Chief Architect Help Database - Article Number: 53
How to Move Objects Without Restrictions
The information in this article applies to:- Chief Architect X5
- Chief Architect X4
- Chief Architect X3
- Chief Architect X2
- Chief Architect X1
I've come across a number of situations where I would like to move an object such as furniture, cabinetry, or a decorative accessory to a new location but can't because other objects are in the way. How can I avoid this?
Many objects can be moved from one location to another without restrictions by holding down the Ctrl key on your keyboard. Four examples are discussed in this article:
- Moving a free-standing object through other objects in floor plan or 3D views.
- Arranging objects such as dishes, cups or books inside storage furniture or cabinets with glass doors or on shelves.
- Stacking decorative objects such as dishes, books or pillows on furniture or cabinets.
To move a free-standing object through other objects
Planning interior spaces can be done more efficiently when furniture, appliances and cabinets can be moved around freely.
- Click once on an object such as a piece of furniture, a cabinet, or an appliance to select it.
- Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and place your cursor over the Move edit handle at the center of the selected object. Your cursor icon turns into a four-headed arrow
when it is over the Move handle.
- Click and drag the object to a new location. Notice that when you begin by pressing the Ctrl key, you are able to move furniture and cabinets in any direction - as well as through other objects.
- You can move multiple objects in this manner by following these steps:
- Click on an accessory object to select it, then press the Ctrl key on your keyboard.
- With the Ctrl key held, click additional objects to add them to the selection group.
- With the Ctrl key still held, move the entire selection set using the Move
; In Version X1 and later, you can quickly turn off object bumping and pushing by selecting Edit> Snap Settings> Bumping/Pushing
from the menu.
To arrange accessories on shelves, furniture, or in cabinets
Kitchen accessories and other decorative items can be arranged inside glass-door cabinetry, in storage furniture such as hutches, or on shelves.
- Begin by placing some accessories in floor plan view. For now, choose an empty space near the cabinetry, shelves or furniture where they will finally be arranged.
- Click on an object to select it and then release the mouse, leaving the selected item highlighted. You can also hold Shift and select a group of objects.
- Hold down the Ctrl key down on your keyboard and place your cursor over the Move
- Click and drag the object into the same space as the cabinet, furniture or shelves.
- Create a Cross Section/Elevation view that shows your accessories and the furniture that they will be placed in.
- In the Cross Section/Elevation view, move each object to the desired height, using the steps described in #2-6, above. These positions of these items can also be adjusted left to right in this view.
- Depending on the type of furniture that the objects are placed in or on, you may find it necessary to raise the heights above the floor of some objects -- either in a Cross Section/Elevation view or in the objects' specification dialogs -- before moving them into the furniture's space.
To stack items such as books, plates or pillows
Items such as plates and bowls, books or pillows can also be stacked on top of one another to create attractive arrangements that add character to your model.
- Place pillows on chairs and couches, and then position them using the Ctrl key so that they appear to rest against one another.
- Stack books, bowls, plates or other objects on top of one another. First, adjust the heights of the objects as needed in a Cross Section/Elevation view; then use the Ctrl key to move them on top of one another.
Article Number 328: How do I use the Accurate Move edit tool?
Article Number 671: Why can't I select or move one wall in my plan?
Last updated on: Mar 28, 2013
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