Allplan FT V17 Manual: Getting Started

Allplan FT V17
Manual
Getting Started
This documentation has been produced with the utmost care.

Nemetschek AG and the program authors have no liability to the purchaser or any other entity, with respect to any
liability, loss, or damage caused, directly or indirectly by this software, including but not limited to, any interruptions of
service, loss of business, anticipatory profits, or consequential damages resulting from the use or operation of this
software. Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Companies, names and data used in examples are fictitious unless otherwise noted. No part of this document may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express
written permission of Nemetschek AG.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows 98 are either trademarks or registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation.
BAMTEC is a registered trademark of Hussler, Kempten
MicroStation is a registered trademark of Bentley Systems, Inc.
DXF, 3D Studio MAX and AutoCAD are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Autodesk Inc. San Rafael, CA.
Parts of this product were developed using LEADTOOLS.
(c) 1991-2000, LEAD Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Allplan, Allplot and Allfa are registered trademarks of Nemetschek AG, Munich.
All other (registered) trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Nemetschek AG, Munich, 2002. All rights reserved.
Document No. 170eng01m02-1-BM0502
Manual
Contents
Contents
Welcome ......................................................................................... 1
Introduction............................................................................................................2
Sources of Information .......................................................................................3
Training, Coaching and Project Support........................................................5
Installation..................................................................................... 7
Documentation on Installing the Program ...................................................7
Requirements..........................................................................................................8
Prior to Installing .............................................................................................. 10
Unit 1: Basics ..............................................................................15

User Interface ...................................................................................................... 16
Orientation in the Program The Modules............................................... 24
Working with Projects, Drawing Files and Layers .................................... 25
Using the Mouse................................................................................................. 26
Controlling the Display on Screen ................................................................ 30
Activating and Quitting Tools ........................................................................ 32
The Wizard............................................................................................................ 33
Correcting Errors ................................................................................................ 34
Saving Your Work .............................................................................................. 35
Defining Pen Thickness, Linetype and Line Color..................................... 36
Modifying Pen Thickness, Linetype and Line Color ................................. 37
Using the Clipboard........................................................................................... 38
Selecting Elements, Overview......................................................................... 41
Precision Drawing .............................................................................................. 42
Applying Hatching, Pattern or Fill ................................................................ 53
II
Contents
Allplan FT
Hatching and Reference Scale ....................................................................... 55

Pattern and Reference Scale .......................................................................... 58
Working Efficiently using Libraries and Styles ......................................... 61
Unit 3: Project Organization .................................................133

Managing Data using ProjectPilot..............................................................134
Using Layers .......................................................................................................140
Creating a Project ............................................................................................149
Creating a Fileset..............................................................................................151
Tips on Project Organization ........................................................................154
Setting Up Layers .............................................................................................155
Unit 4: Building Design ..........................................................161

Exercise 3: First Floor ......................................................................................162
Settings ...............................................................................................................163
Walls.....................................................................................................................167
Views and Viewports .......................................................................................191
Axis Grid..............................................................................................................193
Columns ..............................................................................................................198
Openings .............................................................................................................202
Chimney ..............................................................................................................221
Design Check .....................................................................................................223
Completing the Design...................................................................................224
Dimensioning and Labeling...........................................................................229
Stair Outline.......................................................................................................236
Slab.......................................................................................................................237
Exercise 4: The First Floor ..............................................................................248
Exercise 5: Basement.......................................................................................270
Manual
Contents
III
Unit 5: Reference Planes ....................................................... 273

Working with Planes .......................................................................................274
Exercise 6: Roof ................................................................................................278
Exercise 7: Custom Reference Planes.........................................................298
Unit 6: Stairs ............................................................................ 305

Exercise 8: U-Type Stair .................................................................................308
Unit 7: Smart Symbols ........................................................... 319

Exercise 9: Designing Smart Symbols ........................................................321
Unit 8: Sections And Views................................................... 327

Exercise 10: Sections.......................................................................................328
Exercise 11: Elevation Views .........................................................................336
Unit 9: Area Calculation and Quantity Takeoff............... 337

Exercise 12: Rooms, Finish and Area Calculation...................................338
Exercise 13: Quantity Takeoff.......................................................................351
Unit 10: Layout Output ......................................................... 359

Requirements for Plotting.............................................................................360
Exercise 14: Custom Title Block ...................................................................362
Unit 11: Presentation ............................................................. 377

The Presentation Family .................................................................................378
Getting Ready....................................................................................................382
Exercise 15: Display the Entire Model in Animation Mode.................385
Exercise 16: Lights and Surfaces .................................................................388
Exercise 17: Rendering ...................................................................................394
Exercise 18: Camera Path, Movie Model, AVI Movie.............................396
IV
Contents
Allplan FT
Appendix ....................................................................................401
Project Organization using the Default Layer.........................................401
Overview of Tools.............................................................................................403
Index............................................................................................407
Manual
Welcome
Welcome
Welcome to Allplan FT, the high-performance CAD
program for architects.
With this manual you will learn about all the basic
functions for the main modules in Allplan FT.
You will find that within a short time, you will be in a
position to use Allplan FT effectively in your daily work.
This chapter covers the following:
An overview of the contents of this manual
Documentation for Allplan FT
Additional help on Allplan FT
Where to turn for training, coaching and project
support
Introduction
Allplan FT
Introduction
This manual consists of three sections:
Documentation on installing the program
An introduction to basic concepts
A tutorial which guides you from initial 2D drafting to the design

of a house in 3D. This tutorial consists of 18 exercises, which are
divided into 11 units.
The tutorial will provide you with a sound introduction to Allplan
FT. As the tutorial only touches on the possibilities of some of the
tools, please consult especially later when you work with
Allplan FT the F1 online Help as an important source of
information.
This manual also assumes that you have a working knowledge of

Microsoft Windows programs. Following this manual will provide
both the experienced CAD user as well as newcomers to CAD with a
solid foundation in the methods and approach employed by Allplan
FT.
We would like to express our gratitude to the AIC architectural

practice in Schneich for providing us with one of their projects for
the tutorial.
Manual
Welcome
Sources of Information
The Allplan FT documentation consists of the following:
The online Help is the main source of information for learning

about and working with Allplan FT.
While you work with Allplan FT, you can get help on the current
function by pressing the F1 key, or activate
Help on the
Standard toolbar and point to the icon on which you require
help.
The manual consists of three parts. The first part shows you how
to install Allplan FT. The second part provides an overview of
basic concepts and terms as well as methods for entering data in
Allplan FT. The third part contains a tutorial.
The brochure New Features In This Version provides

information on what's new in the latest version.
Each volume in the "Step-by-Step" series deals with a specific

concept or series of tools/modules in Allplan FT in detail. The
areas covered include data management, system administration,
geodesy modules, presentation tools, 3D modeling etc. These
guides can also be obtained from the Nemetschek training
department:
Nemetschek AG
Training Dept.
Konrad-Zuse-Platz 1
81829 Munich
Germany
Phone:
+49 (0)89+927 93-1512
Fax:
+49 (0)89+927 93-5546
Allplan FT
Additional Help
Tips for Efficient Usage
The Help menu contains the Tips for efficient usage item. This topic
provides an overview of important tips and tricks.
LineLetter
The LineLetter is a publication that appears several times a year. It is
sent free of charge to customers with a software maintenance
contract (Software Service Agreement). The LineLetter includes
practical tips and tricks on all program areas.
FAQs on the Internet

Up-to-date FAQs are available on the Internet at the following
address:
http://www.nemetschek.de/faq
Note: You can also get this address right from the program. On the
Help menu, point to Nemetschek in the Internet and click FAQs.
Feedback on the Help

If you have suggestions or questions on the online Help, or if you
come across an error: Send an e-mail to:
Dokumentation@nemetschek.de.
Note: You can also get this address right from the online Help. To do
this, go to the Allplan menu and click Help Feedback:
Manual
Welcome
Training, Coaching and Project Support

The type of training you are given is a decisive factor in the amount
of time you actually spend working on your own projects: A
professional introduction to the programs and advanced seminars for
advanced users can save you up to 35% of your editing time!
A tailor-made training strategy is essential. Nemetscheks seminar
centers offer an extensive range of programs and are happy to work
out a custom solution with you that will address your own needs and
requirements:
Our sophisticated, comprehensive seminar program is the

quickest way for professional users to learn how to use the new
system.
Special seminars are designed for users who wish to extend and
optimize their knowledge of Allplan.
One-on-one seminars are best when it comes to addressing your

own particular methods of working.
One-day crash courses, designed for office heads, convey the

essentials in a compact format.
We are also happy to hold seminars on your premises: These

encompass not only Allplan FT issues but include analysis and
optimization of processes and project organization.
The up-to-date seminar guide is provided on the Internet at the

following address:
www.nemetschek.de/de/service/schulungen.nsf
For more detailed information on the current training program,
please contact the Nemetschek training center in Munich:
Phone: +49 (0)89 927 93-1512
Fax:
+49 (0)89 927 93-5546
Training, Coaching and Project Support
Allplan FT
A Request:
We are always trying to improve the overall quality of our program
documentation. Your comments and suggestions are important to us
and we welcome feedback on the manuals and on-line help.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to express criticism or praise
concerning the documentation. Feel free to contact us as follows:
Documentation Department
Nemetschek AG
Konrad-Zuse-Platz 1
81829 Munich
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)89 927 930
Fax:
+49 (0)89 927 93-5200
E-mail: Dokumentation@nemetschek.de
Manual
Installation
Installation
Documentation on Installing the Program
Documentation on installing Allplan FT can be found in a number
of places:
This manual describes the procedure for a first-time installation at

a standalone workstation and in a network.
The Allplan FT CD contains an install.hlp file in which you

will find additional, current and detailed information on
installing. We strongly recommend that you read this file prior to
starting the installation process.
Requirements
Allplan FT
Requirements
Hardware Requirements
The following table lists the minimum requirements for running
Allplan FT. Detailed up-to-date information on the hardware
requirements of individual products is provided at
www.nemetschek.de
Minimum requirements
INTEL Pentium III or compatible
128 MB RAM (without display list)
1 GB free hard disk space

+400 MB on the system drive
CD-ROM drive (for the installation)
1 parallel or USB port for the hardlock
Graphics board, resolution 1024 x 768, 8 MB
19-inch monitor 1024 x 768
Network card (only for network operation)
3-button mouse
Manual
Installation
Software Requirements
The operating system must be installed and running. Allplan FT

runs on the following operating systems:
-
Windows XP
Windows 2000
Windows NT 4.0
Windows 98 SE/ Windows Me (please note that a computer with

Windows 98 cannot be Nemetschek workstation and file server
at the same time).
Novell as file server

Important: Please check the entire network: all workstations must
be equipped with one of the operating systems mentioned above.
Note: For professional performance, we recommend Windows XP
Professional or Windows 2000.
We also recommend Internet Explorer 4,01 or higher.
Further Requirements
Please note the following comments if you have installed a new
operating system (e.g. Windows XP).
The operating system must already be installed and running.
All peripheral devices must be connected and correctly

configured.
When you install two or more Allplan FT workstations in a

network, please make sure that the operating systems of all these
workstations are connected correctly in the network.
10
Prior to Installing ...
Allplan FT

Preliminary Considerations concerning the Data Structure
The data installed by Allplan FT consists of three categories:
Common data: components of Nemetschek programs which are

used by Allplan FT and other programs. These common files are
installed on the drive on which the operating system is located
(system drive). This is why the system drive requires 200 MB free
hard disk space. The folder cannot be specified explicitly during
the installation process. If system files are overwritten by new
files during the installation process, the original files are saved to
a folder entitled Backup_No. to ensure that the original status is
restored when you de-install the program. Thus, these backup
files must not be deleted.
Program files
Central file storage: projects and office standard, for example.
Prior to installing, decide on the folder in which you want the

program to be installed as this can only be altered later by
uninstalling and re-installing.
We strongly recommend that you select two different folders for the
central file storage and the program files.
Manual
Installation
11
Central file storage when installing in a network

When installing in a network, the folder for the central file storage or
the drive where this folder is located must be shared for all the
workstations on which Allplan FT is to be installed.
This also applies when installing with Workgroup Manager when the
central file storage is located on the workstation to be installed. In
this case, too, the central file storage must be in a folder under a
share.
Example:
You want to use the Allplan folder as central file storage.
The Allplan folder is shared. When installing with Workgroup
Manager, you cannot use this folder as central file storage as the
folder is not located under a share.
The Projects folder is shared. Installing with Workgroup Manager is

possible as the Allplan folder is located under a share.
Note: Detailed information on how to share a folder or drive is
provided in the online Help on the operating system you use.
Note: If you use the Windows 98 operating system, the computer
with the central file storage cannot be used as a workstation at the
same time.
12
Allplan FT
First-time Installation on a Standalone Workstation

Thanks to Allplan FTs installation program, you can easily install
the program in no time at all.
To install Allplan FT on a standalone workstation
Prior to installing, read the following topics:

Requirements for installing and running Allplan FT
Preliminary considerations concerning the data structure
1 Close any applications that are running, shutdown the computer
and turn it off.
2 Connect the hardlock to the parallel port.
If you are using several programs that require hardlocks, check
that the Allplan FT hardlock is first in the chain, followed by the
hardlocks for the other programs.
3 Turn on all the peripheral devices.
4 Turn on the computer and boot.
5 Log on as Administrator for the local machine or as a user with
administrator privileges.
6 Insert the Allplan FT CD in the CD-ROM drive.
Setup should start automatically. If it doesn't, click Start on the
task bar, select Run and enter the drive letter of the CD-ROM
drive followed by the pathname and setup. For example, enter
e:\setup.
7 Select a language for Setup and press OK to confirm.
8 Press Next to acknowledge the Welcome screen.
9 The terms of the software license agreement are displayed in the
Software License Agreement dialog box. If you agree to the
terms of the agreement, click Yes.
10 Enter your name and the name of your company in the User
Information dialog box. Then click Next.
11 In the Installation Option dialog box select the option First-time
installation. Then click Next.
Manual
Installation
13
12 In the Select License Information dialog box select the drive with
the license file. Then click Next.
13 In the Setup Type dialog box select the desired mode. Then click
Next.
Typical: Program will be installed with the most common options.
This is the recommended setting.
Compact: Program will be installed with the minimum required
options and files.
Custom: You may choose the files you want to install. By default,
all the components are activated. In the Select Components
dialog box, deactivate the component you do not want to install.
14 Select the drive where the programs and files are to be installed.
Program folder: This is where the Allplan FT program files are
installed.
Central file storage folder: This is where the data files (e.g.,
projects, office standard) are stored.
15 In the Select Program Folder dialog box specify the program
folder where the Allplan FT symbols are to be installed.
16 Check the settings in the Start Copying dialog box. If the settings
are OK, click Next to start the installation.
17 In some cases the system will prompt you to restart the computer
after the installation. After restarting the computer, log on as
Administrator for the local machine or as a user with
administrator privileges again.
18 If it is not already installed on your computer, the Microsoft Data
Access program will be installed after installing Allplan FT.
It is essential that this program be installed on your computer. It
ensures that Allplan FT will run smoothly.
14
Allplan FT
First-time Installation in a Network
Before you install the program, please read the

\Helpfiles\English\install.hlp file on the Allplan FT CD and the
chapter Requirements for Running Allplan FT.
The folder for the central file storage or the drive where this
folder is located must be shared for all the workstations on which
Allplan FT is to be installed.
This also applies when installing with Workgroup Manager when
the central file storage is located on the workstation to be
installed. In this case, too, the central file storage must be in a
folder under a share.
Select the same folder for all workstations. This folder will serve
as the central file storage and will ensure that all workstations
have access to the same data.
If you are using Workgroup Manager, it must be installed on all

the workstations in the network. It is not possible to have some
workstations with Workgroup Manager and some without.
To install Allplan FT in a network

1 Install Allplan FT V17 on all workstations as described in Firsttime Installation on a Standalone Workstation.
Note: Please note that a computer with Windows 98 cannot be
used as server and workstation at the same time.
2 Check whether Allplan FT starts correctly at every workstation.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
15
Unit 1: Basics
This unit provides information on navigating Allplan FT
and the basic structure of the program.
User interface
Modular structure of Allplan FT
Working with projects, drawing files and layers
Mouse button assignments
Activating and quitting tools
Using the wizard
Using shortcut menus
Correcting errors
Saving your work
Defining and modifying format properties
Using the Clipboard
Selecting elements
Precision drawing
entering polylines and areas
Applying hatching, pattern, fill
Working efficiently using libraries and styles
Using smart symbols
16
User Interface
Allplan FT
User Interface
Title bar
Menu bar
The title bar of the application window

shows the current project, fileset and
drawing file.
All the tools found in the toolbars can also

be activated via the menus.
Basics toolbar
This toolbar includes all the basic tools.
These are tools that you will require
time and again and module-specific tools
which differ according to the selected
module. The tools are arranged in
flyouts.
Point Assistant toolbar

Configuration toolbars
This toolbar includes the most important
tools from the Architecture, Engineering,
Landscaping and Urban Planning
module. The tools are arranged in
flyouts.
The Point Assistant toolbar includes tools to

assist you in the process of entering points.
The tools are activated whenever the program
expects you to enter a point for example,
after activating a tool for creating 2D entities.
Filter Assistant toolbar

The Filter Assistant toolbar includes tools to
assist you in the process of selecting elements.
The tools are activated whenever the program
expects you to select elements - after selecting
an edit tool, for example.
Tools in the viewport
Status bar
The bottom viewport of every window includes several

buttons which you can use to control the on-screen
display.
By means of the Show viewport toolbar at top tool
(on the View Toolbars menu), you can also move the
tools to the top window border.
Various types of information on the current

drawing are displayed here e.g., the reference
scale and unit of length.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
17
Toolbars
Toolbars contain icons that you can use to execute functions.
Positioning the cursor over an icon displays a ToolTip with a short
description of the function.
Toolbars can be arranged around the edge of the workspace (this is

the default) or made to float anywhere on your screen. To float a
toolbar, click the top border of the toolbar or its edge, press and hold
down the left mouse button, and drag the toolbar into the workspace.
Basic Tools toolbar
Text flyout
Dim. Lines flyout
Plan flyout
Edit flyout
Basic tools
(always available)
Draft flyout
Create flyout
Create II flyout
Change flyout
Module-specific
tools
CAD Navigator
The top half of the Basic Tools toolbar includes all the important
tools. These are tools that you will require time and again for
example, drafting, text, dimensioning and edit tools. These tools are
always available in the same configuration in all the modules.
The bottom half includes the tool for accessing the CAD Navigator as
well as module-specific tools in the Create, Create II and Modify
flyouts. The contents of these tools change with the module you
select. (The illustration shows the contents of the flyouts for the
Draft module.).
18
User Interface
Allplan FT
Note: An empty icon is displayed when the Create II or Modify

flyouts do not contain any tools .
Default Configuration toolbars

Architecture Configuration
Roofs and Planes flyout
Archit. Components flyout
Archit. Openings flyout
Rooms flyout
Stairs flyout
Rafter Design flyout
3D Modification flyout
Engineering Configuration
Model flyout
Bending Shape and Placement flyout
Enter Bar Reinforcement flyout
Enter Mesh Reinforcement flyout
BAMTEC flyout
Representation flyout
Change flyout
Lists and Schedules flyout
Allplan FT offers several default configurations. Access to the most

important tools for a specific discipline is provided in each of these
configurations. To select a default configuration, click the View
menu, point to Default Configurations and select a configuration.
The relevant configuration toolbar is displayed depending on the
configuration you have selected (the examples here show the
Architecture and Construction Engineering toolbars). These contain
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
19
the most important tools for daily work. You can thus carry out
design tasks without having to switch between modules.

The Point Assistant toolbar includes tools to assist you in the
process of entering points. The tools provided on this toolbar can be
selected when the program expects you to enter a point e.g., after
activating a 2D entity creation tool.
Global Point
Delta Point
Polar Coordinates/Offset by Line
Division Point
Point of Intersection
Get Midpoint
Offset by Radius
Perpendicular
Define Point Symbol
Outline Auto-Detect
Point Snap
Brackets
20
User Interface
Allplan FT

The Filter Assistant toolbar includes tools to assist you in the
process of selecting elements. The tools on the toolbar become active
when the program expects you to select elements - after selecting a
modification tool or when deleting elements, for example.
Match
Format Filter
Element Filter
Architecture/Allfa Filter
Engineering Filter
Various Filters
Selection Window
Brackets
Dynamic toolbar
The Dynamic toolbar appears when a function offers several
implementation options. Below is the Dynamic toolbar for the Line
tool. After selecting the function, you can choose from the various
data entry options presented on the Dynamic toolbar.
or
The functions on the Dynamic toolbar can be displayed as a separate,
free-floating toolbar or docked at bottom right in the status bar or
dialog line. On the View menu Toolbars Dynamic Toolbar, you
can toggle between the types of display.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
21
Flyouts
Icons with a small blank triangle contain what are known as flyouts.
Flyouts contain additional related tools.
Tip: If you click the icon, it

takes some time until the
flyout is opened. If you click
the black triangle directly, the
flyout opens immediately.
To open a flyout, click an icon with a black triangle and press and
hold down the mouse button. To select a tool, keep the mouse button
pressed down and position the cursor over the relevant tool. Then
release the mouse button.
Note: When a flyout is closed, the icon for the tool that you
activated last is displayed. This way, you can activate the same tool
several times in succession without having to open the flyout each
time.
22
User Interface
Allplan FT
Shortcut Menu
The shortcut menu is displayed at the position where the cursor is
located when you right-click an element or in the workspace.
When you click elements with the right mouse button, edit tools
appropriate to the tool in question are presented. Double-click an
element with the right mouse button. The tool by means of which
the element was created is activated and all the settings are
copied.
If you click in the workspace with the right mouse button, several
tools which are needed frequently are presented. You can also
switch to the layout editor and toggle between modules.
Shortcut menu when clicking in the workspace
Shortcut menu when clicking a wall
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
23
Dialog Line
The dialog line below the workspace is where the program prompts
you to enter values. Alternatives are separated by slashes. Every
value you enter has to be confirmed by pressing ENTER.
Note: You can perform calculations in the dialog line and you can
transfer the results of measurement operations carried out with
Measure & Compute as well as results directly from the
Calculator. You can also use CTRL+C and CTRL+V to copy/paste text
in the dialog line.
Status Bar
The status bar is the bottom line in the Allplan FT application
window. Various types of information on the current drawing file are
displayed here e.g., the reference scale and unit of length. You can
also modify these values by clicking them.
Note: When the Dynamic Toolbar in Status Bar option is active (on
the View Toolbars menu), the tools in the Dynamic toolbar are
displayed on the right in the status bar.
24
Orientation in the Program The Modules
Allplan FT
Orientation in the Program The Modules

Allplan FT has a modular structure. In other words, it features
individual program modules, each of which contains the necessary
tools for a specific discipline. The most important tools are always at
hand on the Basic Tools and Configuration toolbars. This way,
access to the most frequently used tools is provided without
requiring you to switch to a different module. The modules
themselves are arranged in families: Basic family, Bonus Tools
family, etc.
To switch between the modules, the following three options are
available:
Click in the workspace with the right mouse button and select the
desired module in the Switch module field on the Shortcut menu.
Tip: If you have enabled the Switch module when creating
similar elements option in the
Global Options, Miscellaneous
tab, the system also switches to the relevant module when you
create elements using the Shortcut menu.
Use Tools- Customize to insert icons from the Switch Module

category in a toolbar or to define shortcut keys. Thus, you can
quickly switch to modules you need frequently.
Select the desired module in the CAD Navigator. This also clearly
shows the structure of the individual modules.
Note: By means of the CAD Navigator, you cannot switch to the Plot
Layout module. Use the Shortcut menu or click
Layout Editor.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
25
Working with Projects, Drawing Files and

Layers
A project is an organizational unit. A new project is created for each
construction project. Technically, a project is a folder; metaphorically
speaking, it is a drawer containing the drawing files. An unnamed
"private project" for practice and testing is available to each user.
Filesets are an important organizational unit within projects. A
fileset can consist of up to 128 drawing files. You can assign any
drawing file to a fileset. Up to 1,000 filesets can be created per
project. A fileset can be placed in a layout to be printed with a single
command.
The actual design and data creation process happens in drawing files.
These are the equivalent of the transparencies used in conventional
building design. Drawing files can be used to give projects a
structure. In IT terms, a drawing file is a conventional file stored on
your hard disk. You can display and edit up to 40 drawing files at
once - in other words, you can have several files open
simultaneously. A project can contain up to 6000 drawing files.
When working without layers, the individual building elements (such
as walls, stairs, labeling, etc.) are drawn on different drawing files
and superimposed like transparencies.
Layers provide an additional means of applying a structure - within
drawing files. They apply to all the drawing files in a project. Design
entities and components can automatically be assigned the correct
layer. Layers can be set so that they are not visible to the user.
A layout is the unit you send to the printer or plotter. As opposed to
design using a conventional drafting board, the scope of the layout
does not have to be defined in advance. Generally, you leave the
layout (which involves arranging and laying out drawing files and/or
filesets) until youre finished with the design. Each project can
contain up to 1000 layouts.
26
Using the Mouse
Allplan FT
Using the Mouse

The three mouse buttons are associated with functions that change to
reflect the current requirements in Allplan FT. A distinction is made
between three different states:
No tool is activated.
A drafting tool is activated (e.g. the Line tool).
An edit tool is activated (e.g. for deleting).
Note: The information in the table is based on a 3-button mouse. If

you are working with a 2-button mouse, you can simulate the middle
mouse button by pressing the CTRL key and the left mouse button at
the same time.
Note: In the Global Options Settings tab, you can change the
function of the middle mouse button.
If, in the following tables, the mouse button functions depend on this
setting, the number of the respective function is displayed in
brackets:
1: When the Classic option use middle mouse button to activate
ruler feature and selection rectangle is activated.
2: When the Windows-compliant option use middle mouse
button to control display on screen is enabled.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
27
Table 1: no tool is activated

Mouse
button
Method
Result
Left
Click on element
Selects the element with handles.
Double-click on
element
Displays the elements properties.
CTRL + double-click
on an element
Displays the format properties of an element.
Clicking and dragging All the elements that are fully bounded by the rectangle are selected and
in the workspace
have drag handles. If you press and hold down the SHIFT key, the
elements intersected by the rectangle are also selected.
Middle
Double-click in the
workspace
Opens the Select Files and Filesets dialog box
CTRL + double-click
in the workspace
Opens the Layer dialog box.
Double-click
Sets the display scale so that all the elements in the visible drawing files
(active, edit or reference) can be seen.
CTRL + double-click
Regenerates the section that is visible on screen.
Click and drag

(2)
Pans. The arrow on the cursor shows the direction of movement. The
further the cursor is positioned from the displacement anchor, the
quicker panning takes place.
SHIFT + click and

drag
Pans.
CTRL + click and drag Zooms in.
Right
ALT + click and drag
Zooms dynamically (cursor = center). Depending on the direction in

which the cursor is moved, the system zooms in or out.
Click on an element
Displays the shortcut menu for the element clicked. The shortcut menu
contains general tools and edit tools that are specific to the element in
question.
Click in the workspace Displays the general-purpose shortcut menu.

