Joe_Carrick

Bernie, I will set up a macro for you to add to a Layout Box Label that will provide the full qualified path to your Plan as a $Global variable accessible from macros in the Plan or Layout. The attributes that have been added in X9 are: floor_number (all objects) layer_set (all objects) function (rooms) countertop_overhang_left, right, front, back (cabinets) There may be a couple more but I haven't found them yet. The Object Information Panel fields (Code, Comment, Description & Manufacturer) have been added to several Objects but not all. They correspond to the same fields that are in the Components dbx but are now persistent and can be edited in the Object dbx. They can no longer be edited in the Component dbx. This allows further customization of Labels by inserting key data in any of those fields that is not being used in a Schedule. I'm hoping there will be additional attributes in the final X9 release but I really don't know if that will be true or not.

Bernie, The Plan File path (Full File Name) is an attribute referenced_full_filename of each Layout Box. That's the only way to get that data. It can be saved in a Global variable by inserting a user macro in the Layout Box Label.

OK, This one will be an interesting discussion because there are a variety of ways to accomplish it - particularly for the room by room basis.

I think all you need to do is go into the CAD Defaults and check "Quadrant Bearing" or "Azimuth Bearing" - depending on the format you want.

Simply create a new Wall Type for the Glass. It needs to have a 1st layer ("Opening, No Material") with a thickness to offset the glass from the main layer of the Pony Wall.

If there are any changes between now and the final release, anything you are working on in the X9 Beta would still work. If CA has to change the Plan file format, they automatically update an existing Plan to the new format when opened and subsequently saved in the latest version.

For the GTM on Friday, it would be helpful if everyone could give a brief description of what you would like to see or have covered. Some of the macros that I can demo will only work in X9 because of some new attributes & features CA has made available. Door/Window Labels different for Floor Plans vs Framing Plans Automatic Plan Name depending on Floor and Plan Type Drawing Scale depending on Layer Set OTOH, there is a lot that doesn't require X9 Area Analysis using closed Polylines Roof Areas (Tables showing a variety of information for each Roof Plane) Living Areas (per Floor and Totals) Framing Labels (Plans and Wall Details) Ceiling Heights per Floor It will not be possible to go into a lot of detail for everything in just 1 hour but I will be able to show a lot of the above. If you have any specific questions beyond that I will be happy to answer as time permits.

Larry, Don't worry about it. This is a detail that I've never seen used in Southern California - so it's not something you should be concerned with.

Scott, 3:00 pm on Friday works for me.

Never mind, I think it was a part of the dreaded relationship between Layer Sets and Active Defaults. There are some sneaky things going on with Text, Dimensions, Callouts and Markers. Any of which will be created using the Text Style specified in Active Defaults, completely irrespective of the Text Style specified for the layer. OTOH, Labels will automatically match what is specified in the Layer. I am going to need to add a bunch of Layer Sets to get the results I want.

You are wrong my friend. If a Layer in the Layer Set has that in the "Text Style Column. It will use the "Active Default Text Style". In fact, if you change the "Active Default" any Text on that Layer will change instantly.

We can specify the Text Styles for Text, Dimensions, Markers & Callouts in the Annosets / Active Defaults. Then in the Layer Set we can set each Layer to "Default Text Style". The Layers will use whatever is specified in Active Defaults. This works well in terms of using the correct text style. However, when a Text Object is examined the attribute layer_text_style simply returns "Default Text Style" rather than the name of the Text Style. I name my Text Styles with a size and scale as follows: 1/8" Arial - 1/8" Scale 1/8" Arial - 1/4" Scale etc. There are some layers (specifically LABEL layers) that the Text Style may need to be different. Currently those need to be specified in the Layer Set since there are no settings available in the Annosets for Labels. I would like to be able to: Set a "Label Default Text Style" that could be used in the Layer Sets Be able to examine the Text Object attribute layer_text_style and get the underlying name vs "Default Text Style" or "Label Default Text Style". IOW: 1/8" Arial - 1/8" Scale as set in Active Defaults Have access in user Text Macros to the "Active Default Values"

In 2D it will just show like a Drawer.

Since we now have the ability to show Drawers open in Plan and 3D it would be a lot easier for them to do. I've also requested that Pullout Trays should look more realistic both in 3D and in Sections.

Have you sent it in as a suggestion?

Thanks DM. I went to 3D Warehouse and downloaded them earlier. My Plan is to keep a Plan with the Pullouts that I can add Door Symbols to and create whatever Door Symbol I need. With the y-origin offset set properly they will show open or closed perfectly as a Drawer.

How much ? PayPal account is chriscoll@dslextreme.com

Larry, At some point you will need to draw that Foundation Wall or edit the Wall Height in a 3D View.

That's what I thought Do you have the pullouts available without the Fronts or would I need to use the Delete Surface Tool to get to that point?

Larry, In the 2nd Line of the Structure Tab set the Top of the Stem Wall Elevation to -18"

Which one? OIP Panel in some Items? Wall Niche? Room Types? Something else....................

Larry, It's the same as it's been in the past. Carefully review the Help File - then play with the Tool until you get confused. I appreciate Michael's videos but he's spending a lot of time creating videos that CA should be providing. btw, The Help for the new Draw Order Edit Tools isn't up to date. I'm still seeing the version for X8.

FWIW, as much as I like what CA has done in X9 to improve Text Macros, the speed-up of Pan/Zoom in 3D View for the various render types is really super.

Dave, Can the Door/Drawer Style on them be changed?

I have found that un-blocking a CAD Block can cause a disconnect of Leader Lines from their Text in certain cases. It doesn't happen in all cases but when it does it is repeatable. I have reported it as a bug - waiting to hear from CA about a fix.