Help Database

To create a closed polyline that includes the arc

Once the arc is defined and locked, we add CAD lines to create a closed polyline.  Taking advantage of some CAD editing options will help us do this effectively.

1. Make sure that Object Snaps are toggled on, particularly Endpoint snapping.  This will allow us to precisely snap new lines to the ends of our arc. 
   
   
   
2. Make sure that Edit Polyline Parts is toggled on.  This will allow us to individually edit the new lines that we draw without affecting the arc. 
   
   
   
   Note: Both Object Snaps and Edit Polyline Parts can be accessed by selecting Edit> Snap Settings... from the menu or on the Snap Properties panel of the Preferences dialog.
   
   
   
3. Select CAD> Lines> Draw Line from the menu, then click and drag a line beginning at one end of the arc.  Notice the square-shaped Endpoint snap indicator that displays where the line meets the arc. 
   
4. With the line selected, click the click the Open Object edit button.  On the Line tab of the Line Specification dialog, specify the desired attributes of the line: 
   
   
   • At the top left of the dialog, click the button beside Start to lock the start point of the line.
   • Specify the desired Length and, if necessary, the Angle. 
     
     
   • At the top left, click the button beside Length/Angle to lock these attributes of the line. 
     
     
   • Click OK to close the dialog and apply your change. 
     
     
   • If you find that the wrong end of the line moved and that the line no longer meets the arc, select Edit> Undo from the menu to restore the original line, then repeat the steps above, but begin by locking the End point instead of the Start.  
     
     
     
     
     
5. Continue drawing and defining lines until you have created a closed polyline with the needed size and shape. 
   
6. Click the Edit Polyline Parts toggle button once again to deactivate it. Now the polyline can be selected as a whole and converted into a polyline solid.   
   
   
   
   
   Note: If the sides are still behaving as separate objects after Edit Polyline Parts is toggled off, move the end handles of the various edges slightly so that they snap to the endpoint of the nearest edge.
   
   
   
7. Using the Select Objects tool, click on the polyline near one of its edges to select it and then click the Convert Polyline edit button to open the Convert Polyline dialog. 
   
   
   
8. Click on the radio button beside Polyline Solid and then click the OK button to close the dialog. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Note: If the Polyline Solid option is not enabled, a break in the polyline may have been created when the arc was edited. To reconnect the arc to the other segments, click on it; drag it away from the rest of the rectangle; and then drag it back so that it reconnects with the rectangle.
   
   
   
9. When the Convert Polyline dialog closes, the Polyline Solid Specification dialog will open. This is where attributes of your polyline solid, including thickness and materials, can be specified. Click the OK button to close the dialog and return to either floor plan or Cross Section/Elevation view.  
   
   
   
   
   
10. The two-dimensional polyline that you drew is now a three-dimensional object with the selected material and a precisely defined shape.  
    
    
    • In many cases, you will want to draw your polyline solid in place; in this example, however, the polyline solid was drawn in an empty space above the cross section to improve image clarity.  
      
      
    • It can now be selected and moved into place using the Move edit handle. 
      
      
    • Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard to move an object such as the polyline solid through obstructions such as the ceiling as it is moved into place. 
      
      
      
11. When the polyline solid is in position, return to floor plan view either by closing the Cross Section/Elevation view or by clicking the Window menu and selecting the Floor Plan view from the bottom of the menu to toggle to it. 
    
    
    
    
    
12. Click on the polyline solid to select it and adjust its location as needed using the Move edit handle. 
    
    
    
    
13. In floor plan view, select 3D> Create Perspective View> Full Camera and create a 3D view to see the results.  
    
    In Chief Architect X1 and prior, use 3D> Create Render View> Render Full Camera.