Double-click on an
element
Activates the tool by means of which the element was created and copies
all the settings.
Double-click in the
workspace
Opens the Layer dialog box
28
Using the Mouse
Allplan FT
Table 2: a drafting tool is activated (e.g. for drawing a line)

Mouse
button
Method
Result
Left
Clicking in workspace
or on element
Places and snaps to points in the workspace.
CTRL + click
Aligns points exactly with existing points (linear snap).
Click in workspace
(1)
Aligns points exactly with existing points (linear snap).
Double-click
(2)
Sets the display scale so that all the elements in the visible drawing
files (active, edit or reference) can be seen.
Click and drag

(2)
Pans. The arrow on the cursor shows the direction of movement. The
further the cursor is positioned from the displacement anchor, the
quicker panning takes place.
SHIFT + click and drag
Pans.
CTRL + click and drag
Zooms in.
Middle
ALT + click and drag
Right
Click in workspace
Zooms dynamically (cursor = center). Depending on the direction in

which the cursor is moved, the system zooms in or out.
Opens and closes bracket feature.
Confirms entries when requested in the dialog line: <confirm>.
Clicking on a toolbar
Quits a tool (= ESC key).
Table 3: an edit tool is activated (e.g. for deleting)

Mouse
button
Method
Result
Left
Click on element
Addresses or selects an element.
Manual
Middle
Right
Unit 1: Basics
29
Clicking and
dragging in the
workspace
Selects elements in a rectangular region.
1. click + 2. click in
the workspace
Selects elements in a rectangular region.
Double-click
(2)
Sets the display scale so that all the elements in the visible drawing files
(active, edit or reference) can be seen.
Click and drag

(2)
Pans. The arrow on the cursor shows the direction of movement.
SHIFT + click and

drag
Pans.
CTRL + click and

drag
Zooms in.
Click in workspace
Opens and closes bracket feature.

Confirms entries when requested in the dialog line: <confirm>.
Clicking on a toolbar Quits a tool (= ESC key).
Middle - left
Clicking an element
with middle and
then left mouse
button
Middle -right Clicking on element

with middle and
then right mouse
button
Selects a segment.
Selects elements that have the same pen thickness or linetype (switch in
Global Options).
Clicking with middle Enables the selection rectangle. Use the left mouse button to enclose the
desired elements in a selection rectangle.
and then right
mouse button in the
workspace
30
Controlling the Display on Screen
Allplan FT
Controlling the Display on Screen

In Allplan FT you can zoom in on any area of the design as exactly
as you want to. The icons in the viewport below the workspace make
an on-screen navigation possible. These tools are also available even
when another tool is active.
If you work in several viewports, these icons are displayed in every
border of the viewport.
Icon
Name
Use
Refresh
Sets the display scale so that all the elements in the visible drawing files can
be seen.
Zoom Section
Zooms a section of the workspace. When there are several viewports, the
section is displayed in the viewport where you clicked this button. The
section itself, however, can be defined in any of the viewports.
Pan
Pans the section that is visible on screen by a vector that you specify by
setting two points.
Tip: You can also pan dynamically by pressing and holding down the
middle mouse button or using the cursor keys.
Regen
Regenerates the section that is visible on screen.
Reduce View
Reduces the section displayed on screen in incremental steps. (The display

scale doubles.)
Enlarge View
Enlarges the section displayed on screen in incremental steps. (The display

scale halves.)
Standard Views
flyout
You can choose between plan view and any of the standard views.
3D View
Opens the 3D View dialog box, where you can set and save views.
Previous View
Restores the previous view.
Manual
Icon
Unit 1: Basics
Name
Use
Next View
Displays the next view.
31
Save, Load View Saves or restores a custom view. Thus, you can set frequently used views.
Display Scale
Sets the display scale.
Window Always
on Top
Places the viewport so that it is always on top (i.e., in front of) the other
ones.
Hidden-line
Image on/off
Displays the current contents of the screen as a hidden line image (on/off).
The drawing is displayed as a hidden line image the next time you click
Refresh or Regen.
Section Display
on/off
Displays an architectural section that you have defined with

Define
Section. You can define the sections clipping path by pointing and clicking,
or by entering the section identifier.
Copy to
Clipboard
Copies the current contents of the screen to the Clipboard. You can then
paste it from the Clipboard into other applications.
32
Activating and Quitting Tools
Allplan FT
Activating and Quitting Tools

Allplan FT offers you several options to activate, execute and quit
tools.
Activating functions
You can click the relevant icon.
You can double click the element with the right mouse button.
This activates the tool that was used to create the element. All the
settings and parameters of the element you clicked are used.
You can activate tools via shortcut keys. An overview of

predefined shortcuts is provided on the Help menu under
Shortcut Keys Table. In addition, the shortcut key for tools where
one has been defined is shown in the ToolTip.
You can use the shortcut menu.
You can activate tools via the menu bar.
Executing functions
Instructions are provided in the dialog line after you have clicked a
tool. For example:
Point snap (e.g.,
Selecting elements (e.g.,
Line tool: From point):

Delete tool: Select elements to delete).
When appropriate, a dialog box or Context toolbar is displayed so

that you can make settings for the function.
Quitting tools
Press ESC on the keyboard.
Click a toolbar with the right mouse button.
Activate a different tool.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
33
The Wizard
The Wizard is small window which can be displayed in the
workspace and which includes icons representing all tools that are
frequently used. When you click an element with the right mouse
button, a Shortcut menu from which you can select similar tools is
opened . Thus, the Wizard saves you the effort of looking for
respective icons and tools. Just click an element with the right mouse
button and select the desired tool on the Shortcut menu.
As opposed to a normal Allplan FT window, you cannot draw in a

Wizard window. But by means of the icons at the bottom viewport
border, you can use various tools for controlling the display on
screen. The Wizard window has the Always on Top property and
cannot be maximized or minimized.
Several predefined Wizard files are shipped with the program, but
you can create your own Wizards, of course.
34
Correcting Errors
Allplan FT
Correcting Errors
Tip: If you inadvertently

deleted elements, you can
quickly restore them by
immediately double-clicking
in the workspace with the
right mouse button (the
Delete tool must still be
active).
When you make an error in Allplan FT, you can use

Undo
(Standard toolbar) to correct the error. The number of undo steps is
unlimited. For example, if you inadvertently moved an element, you
can annul the move. You can go back (undo) as many steps as you
want, as far back as the last time the data was saved.
You can undo several steps in one go. Click the arrow next to the
Undo icon, keep the mouse button pressed down and drag the cursor
over all the steps you want to undo. Then release the mouse button.
Redo redoes operations that you have undone. Redo operations,

however, are not possible if you have added new design entities in
the meantime.
Note: You can also activate the Undo tool while another function is
active. The function in question will close and all the entries you
made while it was active are undone.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
35
Saving Your Work

The most important part first: your work is saved automatically every
time you exit Allplan FT. You do not need to save your data
explicitly (like in other programs) prior to exiting Allplan FT.
While you work in Allplan FT, you can save your data manually as
well as have the program do so automatically after a certain number
of steps. The data in the current drawing file and in those that are
open in edit mode is saved.
Note: None of the actions you performed prior to saving can be
undone with the
Undo tool after saving.
The following actions cause the data to be saved:
When you switch to a different drawing file, fileset, layout or

project.
When you switch to the Plot Layout module.
When you export data from Allplan FT using
When you save manually by clicking

toolbar)
When saving automatically. You can activate this function and
Export Data.
Save (on the Standard
define the number of steps between saves in

Other tab.
Global Options,
Note: The interval here is based on the number of tools you

activate and not the time elapsed. If you spend some time
drawing with the same tool, therefore, data is not saved
automatically unless you quit the tool in between.
36
Defining Pen Thickness, Linetype and Line Color
Allplan FT
Defining Pen Thickness, Linetype and Line

Color
Before you draw an element, you can define its line thickness (pen
thickness) and the linetype on the Format toolbar. When color/pen
association is active (this is the default), the color is set automatically
with the pen.
If you are working with layers and layer attribute matching is active,
the format settings are set automatically in accordance with the
current layer.
The Format QuickSelect toolbar includes a dropdown list with the

four most important pen thicknesses, linetypes and line colors. You
can configure which settings are presented on the toolbar in
Defaults, Pens & Pen Assignments, Lines & Line Assignments and
Colors & Color Assignments.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
37
Modifying Pen Thickness, Linetype and Line

Color
Use
Modify Format Properties (Edit flyout) to modify the pen
thickness, linetype and line color of an element. After selecting the
tool, you can specify which format properties are to be changed in
the dialog box that appears. With
properties of an existing element.
you can match the format
Note: The format properties of individual elements can also be

modified via the shortcut menu by clicking Format Properties.
38
Using the Clipboard
Allplan FT
Using the Clipboard

In Allplan FT you can copy elements to the Clipboard and insert
them in any drawing file or application. There are additional tools
available on the Dynamic toolbar to assist you.
Note: The Clipboard is not available for layout documents and for
defining patterns and fonts.
Allplan FT Special Features

You can use the Clipboard in Allplan FT in the same way as in other
Windows programs. However, there are several specific elements and
properties:
Layers: elements retain their layers. Elements located on frozen

layers (visible and hidden) are not copied.
Group number: the entire contents of the Clipboard is placed as

one group and is given a new group number. Thus, you can
quickly group elements and address them as a single entity (using
the middle and left mouse button).
Drawing file size: if the admissible drawing file size is exceeded,

an error message is issued.
Texts: texts which are copied from a word processing program

via the Clipboard to Allplan FT are given the text parameters
currently set.
FEA and Allfa elements: FEA and Allfa elements cannot be

copied to the Clipboard.
Copying
Use this tool to copy selected elements to the Clipboard. You can
insert them in the current file as often as you need by means of
Paste and Paste to Original Position. The elements can also be
inserted in other applications. This command is not available when
you have not selected any elements.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
39
Cutting
Use this tool to move selected elements to the Clipboard. You can
insert them in the current file as often as you need by means of
Paste and Paste to Original Position. The elements can also be
inserted in other applications. This command is not available when
you have not selected any elements.
Pasting
You can insert Allplan FT elements, pure text (e.g. from a word
processing program ) and bitmaps from the Clipboard in Allplan FT.
This tool is available in plan view only. If the Clipboard is empty or
contains elements that cannot be inserted in Allplan FT, this tool is
not available.
Note: Via the Clipboard,Allplan FT elements can be inserted only in
the drawing file type from which they have been copied to the
Clipboard. The contents of the Clipboard is always inserted in the
active drawing file even if the data has been copied from a file open
in edit mode.
Pasting elements from the Clipboard in Allplan FT

A number of tools is provided on the Dynamic toolbar to help you
insert elements.
If you place Allplan FT elements in a drawing file, they are inserted
as original data (that means, all the attributes and properties are
included). If you insert text, the parameters currently set in Allplan
FT are used. If there is a bitmap in the Clipboard, it can be inserted in
the drawing file. The following settings are used:
Color depth: several colors
Transparency: off; color: black.
Width: 100 pixels = 1000mm
The DIB (or BMP) and WMF formats are supported in the Clipboard.
Note: If the Clipboard contains several formats supported by Allplan
FT, use the Insert Contents tool to select a format you want to insert.
40
Using the Clipboard
Allplan FT
Inserting Allplan FT elements in other applications

If you use Ctrl + V to insert Allplan FT elements in another
application, they are inserted as Windows Enhanced Metafile. But if
the Clipboard contains text elements (e.g. normal text lines,
paragraph text, component numbers, labels), these elements are
always inserted in the other application as pure text.
Pasting to Original Position

Use Paste to Original Position to insert Allplan FT elements in their
original position. If the clipboard is empty or does not contain any
Allplan FT elements, this tool is not available.
Note: If you insert these elements in the same drawing file, they exist
twice at the same position.
Inserting Contents
Use this tool to specify which element in the Clipboard is to be
inserted in Allplan FT. This tool is available only if the Clipboard
includes several formats supported by Allplan FT (e.g. bitmap and
pure text).
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
41
Selecting Elements, Overview

In order to edit elements you need to select them. First, select the edit
tool (e.g., Copy) and then select the elements to which the tool is to
be applied. You can select elements either by clicking them or by
defining a region around the elements you want to select. You can
use the Filter Assistant toolbar to help you select elements.
The following table shows a complete overview of selection options:
To do this
Do this
Select an element.
Click the element.
Select several elements and/or

regions.
Brackets feature in the Filter Assistant, click the elements

Select the
and/or specify the regions. Then close the brackets. You can also open/close
these metaphorical brackets by right clicking in the workspace.
Select elements in a region.
To specify a selection rectangle:
Press and hold down the left mouse button to open a selection rectangle.
Enter the two diagonally opposite points by clicking with the middle
mouse button (pay attention to the settings made in Global Options).
To specify a fence: Click

of the fence.
Fence and enter the points to define the outline
Select all elements
In the case of some functions (e.g. Export), you can select all elements on the
active drawing file and the files open in edit mode by clicking All on the
Dynamic toolbar.
Reselect the elements that were

selected last.
Click
Select elements with the same

group number.
Click on an element with the middle and then left mouse button.
Reselect in the Filter Assistant.
Select elements with the same pen Click on an element with the middle and then right mouse button. This
thickness or linetype.
selects all the elements in the current drawing file that have the same pen or
linetype. You can specify whether selection here is based on the pen or
linetype in
Options Global Options Settings tab.
42
Precision Drawing
Allplan FT
Precision Drawing
With Allplan FT, you can quickly create precise and exact designs
without even knowing the coordinates of points or the lengths of
elements and without having to create complex designs in
construction line format. You can match length values and
coordinates from existing elements. In addition, you can perform
calculations in the dialog line, as well as employ the measuring tools
and the calculator, and then transfer the results you obtain into the
dialog line.
Entering Lengths and Coordinates

General information
In Allplan FT, length values and coordinates are always entered as
real values. In other words, you do not need to recalculate the length
each time to take the reference scale into account. For example,
when designing a wall that is 8.60 m long, enter 8.6 (assuming that
m is set for the unit of length).
Performing calculations in the dialog line

You can also perform calculations in the dialog line when the system
prompts you to enter a length value.
Transferring measured values

Values obtained with
Measure can be transferred directly to the
dialog line by clicking the value to be transferred in the Measure &
Compute dialog box.
Using , you can copy the result to the Clipboard and paste it into
other Windows applications by means of CTRL+V.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
43
Transferring values from the calculator

Values that you calculate with
to the dialog line.
Calculator are transferred straight
Displaying Coordinates
The coordinates of the crosshairs in X, Y and Z direction and the
absolute distance to the last point entered are always displayed on
the Coordinate Tracking toolbar. You can specify on the Shortcut
menu whether the delta offset to the last point entered or the
absolute coordinate values are displayed.
Note: Coordinates are not displayed in isometric views.
Tip: To determine the coordinates of a specific point in an element

or to design a point by entering its coordinates, use Global Point.
To determine point coordinates, you can also right-click the
element, click Format Properties and select the Information tab.
The coordinates of all the points of the element clicked are
displayed.
44
Precision Drawing
Allplan FT
Point Snap
When you place a point with the left mouse button, you can snap to
points on existing elements as you do so. You can snap to the
following types of points: endpoints, midpoints, division points and
points of intersection. You do not need to know the coordinates of
these points, nor is it necessary to work with construction lines.
When CursorTips are activated, a symbol (known as a CursorTip) is
displayed at the center of the crosshairs. The CursorTip shows the
kind of point that has been detected in the snap radius. Using
Point Snap, you can set the types of points the system is to snap and
whether the system is to scan active, edit or reference drawing files
for points.
By means of linear snap, you can align points exactly with existing
points. Here, too, visual aids are provided to facilitate the process.
Note: If you have set a cursor snap angle, then this will have priority
over any point snap settings you have made, as well as any other
settings in the Point Assistant toolbar. This means that only points
in alignment with one of the set cursor snap angles will be snapped.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
45
Using CursorTips
When CursorTips are activated, CursorTips are displayed at the center
of the crosshairs before you set points. These CursorTips indicate the
type of point detected within the snap radius. CursorTips are
displayed after you have activated a drawing tool (the Line tool, for
example) and you move the crosshairs across the workspace. You can
specify which types of points the system is to look for in
Point
Snap on the Point Assistant toolbar. The following CursorTips are
displayed to indicate the different types of points:
Icon
Meaning
Free point: There is no defined point within the snap radius.
The circle represents the size of the snap radius.
Endpoint: Snaps to the nearest element endpoint. This option

cannot be deactivated.
Intersection: Snaps to the point of intersection between two

elements within the snap radius.
Midpoint: Snaps to the nearest midpoint of a line or polygon
inside the snap radius.
Element: Snaps to the nearest point on an element within the
snap radius.
Gridpoint: Snaps to the nearest gridpoint inside the snap
radius. Note:
Define Grid Setting defines the settings for
Grid on/off (on the

the grid. The grid is only visible when
Special toolbar) is active. Gridpoints are snapped even when
the grid is not displayed.
Linear snap via middle mouse button or CTRL + left mouse
button: The nearest point in the detection radius is snapped
with the middle mouse button or CTRL + left mouse button
(depending on the setting in Global Options) when placing
points. This way, you can quickly draw mutually perpendicular
lines. This option cannot be deactivated.
46
Precision Drawing
Allplan FT
Snapping Points with the Left Mouse Button

You can snap to points on existing elements. These points include
endpoints, midpoints, division points and points of intersection. You
do not need to know the coordinates of these points, nor is it
necessary to work with construction lines.
The system scans for points within a defined radius about the
crosshairs. This means that when you click in the workspace, the
system snaps to points within a specific distance (the snap radius),
even if the center of the crosshairs is not positioned directly over the
point. Specify the snap radius in
toolbar) in the Snap Points tab.
Point Snap (Point Assistant
Depending on the setting made in

Point Snap, the snap radius
can apply to the active drawing file or may also include passive
drawing files (i.e., drawing files open in edit or reference mode).
Crosshairs
Snap radius
The program snaps to the
coordinates of this point, as it is
within the snap radius.
Note: In
Global Options you can configure the system to emit an
acoustic signal whenever you place an undefined point.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
47
Linear Snap
You can use linear snapto place points so that they are in direct
alignment with existing points. If the system finds a point within the
snap radius, the point set is placed in such a manner that it is exactly
aligned with the nearest point found inside the snap radius.
Alignment is based on the selected system angle.
If the Show linear snap option is enabled in
Point Snap, the
program highlights the points that are in perpendicular alignment
before a button is pressed and creates temporary construction lines
stretching to the point. This provides a better visual check when
using the linear snap tool.
Tip: Drafting using linear snap
is mainly useful with
drawings consisting of few
design entities. It becomes
more difficult to align with
the correct point as the
number of design entities
increases.
Note: Pressing the SHIFT key during this process will temporarily
hide the linear snap feature.
Linear snap mark

Crosshairs
Snap radius
Snapped point
48
Precision Drawing
Allplan FT

The Point Assistant toolbar includes tools to assist you in the
process of entering points. The tools on the toolbar become active
when the program expects you to enter a point - after selecting an
entity creation tool, for example.
Icon
Point Snap
Use
Global Point
Finds a point based on its coordinates. You can also get the coordinates of
an existing point by clicking it or entering its point number.
Delta Point
Finds a point based on its offset in the X direction relative to the last point
entered.
Delta Point
Finds a point based on its offset in the Y direction relative to the last point
entered.
Delta Point
Finds a point based on its offset in the Z direction relative to the last point
entered.
Polar Coordinates
Places a point at a specific distance and a given angle from the last point.
Offset by Line
Places a point on an element that is at a specific distance from a (reference)

point. The reference point is displayed as a direction symbol and is located
at either the start or the end of the element, depending on which is nearest
to the point you clicked. The distance between the displayed reference point
and the contact point is displayed in the dialog line.
Division Point
Divides a line that you enter or an element into an arbitrary number of

segments. The division points can be addressed by clicking or entering a
number.
Point of Intersection
Snaps to the point of intersection between two elements.
Get Midpoint
Finds the midpoint of an element (e.g., a line) or a line that you enter.
Manual
Icon
Unit 1: Basics
49
Point Snap
Use
Offset by Radius
Finds a point obtained from the point of intersection of two new circles that
you enter.
Perpendicular
Finds the point on an element that is obtained by dropping a perpendicular

line from an arbitrary point onto the element.
Define Point Symbol
When you employ the

Divide,
Station Element or
Perpendicular
through Station tools (in the Site Plan module), you can make additional
point settings in the Point Assistant.
Point Snap
Opens a dialog box in which you can make settings for CursorTips.
Brackets
Enables the bracket feature.
Outline Auto-Detect
on/off
Enables/disables the automatic detection of closed, delimited areas.
50
Precision Drawing
Allplan FT
Setting a Cursor Snap Angle and Using Drawing Aids

When you draw linear elements (a wall or a line, for example), you
can draw either freely or you can restrict the direction in which you
draw to a specific angle. You can select one of the methods presented
on the Dynamic toolbar after you have placed the first point.
You can restrict movement to either horizontal/vertical (ortho

constraint) or set a cursor snap angle of your choice. The current
setting for the system angle is taken into account. For example, if the
system angle is set to 30 , then this is interpreted as being
horizontal.
Note: If you have set a cursor snap angle, then this will have priority
over any point snap settings you have made, as well as any other
settings in the Point Assistant toolbar. This means that only points
in alignment with one of the set cursor snap angles will be snapped.
You can use the following options on the Dynamic toolbar to restrict
cursor movement to a specific direction or angle:
Icon
45
Function
Use
Normal line
The lines can be drawn at any angle. This is the default setting.
Lines at right angles

(ortho constraint)
The line can only be drawn at right angles to the current system angle.
Cursor snap
The line can only be drawn at specific angles.
Cursor snap angle
Define the cursor snap angle here.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
51
Using the Bracket Feature

With the bracket feature, you can enter points and elements using
coordinates relative to existing points. You can also use this feature
to select multiple elements.
Using the Bracket Feature to Enter Points

Tip: You can also open/close
these metaphorical brackets
by right clicking in the
workspace.
Activate the brackets with

toolbar.
Click a reference point.

A temporary marker appears on the point.
Enter the relative coordinates until you find the drop-in point.
Press
Bracket on the Point Assistant
Bracket to close the bracket feature.
Using the Bracket Feature to Select Elements
Activate the brackets with

toolbar.
Click elements and/or open selection rectangles or fences.
Press
Bracket on the Filter Assistant
Bracket to close the bracket feature.
52
Precision Drawing
Allplan FT
Polyline Entry Tools

The general polyline input is used to enter polylines and polygonalbounded areas. It is used by countless Allplan FT functions, e.g.,
when entering hatching, applying a fill or entering a room.
Tip: The easiest alternative is
to enter a rectangle by
setting two diagonally
opposite points and then
pressing ESC.
You can enter the polyline from scratch using the drawing aids on
the Dynamic toolbar or you can use existing outlines or elements.
Basic Polyline Input Rules
Entering two points and pressing ESC automatically creates a

rectangle.
Polylines that have to be closed (e.g., for hatching), close

automatically when you press ESC or when the last point
coincides with the first.
When you click an element, you can either define a point on the
element or choose to use the entire element.
When you click Options on the Dynamic toolbar, you can make
additional settings.
You can create areas composed of any number of areas by

clicking Multi on the Dynamic toolbar and then using Plus and
Minus to define whether the area is to be added or subtracted
from the overall area.
You can use

outlines.
Outline Auto-Detect to quickly select closed
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
53
Applying Hatching, Pattern or Fill

You can apply hatching, patterns or fills to areas in order to define
different materials or to visually highlight areas. The library of
hatching styles that ships with Allplan FT includes a wide range of
hatching styles and patterns. However, you can also define your own
hatching styles and patterns (click Defaults on the Tools menu) or
modify those that come with the program. You can display the
boundary of hatching, patterns and fills as a construction line by
setting the appropriate option in
Show/Hide.
Areas where hatching, patterns or fills are to be applied are best

entered using a standard polyline.
The following tools are available for entering filled areas:

Icon
Function
Use
Hatching
You can use this tool to apply hatching to an area.
Pattern
You can use this tool to apply a pattern to an area.
Fill
You can use this tool to apply a color fill to an area.
54
Applying Hatching, Pattern or Fill
Allplan FT
The following tools are available for modifying filled areas:

Icon
Function
Use
Reshape Hatching,
Pattern, Fill or
Architectural
Area
You can use this tool to add areas to hatching, patterns, fills or architectural
elements (walls, columns, slabs, beam, upstands, room, floor, and ceiling) or
remove such areas.
Split Hatching, Fills,

Archit. Elements
You can use this tool to split hatching, patterns, fills and architectural
elements (walls, columns, slabs, beam, upstand, room, floor, and ceiling) into
2 parts. This can be useful if you need to split up the 3D plan for creating
the plan or plot.
Merge Hatching,
Patterns, Fills and
Archit. Elements
You can use this tool to merge two areas of hatching, patterns, fills and
architectural elements (walls, columns, slabs, beam, upstand, room, floor,
and ceiling) to form a single element.
Hatch to Pattern to Fill You can use this tool to convert hatching, patterns or fills to hatching,
patterns or fills.
Stretch Entities
You can use this tool to modify the outline of filled areas.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
55
Hatching and Reference Scale

Whenever you apply hatching, you can specify whether the spacing
between the hatching lines is to remain constant or change
dynamically with the reference scale. This means that you can
distinguish between hatching used to display real objects, and
symbolic hatching, e.g., concrete hatching. Tiles should appear larger
or smaller depending on the selected reference scale. Symbolic
hatching, on the other hand, should have the same spacing between
lines regardless of scale.
You can make this setting in two places
In the hatching properties when you create an area with

hatching: This is where you specify whether the spacing between
hatching lines is to be adjusted to the scale or whether it is to
remain constant, regardless of the scale.
In hatching defaults: This is where you specify the spacing

between the hatching lines (for the Scale-based adjustment in
plan setting) and the scale to which this spacing is to apply. This
setting is also critical to how component hatching behaves.
Note:
When you modify the definition, all areas to which you have
already applied this hatching are changed.
56
Hatching and Reference Scale
Allplan FT
Hatching Setting Does not change in plan

When you have enabled the Does not change in plan option, the
offset between hatching lines always stays the same in the layout,
regardless of the scale. This setting applies to components such as
walls when you have entered a value of 1 in the Reference scale for
adjusting line spacing so that it is true to scale option in the
definitions of the hatching style used.
But the display of hatching styles in layouts differs from that in
drawing files. The display in layouts is of relevance.
Display in Layout
The offset between hatching lines is the same at 1:50 as well as at
1:100 but the number of lines doubles. This offset is defined by the
value entered for the line spacing in the hatching definitions,
regardless of the scale.
Display in drawing file

As the number of hatching lines doubles, the display in drawing files
changes associatively with the reference scale.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
57
Hatching Setting Scale- based adjustment in plan

When you have enabled the Scale-based adjustment in plan setting,
the offset between hatching lines changes associatively with the
scale. This setting applies to components such as walls when you
have entered a value larger than 1 in the Reference scale for
adjusting line spacing so that it is true to scale option in the
definitions of the hatching style used.
But the display of hatching styles in layouts differs from that in
drawing files. The display in layouts is of relevance.
Display in Layout
The offset between hatching lines is at 1:50 twice as big as at 1:100
but the number of lines remains constant. This offset is defined by
the value entered for the line spacing in the hatching definitions as
well as by the reference scale.
Example: You use hatching 1 with the following settings: line

spacing is 3mm and the reference scale for adjusting line spacing so
that it is true to scale is set to 1:100. This hatching is created in the
drawing file with the Scale-based adjustment in plan setting being
enabled, and it is placed in the layout at a scale of 1:50- The offset
between the hatching lines in the layout is calculated according to
the following formula: Line spacing (from definitions): Reference
scale x scale of layout; i.e. in this case: 3mm : 1/100 x 1/50 = 6mm.
At a layout scale of 1:100, the line spacing is 3mm.
58
Pattern and Reference Scale
Allplan FT

As the number of hatching lines remains constant, the display in the
drawing file does not change when you set another reference scale.

