Libraries, Classes, and Planes

Once you have set up units, pages, the grid, and layers, you can begin to create a drawing by using the 2D and 3D drawing tools. However, you might want to add libraries and create classes and extrusion planes before you begin to draw objects. Establishing these speeds up the drawing process because you select from saved information.

Adding Library Objects and Symbols to a document

You can import saved Library Objects and Symbols to use in a DenebaCAD document. This is helpful if you use the same symbols and objects in many drawings.

For example, you will probably use the same elevation symbol in every plan you draw. You might also use the same interior door in every house you design. If this is the case, using the Library eliminates the repetitive task of creating the same symbol and door.

To add items to a Library, use the Library tool located in the toolbox. When you click the Library tool icon, the Library palette opens. Use the Add command in the pop-up menu under the right triangle button to add Library Objects and Symbols to the Library in the current document.

Doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, electrical symbols, and drawing symbols are examples of what types of Objects and Symbols should be imported into the new document.

You can refer to the Library tool in the 2D and 3D Drawing tools chapter for step-by-step procedures for adding and working with Library Objects and Symbols.

 Library palette

Library palette

 Class Manager

Organizing objects into classes

DenebaCAD lets you set up classifications of objects so that you can generate reports containing data that you enter into the class text boxes. In other words, you can classify objects and then generate reports using the classifications.

Using a house as an example, you can create hardware, plumbing and electrical classes. You can then organize the information by categories such as model, price, and color. You can then generate reports based on the specific information you need.

For example, if you need to order door knobs for the house, you can categorize door knobs under the hardware class. You can then generate a report based on the hardware class, and more specifically the model, price and quantity of the door knobs.

To do this, you set up a class system using the Class Manager. You can then assign an object to a class using the Properties Manager, and generate reports based on the object's categorizations using the Analysis Manager.

You can refer to the Window menu chapter to learn more about setting up classes with the Class Manager, and using the Properties and Analysis Managers.

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