ADD PLAN AND ELEVATION DETAIL TO SIMPLE 3D FAMILY

These instruction show you how to create a simple family that has the same level of detail as a CAD 2D block.

It will appear in plans, elevations and sections (if not cut by the section), but will appear as a box in 3D.

First create a simple 3D box.

This will represents the overall size of the object you are drawing.

Refer to GUIDELINES > COMPONENT (FAMILY) CREATION > HOW TO CREATE SIMPLE 3D FAMILY

Set size parameters to match the object you are drawing.

Under Home tab, Properties panel, click on Properties button:

Edit Height, Width and Depth to match your object.

If it comes in more than one size under Family Types on upper right choose New... button.

Name it sensibly and edit sizes for each new type.

Draw front elevation.

Next create a drawing representing the front/back elevations.

Go to the Front elevation view.

Set the Work Plane;

Under Home tab, Work Plane panel, Set button,

select Name, then Reference Plane : Front.

Draw Model Lines;

Under Home tab, Model panel, Model Line button,

Select an appropriate subcategory (leave it as default if you don't know).

Select one of the drawing methods

...and start drawing.

You can lock model lines to the defining reference planes if you want. Follow same procedure as described above for Symbolic Lines.

You can also add dimensions (dimensions and text won't appear when you place a family in a project),

under Annotation tab, Dimension panel, generally use Aligned.

You can also lock those dimensions (select the dimension, click on the padlock symbol) so even if parameters change (e.g. Width, Depth) that dimension will always stay the same..

Draw side elevation.

Next create a drawing representing the left/right elevations.

The procedure is the same as doing the front elevation above.

Go to the Left elevation view.

Set the Work Plane to be Reference Plane : Left.

Use Model Lines to draw the elevation.

Copy elevations to other faces.

Copy the left elevation to the right side.

Go to Ref. Level floor plan view.

Select by window everything along the Left reference line.

Under Modify tab, Modify panel, select Mirror by axis button.

Select the center reference plane as mirror line.

If you need elevational representation from the back, do the same for the front, but this time use Mirror - Draw Axis.

Select the mid-point (pink triangle will appear) of left side, and draw axis towards right.

Create Plan representation.

Next add detail to the plan view.

Go to the Ref. Level floor plan view.

Set the Work Plane;

Under Home tab, Work Plane panel, Set button,

select Name, then Reference Plane : Top.

Under Annotation tab, Detail panel, select Model Lines.

In the Modify | Place Model Lines tab, Draw panel select the subcategory you want (leave it as default if you don't know).

Select a drawing method and draw your lines.

Check your work.

Go to the 3D view.