The size of a pattern or pattern element and its display at different
reference scales depends on three factors:
The height and width of an pattern element. These values are set
in the defaults of the pattern (on the Tools menu Defaults
Pattern).
The Scale-based adjustment in plan and/or Does not change in

plan options. You can make these settings in the pattern
parameters (Pattern tool- Properties).
On the values of the height and width factor of the pattern. These
values are also entered in the parameters of the pattern.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
59
Pattern Setting Does not change in plan

When the Does not change in plan setting is enabled, the size of the
pattern elements always stays the same in the layout, regardless of
the scale.
But the display of patterns in layouts differs from that in drawing
files. The display in layouts is of relevance.
Display in Layout
The size of the pattern elements is the same at 1:50 as well as at
1:100 but the number of pattern elements doubles. The size and the
width/height factor is defined in the pattern parameters.
Example: You use pattern 301 and the height of one pattern element
should be 10 mm in the layout. Pattern 301 is assigned a height of
100 mm in the pattern definition. Thus, you have to enter a factor of
0.10 in the parameters of the pattern (pattern height x factor =
height of one pattern element in the layout). Now a pattern element
is displayed at a height of 10 mm (100 mm x 10), regardless of the
scale set.

As the number of the pattern elements doubles, the display of
patterns in drawing files changes associatively with the reference
scale.
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Allplan FT
Pattern Setting Scale-based adjustment in plan

When the Scale-based adjustment in plan option is enabled, the size
of the pattern elements in the layout changes associatively with the
scale. This setting applies to components such as walls.
But the display of patterns in layouts differs from that in drawing
files. The display in layouts is of relevance.
Display in Layout
The size of the pattern elements is at 1:50 twice as big as at 1:100
but the number of pattern elements remains constant. The size of a
single pattern element depends on the following settings: the values
and the height/width factor specified in the settings of the pattern
and the scale at which the layout element has been placed.
Example: You use pattern 301 and the height of one pattern element
should be 10 mm in the layout. Pattern 301 is assigned a height of
100 mm in the pattern definition. Thus, you have to enter a factor of
10 the parameters of the pattern (height of a pattern element in the
layout = defined pattern height x factor x layout scale). At a scale of
1:100, these values result in a height of 10mm (100mm x 10 x
1/100); at a scale of 1:50, the height is 20mm.

As the number of the pattern elements remains constant, the display
of patterns in drawing files does not change when you set another
reference scale.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
61
Working Efficiently using Libraries and

Styles
You can save frequently used settings or values in dialog boxes as
styles and retrieve these whenever they are needed. For example, you
can save different wall thickness in the Wall dialog box.
Click
to add a new wall thickness value.
Click
to remove a wall thickness value.
62
Working Efficiently using Libraries and Styles
Allplan FT
Saving Components as Styles

You can define frequently used components as standard components
and store these in a component-specific library. This is especially
useful if you are working in a team. The use of standard components
not only means that they are readily available, but also reduces the
risk of errors.
You can save walls, doors and windows as styles. You can even save
dimension lines as styles. All you need to do is click
at bottom
left in the components property dialog. The example below shows
the property dialog for a slab opening.
Note: The currently active layer is also saved. When you retrieve
styles later, this layer becomes the active layer automatically.
Click
to save standard components.
Click
to retrieve standard components.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
63
Using Symbols
A symbol is essentially a file consisting of any number of design
entities. Symbols can be used repeatedly within a drawing. The size
of a symbol is practically unlimited. You can even save an entire
drawing file as a symbol.
The following tools on the Standard toolbar can be used to save and
retrieve symbols:
Get from Library
Write to Library
Allplan FT ships with a set of basic symbols. However, you can also
create your own symbols or purchase various symbol catalogs from
Nemetschek.
Symbols provide the following advantages:
You can create a library of symbols that contains frequently used

components. Instead of drawing the component from scratch each
time, just retrieve the symbol from the symbol file.
Symbols are placed as an entity group. This means that they can
be addressed (click with the middle and left mouse buttons) and
modified as a single entity. You can also modify each individual
element separately.
You can also access the extensive symbol catalogs offered by

Nemetschek. A lot of the symbols offered here will display with
different levels of detail, depending on the scale that is set.
Symbols adjust automatically to the reference scale. If symbols

contain texts, you can also adjust these texts to the reference scale if
you want.
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Allplan FT
Using Smart Symbols

A smart symbol is an intelligent symbol whose appearance changes
dynamically with the reference scale and view. A smart symbol is
composed of several display foils. One foil might contain a 2D
representation of an element, while another might include the same
element in 3D. Yet another foil can contain a simple representation
of the element at 1:100, while another could show a complex
representation of the element at 1:10.
A smart symbol can have a very simple or very complex structure.
Displayed at a
scale of 1:200
Displayed at a
scale of 1:100
Displayed in isometric
view
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
65
Properties of Smart Symbols
Smart symbols take up less space. Once you have placed a smart
symbol, all the other instances of the smart symbol simply
reference the first instance. This means that, regardless of how
many times you actually place a smart symbol, only the disk
space for a single instance is required (as opposed to symbols).
Using Modify Smart Symbol to modify an instance of a smart

symbol automatically modifies all the instances of the smart
symbol in the same drawing file.
After you have placed a smart symbol, it no longer references the

smart symbol stored in the catalog. This means that overwriting a
smart symbol in the catalog with another smart symbol will not
affect the instances of the original that have already been placed.
If you have the Smart Symbols module, you can also use
Update Placed Smart Symbols Based on Catalog to update
placed instances of the smart symbol.
Checking for design alternatives is drastically simplified. With

smart symbols, you can replace all instances of a smart symbol or
just a single instance.
If you have the Smart Symbols module, you can assign attributes
(e.g., item numbers, prices) to smart symbols. These can
subsequently be evaluated and analyzed and the results displayed
in the form of a list.
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Allplan FT
Components of a Smart Symbol

A smart symbol consists of two- and three-dimensional design
entities. Allplan FT uses the definition and assignment of the
individual foils to reassemble the smart symbol at different scales
and display modes. The exact position of the foils is preserved, even
when you resize a smart symbol. This is made possible by setting a
reference point and so-called resizing points.
When you design a smart symbol, you can define areas of the design
entity as being dynamic (resizable) or static. A good example is a
window frame whose sections remain constant - as opposed to the
glass surface whose height and width needs to be variable.
3D view
2D view at a scale of 1:1 to 1:99.

This display consists of two foils, as the profiles are
to remain constant while the glass surface is to be
resized.
2D view at a scale of 1:100 to

1:500
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
67
General Approach for Defining Smart Symbols

Follow the steps below to define a smart symbol
1 Draw all the elements that are to make up the smart symbol. If
the smart symbol is to consist of several congruent foils for
different reference scales and/or views, place the elements that
belong together beside or below each other in the workspace; this
will facilitate the process of selecting foils and setting reference
points.
2 Activate the
Define Smart Symbol tool (Special toolbar),
select the catalog where the smart symbol is to be stored, enter a
name for it and assign parameters.
3 Select the elements to be placed on the first smart symbol foil.
Foil 1
4 Define the other foils.

Every area that is subject to a separate resizing definition gets its
own foil.
Foil 2
Foil 3
5 Define the smart symbols MinMax box.

Use
Get from Library (Standard toolbar) to insert the smart
symbol in the workspace.
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Allplan FT
Paths in Allplan FT
When saving or retrieving standard components, symbols and smart
symbols, the system will prompt you to specify a path for the files in
question. The example below shows the dialog that is displayed when
saving a symbol.
The distinction between the Office, Private and External paths is
particularly important in a network environment. However, you can
also structure your data if you are using a standalone version.
Path
Meaning
Office
The files in this folder are available to all users in the

network. By using an office standard, you ensure that the
plans in your office have a uniform appearance. The office
standard can only be modified by the system administrator.
Private
The files in this folder are only available to one specific

user.
Project
The files in this folder are only available in one specific

project.
External data
buffer
The files in this path are for backing up or exchanging data.
Your own path when saving or retrieving symbols or smart symbols, you
can define your own paths and save them under a name of
your choice by clicking Folder Pathname.
Manual
Unit 1: Basics
69
70
Allplan FT
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
71
Unit 2: First Steps

This unit has two exercises that focus on the following
modules:
Draft
Text
Dimension Lines
You will draw a title block that you save as a file that
you can use again later.
You will draw a railing detail including dimensioning
information and hatching.
A short troubleshooting section is provided at the end to
make sure you succeed.
72
Initial Settings for Exercises 1 and 2
Allplan FT

Exercises 1 and 2 present the drafting tools in Allplan FT. Project
and drawing management issues are not discussed at this stage. A
minimum of management is nevertheless required. Detailed
information on project organization is provided in unit 3.
Start by making the following toolbar settings:
The Dynamic toolbar should be located at bottom right in the status
bar (this is the default). Float the toolbar so that it is always visible.
To float the Dynamic toolbar

1 On the View menu, point to Toolbars and select Dynamic
Toolbar.
2 Click Float Dynamic Toolbar.
This tutorial uses the Architecture Configuration.
Not only are all the tools you need immediately at hand, but this also
ensures that the maximum amount of space possible is available to
you on screen.
To set the architecture configuration
On the View menu, click Default Configurations and select

Architecture Configuration.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
73
In the
CAD Navigator in the Basic family, select the
Draft module.
The Basic Tools toolbar should now look like this:
Dimension Lines flyout

Layout flyout
Edit flyout
CAD Navigator
Create flyout
Draft
module
Text flyout
Basic Tools
(always visible)
Draft flyout
Create II flyout
Modify flyout
Tip: All the flyout toolbars

referred to in this tutorial can
be found in the "Appendix,
Overview of Tools" chapter.
The Architecture toolbar consists of the following flyouts:

Architectural Components flyout
Architectural Openings flyout
Rooms flyout
Stairs flyout
74
Allplan FT
In Allplan FT, you work with drawing files. Drawing files are
organized by project.
If you have not yet created any projects on your computer, the
"unnamed project" also referred to as the 'private' project is
automatically the active project.
This is the project we will use for the initial exercises.
To select a project
1 On the File menu, click
Open Project .
2 Click the < > project and press
to confirm the dialog box.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
75
Understanding Drawing Files

In Allplan FT, the actual design and data creation process happens in
drawing files. These are the equivalent of the transparencies used in
conventional building design. Drawing files can be used to give
projects a structure. In IT terms, a drawing file is a conventional file
stored on your hard disk. You can display and edit up to 40 drawing
files at once - in other words, you can have several files open
simultaneously. A project can contain up to 6000 drawing files.
When working without layers, the individual building elements (such
as walls, stairs, labeling, etc.) are drawn on different drawing files
and superimposed like transparencies.
Drawing File 6000

Drawing File150
Drawing File15
Drawing File3
Drawing File2
Drawing File1
In order to edit the drawing files, they have to be activated (opened).

You do this in the Select Files and Filesets dialog box.
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Allplan FT
Drawing File Status

With the drawing file status, you define the drawing file on which
you draw and which drawing files are visible and/or can be modified.
The following illustration shows the different drawing file statuses.
An explanation is provided in the table below.
Number
Drawing File Status
Remark
Active drawing file
The active drawing file is the one on which you draw. There must
always be one active drawing file.
Drawing file open in edit

mode
Elements in edit mode drawing files are visible and can be

modified; you can open up to 40 drawing files in edit and/or
reference mode.
Reference mode
Elements in drawing files that are open in reference mode are

Global Options, you can
visible, but cannot be modified. In
configure the program to display all the elements in reference
drawing files using a single color. Empty drawing files cannot be
opened in reference mode.
Inactive
Elements on inactive drawing files are not visible.
Empty drawing file
Empty drawing files have no data type icon.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
77
Information on the Active Drawing File

You are offered information on the active drawing file by clicking in
the workspace with the right mouse button and selecting Drawing
File Properties on the Shortcut menu. An information box including
important information on the drawing file is opened.
Information
Meaning
Memory allocation
This shows how much of the memory reserved for a

drawing file has already been allocated (as a
percentage). Background information: a certain
amount of memory is reserved for drawing files.
You can set the size reserved by clicking Service
File Size in the Services application.
Drawing file number
The number of the current drawing file is displayed

here. The number is also displayed in the title bar of
the application window.
Drawing file type
The drawing file type is displayed here. This

corresponds to the data type icon that is displayed
in the status bar.
Max. size of drawing

file
The maximum amount of memory available for the

drawing file is displayed in Kbytes. You can set the
size reserved by clicking Service File Size in the
Services application
Minimum/maximum The minimum and maximum coordinates in the

values in drawing file drawing file are displayed here.
78
Allplan FT
For the exercises in this unit, you will be using empty drawing files.
First, though, you need to name them. We will now open a drawing
file.
To name and select drawing files

1 Click
Open and Select (Standard toolbar).
2 Right-click the drawing file number 1 and select Rename on the

shortcut menu.
You can now enter a name for the drawing file.
3 Enter Title block and press ENTER to confirm.
Tip: To change the status of a
selection box, just click it
again.
4 Enter Railing in the next empty drawing file.

5 Double-click 1 Title block to activate it. All other drawing files
are disabled automatically.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
79
Exercise 1: Title Block

In this exercise, you will create a title block and label it.
To do this, we will use the

Basic family.
Draft and
Text modules in the
Note: There are also other ways of creating and labeling title blocks.
Plot Layout module contains the
Label tool where you
The
can select from a number of title blocks. These are title blocks that
were created as label styles and that convey information on date,
project name and more. An example showing how to create a title
block as a label style is provided in "Unit 10: Layout Output".
80
Allplan FT
Designing the Title Block

Tools:
Objective:
Reference Scale
Rectangle
Parallel Lines
Auto-Delete Segments
Delete
Modify Format
Properties
In the first part of the exercise that follows you will draw the layout
of the title block with tools in the
Draft module.
Use the Draft flyout on the Basic Tools toolbar (see "Unit 1: Basics").
Each module has its own set of default settings - Options. These
contain defaults that affect the manner in which the individual tools
function.
This way, you can configure the program to suit your own
preferences.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
81
Start by selecting the unit of measurement for the values you enter.
We will use mm for this exercise.
To set units
1 Click
Options (Standard toolbar) and click Global Options in
the dialog box.
Tip: Alternatively, set the unit

of measurement in the status
bar: click in the field beside
Length and select 'mm' for
this exercise.
2 Select the Units tab and click mm in the Unit of length list box.
3 Press
to confirm the settings.
82
Allplan FT
Before you start working, you should also set the reference scale.
You can set any scale you want.
The title block will be drawn at a scale of 1:1.
To set the reference scale

1 On the View menu, click
Reference Scale.
2 In the Scale dialog box, select 1.000 and click
to confirm.
User-defined dialog boxes

In the user-defined dialog boxes in Allplan FT you can enter any
value in addition to those presented.
This option is preset: Enter a value at the keyboard and
press ENTER. The value is set without being added to the
list.
Clicking this symbol and entering a value at the keyboard
(press ENTER to confirm) adds the value to the list.
Selecting a value and clicking this symbol deletes the
value.
You can only delete values you defined yourself.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
83
In Allplan FT, you can copy the format properties (pen thickness,
linetype and line color) from the layer assigned to the relevant
element. Disable this option for the exercises presented in this
tutorial.
To disable layers format properties

1 Click Select, Set Layers (Format toolbar).
2 Make sure that all check boxes are disabled in the Layers format
properties area.
Note: Depending on the settings made in the Format Definition

tab, the check boxes might be disabled.
3 Press OK to confirm.
Start by drawing the outer border of the title block.
To draw the outer border as a rectangle

1 Click
Tip: Did you make an
incorrect entry? Click
Undo. You can undo all steps
back to the last save.
Rectangle (Draft flyout )
2 Place the first point in the workspace.

3 Enter 170 for the length and press ENTER to confirm.
4 Enter 155 for the width and press ENTER to confirm.
5 In the border of the viewport, click
Refresh.
84
Allplan FT
Create the interior lines as lines parallel to the border.
To draw the interior parallel lines

1 Click
Parallel Lines (Draft flyout).
2 Click the bottom line in the border.

3 Enter 20 for the length, press ENTER to confirm and click inside
the rectangle.
4 Number: 1
5 Press ENTER to confirm.
6 Point through which element is to pass / Enter offset: 10;
Number: 4.
Number: 1.
Number: 1.
Number: 3.
10 Press ESC to quit the tool.
11 To draw the parallel vertical lines, click
Parallel Lines again.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
12 Click the left-hand side and create two parallel lines - one at an
offset of 15 and the other at an offset of 120.
12
85
86
Allplan FT
Finally, delete the lines you do not need.
To delete lines and segments of lines

1 Click
Auto-Delete Segment (Draft) flyout and delete the
superfluous vertical line segments.
2 Click
left.
Delete (Edit flyout) and delete the vertical line on the
Auto-Delete Segment again and delete the superfluous

3 Click
horizontal lines.
1
3
3
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
The border of the title block needs to stand out.
To modify the pen thickness

1 Click
Modify Format Properties (Edit flyout).
Tip: Further editing tools are

also available on the shortcut
menu (right click).
Check that no other tool is
active when you do so.
2 Select the Line weight check box, select pen 3 0.50 and press
to confirm.
3 Click the four lines in the border one after the other.
Your drawing should now look like this:
87
88
Allplan FT
Entering Text for the Title Block

Tools:
Objective:
Horizontal Text
Get Midpoint
Bracket
Delta Point
Copy
Edit Text
Explode Paragraph
Change Text Settings
The following part of the exercise involves entering the text for the
title block using the tools in the
Text module.
Use the Text flyout on the Basic Tools toolbar.
Start by entering a label for the contents of the plan in the title
block.
To enter centered text
Switch to the
1 Click
Text module.
Horizontal Text (Text flyout).
The start point of the text will be exactly in the middle of the
small rectangle - in other words, the midpoint of an imaginary
diagonal line.
Get Midpoint (Point Assistant) and click two diagonally
2 Click
opposite points in the box.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
89
3 For the text, enter Railing, detail.

4 Enter the text parameters:
Click to center the text starting point

Text height: 5.0
The text width adapts dynamically according to the aspect
ratio set (in this example: 1.00).
Font: 8 (Isonorm DIN 6776).
5 Click OK or press CTRL+ENTER.

Horizontal Text tool remains active.
The
90
Allplan FT
Enter the name of the construction project in the next field. It is to

be left-aligned and we will enter the text as paragraph text. To enter
paragraph text, we need to specify a value for the line spacing.
Paragraph text:
When
Paragraph Text is active, the lines you enter will form
a paragraph. The individual lines of text in a paragraph retain
their original spacing regardless of the reference scale you set.
The lines in a paragraph can also be addressed as a single entity
for easy manipulation.
To insert lines in a paragraph, use
individual lines, use
Insert Line. To delete
Delete Text Line.
Explode Paragraph resolves paragraph text into its

constituent lines.
Line Feed:
The spacing between lines is based on the line feed value
multiplied by text height. Whenever you press ENTER to confirm
a line of text, the program automatically goes to the next line.
Bracket feature in the Point Assistant:
Use the
Bracket tool to position the text exactly. The bracket
feature is always useful when you want to place a point relative
to an existing point.
To enter paragraph text using the bracket feature

to save
Tip: You can use
combinations of text settings
as styles:
to enter a name in
Use
the list and set the
corresponding parameters.
The
Horizontal Text tool should still be active. We will define

the texts starting point using the bracket feature.
1 Click
Brackets (Point Assistant).
This opens metaphorical 'brackets' in which you can execute a

number of separate operations.
2 Click the point in the title block as shown below.
This sets the point that will serve as a reference for measurement
The point appears as a small marker.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
3 Click
Delta Point in the Point Assistant, enter 30 and 5 for
the dX and dY values respectively and press ENTER to confirm.
4 Click
Brackets again to close the metaphorical brackets.
5 Change the position of the text's starting point to

top left in the dialog box.
6 Enter the following text:
New condominium [ENTER]
with underground parking
7 Click OK to finish entering text.
8 Press ESC to finish.
91
92
Allplan FT
Enter a line of text on the right in the title block and copy it to the
fields below.
To enter and copy text

1 Click
Horizontal Text (Text flyout).
2 Set the starting point of the text using the bracket tool in the
Point Assistant.
Brackets to activate the bracket feature
a)
Click
b)
click the top left corner of the rectangle (see figure below)
c)
Delta Point: dX = 2, dY = -2
d)
Click
Brackets to 'close' the brackets
3 Set the text starting point to

Height to 2.5.
For the sample text, enter: Date.
top left and change the
Text
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
93
4 Press OK to confirm the text you entered.

6 Click the text with the right mouse button and select
and Paste on the shortcut menu.
Copy
7 From point
Click the top left corner of the field.
8 Enter 4 for the number of copies and press ENTER to confirm.
9 Place point (to point) or enter the number of copies
Click the top left corner of the field below.
7
9
94
Modify the text using the
Allplan FT
Edit Text tool.
Text modification:
Text can be edited at any time. This provides a comfortable
approach if you are using boilerplate - all you have to do is
update the text.
To edit text and add a line

1 Right-click the text at the top and select
shortcut menu.
Edit Text on the
The relevant dialog box appears and can be modified.

2 Enter Date at the end of the text, press ENTER to go to the next
line and
enter a placeholder for the date in the next line: XX. XX. 2002
Paragraph Text is enabled as this is the only
Note: Check that
way you will be able to modify the lines together later.
3 Press OK to confirm the text you entered.
4 Click the next entry and modify it according to the illustration
below.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
95
In the next step, you change the appearance of the placeholder for
the plan number. To do this, you assign different text parameters. We
will give it a character height of 5 mm and a character width of 6
mm. First, we need to 'explode' the paragraph.
Defining text parameters:
Twenty different Allplan FT fonts are available or you can use on
of the installed TrueType fonts.
The Text Height and Text Width parameters are absolute values.
This means that the text will print out using the values you enter
regardless of the selected reference scale.
To change text settings

1 Click the Plan number... text block with the right mouse button
Explode Paragraph on the shortcut menu.
and select
This explodes the paragraph and you can now modify each line
separately.
2 Press ESC to quit the
3
Explode Paragraph tool.
Click the placeholder XXX with the right mouse button and
Change Text Settings on the shortcut menu.
select
4 Change the text parameters:

Text height:
5
Text width: 6
5 Click the placeholder XXX.

6 Complete the label using the information provided below.
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Allplan FT
Saving and Retrieving the Title Block as a Symbol in a Catalog

Tools:
Write to Library
Get from Library
In the last part of the exercise you will save the title block as a
symbol in a symbol catalog. Then, you will learn how to retrieve it
and place it in an empty drawing file.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
Symbols
Symbols are design entities that you can use whenever you need.
Symbols automatically adjust to the scale of the drawing file and
can be addressed as single objects using the middle and left
mouse buttons in combination. You can alter symbols and save
them using another name.
Symbols are often used for drawings and other common
components. In time, you will find that you develop your own
extensive symbol libraries for title blocks, fixtures, equipment
etc. that you can use time and again.
Symbol catalogs
Symbols are managed in symbol catalogs. Each sub-folder can
contain a large number of symbols. Using the ProjectPilot, you
can also copy, delete and rename them.
Sub-folders are assigned to libraries.
Office: This folder contains the offices standard libraries and
sub-folders. The data in this folder is available to the entire
office:
-
Standalone: for all the local projects,

Network: for all local and remote users and projects. Only the
system administrator can store and manage symbols.
Project: The catalogs in this path belong to a specific project and
are only available in that project.
Private: The catalogs in this path belong to the user that is
currently logged on and cannot be accessed by other users in a
network.
If you are not keen on making your own symbol catalog, you
can use the extensive symbol catalogs available from
Nemetschek.
97
98
Allplan FT
Insert the title block as a symbol in a catalog.
To insert a symbol in a catalog

1 Click
Write to Library (Standard toolbar).
2 The title block is to be made available to the entire office. In the

Folder area, click Office.
3 In the Library area, click Text.
Tip: You can also change the

position of a symbols base
point when you retrieve it.
4 Press
to confirm.
5 Use the left mouse button to open a selection rectangle around

the title block. It is displayed in the selection color.
6 Click the corner at bottom right. This is the point by which the
symbol will be attached to the crosshairs when it is retrieved.
7 In the Select dialog box, choose the option Dumb symbol
to confirm.
without CursorTips and press
8 Click an empty line under Subfolder and enter a name for the
symbol file: Title block.
(If you choose a name that is already assigned, only the name is
overwritten.)
9 Click an empty line under Name and
enter a name for the symbol: Original.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
99
(Choosing an assigned name will cause the symbol it contains to

be overwritten.)
10 Press ENTER to finish.
100
Allplan FT
Now retrieve the symbol and place it in an empty drawing file.

In practice, the new drawing file might be a drawing file for another
construction project. All you would need to do then is change the
project-specific information and save the title block again as a
symbol - this time in the Project folder.
Besides the symbols you create and save yourself, you can use this
approach to retrieve symbols in the Nemetschek symbol catalogs as
well as DWG and DXF format symbols.
To retrieve a symbol from a catalog

1 Click
Open and Select (Standard toolbar), activate an empty
drawing file and disable the drawing file Title block.
Reference Scale and select 1 (1.000).
2 On the View menu, click
Alternatively, click the RS field in the status bar.
3 Click
Get from Library (Standard toolbar).
4 In the dialog box which appears, select the Office folder and the
Text library.
5 Press
to confirm.
The Get Data dialog box is displayed.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
Tip: Activate the Preview

check box to get a preview of
the symbol.
Tip: Using the tools on the

Dynamic toolbar, you can
change the position of the
symbols base point and
orientation.
You can use the Point
Assistant to define the exact
drop-in point in the drawing
file.
6 Select Original in the Title Block subfolder.

7 Press
to confirm.
Now you are back in the workspace. The symbol is attached to

the crosshairs at its base point.
8 To place the symbol, click in the workspace.
9 To quit symbol retrieval mode, press ESC.
101
102
Exercise 2: Railing Detail
Allplan FT
The aim of the next exercise is to draw this detail from a railing. This
example was chosen because it is ideal for demonstrating the most
important drafting and modification tools provided in the Draft
module.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
103
Designing a Railing Detail

Tools:
Objective:
Rectangle
Intersect 2 Entities
Parallel Lines
Auto-Delete Segments
Line
Brackets
Delta Point
Mirror and Copy
Get Midpoint
Stretching Entities
Fold Line
In this exercise you will draw a railing detail in plan as well as two
sections using the tools in the Draft module.
Start by making initial settings.
To select a drawing file and to set options

1 Click
Open and Select (Standard toolbar) and activate the
empty drawing file 2 "Railing" and close all the other drawing
files.
2 Click beside the Length field in the status bar and select cm.
3 Click beside the Scale field in the status bar and select 1:10.
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Allplan FT
We will start by drawing the outline.

