rockyshepheard

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.

35 minutes ago, tommy1 said:

Yes, but do you know how to do it in Chief?

When you draw a line in an elevation and want to convert it to a molding, I believe the only option you have is to convert it to a 3D molding. Not looking at the program right now. When drawing a line in plan view, you have the option of deciding which kind of molding you want it to be (plain or 3D). Things will edit differently depending on the view it was drawn in. I personally don't like to use 3D molding poly lines unless I have to.

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.

5 minutes ago, Archnot-Boltz said:

Chief won't dimension to 32's. Your dimensions would need to be 5'-0 15/32" which Chief doesn't do. We've been asking for an EQ (Equal) dimension override for years.

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'. 

48 minutes ago, tommy1 said:

That's how I would have approached doing this. Easier to dimension and shape for me.

question is on image.

test.plan

10 hours ago, Chopsaw said:

Yes essentially a polyline sketched over the symbol in elevation view and then converted to a 3D Molding Polyline.

 

Just trying to figure out your extents issue.  Do you remember what you were working on before that warning came up ?

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

15 hours ago, glennw said:

 

Rocky,

This is standard behaviour.

You can't change the length of a line by selecting the dimension.

But...you can change the length of a wall by selecting it's dimension.

 

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?

3 minutes ago, Chopsaw said:

 

Found it.  That was really messing your camera views up on you.

 

Thanks  a lot! 

37 minutes ago, Chopsaw said:

Likely a 3D molding Polyline would work if you want to define the bottom of the arch so that it stands out from the background.

 

Something like this ?

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.

8 minutes ago, tommy1 said:

Rocky, if you select the line and then hit the dimension string and nothing happens, that generally means that the dimension string is not going to the line you selected. If you select the line and move your cursor over a dimension string, then you'll see a little hand telling you that the dimension string is associated with that line or object (in general).

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.

53 minutes ago, Kbird1 said:

You really need to start using the Ref.Manual Rocky .....and/or hit F1 all the time........ otherwise you are just driving your own frustration level higher and higher....... 

 

 

 

Hey...look at me...I finally figured out what the quot button was for. Re the book. Yes, it's time I bit th bullet and began reading the manual. I am ready even though I have a bad metallic taste in my mouth with the $2750 CA price tag. I'm hoping I can at least recoup that much.

Is the manual available in book form?