Using the Screen Capture Tool to Create a Picture, Backdrop, Material, or Image


Reference Number: KB-00791
Last Modified: December 5, 2023

The information in this article applies to:

Chief Architect Premier or Chief Architect Interiors



QUESTION

What does the Screen Capture tool do and how do I use it?


ANSWER

The Screen Capture tool allows you to add backdrops, images, and materials directly to the library, as well as create picture objects. You can capture screens from within Chief Architect, from a web page, or in other programs.  


To create a screen capture

  1. Select Tools> Screen Capture> Screen Capture Setup .


  2. In the Screen Capture Setup dialog that appears, select an appropriate option in the Save Capture As section.

    Screen Capture Setup dialog

    • Picture creates a picture object that appears on screen immediately. 

    • Backdrop creates a backdrop image that can be displayed in the background of 3D views. When a backdrop is captured it will appear in the User Catalog.

    • Material creates a material that can be applied to surfaces. When a material is captured it will appear in the User Catalog.

    • Image creates an image item that can be used as a Billboard image or as an image that always faces the camera. When an image is captured it will appear in the User Catalog.

    • Check the Hide Chief Architect While Capturing box to capture content outside of the program. For example, you may want to check this option if you're capturing an image from a website or from a photo viewing program.

      If you're using a Mac, you may have to grant Chief Architect access to record your screen. If you deny the program access, Chief Architect will be unable to capture any content outside of the program. This can further be controlled in the system preferences. To learn more, please access the appropriate Apple resource below:


      The settings in the Screen Capture Setup dialog are retained and will be used whenever you use the Screen Capture tool - until you change them.



  3. Click the Capture button when you are ready to proceed.  


  4. Click and drag a selection marquee of the item you wish to capture.

    Capturing an image of a house


  5. To create another screen capture of the same type, select Tools> Screen Capture> Capture Screen  from the menu. 


To use a captured backdrop

  1. Select Edit> Default Settings , expand the Camera Tools category, select a camera tool you would like to apply a backdrop to, then click Edit.


  2. On the Backdrop panel of the Defaults dialog that displays, click the Select Backdrop button.  


  3. In the Select Library Object dialog that displays, select the backdrop you captured, which is located in the User Catalog, and click OK.

    This image will now be used as the backdrop for any views created using this camera tool.


To use a captured material

  1. Select an object that you want to apply the captured material to and click the Open Object  edit button.  


  2. On the Materials panel of the object's specification dialog, click on the name of the object part that you want to apply the material to. 


  3. Click the Select Material button to display the Select Material dialog and choose the material you want to use from the User Catalog.


  4. Click OK to close the specification dialog and apply your change.


To use a captured image

  1. Select View> Library Browser  from the menu to open the Library Browser if it's not already open.  


  2. Browse to the User Catalog, right-click on the imported image and select Rename to give it a descriptive name.

    Note: On a Mac, hold down the Control key while clicking to initiate a right-click command. More information about right-click commands on Apple input devices can be found in the following Apple resource: Right-click on Mac.

  3. Once you have renamed the image, you can select it and click in the plan to place it.