Tip: When the system
prompts you for a dX value in
the dialog line when you
want to enter a dY value (or
vice versa), enter 0 and the
next prompt will appear.
+y
Bear the coordinate system

in mind and the direction of
rotation of angles!
+
+x
-x
-
-y
To get a suitable view, use the tools in the border of the viewport:
Enlarge
Refresh
Reduce
Zoom Section
Regen
Pan
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
105
First we will draw the end of the wall and the base.
To draw lines and parallel lines

1 Click
Tip: Made a mistake? You can
always go back a few steps by
exiting the current function
with ESC and clicking
Undo.
Line (Draft flyout).
2 Click in the workspace.

3 Enter the dX and dY length values as shown in the illustration.
dX = 15
dY = 25
dY = -25
dX = 0
4 Press ESC to finish drawing the line.

5 Use
Parallel Lines (Draft flyout) to draw three parallel lines:
a)
Offset: 4
Number: 1
b)
Offset: 2.5
Number: 1
c)
Offset: 0.5
Number: 1
This side
c
b
a
106
Allplan FT
In the following exercise, you will extend the new parallel lines to
the left and right.
To lengthen lines
1 Click
Lengthen Lines (Edit flyout).
2 Click the point on the left on the parallel line at the bottom first.
This is the reference point.
Tip: Note the sequence of the
points. The first point serves
as the reference point.
3 Click the right endpoint.

The offset between the points is displayed in the dialog line.
4 To change the offset between the lines, enter: 21.
5 To lengthen the line at the bottom towards the left, first click the
right endpoint (= reference point).
6 Click the left endpoint.
7 To change the offset between the lines, enter: 29.
8 Using the same approach, lengthen the two lines at the top.
Offset towards the right: 23
Offset towards the left: 33
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
107
You will now learn how to draw mutually perpendicular lines. A tool
is provided for doing this on the Dynamic toolbar.
Tip: On the View menu under
Toolbars you can specify
whether the Dynamic Toolbar
is to float or stay docked in
the dialog line or status bar.
To draw mutually perpendicular lines

1 Click
2 Click the starting point of the first parallel line.

3 Click
Ortho-Constraint (Dynamic toolbar).
4 Enter the horizontal dX length: 0.

5 Click a point to define the length of the line.
6 Press ESC to finish drawing the line.

The
Line tool remains active.
7 Repeat steps 2 through 6 for the other side and

press ESC to quit the tool.
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Allplan FT
Now you will draw a vertical line in construction line format, This
line will originate in the middle of the wall. To do this, you will use
the Get Midpoint tool.
Construction lines
Construction lines are non-printing entities (displayed on-screen
using a different color) which you can use as an aid to
construction. You can change the color setting in the
Global
Options.
You can toggle construction line mode on/off by clicking
Construction Line on/off on the Format toolbar.
To draw a line using cursor snap and based on a

midpoint
The
Line tool should still be active.
1 On the Format toolbar, click

it is on.
2 Click
Construction Line on/off so that
Get Midpoint (Point Assistant).
3 Click the line representing the top of the wall.

This sets the start of the construction-line format line on the
middle of the wall.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
4 Click
109
Cursor Snap (Dynamic toolbar).
5 Click the button displaying the angle on the Dynamic toolbar and
set it to 90.
This sets the cursor snap angle.
6 Enter the length of the line as follows: 95.
7 Click above the lines start point to specify the direction in which
it is to extend.
Construction Line (Format toolbar)
8 Click
to disable construction lines again.
9 Press ESC to finish drawing each line.
Tip: Select a suitable section

Zoom
by activating
Section.
You can use the

Rectangle tool to create rectangles.
You should already know how to enter rectangles based on a corner,
a height and a width value. In the following exercise you will also
learn how to enter a rectangle based on a center line.
To draw a rectangle based on a center line

1 Use
Rectangle (Draft flyout) to draw three rectangles based on
a start point (corner), length and width.
Starting point
Length = -0.5
Length = 0.5
Width = click
Starting point
point
Length = -6
Width = -12
110
Allplan FT
2 Click the line segment you want to delete with the right mouse
Auto-Delete Segment on the shortcut menu and
button, select
delete the other line segments.
3 Click
Rectangle (Draft flyout) to draw a rectangle based on a
vertical dividing line. The construction line will serve as the
rectangles center line. It is 84 cm long.
4 Select
Based on Centerline (Dynamic toolbar).
5 Place the start point of the center line.
6 Click
Delta Point (Point Assistant) and
enter the length for dY: 84.
7 Enter the half width of the rectangle: 2.5.
8 Press ESC to quit the Rectangle tool.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
111
We will now move the rectangle and draw another one for the
attachment piece - based on the rectangle's center this time.
To draw a rectangle based on a center

1 Click
Move (Edit flyout).
2 Select the rectangle by clicking it with the middle mouse button

and then with the left one.
Note: Clicking objects with the middle and left mouse buttons
selects all elements belonging to the same segment.
3 Place a point (from point) or enter the dx vector
Click a corner of the rectangle.
Delta Point (Point Assistant) and
4 Click
enter the values for the move operation:
dX: 0
dY: 2
5 Click
Rectangle (Draft flyout).
6 Click
Based on Center (Dynamic toolbar).
6 Click the center of the rectangle to be drawn.

7 Enter the size:
Length: 3
Width: 34
8 Press ESC to quit the
Rectangle tool.
112
Allplan FT
To create the shape of the dividing profile, we will use

Entities to alter the shape of the rectangle at the top.
Stretch
To stretch entities
1 Click
Stretch Entities (Edit flyout).
2 Select the points you want to modify

Click the top left corner.
Tip: You can also make the

modification in a single step:
dX = -3.5
dY = -5
3 In the dialog line, enter:

Place a point (from point) or enter the dx vector:
To dY:
0
-5
4 Select the points you want to modify

Click the point again and enter:
To dY:
-3.5
0
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
113
The appearance of the attachment piece needs to be changed. To

display the vertical lines in the rectangle as partially dashed, we need
to "cut" the lines into two new segments which can then be altered.
To cut and modify elements
Select the
1 Click
Draft module.
Cut with Element (Modify flyout).
2 Click the line at the top of the base piece.

The points where the elements will be cut appear briefly in
construction line format.

4 Click
5 Activate the Linetype check box, select Line No. 2 and press
to confirm.
6 Select the element(s) you want to modify
Click the three lines you want to modify.
Tip: Alternatively, click the
tool in the Draft flyout.

8 Using the right mouse button, click one of the profile lines to be
Auto-Delete
deleted and on the shortcut menu, click
Segments.
9 Remove the remaining profile line behind the attachment piece.
114
Allplan FT
The bracket feature can be applied in a wide range of situations:

You can place elements precisely based on coordinates you specify as
well as select multiple elements in different regions.
Tip: Clicking anywhere in the
workspace with the right
mouse button has the same
effect as clicking
Brackets.
Bracket tool
1.
Positioning points and elements
Open brackets with
Click a reference point.
Enter relative dX and dY coordinates.
Click
Brackets.
Brackets to 'close' the brackets.

dX
Point placed
dY
Reference point
2.
Selecting several elements and regions for common

manipulation
Open brackets with
Select regions or click elements with the middle mouse

button.
To unselect an element, just click it again.
Click
Brackets.
Brackets to 'close' the brackets.
Text
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
115
In the following exercise we will draw circles to represent the fixing

points and the railing bars.
Tip: You can create arcs by
entering different values for
the angular offset and the
delta angle to those here.
To draw a circle
1 Click
Circle (Draft flyout).
2 Click the tip of the profile to place the center point.
3 Enter the following values:

Place a point, click an element or enter the radius:
Place start point or enter the angular offset: 0
Place the endpoint or enter the delta angle:
360
1.7
Press ENTER to confirm each entry.
We will draw more circles to display where the bars are attached. To
position the centers on the construction-line format design, use the
Reference Point tool.
To draw circles based on a reference point
The
Circle tool should still be active.
Offset by Line (Point Assistant) to place the center

1 Click
exactly on the temporary lines.
2 Click the temporary line.
A small square will appear at the point you clicked. The reference
point (represented by an arrow) is displayed on the nearest
endpoint of the element you clicked.
You can move the reference point as often as you need.
116
Allplan FT
3 Click anywhere on the of the horizontal profile the reference

point moves and enter a new offset Place a new reference point
or enter the delta arc length: 4.
The center of the circle is thus defined.

4 Enter 1 for the radius and confirm the values proposed by the
system for the starting and delta angle (0 / 360).
Offset by Line (Point Assistant) again to place the circle
5 Click
for the next bar 19 cm above the top of the wall.
6 Click the construction line.
The reference point (an arrow) appears.
7 Click the top of the wall the reference point moves.
8 Enter 19 for the offset (the distance between the reference point
and the center of the new circle).
9 Enter 0.7 for the radius and
confirm the starting and delta angle (0 / 360).
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
117
The first circle (fixing point in the attachment piece) needs to be

drawn once,
the second circle (crossbars in the railing) needs to be copied five
times and the circle on the tip (handrail) will be moved a bit.
To copy and move circles

1 Click the first circle with the right mouse button and select
Copy on the shortcut menu.
2 From point
Click the center.
From
Copy what?
3 To point / How many copies?

Enter the number of copies: 1.
4 To point
Delta Point (Point Assistant) and for the horizontal
Click
offset enter the dY value of 4.
6 Click the second, small circle again with the right mouse button
Copy on the shortcut menu.
and select
7 From point
Click the center.
8 To point / How many copies?
Enter the number of copies: 5.
9 To point
Delta Point (Point Assistant) and for the horizontal
Click
offset enter the dY value of 12.
118
Allplan FT
11 Now click the circle on the tip with the right mouse button and
Move on the shortcut menu.
select
11
12 Enter the values:

To dY:
0.5
-1

Auto-Delete Segments (Draft flyout) and delete the line
14 Click
segments in the circle.
You have the following alternatives when you see the To point /
dx prompt:
Either click (origin point) with the mouse and place the element
also with the mouse
or
Define a dx point as a value at the keyboard followed by a
destination dY point.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
119
We will now apply hatching to part of the base.
To apply hatching
1 Click
Tip: When you make the
selection, you can also click
the Hatching list box.
Hatching (Draft flyout).
2 Click
Properties,
select hatching number 1 and press
to confirm.
Tip: You can select several

areas for hatching at once.
Recesses in the hatching will
appear where areas overlap.
The Point Assistant also
Outline
includes the
Auto-Detect tool. This tool
will automatically detect
polygons with a closed
boundary.
All you need to do is click
within the polygon.
3 Click two diagonally opposite points and press ESC to define the
rectangular area for the hatching.
120
Allplan FT
The following exercise has a "rough design guideline" - tools that

you have already encountered are no longer explained in detail.
To design the view

1 Click
Rectangle (Draft flyout).
2 First click
Bracket,
then the bottom left corner,
enter -12 for the dX value and
Bracket again.
click
3 Enter the length 104 and click the point at top left in the section
to define the width.
12
4 Click the vertical line on the right in the rectangle with the right
Delete on the shortcut menu.
mouse button and select
5 Click
Parallel Lines (Draft flyout) to draw horizontal lines
parallel to the rectangle you just created (view of the lower
railing bar).
6 Set point
Point of Intersection (Point Assistant) to define the
Click
position of the parallel line graphically.
7 Click the circle at the bottom, then the construction line and press
ESC to quit the tool.
The parallel line is drawn at the height where the two elements
intersect.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
121
8 Click the top right end of the parallel line you just created,
Lengthen Lines on the shortcut menu,
select
click the endpoint on the left and
enter the new offset 92 cm.
Second point
Tip: Click
Refresh several
times to clean up the onscreen display.
First point
9 Click
Parallel Lines (Draft flyout) again to draw a line parallel
to the shortened line.
Offset: 1.4
(above; number: 1).
10 Connect the two parallel lines on the left with
flyout). The first railing bar is now created.
Line (Draft
11 Click
Copy (Edit flyout) to copy the entire bar a number of
times.
dY: 12
Number: 5
Press ESC to quit the tool.
Copy again to copy the railing bar at the top.
12 Click
dY: 14.5
Number: 1
122
Allplan FT
13 Click
Copy (Edit flyout) to copy the circle at the tip of the
profile.
From point: Click the center of the original circle.
To point:
Align to the center of the original circle with CTRL
+ left mouse button.
Tip: Aligning with CTRL + left
mouse button is not suitable
for precision drafting!
In this exercise you can see
how difficult it is to align
with the right point. To
position the point accurately,
Get
you can also use the
Midpoint tool.
Make sure that the system snaps to the center of the circle and
not a point on a line. Enlarge the view if necessary.
From point
To point (middle mouse button)
14 Modify the copy of the circle with

move it ( ) by the dX value 7.5.
Move (Edit flyout) and
To select the circle, click it as usual or press the right mouse

button twice. The element you selected last is re-selected.
15 Use
Parallel Lines (Draft flyout) to create a line parallel to the
end of one of the vertical railing bars (left end).
Offset: 7. (To the right)
Number: 1.
16 Click the parallel line with the right mouse button and on the
Intersect 2 Entities.
shortcut menu, click
nd
2 element
st
1 element
Connect this line with the circle, then with the base.
17 Use
Parallel Lines to draw a line parallel to the one you just
lengthened.
Offset: 1
Your display should now look like this:
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
123
The railing bar at the top needs to be changed.

18 Move the vertical line in the railing bar at the top by dX = 24.5
Move on the shortcut menu (right
toward the right by clicking
mouse button).
17 dX = 24.5
18 Intersection element
19 dY = 1
19 dY = -1
To give the main part of the railing bar a new diameter, the lines
first have to be "separated". This way the segments can be
modified independently
Cut with Element (Modify flyout) and click the line you
19 Click
just moved.
The horizontal lines are cut at this point.
Move (Edit flyout) to move the line on the right at the top
20 Use
by a dY value of 1 (upward) and to move the line at the bottom
by a dY value of -1 (downward).
21 Click the vertical line with the right mouse button and use
Intersect 2 Entities to connect the horizontal lines with the
vertical line.
Auto-Delete Segment (Modify flyout) to delete
22 Finally, use
any redundant line segments.
124
Allplan FT
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
125
Dimensioning the Railing

To dimension a design, you first need to set the dimension line
parameters. Dimensioning then involves three steps:
Specify a location for the dimension line
Click the points to dimension
Trigger dimensioning
The dimension lines generated can be modified at any time. You can
add and remove dimension line points, move the dimension line and
change the dimension lines settings.
What you will draw:
126
Allplan FT
The most important parameters are the unit, the position of the
dimension text, and the dimension text height and width.
When associative dimensioning is enabled, the dimension line
dynamically references the design. Any changes you make to the
design are reflected in the dimension line.
Dimension
Tip: In the
Line Options , you can set the
linetype and the spacing
between dimension lines,
among others.
The offset is specified as a
factor of the dimension text
height.
To set dimension line parameters
Select the
1 Click
Dimension Lines module.
Set Parameters (Create flyout).
2 On the Dimension Line tab, check that Associative dimensioning

is active.
If it isnt, activate it now.
3 Enter the other settings for the dimension line so that they match
those in the figure below.
When Fixed pen and Fixed linetype are set to Off, the system uses
the pen and linetype set in the Format toolbar.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
127
4 In the Dimension Text tab click the Dim. text units button and
select cm.
5 Click on the button in the Alignment area to indicate where you
want the dimension text to appear relative to the dimension line.
Tip: You can also alter styles

after you have saved them.
Just click the name of the
style and change the settings
as necessary.
Dim. text height: 2.5
Dim. text width: 2.0
7 Set the other parameters as shown here:
8 Click
in the bottom left corner and save the parameters as
"Tutorial".
128
9 Press
Allplan FT
to confirm.
We will now dimension the detail.
To create horizontal dimension lines
The Dimension Lines module is open.
Set the view so that there is enough space at the top for the
dimension line.
Horizontal Dim. Line (Dimension Lines or Create

1 Click
flyout).
2 Place a point for the dimension line or click a dim. line
Define the position of the dimension line by clicking a point
through which it is to pass.
3 Click the points to be dimensioned.
Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
129
4 To finish entering points, press ESC.

The tool remains active so that you can create the next dimension
line.
5 Place a point for the dimension line or click a dim. line
Click the dimension line.
6 Which side?
Click in the workspace below the dimension line.
7 Click the points to be dimensioned.

8 Press ESC to finish dimensioning.
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Allplan FT
In the following exercise, we will dimension the section view of the

railing using vertical dimension lines.
To create vertical dimension lines

1 Click
Vertical Dim. Line (Dimension Lines or Create flyout).
2 Place a point through which the dimension line is to pass.

3 Click the top of the wall and the centers of the railing bars.
4 To finish entering points, press ESC.
5 Dimension the height of the attachment piece on the right.

Manual
Unit 2: First Steps
131
Modifying Dimension Lines

Often, changes in a design will mean that new dimension line points
need to be added or removed.
In this case you do not need to re-dimension - you can just
add/remove the missing or redundant points.
To add dimension line points

Tip: To remove a dimension
and then a
line point, click
point on the dimension line.
1 Using the right mouse button, click the dimension line in which
dimension line points are to be added and on the shortcut menu,
Add Dim. Line Point.
click
2 Click the centers of the circles in the attachment piece.

3 Press ESC twice to quit the tool.
It is also possible to change the parameter settings of dimension lines

(apart from the spacing between dimension lines).
Set Parameters (Create flyout), set the new dimension line
In
parameters.
Modify Dim. Line and then the dimension lines to
Then, click
apply the changes.
You can also modify dimension lines by clicking a dimension line
with the right mouse button and clicking Properties on the shortcut
menu.
nn
See Also
Stretching entities and
lengthening lines was
covered in the exercises
showing how to draw the
design detail.
132
Troubleshooting
Allplan FT
Troubleshooting
Sometimes, things will not immediately work out as required. This
checklist should help you to resolve common problems.
What do I do when ?
I have selected the wrong tool

Press ESC and click the correct icon.
A tool fails to execute as intended

Press ESC to cancel (several times if necessary).
Undo.
Click
I have deleted the wrong elements

Delete is still active:
If
press the right mouse button twice.
Undo.
If no function is active: click
I have unintentionally opened or want to reject changes made

in a dialog box
Press
Cancel.
..the workspace is empty but you are sure the drawing file
contains design data.
Refresh (in the viewport border).
1 Click
Plan View.
2 Click
...the result of a design operation doesn't display correctly

Refresh in the border of the viewport to refresh the
Click
display.
...the workspace is suddenly divided into a series of different

viewports
1 Viewport (Window menu).
Click
...specific kinds of elements such as text or hatching do not

appear in the workspace
Show/Hide (Standard toolbar) and check that the
Click
element in question is selected.
What if..
Tip: Check whether the

relevant layer is set so that it
is visible.
Manual
Unit 3: Project Organization
133
Unit 3: Project
Organization
Project structure, i.e. the way in which you organize your
data, is an essential part of any building design project.
An efficient and logical structure will allow you to locate
the data you need without having to perform tedious
searches.
It is worth spending time carefully planning a projects
structure before even drawing the first line. Consider the
time and effort spent doing this as a good investment after all, in the long term, it will save you time and
money.
Managing data using ProjectPilot
Using layers
Tips on project organization
Note: If you want to skip the general chapters, continue
on page 149.
134
Managing Data using ProjectPilot
Allplan FT

What is ProjectPilot?
You use the ProjectPilot to create and structure projects in a simple
and clear manner.
The ProjectPilot is a powerful data management tool developed
particularly for the data structure of Allplan FT. The ProjectPilot
provides tools for copying, moving, renaming and deleting data (e.g.,
projects, drawing files, symbols, etc.).
If you are already familiar with Windows Explorer, then youll find
that working with ProjectPilot is just as easy. You can access the
most tools and procedures via the Shortcut menu and you can move
and copy files by means of drag & drop.
Manual
135
ProjectPilots User Interface

Projects and folders are displayed in a tree
structure in the area on the left. Click the plus
sign (+) to display the levels in the folder.
Click on the name of a folder to display its
contents in the right pane.,
You can display the contents of the folder and
open it at the same time by double-clicking.
The folders and documents contained in the

selected node (on the left) are displayed in the area
on the right. You can sort the displayed documents
by clicking on the title of a column. Clicking in the
background with the right mouse button lets you
display the documents as a list or as icons.
A preview of the currently selected document is displayed in the preview area.

To move the preview, click it with the left mouse button and drag. To zoom in on
an area in the preview, open a selection rectangle using the middle mouse
button. Double-clicking with the left mouse button or pressing the * key on the
number pad restores the preview to its original size.
To display in an isometric view: use the number keys on the number pad.
Check that the Num Lock key is active as you do so.
136
Allplan FT
Common Approaches in ProjectPilot

If you are already familiar with Windows Explorer, you will quickly
find your way around the ProjectPilot. Most steps can be
accomplished via the shortcut menu or by dragging and dropping.
Sorting the Displayed Documents

You can sort the displayed documents by clicking on the title of a
column. The first time you click the column title, the documents are
sorted in ascending order. Clicking the same column title again sorts
the documents in descending order. An arrow is displayed to indicate
which column is being sorted and whether sorting is in ascending or
descending order.
Sorted in ascending order (arrow points

upwards) and according to drawing name
Sorted in descending order (arrow points

downwards) and according to number
Manual
137
Copying and Moving with Drag & Drop

Instead of using the shortcut menu, you can also drag & drop
selected documents in order to move or copy them. Select the
documents, click within the selection with the left mouse button,
keep the mouse button pressed down and then drag. You can tell
whether this is possible by the shape of the cursor when the mouse
pointer is positioned over the destination area.
Cursor
Meaning
The document will be copied to the folder that is below the mouse pointer.
The document will be moved to the folder that is below the mouse pointer.
Note: To move documents, hold down the SHIFT key while dragging the
documents.
A shortcut to the document will be created in the folder below the mouse
pointer (e.g., when assigning drawing files to a fileset).
The document cannot be placed here.
138
Allplan FT
Using the Shortcut Menu

Almost all tools available in the ProjectPilot can be accessed via the
Shortcut menu. Depending on which element you click, a shortcut
menu appropriate to the element opens.
Using the Preview

A preview of the selected document is displayed in the preview area.
In this view, you can zoom, pan and select isometric views. You can
specify on the View menu - Preview whether and at which position
the preview is to be placed.
To disable the preview: On the View menu, point to Preview and

click No Preview.
To zoom: Use the left mouse button to open a selection rectangle

around the area you want to view in detail. The cursor changes to
crosshairs.
To pan in the preview: Move the view with the middle mouse
button. The cursor changes to a hand. Alternatively, use the
cursor keys.
To restore the full view of the image in the preview: Doubleclick in the preview are with the middle mouse button, or press
the * key on the number pad.
To display in an isometric view: Use the number keys on the

number pad. Please note that NUMLOCK and the preview window
have to be enabled.
Note: The preview is displayed with specific documents (drawing file,

layout) only.
Manual
139
Creating and Printing Reports

You can display and print out reports by clicking the category for
which you wish to generate a report with the right mouse button and
then clicking Report on the shortcut menu.
Icon
Use
Goes to the first page in the list.
Scrolls back one page.
Displays the current page and the total number of pages.
Scrolls forward one page.
Goes to the last page in the list.
Prints out the individual page or all the pages in the list on
a standard Windows printer.
Opens the Print Setup dialog box, where you can choose a
different printer and make settings.
Exports the list in different formats.
Enlarges or reduces the display.
140
Using Layers
Allplan FT
The header and footer of the reports contain a company logo and the
address. When the program is shipped, it is the logo and address of
Nemetschek AG but you can replace this information with your own
logo and address at any time.
You can replace the logo displayed in the header by modifying

the rptlogo.bmp file in the nem\allplan\etc folder. Just
enter your company logo. In the report the logo is resized to a
size of 120x120 pixels. This has to be done at every workstation.
To modify the information displayed in the footer, enter Allplan

FT, select Tools Defaults Office Name and Address and enter
the name and address of your company. When installing with
Workgroup Manager in a network, only the administrator
(sysadm) can make these entries.
Using Layers
General Information on Layers
Layers provide an additional means of applying a structure - within
drawing files. Metaphorically speaking, a layer is a transparency on
which design elements belonging to a specific category (load-bearing
walls, non-bearing walls) are drawn. Layers can be set so that they
are visible or hidden.
The use of layers obviates the need for frequent switching between
drawing files and they ensure that associative elements - such as
wall dimensions or sill elevation labels - reside in the same drawing
file and yet can still be hidden from view.
Layers are important organizational elements. Their importance
increases the more people are involved in a project and the more a
CAD system is used for the specialist design processes. Layers do not
replace drawing files. Rather, they complement them.
Manual
141
Defining the Layer on which to Design

Every element is drawn on a specific layer. The layer on which you
draw is based on the tool you use. A line and a wall, for example, are
drawn on different layers.
The layer on which you draw is governed by the following
settings:
When you activate a tool (e.g., Line) for the first time, a specific
layer is automatically selected as the current layer. The layer in
question depends on which tool you activate. This is only possible
when the Auto-select layer with menu option is activated in the
Layer dialog box. If this option is disabled, the Default Layer is
always used.
You can use

Select Layers or the Format toolbar to define a
different layer as the current one. This layer will then
automatically be used as the current layer the next time you
activate the tool.
If you save components as styles, the layer you have currently set
is also saved. When you retrieve styles later, this layer becomes
the active layer automatically.
The sill representation of door and window openings get the layer
of the wall in which they are inserted, regardless which layer is
currently set. Smart symbols (e.g., smart window symbols) are
inserted on the current layer.
Using the Layers Format Properties

Every layer has the following attributes: pen thickness, line type and
line color. In the Layer dialog box, you can specify that an element
is to automatically assume the properties of the layer on which it is
drawn.
Note: This setting is not used in this tutorial.
142
Using Layers
Allplan FT
Layer Access Rights

There are different access rights to layers. These rights control
whether you can see and/or modify layers (plus the elements which
are assigned to the relevant layers). The status of a layer is
characterized by icons in the Layer dialog box, Select
Layer/Visibility tab:
Icon
Access right
Explanation
Current
When drawing an element, this layer is

assigned.
Modifiable
Elements in this layer are visible and can

be modified.
Visible, frozen
Elements in this layer are visible but

cannot be modified.
Hidden, frozen
Elements in this layer are not visible and

cannot be modified.
The color of the bottom part of the layer icon shows the rights of the
current user group (yellow = editing rights, gray = only visible ->
cannot be edited).
The color used to display the upper part shows the current visibility
status.
In the Select Layer/Visibility tab, you can limit access rights to
layers and, for example, set the status of Modifiable layers to
Visible, frozen.
But access rights to layers also depend on the design group to which
the relevant user belongs. Design groups are required when several
users are working on different levels within the layer hierarchy. This
ensures that the layers which serve as the basis for a design are not
changed by users unless their design group has the explicit right to
do so.
Thus, you cannot assign a higher status (for example, set hidden
layers to modifiable) to layers which you are not allowed to access
due to the design group you belong.
Manual
143
Setting Layer Visibility

You can set layers so that they are visible or invisible and thus
show/hide the corresponding elements.
This way, you can quickly hide the elements you don't need during
the current design phase, selectively modify elements in the
displayed layers, check your plan and see whether all the elements
are assigned to the desired layer. For example, you might choose to
hide the slab layer and then view the spatial arrangement of the
building as a hidden line image in perspective view.
If you find that you often require the same combination of visible
and hidden layers, (for dimensioning or labeling at certain scales, for
example), then it is best to define what is known as a layer set. You
can also use layer sets when assembling your layout later on so that
only the visible layers are printed out.
Note: In the Layer dialog box, use the Display option to display
elements on frozen layers in the same color.
Managing Layers and Layer Structures

The management of layers and layer structures is generally the
responsibility of the system administrator. This person defines which
layers are used, sets up the design groups and grants access rights.
Employees (architects, engineers, etc.) are assigned to the design
groups, and thus they are granted the relevant access rights to the
individual layers.
144
Using Layers
Allplan FT
Advantages of Organizing Data with Layers

With large projects in particular, organizing data using layers has
significant advantages.
Task-oriented approach
For individual disciplines or design phases like, for example,
designing the office arrangement in an administrative building, the
same reference drawing files and current drawing file are required for
each floor. As you work, you need to switch between the floors
frequently.
If you work with layers, you do not need to reassemble the necessary
drawing files each time or create filesets with each new project. Just
define the layer sets you need for certain design phases/disciplines
and store these as an office-specific standard. You can reuse the
layer sets time and again even in new projects.
Benefits during the analysis phase

In order for the interaction between elements to function cleanly, the
walls and columns in question have to reside in the same drawing
file. This is also the case for certain analysis and evaluation
operations. With layers, you can meet these requirements easily.
Easier to assemble layouts

Layer sets are user-defined compilations of layers. These can also be
used when editing and assembling layouts. When assembling a
layout, you can choose to display only the elements in a specific
layer set- switching between 1:50 and 1:100 is thus no problem.
Simplified data exchange via interfaces

Exporting drawing files to DXF/DWG layers is easier as you can
assign each layer in a drawing file to a different DXF/DWG layer.
When importing DXF/DWG files, the DXF/DWG layer structure can
be automatically integrated in the layer hierarchy.
Manual
145
Relationship between Layers and Drawing Files

The use of layers doesn't mean that drawing files don't play a role
when it comes to organizing your data. With large project in
particular, a combination of both is essential. With the same
structural depth, the number of drawing files required is far less
when working with layers.
The number of drawing files you need not only depends on the size
of the project, but also on your hardware. Modern, fast computers
with a lot of memory can handle a lot more data per drawing file
without this leading to a noticeable downturn in performance. To be
on the safe side, however, it is advisable to settle for a compromise
between drawing file size and computing power in order to avoid
pushing the hardware to its limits.
The interplay between layers and drawing files depends on the
following factors:
The size of the project and the number of designers involved at

any one time.
If several designers are working on one floor, create one drawing
file per area of responsibility (e.g., East Wing, Central Unit, West
Wing, for example.)
Simultaneous involvement of specialist designers on the project.

