chopsaw managed it somehow but it sounds like one of those things that takes about 20 steps and I have been unable to draw the first 3D polyline. The software should just let you draw on any 3D object in 3D view.

I don't see any /32s on the drawing. But beside that my question is why are both the two angles exactly the same. There is no reason for them to be different.

Would you not INCREASE the segments to make it smoother? That's what you do in 3DSMAX. I am so confused on the 3D molding polyline thing. A web page I read says you can add a line in 3D view but it also says In need to make a cross section then redraw the shape even before I add the line. I'd love to see someone add it in a video to see exactly how it is achieved. In fact, it might be a great video given there are not many on this topic that apply to adding a molding to 'an existing symbol'.

question is on image. test.plan

Would you please breakdown the method? I searched for a video on 3D molding polylines and they are working in plan mode. My arc edge is not accessible in plan mode, only 3D mode. https://www.chiefarchitect.com/videos/watch/407/drawing-columns-using-molding-polylines-and-3d-solids.html

So what you are saying is the only to lengthen or shorten a line is to use to handles? Interesting. I assume your statement does not apply to objects like circles, rectangles, etc...even though these are made up of nothing but lines?

I assume that is how you created the image? Did you sketch the line over the edge of the surface of the object at its location?

All the (whatever you call them) structures with lettering on them are symbols. Made them that way so I could move them around in all three axes for placement. My issue is that the color behind them is the same as the (whatever you call them) structures such that the arch is not visible. Can anyone suggest a method of putting a white band around the arch so it stands out? Preferably done in CA. Thank you! PCPS FINAL ADD STUCCO BAND.plan

Oh, I have been using point to point.

Tommy, I create a new plan. Draw a single line. Dimension the line using snaps. Then select the line...no hand when I hover over the dimension. I would think snap would make sure I had dimensioned to the only thing in the drawing. But no. So bizarre.

I will try that. Most of the time I cannot select the dimension. I have the line highlighted and then click on the dimension. Nothing happens. Sometimes I get lucky and am allowed to change the dimension. Much more difficult then when dimensioning walls.

Could some one please sketch this for me in CA and send me the plan file? I am befuddled. I have 5 years of ProEngineer usage under my belt but I can't seem to do this in CA. The values keep changing. on me. I recall when dimensioning walls, you have to select the value you want to move then change the dimension but I don't think that applies to lines. I may finish the manual in a few months but I can't find the section on drawing shapes and not having values change. Thanks to anyone who is up for the challenge.

Is this possible?

Just figured it out. I draw a rectangle, give it thickness, go into 3D view and THEN convert to symbol. It isn't allowed in plan view obviously.

I want to draw a rectangle, extrude it and convert to symbol but it greyed out. Any idea what rigid expectations CA has for an object such that it is convertible into a symbol?

That is it. I think I have figured out the object I am trying to rotate in 3D has to be a library symbol. Trouble is when I import an exported object, it says it has not faces. But I know it was an extruded object before I exported it to dwg.

is the topic of 3D rotation. There is an icon I occasionally get which allows me to select an axis and a rotation amount. If I make a polyline solid or build face I don't see it. I typically get it when I import a 3DS file. Can someone direct me to the chapter? Thx

I heard that but It just expired and said I have buy it.