Separate drawing files should always be used for the specialist
designs in order to facilitate concurrent activity.
146
Using Layers
Allplan FT
Layer Hierarchy
The management of layers and layer structures is generally the
responsibility of the system administrator. This person defines which
layers are used, sets up the design groups and grants access rights.
Employees (architects, engineers, etc.) are assigned to the design
groups, and thus they are granted the relevant access rights to the
individual layers.
Layers are not arranged linearly but hierarchically in a tree structure.
An exception is the default layer which is not integrated in the
hierarchic structure. The layer structure consists of the following
three hierarchic levels:
The first level describes the layer category (e.g., ARCHITECTURE,

ENGINEERING).
The second level is divided into special fields within the category
(e.g., Design, Room).
The third level consists of the layers themselves. Every layer has a
full (long) name with a detailed explanation of the contents. Each
layer also has an abbreviated name (e.g. Ceiling, RA_CE).
Layers
File
1. Level
Design
2. Level
Load-bearing wall
including flush piers
3. Level
General
Masonry
concrete
Timber design
Steel construction
Abbr.
003WT111
003WT012
003WT013
003WT014
003WT016
003WT017
003WTMER
The current layer's abbreviation is displayed on the Format toolbar.

The long name is displayed in the ToolTips of the Select, Set Layers
dialog box.
When you create a project, you can decide whether you want to use
the layer structure of the office standard or a project-specific layer
structure. Detailed information is provided in Using Project
Resources.
Manual
147
You can save layer structures and give them names. If you have
assigned linestyles, they are saved together with the layer structure
(with the same file name plus the extension .sty). When importing a
saved layer structure, you can import this linestyle file ,too.
Using Design Groups

Access privileges can be controlled at layer level by means of design
groups. Design groups are generally assigned when there are several
people working on the same project: When installing with
Workgroup Manager, the individual users are assigned to one or
several design groups, Thus, the users can only see and/or modify the
layers to which the relevant design group is granted access rights.
All Layers
Design Groups
Users
Other layers
Layers for the Electrical
Designer design group
Layers for the Architect
design group
Layers for the Relocation
Planner design group
Electrical
Designer
Fisher
Clark
Architect
Miller
Relocation
Planner
Smith
Other layers
Design groups not only control who accesses which layers. By

defining design groups with a selection of layers that are available
while drawing, the entire design process can be facilitated.
The design group called ALLPLAN is created automatically after the
program has been installed. This group has read and write access for
all layers. Thus, all users can see and modify all layers.
148
Using Layers
Allplan FT
Using Layer Sets

A layer set is a set of layers that you can select when compiling and
arranging layouts. You can also use layer sets control which layers
are visible/hidden. Only the elements in the selected layer set are
displayed in the layout.
For example, you can select a layer set for working drawings so that
only the data that is relevant to a working drawing appears in the
final printout.
Manual
149
Creating a Project
We will start by creating a project for the exercises in the units that
follow.
To create a project
ProjectPilot / Admin....
ProjectPilot opens.
2 On the File menu, click New Project.
3 Enter the project name Tutorial and click Next.
150
Creating a Project
Allplan FT
4 Set the layer structure to Project and press Next to confirm.

5 Confirm the following dialog boxes by clicking Next and Finish,
respectively.
6 Exit ProjectPilot by clicking Exit on the File menu.
You are back in Allplan FT in the project Tutorial.
Path settings
These define whether the pens, linetypes, hatching styles, fonts
and material catalogs available in that project are based on the
office standard or whether they are project-specific. In practice,
the office standard is generally used.
Office:
Choose this option if you want different projects within

the same office to use the same settings (for hatching,
linetypes etc.). If you are working in a network, the
office standard is the same on all computers and can
only be changed by users with special privileges.
Project: Choose this option if you want the settings, for

instance for patterns and/or hatching styles, to apply to
this project only (in which case they will probably be
different to those used as the office standard).
Manual
151
Creating a Fileset
For the exercises that follow, you will create your own, simple
project structure. In the case of case of a live project, we
recommend that you organize your data by story and layer sets
(see Tips in Project Organization", page 154.
Tip: To open a detailing
window in a drawing file
(displaying a section of the
drawing at a larger scale), the
drawing file must belong to a
fileset.
To create a fileset
1 Click
Open and Select.
2 Close the drawing file tree for fileset 0 by clicking the minus sign
beside the fileset called <No fileset> in the Select Files and
Filesets dialog box.
Create Fileset at top left, enter the fileset name Model
3 Click
and press ENTER to confirm.
4 Create the filesets Sections and Views in the same way.

5 Click
Show/Hide Drawing File List.
152
Creating a Fileset
Allplan FT
Tip: You select the drawing

files as in Windows Explorer:
6 Press the CTRL key and select the drawing files 1, 2, 101, 111,
112 and 123.
Press the CTRL key to select a

series of non-adjacent
drawing files
(e.g., 10, 16 and 28).
Press the SHIFT key to select
a range of adjacent drawing
files (e.g., 10 20).
Or open a selection rectangle
around selected drawing files
with the mouse.
7 Click one of the selected drawing files and drag it to the fileset
Model and release the mouse button again.
The drawing file tree for the fileset opens. The drawing files are
thus assigned to the fileset.
If you have selected a drawing file too many, you can drag it out
of the list in the same way.
8 Now assign drawing files to the other filesets in the same way
and using the information in the table below.
Manual
Fileset
Drawing file
number
Contents
Model
Grid
Section clipping path
101
Basement model
111
Ground floor model
112
Ground floor carport
121
Roof model
123
Roof
200
A-A hidden line

calculation
201
A-A detail
202
A-A outdoor facilities
210
B-B hidden line calculation
211
B-B detailing
212
B-B outdoor facilities
300
East hidden line calculation
301
East, detailing
302
East, outdoor facilities
Sections
Views
Tip: Naming drawing files was

dealt with in unit 2.
153
9 Name the drawing files as shown.

10 Select a drawing file and press OK to confirm.
Other drawing files will be opened in subsequent exercises.

Then assign these drawing files to the fileset as described.
154
Tips on Project Organization
Allplan FT
Tips on Project Organization

Allplan FT is a very flexible system that allows you to develop your
own custom solutions for projects within the office. The structure
presented here for large-scale projects is intended only as a guide.
You can use the entire structure or just parts of it.
You will probably find this structure useful when you start. As you
progress, you will be in a better position to judge what needs
changing/adding to suit your own needs and requirements. We
would like to emphasize once again that a carefully though out
project structure will save time for everybody in the long run. The
system has the following structure:
Store general project information in drawing files 1-99. For

example, the site plan, axis system or layout.
Story design starts at drawing file 100.

The first digit indicates the number of the story. The last two
digits provide information on the contents. The sequence in
which the drawing files are named should be identical on each
floor.
Use the drawing files starting at number 1000 for elevations and
the relevant sections.
Use the drawing files starting at number 2000 for detailing.
Manual
155
Setting Up Layers
When you created the project, you set the layer structure to Project.
All the settings you make, therefore, will apply to this tutorial project
only.
The office standard is thus unaffected by any changes. You will
probably use the office standard in your daily work. The office
standard's settings are defined by the system administrator and apply
for the entire office.
Allplan FT provides a very extensive layer structure designed to meet
a broad range of requirements.
You can also define your own layer categories/hierarchies and layers.
For this guide you will be using the layers in the main architectural
category.
You can specify whether the format properties (pen, line, and color)
are based on your custom settings or whether these attributes are
taken from the relevant layers.
In this tutorial, we will work independently of the selected layer
properties and make these settings while drawing.
To disable layers format properties

1 Click
Select, Set Layers (Format toolbar).
2 Clear the check boxes in the Select Layer/Visibility tab.
156
Setting Up Layers
Allplan FT
Defining Layer Sets

A layer set is a saved combination of visible and hidden layers.
Both when setting up your layouts and when turning layers on and
off, activating a layer set is a rapid way of showing/hiding only
those layers that are required for a specific situation. First create and
name the layer sets. Then assign layers to these layer sets.
To define layer sets
The Layer dialog box is still open.

1 Select the Layer Sets tab and click Define and Modify Layer
Sets....
2 In the Layer Set Manager dialog box, click New layer set....
3 Name the first layer set SC Entry and click OK to confirm your
entry.
4 If you are working with workgroup manager, assign the user local
to the design group.
Manual
157
5 Repeat steps 2 and 3 (or to 4) and create the following layer sets:
-
LS Design
Model
SC Rooms
You can enter any name you choose. The names here mean the
following:
LS: layer sets to appear in printouts
SC (Screen): defined on an entry and check-oriented basis
Model: contains the components for the visual 3D check.
6 Press OK to confirm the entries you have made in the layer set
manager.
Now you specify which layers are to be visible and which hidden in
each layer set.
To define the layer status
The Layer dialog box is still open.

The first layer set SC Entry is displayed.
1 As only a few layers are to be visible, start by setting all
architectural layers to Hidden. To do this, right-click the
hierarchic level Architecture and select Hidden on the shortcut
menu.
2 Press the CTRL key and select the layers which are to be visible in
the SC Entry layer set (see table on page 159).
158
Setting Up Layers
Allplan FT
3 Right-click the selection and select Visible on the shortcut menu.
4 Click Save to save the current settings.

5 Select the next layer set in the Layer set in list box area and
make the relevant settings (see table on page 159).
Tip: You can also start by copying the visibility settings of a layer
set you have already defined and customize them.
Manual
Category
Layer
Abbrev.
Draft
General 1
DE_GEN01
General 2
DE_GEN02
Grid
DE_GRID
Furniture
DE_FURN
Sanitary
DE_SANY
Text
Text 1:100
TX_100
Dimension Lines
Dimension line
1:100
DL_100
Architecture
Wall
AR_WALL
column
AR_COL
Slab
AR_SLAB
Planes
AR_PLANE
Roof
AR_ROOF
Stairs
AR_STAIR
Label
AR_LABEL
Elevations
AR_ELEVA
Sill elevations
AR_SILLE
Room
RO_ROOM
Room
159
SC Entry
LS Design
Model
SC Rooms
6 When all the layer sets haven been assigned layers, click Save
and OK.
160
Setting Up Layers
Allplan FT
Manual
Unit 4: Building Design
161

The exercises in this unit require the
Architecture and
Walls, Openings, Components modules. Check in
CAD
Navigator to see whether you have licensed these modules.
In this unit you will draw a residential building in 3D.

The three-dimensional building model will be generated
as you work.
You will create the first floor, the top floor and the
basement one after the other.
You will learn to use the following, basic architectural
tools: Wall, Column, Door Opening, Window Opening
and Slab. You will also find out how to apply smart
symbols and dimension the floor plan.
You should work your way through the exercises step by
step.
162
Exercise 3: First Floor
Exercise 3: First Floor
Allplan FT
Manual
163
Settings
When you work with the architectural modules, there are additional
settings that you need to bear in mind the pen used for component
hatching and the material catalog used, for example.
These are located in the options for the architectural modules.
To define basic settings
The "Tutorial" project is selected.

1 Click
Open and Select (Standard toolbar).
2 In the Model fileset, select the drawing file 111 Ground floor
model) and set it to edit mode.
4 In the
CAD Navigator select the
Architecture module.
5 Click
Options (Standard toolbar), select Global Options and
navigate to the Units tab. Set the Unit of length to m. Click
to confirm.
6 Click
Options again and select Architecture.
7 In the Defaults for specific component properties area of the

Display tab, enable the Fixed pen for component hatching check
box and select a pen for the hatching: 1
0,25
164
Settings
Allplan FT
8 Activate the Use continuous line for archit. elements in 3D view

check box.
We will not use the nem_pos catalog (SirAdos element catalog) in
this manual. Instead, we will use custom list boxes whose
contents you define yourself.
9 Switch to the Settings tab, click Catalog in the Catalogs, Paths
area and select the katlg1 entry in the Pulldowns area.
10 Confirm the catalog assignment and the architecture options with

.
11 Set the
Reference Scale (on the View menu or in beside the
Scale entry in the status bar) to 100.
Manual
165
To accurately define the position of a 3D component such as a wall

in space, it is necessary to know the height of the components top
and bottom levels. The height can be entered using absolute values
however, there is also an easier approach:
The Default Reference Planes

Each drawing file in Allplan FT has an imaginary pair of default
reference planes. you can set the height of these planes separately for
each drawing file. The default lower plane is set to 0.00 m, and the
default upper plane is the height of one floor above it, i.e., 2.50 m
(this is the default setting). These invisible default reference planes
apply to the entire drawing file.
Imagine two horizontal planes in three-dimensional space, parallel to
each other and at different elevations. By associating the height of a
wall with the planes, Allplan FT will stretch it so that its top and
bottom levels are flush with the upper and lower planes, respectively.
If you want, you can also enter an offset distance between the walls
top and bottom and the planes.
The advantage of this method is that all architectural elements whose
heights are defined relative to the default reference planes can be
lengthened or shortened in a single operation by changing the
elevation of the planes.
Tip: To change the height
setup of the default reference
Default Planes
planes, use
(How) in the Architecture
module.
166
Settings
Allplan FT
For the first floor in the building we will be assuming the following
settings:
The finished floor covering is set to a height of 0, the height of the
unfinished floor will be -0.11. This is the height to which we need to
set the lower default reference plane.
The top of the floor slab on the first floor is at 2.64.
To set the default reference planes

1 Click
Default Planes (Roofs and Planes flyout).
2 Enter the following values in the dialog box:

Default Lower Plane:
-0.11
Default Upper Plane:
2.64
Tip: Using the

Default
Planes tool, you can also
define default settings for
new drawing files. This can be
useful with large buildings if
you want to use several
drawing files for one story.
This default setting is not
used in this manual.
3 Press
to confirm.
These settings now apply for the current drawing file (111).
Manual
167
Walls
General Information
The
Wall tool can be used to draw different types of walls:
Straight Walls
The approach is the same as with lines in the Draft module.
Rectangular Walls
This lets you create four straight walls in a single operation the
approach is the same as with rectangles in the Draft module.
Curved Walls
A polyline is used to approximate the circle. This results in short,
straight wall sections that can be addressed as a single entity.
Circular Walls
This lets you draw walls in the same way as circles in the Draft
module. You can enter full circles and arcs.
/
Polygonal Walls
Like with curved walls, you can use this to draw walls with an
arbitrary number of corners, delimited by an arc. A distinction is
made between walls that are inscribed and circumscribed
in/about an imaginary circle.
Inscribed means that the start and end walls have half the
length of a segment. The division is at a tangent to the circle that
you entered when defining the geometric outline.
Circumscribed means that the start and end segments have
the length of a normal section. The division is on a secant with
the circle that you entered when you defined the geometric
outline.
Entity-Based Walls
This draws walls based on 2D entities (e.g., lines, polylines,
splines) or composite elements. The wall is drawn along the donor
element. The donor element itself is not affected by the operation.
Spline-Based Walls
Use this to draw walls as you would a spline in the Draft module.
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Clicking
Properties displays a dialog box in which you can
define the walls more precisely. Enter values for the height of the
wall, its thickness and elevation. You can also define additional
properties such as the building trade, material, hatching style (or
pattern or fill), as well as the priority rating.
Note: To save time, define the materials and additional attributes
when you enter the walls. Allplan FT uses the information you define
here for subsequent analyses and reports based on the building
model. Of course, you can also assign materials and attributes at a
later time.
Walls are generally drawn like the base 2D entities. For example, you
draw a straight wall just as you would a straight line all the
construction aids available when you draw a line are also available
when drawing a wall.
The only other thing you need to do is define the wall's offset
Properties for it in the dialog box. The
direction and enter
standard approach is to define the height of the wall using reference
planes: Define the height of the default reference planes once. All the
walls associated with these planes are automatically correct.
Other types of walls

The wall types listed above are complemented by walls with a
freeform outline. Moreover, various automation tools are available
that you can use to generate single- or multi-tier walls on the basis
of lines (sketches, for example), parallel lines (e.g., 2D outlines) or
based on rooms that you have already defined, as well as 2D floor
plans obtained from scans of drawings. This way, you can quickly
convert a 2D design to a complex 3D building model.
Manual
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Designing Walls
A 3D wall is always defined by four factors:
Starting point
Endpoint
Offset direction
(relative to an imaginary line between the starting and end point)
Height or association with the default planes
To ensure that the wall is displayed true-to-scale, you can define its
thickness and select a hatching or a fill color for it.
It is also possible to set additional parameters such as a material and
building trade.
Straight Exterior Walls

The exterior walls in the ground floor will be made of brick and will
be 36.5 cm thick. Start by entering this information prior to drawing
the wall.
To set properties
In the

Components module.
1 Click
Walls, Openings,
Wall (Architectural Components flyout).
2 Select pen (2) 0.35 and linetype 1 (Format toolbar).

3 Click
Properties.
4 Enter the following information:
Tip: You can modify the

component properties of
walls (and other architectural
elements) using the
Modify Archit. Component
Properties tool at any time.
In the Setup area, click the icon for a single-ply wall.
In the first row in the Parameters area, click the Material

column.
In the list box that appears, click

, type brick and press
(This select the entry 'brick' and adds it to the list.)
In the same manner, enter a thickness of 0.365.
Set Trade to Masonry work.
Click the Priority box and enter 365.
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The priority rating controls the manner in which components

intersect. Components with a lower priority rating have a 'hole'
cut in them where they are intersected by other components. This
ensures that these areas are not counted twice in subsequent
quantity takeoff operations.
-
For the computation mode select: Volume.
Check the Hatching option.

Click the field below the button and select hatching style
number 5.
The Wall dialog box should now look like this:
Tip: The parameters you set

are retained in the dialog box
until you change them.
5 Now click the button marked Setup and enter settings in the
Height dialog box. Set the top and bottom levels of the wall so
that they are attached to the upper and lower default reference
planes respectively.
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171
Top level:
Click
TL relative to upper plane and enter
0.2 in the Offset box.
This will cause the top of the wall to be flush with the bottom
of the floor slab between the ground floor and first floor, 20
cm below the upper default reference plane.
Bottom level:
Click
enter 0 the Offset box.
BL relative to lower plane and
Tip: With walls consisting of

multiple construction layers,
attach each layer to the
default planes separately.
This way, you can also define
a different offset between
each layer and the planes!
6 Press
Tip: For more information on
the Wall tool, press
F1
The description of the tool in
the online Help is displayed.
to confirm the Height and Wall dialog boxes.
Entering data in property sheets

To enter a value, click in the data entry field. Enter the value at
the keyboard and press ENTER.
To enter and add values in custom list boxes, click
To apply entries, press
To discard entries, click
/ OK.
Cancel or press ESC..
first.
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The properties of the wall have been defined.

Now you will define the layer on which the wall is saved. You will
also define the pen and linetype for the wall. The wall is to reside in
the layer called AR_WALL.
Tip: Selecting layers
Always proceed as follows:
Start by selecting the
function
Check the layers abbreviation
displayed in the Format
toolbar.
In general, the appropriate layer for the selected tool is activated

automatically!
If it isn't, do the following.
To select the active layer
The
Wall tool is active.

The dialog box with the properties is closed.
Switch layer if necessary.
1 Click in the Select, Set Layers list box (Format toolbar).
Tip: To see which layers are

already in use, click
Select, Set Layers on the
Format menu. Switch to the
Select Layer/Visibility tab
and enable the
List existing layers in open
drawing files option.
2 If the layer AR_Wall is available in the quick selection list, click

it.
3 If the layer AR_Wall is not presented in the quick selection list
(see illustration above), click Set and double-click the layer in
the Layer dialog box, Select Layer/Visibility tab.
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When all the parameters have been set, you can draw the walls. In
this exercise, the values are outside dimensions. Therefore, the walls
offset direction is towards the interior.
To draw straight walls

1 Click the wall type
Straight Wall.
2 Define properties of place the start point

Place the starting point in the workspace and
enter the dx length: 1.25.
3 Properties / offset direction
Click anywhere above the wall.
Tip: If you cant see the entire
design, go to the lower
border of the viewport and
Refresh.
click
Tip: You can also quit tools by

right clicking a toolbar
instead of pressing ESC.
Now draw the next walls as you would a polyline, entering values
for the length of the walls along the x and y axes:
dY :
-4.5
dX :
1.375
dY :
-2.5
dX :
6.615
dY :
2.5
dX :
1.375
dY :
8.74
dX :
-4.635
dY :
1.75
Walls offset direction
5 Press ESC to finish entering the wall and to quit the tool.
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Curved Wall
The plan (which is not yet closed) needs to be completed with a
curved wall. Think of a curved wall as a wall with a large number of
segments. A curved wall may be comprised of up to 40 segments. In
this example (a quarter circle), we will not need more than 20
segments.
To define segments in curved and entity-based walls

1 Click
Options (Standard toolbar) and in the dialog box that
appears, click Architecture.
2 Select the Entry tab and click Division... in the Entering walls
area.
3 Set Number of segments to 20.
4 For Position of first section, select Full.
5 Press
to confirm the dialog boxes.
Manual
175
In addition to the walls end points and its offset direction (as with a
straight wall), all you need to specify are the arcs direction of
extension and the radius.
To draw a curved wall
Use
to get a close-up view of the area where the curved wall

is to be drawn.
1 Double click a wall with the right mouse button. This will
Wall tool and set the properties to
automatically activate the
those of the wall you clicked.
Properties,
2 Click
change the priority rating to 300 and press
to confirm.
When walls have the same priority, the latest one has priority
over the older one. To ensure that the ends of the curved wall do
not cut off the ends of the existing straight walls at the points
where they meet, the curved walls priority rating has been set to
a value lower than that of the straight walls.
Curved Wall.
3 Click
4 To place the starting point of the wall, click on the wall line (but
not on a corner).
The reference point is displayed.
5 If it is not already there, move the reference point onto the corner
of the wall on the left and enter an offset of 0.2.
End point
Start point
6 Now click the other walls endpoint.

A straight line is displayed - this will serve as the reference line
for the walls and the arcs offset direction.
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7 Click the interior side for the offset direction.

Tip: When the walls offset
direction and the arcs
extension point are on the
same side of the secant, the
inside of the wall defines the
secant.
When they are on opposite
sides, the line on the outside
of the wall defines the radius.
8 Place a point so that the arcs offset direction is towards the

exterior.
End point
AE
WE
WE = Wall extension point

AE = Arc extension point
9 Define properties, enter radius or place center of circle

Enter the radius: 5.745 and press ENTER to confirm.
Tip: Instead of pressing
ENTER, you can also click
twice in the workspace with
the right mouse button to
confirm.
nn
See Also
For a summary of shortcut
key combinations, see the
online Help.
10 The outer line of the wall is displayed so that you can check the
radius. Press ENTER once again.
11 Press ESC to finish drawing the wall and quit the tool.
Manual
Defining the radius / center of circle

-
Radius: The system will propose the value that was entered
last or a value that is equivalent to at least half the distance
between the walls start and end points.
Center: As an aid to orientation, a perpendicular bisector is

displayed on the secant with the proposed center.
Definition options
-
Accept the radius proposed by the system by pressing ENTER.
Enter a value at the keyboard and press ENTER.
Point and click: a point on the perpendicular bisector or click

another significant point.
The center then becomes the point at the base of the
perpendicular between the point clicked and the
perpendicular bisector.
The value of the radius is displayed in the dialog line; press
ENTER to confirm it.
177
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At this stage, it is a good idea to dimension the point at the center of

the curved wall as we will need it again during the course of this
chapter.
To dimension the point at the center of the curved wall
In the
module.
Dimension Lines
Horizontal Dim. Line and

Vertical Dim. Line (Create
1 Use
flyout) to dimension the point at the center of the curved wall.
Select the layer DL_100 (Format toolbar).
2 In the
Properties set the dimension text unit to m, cm.
3 On the Create menu, point to Dimension Lines and select

Curve Dimensioning to dimension the curved wall.
4 Click the exterior line of the wall and
on the Dynamic toolbar select the Radius option.
Tip: To mark the center in the
drawing, click
Point
Symbol
In View menu
Toolbars you can specify whether the Dynamic
toolbar is integrated in the status bar or whether it is to float
over the workspace when you activate a tool.
Draft module, Create

(
flyout).
Then select
-
No. 1 cross, point
Symbol size 5.00
Scale-dependent
and place the symbol on the

center.
Floating
Docked at bottom right in the status bar
5 Click a point through which the dimension line is to pass and

press ESC twice to quit the tool (or click the right mouse button
when the cursor is positioned over a toolbar or flyout).
Manual
179
Turning Layers On and Off

As the dimensioning information is not required for the time being,
we can turn off the dimension line layer.
Tip: When you have not
activated a tool, you can also
activate the Layer dialog box
by double-clicking with the
right mouse button in the
workspace.
To hide layers
1 On the Format menu, click
Select, Set Layers.
2 Select List entire layer hierarchy.

3 Click with the right mouse button on the layer
DL_100 Dimension line 1:100 and select Hidden, frozen.
Layers can be set to visible in the same way.
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The current layer (displayed on the Format toolbar) cannot be

hidden.
In this case, select a different layer first e.g. the Default layer.
What to do when elements are no longer visible?
On the Format menu, click

the layers visible.
If the elements are still not visible, then this may be because the
selected user group does not have the necessary privileges. In this
case, in the Layer dialog box in the Current design group list
box, select a user group with all rights or contact your system
administrator and ask him/her to assign you a user group.
Select, Set Layers and make all
Which layer is the element on?
You can find out which layers individual elements are on by

Select, Set Layers
turning each individual layer on using the
tool on the Format toolbar.
You can find out which layer an element is on by clicking the

element with the right mouse button and selecting Format
Properties.
All the properties including the layer are displayed.
You can even change the layer of the element currently selected.
But the layers of associated components (e.g. window openings in
walls) are not changed in this process. We recommend that you
Modify Format Properties.
use
You can change the layer assignments of one or several elements

Modify Format Properties (Edit flyout) tool. This
using the
tool modifies the layers of associated elements, too.
Manual
181
Interior Walls
For the interior walls we will start by matching all the properties of
an exterior wall. We will then modify the thickness, computation
mode and priority rating.
To create interior walls
The
Walls, Openings, Components module is active.
1 Double click an exterior wall with the right mouse button.

This activates the
Wall tool and gets the element's properties
at the same time. The association with the planes (for the height)
for example, is no longer necessary.
2 Click
Straight Wall.
3 Modify the
Properties:
Thickness (m):
0.175
Priority:
175
Computation mode:
Area
and press
to confirm.
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4 Define properties of place the start point

Draw the first interior wall by clicking the inside corners and
setting the offset direction as shown below.
Offset direction
Note: If new walls are fitted in between two existing walls or if

the new walls end at wall points you have already defined, you
do not have to press ESC to finish entering the walls.
5 To place the starting point of the next wall, click on the top line
of the new wall. The reference point is displayed.
6 Move the reference point onto the corner and enter the distance
between the reference point and the start of the wall: 4.135.
Offset
direction
7 Enter the length of the wall as follows: dX: 0

dY: 2.76; Offset direction right.
8 Modify the
Properties:
Thickness (m): 0.115
Priority:
and press
115
to confirm.
9 On the Dynamic toolbar, click
Ortho Constraint.
Manual
183
10 Click the corner of the wall (see the illustration above) to define
the walls end point.
11 Draw the other interior walls (see figure).
Careful with the 10 cm thick wall!
You also need to change the material to Plasterboard, the
building trade to Dry construction work and the computation
mode to Linear. You should also disable hatching.
Tip: Instead of pressing ESC,
you can also click the right
mouse button when the
cursor is positioned over a
toolbar.
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Using Reference Points for Entering Architectural Elements

When you insert an opening in a wall, for example, or join an
interior wall with an exterior wall, you need to click a wall. The
point you click should be near to where the new element is to begin.
The distance to the nearest reference point (e.g., start of wall, wall
corner, side of an opening) is presented in the dialog line.
The reference point is displayed as an arrow in the construction line
color. The point you clicked (where the new element is to begin) is
marked by a square in the construction line color. The tip of the
arrow points to the point you clicked.
Tip: For precision drafting
you do not need to click
exactly where the new
element is to begin. Just enter
the precise value in the dialog
line.
Fig.: Entering Architectural Elements Using Reference Points

A
Reference point; arrow points toward the new elements origin
Start (origin) of new element; set by clicking on the wall
Distance to reference point displayed in the dialog line
You can use the distance to the reference point as follows:
Press ENTER to confirm the value in the dialog line.
Enter a new value in the dialog line and press ENTER to confirm.
To change the position of the reference point because the

distance to another corner on the wall is a known value just
click the other point. The new distance is displayed in the dialog
line.
Note: Allplan FT always defaults to the nearest reference point.
Manual
185
A Note: Walls with Multiple Construction Layers

Walls with multiple construction layers are defined in the same
manner as simple walls with a single construction layer. However,
the following differences apply:
The material, thickness, building trade and display mode

(hatching, pattern and fill) have to be defined separately for each
layer. The layer in question is selected in the Parameters and
Display areas.
The height and priority are also entered layer by layer

(depending on which check box is active in the General area).
When drawing the wall in plan view, the values you enter are
interpreted as being values for the inside of the wall. The walls
offset direction is always towards the outside.
Priority Ratings with Multi-Tier Walls

If the first construction layer in a multi-tier wall represents the
exterior side, it should be given the highest priority rating this will
ensure that the manner in which the various tiers intersect at corners
is calculated correctly.
B
600
A 500
400
C
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Key:
14
Direction in which straight wall is entered
Exterior walls priority ratings:

Tier 1 = 600
Tier 2 = 500
Tier 3 = 400
Exterior side
Offset direction
Figure: Priority rating with multi-tier exterior walls
Priority Ratings at T-Connections

To obtain correct results with T-connections, assign the same priority
rating to the construction layers that are to intersect.
This applies both to connections obtained as you draw and
connections that arise as a result of the
Join Walls and
Join Wall with Line tools.
B
500
A 400
300
200
C
200 300 200
Manual
187
Key:
A
Exterior walls priority ratings:

Tier 1 = 500
Tier 2 = 400
Tier 3 = 300
Tier 4 = 200
Exterior side
Priority ratings of interior wall:

Tier 1 = 200
Tier 2 = 300
Tier 3 = 200
Figure: Priority rating at T-connections
Multi-Tier Walls with Different Layer Thicknesses

The height of multi-tier walls is defined in the same way as singletier walls. If individual construction layers are to be lower (because
of a floor slab, for example), check that the All layers same height
option is disabled. You can then assign a different height to each of
the construction layers in the wall.
Associate the height of the individual construction layers with the

upper or lower default reference plane and, for the layers that are
lower, enter the thickness of the slab as a negative value in the
Offset box.
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Window and Door Openings in Multi-Tier Walls

To insert window and door openings in multi-tier walls, proceed as
you would with single-tier walls. In the Properties dialog box, you
also need to switch to the Reveal tab.
Here depending on the number of construction layers defined

you can choose from different styles and enter values for the Offset.
Manual
189
Example: A Wall with Multiple Construction Layers, Each

with a Different Height
Settings for the wall parameters:
Height setup for layer 1:
TL relative to upper plane,
Offset: -0.2
BL relative to the lower plane,
Offset: 0
Height setup for layers 2 and 3:
TL relative to upper plane,
Offset: 0
BL relative to the lower plane,
Offset: 0
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Upper default reference plane
Lower default reference plane
Plan View
Section
If necessary, undo the changes above for the exercises that

follow.
Manual
191
Views and Viewports

Refresh
Zoom Section
Pan
When working with walls and other components, you can get an
impression of how the building looks in 3D space at the click of a
mouse button. Each viewport has its own set of viewing tools in the
lower viewport border.
Regen
Enlarge View
Reduce View
Scroll Left.
Plan View
Rear Left Iso.
Rear Elevation
With Allplan FT you can display a number of different views on

screen simultaneously and work in all of them. Each viewport can
contain a section, the entire design or an isometric view.
You can select from one of the standard viewport arrangements
provided and then modify it to suit your needs.
Rear Right Iso.

Left Elevation
Select the screen arrangement on the Window menu.
Right Elevation
Front Left Iso.
Front Elevation
Front Right Iso.
3D View
Previous View
Next View
Save, Load View
Always on Top (on)
Always on Top (off)
Hidden Line Image

Activate Section
Copy to Clipboard
Each viewport has icons in its lower border. These were covered in
the "Basics" unit.
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Allplan FT
The following exercise will help you understand how the viewports
work.
How to set viewports: detailed view and full view

1 On the Window menu, click
2 Click on
3 Viewports.
Plan View in the viewport at top left.
3 Click on
Zoom Section in the viewport at top right and define
a section by clicking two diagonally opposite points with the left
mouse button.
Using this approach, you can work on details in your design while
still displaying the entire model/floor plan in another viewport.
Manual
193
Axis Grid
We will now create an axis grid. This will help in the process of
positioning the columns in the exercise that follows.
To create an axis grid
Open drawing file 1 (grid) and set 111 to edit mode. In the
Tip: In the
Global
Options, View tab, you can
specify one color for all
elements in reference drawing
files.
1 Click
Advanced Draft module.
Axis Grid (Create flyout).
2 Set the following parameters in the X Direction tab:

-
Pen
0.13
Line
11
No. of regions
Overlap
0.3
In the Automatic area, select the check box Same pen, line,
color in all regions.
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Allplan FT
This creates five regions. We will now define a different value

between the gridlines in each region.
With the "Overlap 0.3" setting each axis projects beyond the grid
by this value (see the illustration at the end of this exercise).
3 In the Region area click the arrow pointing towards the right.
This lets you select the regions so that you can define the spacing
between lines as follows:
Region
Number of axes
1.25
1.375
6.615
1.375
1.25
Spacing
4 On the Y Direction tab, select the label format A B, set the pen,
line and overlap so that they are the same as in the X Direction
tab and create 3 regions.
5 In the Region area click the arrow pointing towards the right
again. This lets you select the regions so that you can define the
spacing between lines:
Manual
195
Region
Number of axes
9.4
2.5
2.755
Spacing
6 Press
to confirm and in the Select, Set Layer list box on the
Format toolbar, select the layer DE_GRID.
7 Now you can specify on the Dynamic toolbar whether you want
to display the grid lines as 2D or 3D lines. If required, click 2D
Line.
8 Click to define its location in the workspace
Position the grid somewhere on the left, near the top of the floor
plan.
9 Place point, click reference line or enter a rotation angle
Confirm the value 0.00 proposed by the system by pressing
ENTER (or enter the value).
10 Click
Move (Edit flyout) and select the grid by clicking it.
To place the grid directly over the floor plan, you can use the
following point snap mode settings:
Point Snap (Point Assistant),
11 Click
activate the Intersections check box on the Point Snap tab and
turn the other point snap options off.
In the Scan, Display tab, activate Show CursorTips.
Tip: Zoom in on a corner of
the building using
Zoom
Section.
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Allplan FT
12 Place a point (from point) or enter the dx vector To point

Click a suitable intersection point on the grid and position it on
an appropriate corner of the building.
Tip: The grid like the title
block earlier can also be
created using just lines and
parallel lines.
13 Dimension the grid as shown above.

Please make sure that you use the DL_100 layer.
14 We do not need the display of the dimension lines in the next
steps. Hide them.
To do this, click in the Select, Set Layers list box (Format
toolbar), select Set..., right-click the DL_100 layer and select
Hidden, frozen.
If the grid doesnt turn out as shown here, you can always alter
it using
Modify Axis Grid (Edit flyout). The procedure is the
same as for modifying the grid. The only difference is that you
do not have to place it.
Manual
197
Now only the gridlines for the round column inside are missing. You
can define the position graphically.
To draw additional gridlines
The current layer is DE_GRID.

1 Enable the
Construction Line mode (Format toolbar) and use
Line tool to create two diagonals.
the
2 Switch construction line mode off again.

3 Click
Copy (Format toolbar), click
All in the Select
dialog box to select all options in one step and click an existing
grid line. Thus, the layer, color, pen thickness and linetype
settings of the grid are copied to the Format toolbar.
Draw a horizontal and a vertical line through the point where the
diagonal lines intersect:
Parallel Lines (Draft flyout), select a gridline and click
4 Click
the point of intersection.
You can delete the temporary diagonal lines.
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Allplan FT
Columns
Now you can draw the columns: the rectangular columns and
interior column on drawing file 111, the carport columns on 112. The
approach is the same as for entering walls: start by defining the
component parameters, then place the element in the drawing file.
Tip: You can also use the
Column tool to make any
other column-shaped element
- for example, table legs,
lamp posts, fencing.
To place columns
Set drawing files 1 Grid and 111 Ground floor model to
reference mode and make drawing file 112 Ground floor carport
current.
Set the
Default Planes for drawing file 112 as follows:

Height (bottom): -0.11 ; Height (top): 2.64 (like drawing file 111).
Column (Architectural Components flyout).

1 Click
Check that the layer AR_COL is selected. If it isn't, activate it via
the Format menu or toolbar.
Copy (Format toolbar), disable the Layer option in the
2 Click
Select dialog box and click
Now click a wall line. This copies the line's settings (pen (2) 0.35
and linetype 1).
3 Click
below.
Properties and enter the parameters as shown
4 Check the way the height of the column is set (it should be set
the same way as the walls:
-
TL relative to upper plane at an offset of 0.200
BL relative to lower plane at an offset of 0

and then press
Manual
199
5 On the Column toolbar, set the columns anchor point so that it is

. The point snap tool is currently set to Intersections
centered from the last exercise.
6 Place six columns for the carports on the points where the
gridlines intersect and press ESC to quit the tool.
Open and Select,
7 Click
make drawing file 111 current and
set drawing files 1 and 112 to reference mode.
8 Click
Column (Architectural Components flyout).
9 Click
Properties and
modify the radius: 0.125.
10 Place another column on the point of intersection near the middle
of the building.
200
Columns
Allplan FT
13
15
10
11 Click
Properties and change the component parameters as
shown below:
Manual
201
12 Set the column anchor point to
top right.
13 Place the column on the point where the gridlines intersect at top
right.
You can also rotate the column profile.
14 Change the angle in
Properties: 90.
15 Place the column on the point of intersection at top left.

17 Click
Open and Select and close drawing files 1 and 112
again.
Only drawing file 111 Ground floor model should now be open.
The round, exterior carport columns are now no longer visible as the
relevant drawing file is now closed.
202
Openings
Allplan FT
Openings
The procedure for creating an opening be it a door, window, niche
or recess is always the same. The differences lie in the property
settings you can make.
Like in the 'real' world, there is an inherent association between
walls and openings in Allplan FT. When you move a wall, for
example, its openings will move too.
Openings also provide the space for smart symbols.
As the name implies, a smart symbol is an 'intelligent' symbol that
adapts to its openings dynamically.
In the following exercise you will be using smart window symbols
and door swings for the doors.
Doors
In our project, all the doors in the ground floor are single doors. The
front door is 2.135 m high. The doors inside are 2.01 m.
We will not insert smart symbols yet only the door swing will be
shown. The procedure for creating door openings also applies to all
other kinds of openings.
Entering Openings
Place the first side of the opening
Enter properties and set the height
Enter the width of the opening.
You only have to make the settings for the opening once if you want
to create a series of identical openings. The properties and the height
information are stored by the system until you redefine them.
Manual
203
To draw doors
1 Click
Door Opening (Openings flyout).
2 Click
Select, Set Layers (Format menu) and activate the layer
AR_WALL.
3 Click a point on the bottom of the exterior wall at the bottom to
place the first side of the door.
The reference point is represented by an arrow and the distance is
displayed in the dialog line.
4 If the reference point is not displayed on the corner as shown
below, click on the corner to move it there.
5 Enter the offset: 3.18 (reference point on the left)

or 3.435 (reference point on the right).
6 Click
Properties.
7 Go to the Type section and click the rectangle.

8 Click the door swing icon and select the single swing door style.
204
Tip: You can modify door

swings very easily: activate
the Door Opening tool and
click in the door opening.
Select a different door swing
in the dialog box that
appears. The old one is
deleted automatically.
Openings
Allplan FT
9 Click Setup.
This is where you set the height of the top and bottom levels of
the door opening.
Attention! The top level of the door opening is also attached to
the lower default reference plane. This ensures that the height of
the door will not change, even if the height of the story is
modified.
Make sure that you have

enabled the correct layer.
10 In the Top level area, click

Relative to lower plane and enter
the following unfinished dimension:
Door height + floor covering: 2.135 m+ 0.11 m: 2.245 m.
11 In the Bottom level area, click
to confirm.
0.00) and press
Relative to lower plane (offset:
Manual
12 Clear the check boxes for Reveal and Smart symbol.

The Door dialog box should now look like this:
Tip: The value for the width
of the opening displayed in
the dialog box is only a
suggested value and can be
corrected. This means you can
quickly create a series of
openings of different widths
using the same properties.
13 Press
to confirm.
14 Enter the width of the opening in the dialog line: 1.135.
205
206
Openings
Allplan FT
15 Specify the direction of the door swing.

The preview is displayed attached to the crosshairs.
Tip: To quickly check the
design visually in 3D space,
switch to a
standard
isometric view, then click
followed by
in the border
of the viewport.
Now place the interior doors. These are to have a different height!
Door Opening again, place the door opening in an
16 Click
Properties and select Setup.
interior wall, click
17 Click
TL relative to lower plane, enter 2.12 and press

confirm both dialog boxes.
18 Now insert all the interior doors.

Make sure that the offsets and the width of the openings are
correct.
19 Press ESC to quit the tool or

click with the right mouse button when the cursor is positioned
over a toolbar.
to
Manual
207
Window Openings
Next, we will insert openings together with smart window symbols.
Some of the openings will be wider and higher than the others and
the height of the sill in each opening is also different.
Tip: You can modify the
reveal later if necessary using
the
Define / Modify Reveal
tool (Modify flyout).
The reveal defines the position of the smart window symbol in the
opening. The use of precise measurements is not only important for
ensuring that the elements are displayed correctly on screen - it is
also critical if the reports and analyses you generate later are to be
accurate.
The system's built-in checker will also check that the sum total of the
values you enter for the reveal matches the thickness of the wall.
Reveal
La: Outer reveal
Li: Inner reveal
B: Width of opening
(unfinished
structure)
Smart Symbols
A smart symbol is an intelligent design object which automatically
adapts to the size of the opening in which it is inserted. The way
these symbols appear on the screen is scale-dependent.
At a scale of 1:100, for instance, the element is displayed as a mere
outline whereas at a scale of 1:10, the element is displayed in greater
detail. Smart symbols are saved like symbols and can be placed in
any drawing file at any time.
In the following exercise you will use a smart symbol from the
Nemetschek library in the Standard folder. Note: this will only work
if you have installed the basic symbols at least.
Using the Smart Symbol Designer tool, you can create your own
smart door and window symbols. Detailed information is provided in
unit 7 Smart Symbols.
208
Openings
Allplan FT
Direction in which Openings Are Entered (Windows and

Doors)
If you define different values for the inner and outer depth of the
reveal or if you want to insert window or door openings in multi-tier
walls, it is important that you pay attention to the direction in which
you enter the opening:
The point on the wall you click always defines the exterior of the
opening.
The preview of the opening which is attached to the crosshairs is

closed on the exterior side and open on the interior side.
If required, you can change the position of the

Transport
Point, before you insert the opening in the wall: this makes it
easier to use existing corners or wall junctions when you enter
openings by means of reference points.
Wall line clicked = exterior side of opening
Manual
209
In order to display the smart window symbols in greater detail, we

will temporarily select a larger scale.
To create window openings

Tip: If you need, you can
change how the opening is
attached to the cursor on the
toolbar and you can click
another corner to move the
arrow marking the reference
point.
1 Click Scale (status bar) and set the reference scale to 1:50.
2 Click
Window Opening (Architectural Openings flyout) and,
if necessary, activate the layer AR_WALL.
3 Define properties or click a wall
Place a point for the first side of the opening on the exterior wall
and correct the distance to the corner: 0.615.
It is important that you click the outer line of the wall as the
smart window symbol will use this later for orientation.
Exterior
wall line
4 Click
Properties.
5 Select the rectangular window and activate the Reveal check box.
6 In the Sill area, select the both sides option and in the Sill: pen /
line / color area, select pen 2 (0.35) and line 1.
Set the height of the top and bottom levels of the window
opening.
7 Click Setup.
8 Click
-
Absolute component height in the Top level area and

enter 0.51 (corresponds to the height of the opening).
BL relative to lower plane in the Bottom level area and

enter an offset of 1.75.
210
Openings
9 Press
Allplan FT
to confirm.
10 Activate the Smart symbol check box.

Tip: Select one of the
standard views to see the
smart symbols in 3D.
11 In the Styles folder, select Smart symbol, click Basic symbols

and select the Frame window by double-clicking it or by clicking
OK.
Manual
The Window dialog box should now look like this:

Tip: The value for the Height
of sill is displayed in the
Window dialog box.
This is the relative height of
the sill based on the distance
between the sill and the
reference plane or a reference
element.
12 Click the Reveal tab.

13 Set the reveal as follows:
Outer reveal
: 0.09
-
Depth of window : 0.10
14 Press
to confirm.
211
212
Openings
Allplan FT
15 Enter the width of the opening in the dialog line: 1.26.

Tip: If required, check the
position of the smart symbols
in a 3D View.
The window opening is created and the smart window symbol is

drawn in.
If the window opening was defined relative to the walls outside
line, the smart symbol is positioned correctly.
Please make sure that the opening symbol points to the interior
Zoom Section to enlarge the
side of the wall. If required, use
view of the window opening.
To change the position of the smart symbol, just click a corner of
the window opening.
16 When you have positioned the smart symbol correctly, click with
the right mouse button in the workspace to confirm your settings.
17
17 Draw a window using exactly the same settings in the opposite

wall.
18 Set the next point for a window opening in the exterior wall on
Properties, click Setup and change the
the right and, in
height parameters for the top and bottom level (height of sill) as
follows:
Manual
213
Use the same settings to draw additional window openings in the

exterior wall on the right.
19 Now draw more window openings in the exterior wall on the
left. Change the height parameters for the bottom level again:
Draw two window openings above each other in the front

entrance.
20 To do this, create two openings in the same place but with
different height settings:
First opening: 1.125 ; second opening: 1.875.
The component height in each case is 0.635.
(See illustration.)
214
Openings
Allplan FT
18
19
20
Manual
215
Now insert windows in the curved wall and in the adjacent straight
wall.
In the case of curved walls, the line used to represent the reveal is
always centered because of the curve. When the Reveal option is
deactivated, it is not possible to tell the "architectural opening" apart
from a "gap" in plan.
Openings in curved walls may be created so that the reveal edges are
Architecture Options). For this
radial or parallel (set this in the
building, we will use the default - Radial.
Tip: If the arrow indicating
the nearest reference point is
not displayed, you have most
likely snapped to the start of
one of the segments in the
curved wall. In this case, press
ESC, zoom in even closer and
try again.
To help you, switch on
Show CursorTips in Point
Snap.
This CursorTip " " should be
displayed (free point).
For the purposes of the exercise, we will start by creating the window
openings without smart symbols these can be inserted later, in the
exercise following this one.
To insert window openings in curved walls
The
Window Opening tool should still be active. If it isnt,

activate it now.
Zoom Section to get a close-up view of the bottom left of

1 Use
the curved wall.
2 Click the line representing the outside of the curved wall.
Make sure that the system does not snap to a point (see Tip)!
Pay attention to the direction in which you enter the
opening: the closed side of the preview has to point towards
to select another transport
the outside. If required, use
point.
216
Openings
Allplan FT
3 Click the inside corner of the curved wall.

In the view showing the corner in detail, you should notice how
the reference point has moved.
A perpendicular has been dropped from the corner to the line
representing the outside of the wall.
4 Enter the offset:
Properties, disable the Smart Symbol check box

5 Click
and set the Sill to outside.
Manual
217
6 Click Setup and enter the following values:

-
Absolute component height: 2.26
BL relative to the lower plane:
7 Press
9 Define properties, place point or enter offset to endpoint

Enter the width of the opening: 1.105
10 Allplan does not take the inner or outer reveal into account on
circular openings! Do you want to hide this message?
When you click Yes, this message is suppressed until you exit
Allplan. Click No if you want this message to be displayed as a
reminder.
11 Define properties or click a wall
Place the next start point exactly on the endpoint of the first
opening, approve the width of the opening displayed in the dialog
line and click above to specify the offset direction.
218
Tip: This opening requires a

high degree of precision
when clicking points. Zoom in
as close as you can and click
the points exactly to avoid
the risk of snapping to a
point in a segment of the
circle.
Openings
Allplan FT
12 Repeat these steps to create five more openings so that a large

opening (made up of 7 openings) is generated.
13 Insert another opening in the short wall that meets the top of the
curved wall. Please check that the Sill is still set to outside.
14 Define properties, place point or enter offset to endpoint
Enter the width of the opening: 0.885
Defining the reference point

To change the position the small arrow representing the nearest
significant reference point, you can
-
set another point on the wall or
click a point beyond the wall - the reference point will move
to the point on the wall that is perpendicular to the point
you clicked.
The reference point arrow indicates the direction in which the

distance between it and the small square is measured. This value
is always a positive value, regardless of the axis direction. By
entering a negative value, it is possible to mirror the direction of
measurement.
Manual
219
Now we will insert the smart window symbols in the openings.
To insert a smart symbol
The drawing file 111 Ground floor model should be open.

The reference scale is still set to 1:50.
Insert Smart Symbol in Opening (Architectural

1 Click
Openings flyout).
2 Click Smart Symbol on the Dynamic toolbar and select the
"Frame" smart window symbol again (OK).
Instead, you can also click a smart window symbol you have
already inserted to copy it.
Tip: Use the tools at bottom
right to see the smart symbol
in different views.
Using Smart Symbol Designer
you can create and save your
own smart symbols.
3 First click the opening in the straight wall.

The smart symbol is inserted.
4 Zoom in to get a close-up view of the window and to check the
position of the smart symbol. To define the windows direction of
opening, click the exterior of the opening.
5 When you have positioned the smart symbol correctly, click in
the workspace with the right mouse button to confirm your
settings.
The smart symbol is inserted and placed on the layer of the
opening (AR_WALL).
6 Click the first opening in the curved wall and insert the smart
symbol.
7 Insert the smart symbol in the other window openings.
You will notice gaps between the smart symbols in the curved
wall. This is because the smart symbol was defined in such a way
that there is an offset between the details displayed and the edge
of the reveal. You can see how the edges of the reveal in the
curved wall are radial. The alternative to this is a custom smart
symbol.
220
Openings

9 Set the reference scale back to 1:100.
Design in rear left isometric view:
Allplan FT
Manual
Chimney
We now need to insert a chimney for the heating system in the
basement. You can do this using the Chimney tool.
To place a chimney
Drawing file 111, Ground floor model is active.

1 Click
Chimney (Architectural Components flyout).
2 Use Select, Set Layers to select the layer AR_CHIMN (Format

toolbar).
3 Click
Properties and select the chimney type 10.
4 Enter the values as shown:
5 Assign the trade, material and computation mode and set

Hatching to Off.
6 Define the height.
The chimney is to pass through the slab. The top level is thus
flush with the finished floor in the attic.
221
222
Chimney
Allplan FT
7 Press
to confirm the dialog boxes and
bottom right.
set the transport point to
8 Place the chimney in the bottom right wall corner and press ESC
to quit the tool.
Manual
223
Design Check
Using context-sensitive object mode, you can switch straight to
animation mode.
For the animation, the Display setting in the Window Control
Panel needs to be set to at least 32,768 colors.
To check the design in animation mode
Make drawing file 111 current and open drawing file 112 in edit
mode.
Select, Set Layers (Format menu) or double-click with

1 Click
the right mouse button in the empty workspace.
2 Switch to the Layer Sets tab,
select the layer set Model in the list box
and press OK to confirm
3 Click in an empty area of the workspace with the right mouse
Animation Window Entire Model on the
button and select
shortcut menu (or press F4).
The model is calculated by the system and you can now navigate
through the building using the mouse.
In this mode, movement of the mouse is constrained to an
imaginary sphere.
-
Left mouse button:

camera on the surface of the sphere about the object
Middle mouse button:

turns the camera right, left, up or down
Right mouse button:

zooms forwards or backwards
4 To quit animation mode, close the window.
224
Completing the Design
Allplan FT

To complete the plan of the ground floor, we will add the outline of
a slab over the columns, finish the carports and draw in the
furniture. This can all be accomplished using the 2D drafting tools.
It is a good idea to keep 2D information and architectural
components in separate places. Consequently, we will use the layer
DE_GEN01' for 2D designs.
First, we need to complete the outline of the slab over the columns so
that the slab extends beyond the walls. We will use a different pen
and linetype to do this. The outline of the slab is placed on the layer
DE_GEN01.
To draw the outline of the slab

Tip: To select layers, you can
also use the shortcut CTRL+4.
When you have not activated
a tool, just double-click in the
empty workspace wit the
right mouse button.
In the
Draft module.

Select, Set Layers and switch to
the Select Layer/Visibility tab.
2 Click in the Current visibility status list box with the right
mouse button and select the Match Visibility from Layer Set
command on the shortcut menu.
3 Select the layer set LS_Design and press OK to confirm the Layer
dialog box. This sets all the layers in the LS_Design layer set to
visible.
4 Click
5 Activate the layer DE_GEN01 (Format toolbar) and select Pen (7)
0.13 and Linetype 11.
Ortho Constraint and draw the
floor slab using the columns as a guide.
The easiest way to join the lines with the edge of the sill is using
Intersect 2 Entities (Modify flyout).
Manual
225
Carports
To display the outline of the slab for the carports, we will also use 2D
drafting tools. The data will also be saved in drawing file 112 and on
layer DE_GEN01 as a 2D design.
To draw an offset polyline
The
Draft module is open.

Open drawing file 112 and set 111 to reference mode.
Offset Polyline (Draft flyout) and activate the layer

1 Click
DE_GEN01 if it is not already active.
Tip: Offset polyline:
counter-clockwise when you
enter a positive offset.
Clockwise when you enter a
negative offset.
(The other way round when
preceded by a minus sign)
2 Number of parallel offset lines:

1
Offset:
0.575 (ENTER!)
3 Select pen (8) 0.18 and linetype 8 for the outline of the carport
(Format toolbar).
4 Click the corner of the house and then the center of the column.
A preview of the parallel line used to enclose the entities is
displayed at the specified offset.
5 Change the offset to 0.6 and click the center of the column at
bottom left.
6 Change the offset to 0.575 and click the center of the next
column.
7 Change the offset to 0.6, click the corner of the house and press
ESC to finish drawing the polyline.
8 Draw another parallel offset polyline at an offset of 0.15.
Select pen (2) 0.35 and linetype 1 and the same series of points.
Allplan FT
The second carport will be created by first mirroring and then

copying the first one.
In this exercise you will also learn to use the filter tools. You can use
these to selectively activate elements in an area.
To mirror and copy the carport

1 Click
Mirror and Copy (Edit flyout).
Select the polylines you just drew.

2 In the Filter Assistant toolbar, click
Filter elements based on
element type and select Line. Enclose the carport in a rectangular
selection window.
The polylines are displayed in the selection color.
The center of the faade at the front of the building will serve as
the first point for the mirror axis.
Get Midpoint (Point Assistant) and click the two
3 Click
corners at the front of the house. A preview of the mirror axis is
attached to this point.
Mirror axis
226
The mirror axis needs to be parallel to the y axis.

4 Click
Delta Point (Point Assistant) and enter a dY value that
is not equal to 0 (ENTER).
The second carport is drawn.
Manual
227
Furniture
You can draw the furniture for the ground floor yourself.
Draft module on
The furniture is drawn using the tools in the
the DE_FURN layer. Sanitary objects are drawn separately on the
DE_SANY layer. This way, individual layers can be conveniently
transferred to the specialist planner.
If you have installed the "2D Architecture" and "Basic Symbols"
catalogs, you can also use the furniture symbols in there.
When furnished, the ground floor might look like this:
228
Allplan FT
Symbols that have been drawn on the wrong layer, for example, can
be moved to a different layer. The elements in a symbol can also
reside on different layers.
The symbols now need to be assigned to the correct layer. After
clicking a modification tool, click the symbol with the middle and
left mouse button to select it.
This mouse button combination selects entity groups.
A symbol is always an entity group.
Tip: You can modify an

individual elements layer
using Format Properties on
the shortcut menu.
Associated elements (e.g.
window openings in walls) are
not modified.
To modify layers
1 Click
2 Click the Layer button,

double click to select the layer DE_FURN or activate it via the
shortcut menu and confirm.
3 Select the symbols to be placed on the DE_FURN layer.

Brackets and click each symbol using the
To do this, open the
middle followed by the left mouse button.
Brackets again.
Then close
Manual
229
Dimensioning and Labeling

Dimensioning and labeling tools were already covered in unit 2,
First Steps.
Dimension Walls, a more advanced tool, is employed for
dimensioning architectural elements. This tool will create complete,
associative dimension line blocks.
Associative means that all dimension lines are updated
automatically to reflect any changes you make as you go along.
Dimension lines, sill height and elevation specifications are each
assigned to a separate layer. Having all the elements in the same
drawing file ensures that the associativity is not lost.
The dimension lines for the building are in drawing file 111. The
carport dimensions are in drawing file 112.
You will find an illustration of the dimensioned floor plan at the end
of this chapter.
Dimensioning Walls
In the following exercise you will create associative dimension line
blocks for the walls.
Tip: To get a better view, you
can turn off the furniture and
sanitary layers using
Select, Set Layers.
To dimension walls
Make drawing file 111 current and set 112 to edit mode.
1 Click
Dimension Walls (Architectural Components flyout).
2 Activate the layer DL_100 (Format toolbar).

3 Click
Properties.
4 Leave the settings from the last dimensioning operation in the

Dimension Line and Dimension Text tabs.
5 Select the Dimension Block tab and select the following check
boxes for the vertical dimensions:
-
Outside dimensions
Room dimensions
Show height of openings
230
Allplan FT
Tip: You can save four

dimension string
combinations as styles.
6 Press
to confirm.
7 Click the vertical exterior walls you want to dimension on the

right.
The walls will appear in the selection color as you select them.
Make sure you select them all.
8 Right click in the workspace with the right mouse button to
confirm. (Adjacent interior walls will also be dimensioned
automatically.)
9 Active wall line as direction element
Click a vertical line on the edge of one of the walls selected to
define the direction of dimensioning.
10 Place the dimension block in the workspace.
11 If necessary, change settings for the dimension block in
Properties and dimension the other walls.
Manual
231
12 Make drawing file 112 current, open drawing file 111 in the
background and dimension the carports.
Before placing the dimension line block, you can use

Flip
Dimensions on the Dynamic toolbar. With
Offset to drop-in
point On/Off you can automatically enter a distance between the
dimension line block and the crosshairs this value is then used
for the spacing between the individual dimension lines in the
block. You can thus append the next dimension line block
"seamlessly".
You can customize the dimension blocks without destroying their

associativity. In the
Lines module for this.
Dimension
Add Dim. Line Point (Modify or Dimension Lines flyout)
Del Dim. Line Point (Modify or Dimension Lines flyout)
To alter height specifications, use

Change Height Spec
(Modify flyout). This tool is required to change the height
specification for the window openings in the entrance.
To dimension the openings in the curved wall, use

Curve
Dimensioning (Create flyout). When you do this, you will have to
work carefully as the points to be dimensioned - the endpoints of
each opening, which also serve as the start point of the next
opening - are not visible on the outside edge of the sill.
However, the points do exist and can be dimensioned.
232
Allplan FT
Sill Height
You can use the Sill Height Spec and Elevation Spec tools to label
your design or just as a means of checking that the elements you
entered were created correctly.
These tools will create "intelligent" labels i.e., labels that will update
automatically to reflect any changes you make.
The openings can only be clicked in plan view.
To calculate the sill height automatically
Open drawing file 111 again.

1 Click a corner of the window opening you want to label with the
Sill Height Spec on the shortcut
right mouse button and select
menu. (Alternatively: on the Architectural Openings flyout and
then a point on an opening).
2 Activate the layer AR_SILLE.
3 Select Vertic on the Dynamic toolbar for the direction of
lettering.
Tip: For the sill height
specification to be based on
finished dimensions, enter the
height of the floor finish in
the Delta BL field.
4 Click Prefix on the Context toolbar and enter the following: BRH.
(This will appear in front of the value).
5 Switch to the text parameters and set the values as shown.
6 Place the label beside the window.

The height from the lower default reference plane to the sill is
measured.
Manual
233
7 Create labels for the other window sills. Check the text orientation
each time.
On the curved wall, set the text direction to Angle and click a
line on a smart symbol to match its angle.
Tip: In the case of openings

that are above each other,
only the top one is identified.
The only way to enter the
height of the sill in the lower
one is to switch to the tools
in the Text flyout. When
entering the sill height
to match
manually, use
the text parameters from an
existing text.
234
Allplan FT
You can use

Align Text (basic tools, Text flyout) to align the
vertical BRH labels. Press F1 for detailed information on this tool.
Similarly, you can place elevation specifications in the drawing file
Elevation Spec (3D Modification or shortcut menu). With
using
this tool, you can also define the symbol used for the upper and
lower elevation marks.
The following illustration shows the elevation specifications for a
wall.
Tip: Check that the correct
layers are turned on.
Manual
235
After dimensioning and labeling, the floor plan for the ground floor
should look like this.
The room identifiers are on the layer TX_100.
236
Stair Outline
Allplan FT
Stair Outline
In the exercise that follows, we will again be using tools that were
covered in the unit "First Steps".
To draw the stair outline
Drawing file 111 is active.

1 Activate the layer DE_GEN02 and
Line,
Rectangle and
Parallel Lines (Draft flyout) to
use
draw the stringers and the steps.
Perpendic. Bisector (Create menu
2 Use
to draw the line of travel.
Draft) and
Line
Line,
Circle and
Del Segment of Line (Draft
3 Use
flyout) to draw symbols for the top and bottom of the stair.
Line to draw two section lines and delete redundant line
4 Use
Del Segment of Line.
segments with
Tip: If you switch to the
Draft module, you will
find all the tools in the
module in the Create and
Modify flyouts.
6 Change the linetype using

Brackets.
flyout) and
Modify Format Properties (Edit
Check the distance to the walls and use the
Brackets tool.
Manual
237
Slab
The ground floor now needs a slab. As with walls, start by entering
the properties and then draw the outline of the slab.
To set the slabs properties

Slab tool can be
Tip: The
applied in a wide range of
situations from the design
of floor slabs to foundations.
Drawing file 111 is active and drawing file 1 is open in edit
mode.
Select, Set Layers to select the layer
If not already active, use
set SC Entry. (This way, the grid layer should be visible.)
Slab (Architectural Components flyout) and activate the

1 Click
layer AR_SLAB.
2 Select pen (2) 0.35 and linetype 1 (Format toolbar).
3 Click
Properties.
4 Set the height as follows:
The top of the slab is flush with the upper default reference plane.
The thickness of the slab can be entered as a component height.
The upper default reference plane is flush with the unfinished
floor on the first floor.
to confirm and enter the other properties as shown in
5 Press
the following illustration.
238
Slab
Allplan FT
As is the case with all element settings, the settings in Slab tools
property sheet do not have to be entered from scratch each time. You
can save combinations of settings as styles under a name of your
choice.
To save component parameters as a style
The
Slab tool is still active and the dialog box is open. If not,
Properties.
activate the tool and click
1 In the bottom left corner of the dialog box, click
Manual
2 Click the Project directory, enter a name and press

confirm.
The next time you need a slab with these settings, click
then the name of the style:
The values in the dialog box will change automatically.
239
to
and
Now we will define the position of the slab. The layers on which the
corners will serve to define the delimiting points along the outline of
the slab will be useful for this. To trace the outline of the slab along
the shape of the curved wall, we will use the additional polyline
entry tools provided in the program.
Additional polyline entry tools

You can use these tools to enter or map any outline.
Polygonize entire element: The start point also serves to specify the direction. In the case of
circles and curves, you also need to enter a value for the number of segments in the circle or
arc/curve.
Define portion of element to be polygonized: Generates a polyline based on a portion of an
element. The portion is defined using a from and a to point.
Reference point: Identifies a point on the element as the starting point for the new element.
This starting point is determined by clicking a point on the element and entering an offset
value between it and the nearest significant point (displayed as an arrow).
Find closed polylines: Click a point on a polyline and the system will detect the entire
boundary.
240
Slab
Allplan FT
To force the polyline along the outline of the wall, you first need to
get a close-up view of that area.
To enter the outline of the slab
The
Slab tool should still be active.

Point Snap and check that Show
In the Point Assistant, click
CursorTips is active on the Scan, Display tab and that
Intersections is selected in the Point Snap tab.
Zoom Section to get a close-up view of the area with the

1 Use
curved wall and click the first wall corner.
Tip: When you make an error,
you can correct it at once.
The number of undo steps is
unlimited.
Undo on the
Just click
Dynamic toolbar.
2 Click the arc.

Define Portion of Element to
Polygonize.
Using this tool you can integrate any portion of an element, in
this example it is the arc, into an outline polygon.
4 From point
Click the end of the curved wall (at the top).
Observe the CursorTips displayed with the crosshairs.
5 To point
Click the point where the horizontal gridline intersects the arc. To
snap exactly to this point, either get an even closer view using
Zoom Section or select
Point of Intersection.
6 Click the corner of the column.

7 Repeat steps 2 through 5 to force the polyline along the bottom
part of the arc (see below).
From point: Point of intersection between arc and gridline
To point:
Zoom in and click the wall junction point (and not
the start of the opening!).
Manual
241
b From point
a Element
c To point
8 Change the viewpoint and use the corners and grid points to
define the remaining points for the outline of the slab. The slab
should rest exactly on the walls.
9 Click the corner of the column and the point of intersection
between gridline and wall.
10 Press ESC to close the outline and quit the tool.
242
Slab
Allplan FT
If you had difficulties defining element portions when forcing the

outline of the slab along the curve of the wall, try this approach:
Leave out steps 3 through 7 and use the

option instead. Continue with step 8.
To create the slab over the column, use the same settings and set
the slab shape to rectangular. Click the outside column point and
drag the rectangle far enough into the slab. The two slabs will
merge.
Entire Element
Manual
243
The carport slabs will be drawn on drawing file 112.

These slabs are located immediately below the slab between the
ground and first floor but are thinner and will be assigned a different
material.
To draw the roofs over the carports
1 Click
Slab (Architectural Components flyout) again.
2 Change the
Properties, including the height.
244
Slab
Allplan FT
3 Zoom in on the area around the carports.

4 Click the corners of the roof outline one after the other and press
ESC to close the polyline.
5 Draw the roof for the second carport in the same way.
6 Press ESC to quit the tool. Below is a
the floor plan as it should now look:
Hidden Line Image of
Manual
245
Slab Opening
Part of the chimney may also be visible as its top level now
intersects exactly with the top level of the slab. We will now insert
openings in the slab for the chimney and to provide access to the
first floor.
Height settings are not required for openings in slabs as they always
pierce the slab in its entirety.
To draw a rectangular slab opening

1 Click
Slab Recess, Opening (Architectural Openings flyout).
2 Click the ground floor slab.

3 Click
Properties.
4 Select the icon for a rectangular opening and enter 0.35 for the
length and width of the opening.
5 Set the transport point to

bottom right and click the bottom
right corner of the chimney.
246
Slab
Allplan FT
We will use a freeform opening for the stairs. By opening the

drawing file with the stair outline in reference mode, you will find it
easy to enter the outline of the opening.
To draw a free-form slab opening
The tool should still be active. Make the layer DE_GEN02 with
the stair outline visible.
1 Click
Properties.
2 Select the icon for a freeform opening.
3 Zoom in on the area around the stair.

4 Click the points on the boundary of the stair outline one after the
Ortho Constraint on the Dynamic
other. To do this, click
toolbar. The last point you click should coincide with the first.
Manual

Tip: Slab openings and slab
recesses are created in the
same way.
Difference: slab recesses may
have their own height setup
as they do not pierce the slab
entirely.
Click
Front Right Iso. and make a hidden-line image. The
ground floor should now look like this:
247
248
Exercise 4: The First Floor
Allplan FT

In this exercise you will make the first floor by copying the ground
floor to relevant drawing files for the first floor and then raising
these by the height of one story. You will find out about some of the
tools that you can use to make alterations to the floor plan.
Objective
When you design the other floors in a building, you can
Draw the elements from scratch or
Copy and modify: Copy elements from an existing floor to new

drawing files and then make alterations.
In this manual, you will be employing the copy and modify method.
Floor plan of first floor
Manual
Isometric view of the first floor (without a roof)
Half-turn stair from the ground floor to the first floor
249
250
Allplan FT
We will begin by copying the drawing file 111 with the ground floor
model to drawing file 121 (the roof model).
To copy a drawing file
You should still be in the
Walls, Openings, Components
module.
Open and Select and make drawing file 111 Ground

1 Click
floor model current. Close all the other drawing files.
Select, Set Layers, make the
following layers visible:
DE_GEN02, AR_WALL, AR_COL and AR_CHIMN
and hide all the other layers.
Tip: You can also copy parts
of a drawing file to another.
Use the Filter Assistant to do
this.
Copy/Move Elements between Files.
4 Click Copy to Target Drawing File.
5 In the Select File dialog box, select the drawing file 121, Roof
model and press
to confirm.
Tip: You can also move and
copy drawing files by
dragging and dropping them
in ProjectPilot.
6 Select the element(s) you want to copy to file 121

Click All on the Dynamic toolbar or click twice with the right
mouse button in the workspace (do not double click!!).
This confirms and copies all the visible contents.
7 Press ESC to finish copying.
Manual
251
Components and planes on copied drawing files can be raised to the

height of the next story using the Raise File tool.
Upper default
reference plane + z
Lower default
reference plane + z
Upper default
reference plane
Lower default
reference plane
To raise drawing files along the z-axis
In
CAD Navigator activate the

Architecture module and
Open and Select drawing file 121, Roof model.

3 Viewports so you can better
observe the changes on screen as they happen.
2 Click
Raise File (Modify flyout).
3 Enter a value by which to raise the file parallel to the z-axis

When prompted for the value by which to raise the drawing file
parallel to the z-axis, enter: 2.75 (difference in height between
the unfinished floor downstairs and the unfinished floor upstairs
(on the first floor)).
You can see the elements rise in the isometric and elevation view.
1 Viewports.
252
Allplan FT
Making Alterations in the Second Floor

When you use the CAD system, you will often use the extensive
range of modification tools provided.
When modifying, it is important to make a distinction between the
following:
Changes you make to components of the same type (e.g. walls

Modify Archit. Component Properties. You can
only) using
use this tool to modify element properties and their height
settings.
Changes you make to components of different types using

Change Archit. Properties. You can use this tool to modify
element properties (e.g. height and/or material of walls and
columns) in one go.
Single elements can also be modified using the Properties tool on

the shortcut menu.
Changes that you can make using tools on the Edit and Modify
flyouts for altering the shape of elements in the xy plane.
To change architectural elements along the z-axis, always use
one of the following tools:
Change Archit. Properties,
Modify Archit. Component Properties or
Properties on the shortcut menu.
Manual
253
We will start by deleting redundant design elements. We can do this

by using the architectural filters.
To selectively delete design elements
Select, Set Layers to select the layer DE_GEN02 (stair
Use
outline).
1 Click
Delete (Edit flyout).
2 In the Filter Assistant, click
Filter architectural components.
3 Select Wall and thickness 0.100.

If the thickness value is not displayed in the list, just enter it as a
value in the dialog line.
4 Enclose the entire design in a rectangular selection window.

The elements selected for filtering are immediately deleted.
5 Use the Window opening filter to delete all windows.
254
Allplan FT
6 Now delete the round columns, the curved wall, the vertical
section of wall at the top, the short vertical wall sections at the
bottom and some of the doors.
Now your plan should look like this:
7 Press ESC to quit the Delete tool.
Walls that are not parallel can be joined using the Join Walls tool.
We will use this tool now to close the open corners.
Tip: You cannot join curved
walls with other walls.
To join walls
1 Using the right mouse button, click the horizontal wall at the top
Join Walls.
and on the shortcut menu, click
2 Click the exterior wall on the left.
Manual
Tip: To enter the width of a

joint, enter the width at the
keyboard when the system
prompts you.
255
3 Click the exterior wall at the bottom and join it with the left
exterior wall; click it again and join it with the exterior wall on
the right.
4 Now join the interior walls at the bottom with the exterior walls.
Do not forget to join the old exterior wall at bottom left with the
interior wall you have just lengthened.
Now your floor plan should look like this:
5 Press ESC to quit the tool or click with the right mouse button
when the cursor is positioned over a toolbar.
256
Allplan FT
Some of the walls are now no longer exterior walls - they have
become interior walls. To change the thickness of these walls, we will
use the Modify Archit. Component Properties tool.
To modify the thickness of walls

1 Click
Modify Archit. Component Properties (Architectural
Components flyout).
Modify Offset tool to modify
the wall thickness.
2 The old exterior walls are to become interior walls with a

thickness of 0.175.
Click the donor element
To copy the parameters of this element, just click an existing
interior wall with a thickness of 0.175.
The Wall dialog box is opened; the parameters of the wall you
have selected are displayed.
3 Press
4 Click the two old vertical exterior walls at the bottom and
confirm your selection with the right mouse button.
The new thickness is applied to the walls. If required, join the

walls with the other interior walls again.
Tip: More information on the

wall axis is provided in the
online help of Allplan FT.
When creating these walls, you have defined them with an offset
direction towards the interior. The wall axis is on the exterior
side. Therefore, the exterior side does not change and the new
Manual
257
thickness is applied towards the interior. Thus, you have to move

these walls.
Move (Edit flyout).
5 Click
Click the left wall you want to move to the right (in the positive x
direction) and enter the following values in the dialog line:
dx: 0.365-0.175
ENTER
dy: 0
ENTER
dz: 0
ENTER.
Tip: You can perform
calculations in the dialog line.
Move tool should still be active.

6 The
Click the right wall you want to move to the left (in the negative
x direction) and enter the following values in the dialog line:
dx: -(0.365-0.175) ENTER
dy: 0
ENTER
dz: 0
ENTER.
The result should look like this:
258
Allplan FT
To move the walls, we can use the Stretch Entities tool. This will
move the walls together with any doors and windows that have been
inserted without corrupting wall junctions.
To move walls
Tip: When you use
Stretch Entities to move
walls, we recommend that
you do not work with the
crosshairs. Always enter exact
values in the dialog line.
1 Click
Stretch Entities (Edit flyout).
2 Enclose the left interior wall in a rectangular selection window.

3 Enter the following values when prompted in the dialog line:
dX = 0
dY = 1.0
dZ = 0
4 Select the interior wall at bottom right.
5 Use
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
the brackets feature to define the new position of the wall:

From point: click the wall junctions
Open brackets
To point:
Click the reference point (interior wall corner at the bottom)
Delta Point dY = 1.76
Close brackets.
a
c
6 Move the interior wall at top right.
Manual
259
You can use the Delete Wall Sections tool to delete entire wall
sections. Two smaller, discrete walls are created based on the wall.
To delete a wall section

1 Using the right mouse button, click the wall in which you want to
delete a section. On the shortcut menu that appears, click
Delete Wall Sections.
Tip: If the point you click on
the opening is not a
significant (defined) point, a
small square will appear to
indicate the nearest
significant point together
with the distance between
the square and the point you
clicked (represented by an
arrow).
2 Click the first side of the opening - the corner of the wall.
3 Click the second side of the opening (= the other corner).
260
Allplan FT
Walls can also be joined with lines in the same manner as the Join
Walls tool. The main difference occurs when joining walls that have
multiple construction layers. If only one layer in the wall is to be
joined, use Join Walls - this tool will allow you to select the layer in
question separately from the others. Using Join Wall with Line,
however, it is only possible to select the entire wall.
The exterior wall on the left and right need to be modified so that
they stretch as far the columns over which the balcony will later be
constructed.
You will find it helpful now if you display the grid you drew earlier.
To join walls with lines

1 Open drawing file 1 in the background and make the layer
DE_GRID visible.
Tip: The
Join Wall with
Line tool is also located on
the shortcut menu.
Delete (Edit flyout) the rectangular columns.
3 Click
Join Wall with Line (Architectural Components flyout).
4 Click the exterior wall on the left.

5 Click the gridline through to which the wall is to extend.
6 Using the same approach, lengthen the exterior wall on the right.
7 Close drawing file 1.
Manual
261
The modifications you have made so far have involved alterations in

the xy plane. In the following exercise we will change the height of
part of the wall on the left, at the end of the balcony. It needs to be
1.27 m high.
To change the height settings of a wall

1 Click
3 Viewports (Window menu) so that you can better
observe the changes as they happen.
Tip: You can also double click
a component to view its
properties.
2 Using the right mouse button, click the section of wall on the
outer left and on the shortcut menu, click Properties.
The Wall dialog box is displayed and contains the parameters
settings of the wall you clicked.
3 Click Setup and change the settings for the walls top level as
shown. Leave the bottom level as it is.
4 Press
to confirm the settings in the dialog boxes.
Notice how the height of the wall changes in the isometric and
elevation views.
262
Allplan FT
Summary of Modification Functions

You should now be aware of the main modification tools. Its up to
you to decide whether its quicker to employ one of these tools or
whether its more efficient drawing new elements from scratch. Dont
forget the other, more general tools which you can use to copy,
mirror etc.
Tip:
Modify Offset,
Stretch Entities and
Fold Line - these tools
are used in exactly the same
way with 2D designs.
To do this
Use this
Modifying parameters
Modifying parameters (such as
height, thickness, dimensions
etc.) of architectural components
of the same type
Modify Archit. Component
Properties
Modifying parameters of a single
architectural element
Shortcut menu
Properties
Modifying parameters (even

height) of different architectural
elements
Change Archit. Properties
Changing shape of elements
Modifying wall thickness
Modify Offset
Lengthening, shortening, moving

walls;
changing the width of openings
Stretch Entities
Folding the edge of walls, fitting
the end of a wall
Fold Line
Method
Manual
To do this
263
Use this
Method
Joining walls with walls

Join Walls
Joining walls with lines

The difference between this and
joining walls with walls is
relevant in the case of walls with
multiple construction layers.
Join Wall with Line
Deleting wall sections (the wall
is divided into two sections)
Delete Wall Sections
Showing/hiding wall junction
lines
Each wall is delimited by a
boundary line even when it
appears to seamlessly flow into
the next wall. This tool only
affects the appearance of the
walls and does not affect the
elements themselves.
Show/Hide Junctions
If you have enabled the display of the wall axis, the following
tools may lead to different results:
Modify Offset,
Stretch Entities and
Fold Line.
More information on the wall axis is provided in the online help
of Allplan FT.
264
Allplan FT
Now it's your turn. Finish modifying the first floor and add the
missing doors and windows.
When you have finished, the roof should look like this:
Tip: For the door onto the

balcony, you can use the
smart symbol called Double
Exterior Doors in the Basic
Symbols catalog provided by
Nemetschek.
Manual
265
In this exercise we will be employing the following tools with which

you are already familiar - Wall (straight and curved) and Delete Wall
Sections. The parapet is 1.17 m high, the upstand is 25 cm high and
8 cm from the edge of the slab.
To draw the balcony parapet

1 Click
Options (Standard toolbar) and
in the dialog box that appears, click Architecture.
2 In the Display tab, click Wall junctions and select the option
Show wall junctions when walls have: Different material
names
3 Press
4 Double click a wall with the right mouse button.

The
Wall tool automatically becomes active and the layer
AR_WALL is selected.
266
5 Modify the
Material:
Thickness:
Priority:
Hatching:
Height:
Allplan FT
Properties:
MZ
0.15
150
off
as shown:
5 Draw the parapet.

The Wall tool remains active!
6 Modify the
Material:
Priority:
Height:
Properties again:
B15
100
Absolute component height: 0.25
BL relative to the lower plane: 0.00
Manual
267
7 Draw a straight wall. You can draw the wall in one go. Due to its
lower priority rating, a hole is automatically cut out of it where
it intersects the parapet wall.
8 Press ESC to finish the straight wall. Now draw a curved wall that
follows the path of the wall in the ground floor.
To point
AE
WE
28
Starting
point
9 Use
Delete Wall Sections (Architectural Components flyout)
to delete the redundant wall sections.
To point
To point
From point
From point
268
Allplan FT
Make sure you use the appropriate layers when completing the
dimensioning, labels and furnishings.
When you have finished, the plan of the first floor should look
something like this:
Manual
269
270
Exercise 5: Basement
Allplan FT
Nows a good time for you to start trying things out on your own.
Select drawing file 101, Basement model and open drawing file 111,
Ground floor model in reference mode.
To set the height in the basement, change the values for the upper
and lower default reference planes in drawing file 101 as follows:
Default lower plane: -2.61 (= height of unfinished floor in the
basement)
Default upper plane: -0.11 (= height of unfinished floor in ground
floor).
Instead of modifying the walls, we recommend that you draw the
exterior walls from scratch. Thats quicker! Use Copy/Move Elements
between Files to copy the curved wall, columns, chimney, stair
outline and some of the interior walls from drawing file 111, Ground
floor model to drawing file 101, Basement model.
You can use
Restore 3D View to adjust the components you have
just copied to the new height of the reference planes. Now you can
make the required modifications.
Manual
271
272
Allplan FT
Manual
Unit 5: Reference Planes
273

Architecture and
Roof Modeler modules. Check in
CAD Navigator to see
whether you have licensed these modules.
If you have not licensed the
Roof Modeler module, you can
use the Roof Frame tool (Create flyout) in the
Architecture
module instead.
Reference planes are applied as a means of facilitating

work in 3D space without the need for tedious and timeconsuming calculation. Reference planes always come in
pairs - an upper and a lower plane. The general approach
is as follows
-
Define the location of the pair of planes in space;
Define the height of architectural elements (walls,

columns, window openings, niches....) relative to the
planes in other words, attach the top and bottom
level of an element to the upper or lower reference
plane at an offset of your choice.
This may appear complex at first however, experience

has shown that this is a simple, accurate and elegant
approach (especially if you are designing multi-storey
buildings!).
Reference planes afford great flexibility. There are two
types of reference planes:
-
Default reference planes - horizontal and parallel to

each other. They apply to the entire drawing file;
Custom reference planes not necessarily

horizontal, these only apply to the area you define by
entering the outline of the planes.
274
Working with Planes
Allplan FT
Working with Planes

Default Planes
You have already used the default reference planes in some of the
exercises earlier in this workbook. The section that follows explains
the concept of the default reference planes in more detail.
Imagine two horizontal planes in three-dimensional space, parallel to
each other and at different elevations. When you position an
architectural element (a wall, say) between the two planes, the
program "stretches" the wall so that its top and bottom levels are
flush with the upper and lower planes respectively. Every drawing
file has an imaginary pair of planes (these are called the default
reference planes). Default reference planes are invisible and stretch to
infinity.
z
y
The default reference planes can be set to different heights in

different drawing files. By attaching an elements top and bottom
levels with these planes, you ensure that any changes you make to
the height of the planes also apply to the elements. The offset
distance between architectural elements and the upper and lower
reference planes is user-definable.
You can enter an offset between the top level (TL) and/or bottom
level (BL) of the architectural elements to the upper and/or lower
Manual
275
reference planes. You can also specify whether the offset is a

constant value.
Example: Default upper plane set to 3.50 and default lower plane
set to 1.00.
Upper default reference plane
Lower default reference plane
TL relative to upper
plane,
offset 1.275 m
BL relative to lower
plane,
offset 0.00 m
TL relative to lower
plane,
offset 3.00 m
plane,
offset 0.50 m
TL relative to upper
plane,
offset 0.5 m
plane,
offset 0.75 m
Changing the elevation of the default reference planes in a

drawing file affects all the elements associated with them.
There is no rule as to how the reference planes need to be placed.
However, as a rule of thumb, you might consider setting them up as
follows:
Default reference planes attached to the top level of the floor slab
(unfinished) in the storey above
(this is the setting used in this workbook)
276
Working with Planes
US
Allplan FT
First Floor
Lower ref plane (first floor) = +2.64
=Upper ref. Plane (ground floor)
US
Ground Floor
US
US
Buldings datum level
Lower ref. plane (ground floor) = -0.11
= Upper ref. plane (basement)
Basement
US
US
Lower ref. plane (basement) = -2.61 US
Lower default reference plane = top of floor slab (unfinished)

Upper reference plane = bottom of floor slab (unfinished)
First Floor
Lower ref plane (first floor) = +2.64 US

Upper ref. Plane (ground floor) = +2.44
Ground Floor
US
Lower ref. plane (ground floor) = -0.11 US

Upper ref. plane (basement) = -0.31
Basement
US
Lower ref. plane (basement) = -2.61 US
Lower default reference plane = top of finished floor

Upper reference plane = bottom of suspended ceiling
(e.g., for interior architects)
Manual
277
Custom Reference Planes

Default reference planes do not afford the possibility of accounting
for height differences within a component - sloping walls, for
example. In this case, custom reference planes are used.
These reference planes come in pairs, too. However, they do not
stretch to infinity. They have a boundary. You can define the outline
of the planes in plan - any shape you wish. These planes (there are
always two) can be inclined at any angle and any height that you
assign to them.
TIP for advanced users:
Elements can also be
associated with reference
planes that do not necessarily
envelop the element.
You can define as many custom pairs of reference planes as you like
in a drawing file and these take precedence over the default pair. All
the components attached with reference planes update to meet the
envelope defined by the reference planes between which they are
located. If no custom reference plane has been defined, then the
elements default to the default reference planes.
Custom upper reference plane
Top of element,
attached to upper
reference plane
Bottom of element,
attached to lower
reference plane
Default upper reference plane
Default lower reference plane

Custom lower reference plane
When you design a roof frame, you are in effect creating a whole
series of custom pairs of reference planes in a simple and elegant
manner - we will see how this is done in the next exercise.
Custom Planes and
Modify Planes tools can be
The
combined, providing enormous design flexibility. Presenting these
tools is beyond the scope of this workbook however, by
experimenting a little, you will quickly master what these tools are
capable of.
278
Exercise 6: Roof
Allplan FT
Exercise 6: Roof
Tip: See the section entitled
"Roof Modeler Module
Basics" in the online Help:
The
Roof Modeler module contains tools that you can use to
create custom planes in a comfortable manner.
A roof frame is comprised of several pairs of reference planes: each
slope in the roof represents one pair of reference planes. The upper
plane lends a shape to the roof while the lower plane in the pair
remains horizontal. This way, you can easily construct flank walls
between the planes. If the walls are already plane-associated (as in
this example), then they will adjust automatically to the reference
planes in the roof frame.
A roof can consist of several roof frames. In plan, you only have to
draw the outline of each new roof plane you want to add. The
outline may overlap or be fully bounded by the outline of existing
roof planes. The program will automatically calculate the roofs
eccentricity and the points where the roof planes intersect.
Roof design
1.
Enter the outline and values for the top and bottom of the
roof. The program will initially create a cube-like frame.
2.
Apply slopes to the frame and make settings for the height.
To set the height:
enter the absolute height of the eaves or
set a point through which the slope is to pass.
This defines the shape of the roof.
3.
Use the
covering.
Roof Covering or
Slab tool to apply a roof
Manual
279
Roof Planes
In the sample building here, you need to add a roof with a dormer.
The main roof and the dormer pitch is 35. The flank of the roof joins
with the flank walls at the sides of the building. The roof slopes
extend to the inside edge of the exterior walls, to create a hidden
eaves gutter. The position of the roof slopes will be defined the
height for the line of the eaves.
First floor with roof, rear left isometric view.
To create the main roof
Make drawing file 123 Roof active and set 121 to edit mode.
Make only the layers AR_WALL and AR_CHIMN visible.
In the CAD Navigator select the Roof Modeler module.
1 Click
Roof Frame (Roofs and Planes flyout) and activate the
layer AR_ROOF.
2 Click
Gable/Hip Roof.
3 Click Angle and enter: 35.

The bottom of the roof frame is to be flush with the lower default
reference plane in the first floor (= unfinished floor in the first
floor - in this example, the same as the ground floors upper
default reference plane).
4 Click Bottom and enter: 2.64.
280
Exercise 6: Roof
Allplan FT
5 Click Top level and enter 10 as the top level of the roof frame
needs to be above the future ridge.
6 Click Eaves and enter the height of the eaves: 3.44.
Tip: When you enter the

outline of a roof, you can
define an offset as you would
when enclosing entities in a
parallel offset polyline.
The standard polyline entry
tools are also available here.
Now enter the outline of the roof as a rectangle in plan:

7 Click
Point of Intersection (Point Assistant toolbar) and
define the first corner.
8 Click a diagonally opposite point and then press ESC.
This defines a rectangle.
Diagonally
opposite corner
Point of intersection defines the first corner
9 Press ESC to finish entering the line for the eaves.

10 Click
3 Viewports.
The roof frame at this stage is still a simple cube.
11 In plan view, click the edges of the roof to indicate where the
slopes are to be applied.
Observe the changes as they happen in the isometric view.
Manual
281
And to this
side
Apply slope
to this side
12 To finish defining the roof, press ESC or click with the right
mouse button when the cursor is positioned over a toolbar.
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Exercise 6: Roof
Allplan FT
You can now create the dormer using two more pairs of custom
reference planes. To define the position of the slopes, we will use the
height of the eaves. The dormers eaves are 4.48 m high and
consequently higher than the eaves of the main roof.
To create a dormer
1 Click
Dormer (Create toolbar).
2 Click an edge of the main roof.

3 Check the roof parameters and change the height of the Eaves:
4.48
4 Define the outline of the dormer in plan by clicking diagonally

Point of Intersection (Point Assistant) to
opposite points. Use
help you. The outline must define the start point and the width of
the dormer exactly. The length towards the middle of the building
should be sufficient for the intersection of the roof planes.
Diag. opp.
point defines
2nd corner
Point of
intersection
st
defines 1
corner
Manual
Tip: As an alternative to
pressing ESC you can also quit
by clicking the right mouse
button when the cursor is
positioned over a toolbar.
283
5 Press ESC to finish entering. The outline of the dormer is defined.

6 Click the dormer on both sides.
This will form the slopes.
Modifying Roof Planes

Like other elements in Allplan FT, roof planes can easily be modified.
The relevant parameters are located on the Context toolbar.
In this exercise we will draw a 1-m elevation line. This will be a
useful aid later on.
To draw an elevation line
Roof Modeler module.
Modify Roof Frame (Modify or Roofs and Planes

1 Click
flyout).
2 Click the ridge of the roof.
3 Set the height of the elevation line Elv Ln to 3.75
(1 m above finished floor in roof):
The elevation line is drawn in and displayed as a construction
line.
284
Exercise 6: Roof
Allplan FT
Roof Covering
To apply the roof covering, use the Roof Covering tool. The bottom
level of the roof covering will be set so that it is flush with the upper
roof plane. The offset distance between the planes and the top of the
roof covering will determine the thickness of the roof covering.
To create the roof covering
Open drawing file 121 in reference mode.

1 Click
Roof Covering (Create or Roofs and Planes flyout) and
activate the layer AR_ROOFC.
2 Click
Properties.
3 In Height above plane, enter 0,0.

4 In Thickness, enter 0.3.
Manual
5 Press
285
to confirm.
6 On the Dynamic toolbar, click Multi.
7 Now click the corners of the roof outline (the last point you click
should coincide with the first).
286
Exercise 6: Roof
Allplan FT
8 On the Dynamic toolbar, click Minus.
9 Draw a "minus" roof covering i.e. cut out a section for the
chimney.
10 Press ESC to quit the tool
11 Close drawing file 121.
The Multi button on the Dynamic toolbar allows you to specify

whether the area you enter is to be added (Plus) or subtracted
(Minus).
You can use the Option button to specify the behavior of the
general polyline entry tools when you convert existing elements
or architectural lines to polylines.
Manual
287
Slab or Roof Covering?

In theory, both of these tools can be used to create a roof covering.
The difference is:
When a
Roof Covering protrudes beyond the area of the roof
planes, it retains its slope setting.
The areas of a
Slab that protrude beyond the roof planes
automatically adapt to the default reference planes.
The
Roof Covering tool enables you to enter different shapes
for eaves and ridge.
With the
Roof Covering tool, you ensure that the
representation will be accurate when the masking plane tool is
employed.
Slab tool, the masking plane has the same effect as

With the
when it is applied to walls and columns.
Openings in the
Roof Covering are created using the
Skylight tool. You can also insert smart window symbols in these
openings.
When you use the

Slab tool, openings are created using the
Slab Recess, Opening tool. Smart 3D symbols inserted in
these openings do not adjust to custom planes or roof frames.
288
Exercise 6: Roof
Allplan FT
Joining Walls with the Roof

Before you join the end walls and interior walls with the roof, you
need to copy the reference planes used for the roof frame to the
drawing files. Custom reference planes (and consequently roof
planes, too) have precedence over default reference planes. This
means that plane-associated building elements in the drawing file
will adapt to reflect the new constraints imposed by the revised
envelope (defined by the custom reference planes).
To copy roof planes by means of a filter
Only drawing file 123 should be open.

Copy/Move Elements between Files
and select Copy to target drawing file.
2 Enter the number of the destination drawing file: 121.
The destination drawing file already contains data.
3 This one is already in use. Do you really want to copy/move?
Click Yes.
4 On the Filter Assistant toolbar, click
components.
5 Select Plane and press
Filter architectural
to confirm.
6 Select the entire floor plan using a selection rectangle. The roof
planes are copied to the drawing file with the walls.
7 Press ESC to finish copying.
8 Make drawing file 121 current and close 123.
9 Click
3 Viewports.
10 Click
Restore 3D View (Modify or 3D Modification flyout)
and click All on the Dynamic toolbar or double right click in the
workspace.
The program will refresh the view and join the walls with the roof
planes.
The exterior walls on the side are not beneath the roof planes and
are thus unaffected.
Manual
289
In elevation view, you will notice that the walls are not directly
attached to the roof. Remember when we entered the walls in the
ground floor? We attached the top of the walls to the upper reference
plane but at an offset of -0.20. We can change this now. Moreover,
the height of the eave walls and the chimney needs to be changed.
To join walls with the roof

Tip: You can use the Match
tool to copy settings from an
existing component into the
Context toolbar. The settings
displayed on the Context
toolbar will be applied to the
selected elements.
Often, only one of the
parameters needs to be
changed. In this case, use
Match just to get information
on the element. Press ESC.
Activate it again and enter
the changed settings without
copying settings first. Only
the changed settings are then
applied.
Only drawing file 121 should be active.

1 Click
Change Archit. Properties (Modify or 3D Modification
flyout).
2 Click in the Height box, select Modify top level and
relative to upper plane with offset 0.00 and press
confirm.
Leave the bottom level as it is.
TL
to
3 On the Filter Assistant toolbar click

Filter archit. elements
based on element type and select the entries Wall and
thicknesses 0.115 / 0.175 / 0.365.
4 Enclose the entire floor plan in a selection window but leave out
the wall section on the left.
The components are displayed in selection color. If individual
components were left out, you can now click to select them
individually.
to confirm
When you have selected all components, press
the dialog box.
290
Exercise 6: Roof
Allplan FT
The components are recalculated. Press ESC to quit the tool.

Please note the following: the interior and exterior walls in the
roof are joined with the roof planes.
The side wall on the right is not enveloped by the roof frame and
thus orients itself to the default upper reference plane.
The left side wall is enveloped by both the planes in the dormer
and the default reference plane. This wall segment needs to be
divided into three wall sections so that each can be handled
separately.
Exclude this from

selection
Divide wall here
5 Click
Delete Wall Sections (Architectural Components flyout)
and delete a section of the wall, starting at the division point.
Join Wall with

Line
Delete
Wall
Section
Join Wall with Line
Manual
291
6 Click
Join Wall with Line (Architectural Components) flyout
and join the wall sections again. There are three wall sections,
even if the seams are not visible.
Change Archit. Properties and alter the settings for the
7 Click
Height of the top of the side walls that are not below the roof
frame (leave the bottom level unchanged):
TL relative to the lower plane, offset: 1.17.
Tip: If the walls do not
assume the full new height,
you need to clean up the wall
junction between adjacent
Join
exterior walls using
Walls.
8 Define properties or select elements

Click the chimney and change its height.
It needs to project 1m beyond the roof plane. Activate the option
TL horizontal, interior component edge defines.
Check the wall junction lines:

Options, activate 'Show
In
wall junctions'.
9 Open drawing file 123 in the background.

In
Rear Left Iso. the design should look like this after clicking
Hidden Line Image and
Refresh:
292
Exercise 6: Roof
Allplan FT
Manual
293
Using a Masking Plane for the Roof

You can use the masking plane to change how architectural elements
are displayed in specific areas or to hide them entirely.
To enter masking planes
Make drawing file 124 active (if necessary, click
Open and
Assign Drawing Files and drag the drawing
Select and then
file to the Model fileset).
Open drawing file 121 in edit mode.
Masking Plane (Roofs and Planes flyout) and in the

1 Click
dialog box, specify how the components below the masking plane
are to be displayed: Pen 1 0.25 and Linetype 2. Component
hatching and smart symbols need to be turned off.
2 Press
to confirm.
3 Activate the layer AR_MASKP.
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Exercise 6: Roof
Allplan FT
The component representation is to be altered below the 1-m line.

Tip: Check the Dynamic
toolbar:
To create several regions at
once, click Multi and then
Plus.
4 Draw the plane areas as rectangles based on two diagonally

opposite points.
The 1 m-line serves as the boundary inside the building. On the
outside, the region will stretch somewhat beyond the walls.
5 Quit the tool and open drawing file 123 Roof in edit mode.
6 Click
Restore 3D View (3D Modification flyout) and click
twice with the right mouse button in the workspace (do not
double click!!).
The components are recalculated taking the masking plane into
account. The representation of the roof covering is not affected
by this.
7 Close drawing files 123 and 124 and make drawing file 121
Restore 3D View (3D Modification flyout)
current. Run
again. The elements are displayed again without the masking
plane.
Manual
295
Please note that when using the

Restore 3D View tool to
recalculate the display, the masking plane applies to the active
drawing file and all those open in edit mode.
The masking plane is even active when the layer in which it is
located is hidden.
The roof will now be given an upstand that is 11.5 cm wide and 10
cm high. We will draw this in a separate drawing file, but first the
roof planes need to be copied there.
You should always make a point of giving your drawing files
meaningful names!
To draw the upstand
Make drawing file 123 current and close all the others.
1 Use
Copy/Move Elements between Files (File menu) and the
architecture filter ( ) to copy the (roof) plane to drawing file
126.
2 In Select Files and Filesets ( ) drag drawing file 126 into the
Model fileset, activate it and set drawing file 121 to edit mode.
Default Planes and make the following settings for the
3 Click
new drawing file 126:
set Default lower plane to 2.64 m and Default upper plane to
5.39 m.
Wall (Architectural Components flyout) or double click
4 Click
an existing wall with the right mouse button.
Properties:
5 Set the
Thickness: 0.115 ; Material: B25
Height: Attach the top and bottom level to the lower plane and
to confirm.
press
296
Tip: To draw upstands, you

Upstand
can also use the
(Create menu Architecture
Walls, Openings,
Components) tool.
The top level of the wall
below the upstand is
automatically used as height
value for the upstand. But
this is not suitable for flank
walls; therefore we will use
Wall tool to create
the
the upstand in this example.
Exercise 6: Roof
Allplan FT
6 Draw the upstand on the flank walls but not over the dormer.
6 Now change the height for the end walls in the main roof and the
dormer. The upstand should be flush with the roof covering (see
Tip!).
Manual
297
Tip: To ensure that the

distance between the upstand
and the roof plane stays at
10cm, set both toggles to
Offset perpendicular to
plane.
7 Draw the upstand on the end walls and above the dormer.
With just a few clicks of the mouse, you can design alternative
facades for the balcony.
To design alternatives
Open drawing files 121 and 126. Copy them to an empty drawing
file - 127, for example.
Make drawing file 127 current and close the other drawing files
(drag drawing file 127 into the Model fileset).
Tip: Instead of having the

parapet pass through the
exterior wall, first use
Join
wall with Line to reset the
exterior wall and lengthen the
parapet.
Join Wall With Line to alter the wall junctions as shown

1 Use
below.
2 Use
Change Archit. Properties to change the height of the
parapet to 1.27 m.
The
hidden line image of drawing file 123 should now
correspond to the illustration at the beginning of the "Roof"
section.
298
Exercise 7: Custom Reference Planes
Allplan FT

Next we will draw the roofs for the carports using custom reference
planes. The pitch of the roofs is 8.
So that you can better compare this approach, first copy the drawing
file 112, Ground floor, carport to an empty drawing file. You will
learn how to copy using ProjectPilot.
Copying/moving drawing files
Drawing files
Copy/Move Elements
between Files
ProjectPilot
Within the project only
Individual elements and

elements in drawing files
open in reference mode can
be copied/moved
Within the project and in

other projects
Entire contents of drawing

files are copied/moved
Any number of drawing

files can be copied/moved
in one go
The contents of drawing

files are overwritten (after
additional confirmation)
Target drawing file can

already contain elements.
New ones are added
Elements can be positioned

as required
Manual
299
To copy drawing files in Admin

1 On the File menu, click ProjectPilot / Admin.
2 Open the folder with the tutorial project, select drawing file 112
and on the shortcut menu, click Copy to .
3 Select the target drawing file 116 and press OK to confirm.
4 Rename drawing file 116: "Ground floor carport alternative".

5 Exit ProjectPilot.
300
Allplan FT
The custom reference planes will be created on the drawing file with
the carport you just copied. Each carport roof will have its own pair
of reference planes. The lower reference plane in each pair will
remain horizontal while the upper reference plane will be defined by
placing two points and specifying an angle of inclination.
Custom upper ref. plane
Slab between ground

floor and first floor
Tip: A plane can be defined

with three points or
with two points and an angle
of inclination.
Default upper ref. plane
Carport roof
Detail, cross-section
Points defining the ref. plane
Isometric view, the carport roof slopes along the outside edge.
To define custom reference planes
In the CAD Navigator select the Architecture module.

Make the carport drawing file you copied (116) current and set
drawing file 111 to reference mode (drag the drawing file to the
Model fileset).
1 Make layer AR_SLAB visible and hide all the others.

2 Click
3 Click
Custom Planes (Create flyout).

Properties.
The upper plane needs to be inclined while the lower one stays
horizontal, flush with the lower default plane.
Manual
301
4 In the Upper plane area click
custom plane.
5 In the Lower plane area click
Elevation and enter 0.11.
Start by defining the inclination of the upper plane. If you know

the position of three points defining a plane, you can enter their
coordinates in the appropriate boxes.
In this example, we will get the position of the first two points
from the drawing and then specify an angle of inclination.
6 Click
near to Points.
7 Point 1
Click the corner at bottom right and specify its height: 2.59.
8 Point 2
Click the corner at top right and specify the height: 2.59.
302
Allplan FT
Tip: You can also click the

first points in an isometric
view.
This way, you define three
coordinates per point with a
single click!
9 Point 3 / Inclination of upper plane

Enter the inclination: 8.
10 Area of upward inclination
Click the two points on the left in the workspace.
11 Now you have defined the inclination of the upper plane, and the
Custom Reference Planes dialog box is displayed again. Press
to confirm.
Now enter the outline of the custom plane.
12 Activate
Outline Auto-Detect (Point Assistant toolbar), click
inside the outline of the carport and press ESC.
12
13 Click
3 Viewports. You should now see the sloping reference
planes in the isometric and elevation views.
Tip: If you select the Multi

option on the Dynamic
toolbar to begin with, the
tool stays open.
14 Repeat steps 2 through 12 to create the second pair of custom

reference planes for the second carport roof.
Manual
303
Further Edits
Take a closer look at the elevation view. As you can see, the carport
roofs are not directly attached to the custom, upper reference plane.
Remember: The reason for this is that when we created the roof, we
attached it to the upper reference plane, but at an offset of -0.05. The
TL relative to upper plane needs to be changed to 0 with
Change Archit. Properties.
Properties (shortcut menu) or with
The
Absolute component height will remain unchanged at 0.15
m.
Make the layer AR_COL visible. As you can see, these also need to be
fitted in.
Change Archit. Properties to change the offset between the
Use
top level of the column and the upper reference plane to 0.15.
304
Allplan FT
Manual
Unit 6: Stairs
305
Unit 6: Stairs
Stairs module. Check in

CAD Navigator to see whether you have licensed the module.
You still need to design the stairs between the ground

floor and the first floor. To do this, we will use the tools
in Allplan FTs Stairs module. For each stair you create,
you can define individual components such as treads,
risers, stringers, handrails etc..
In this manual, we can only cover one of the wide range
of possibilities. To use the Stairs module effectively, you
should try to spend some time experimenting with other
shapes and parameter settings. Each exercise begins with
remarks that are also valid for the other stair shapes.
306
Allplan FT
Before you start designing the stair, draw the outline using
construction lines. This will be a useful aid to orientation when you
enter the staircase.
To draw the stair outline in construction line mode
Open drawing file 111 Ground floor, model and close the others.
Make the layer DE_GEN02 (stair outline) visible and hide all the
other layers.
Line (Draft flyout), enable

Construction Lines
1 Click
(Format toolbar) and activate the layer DE_CLINE.
2 Trace the outline of the stair.
3 Switch
Construction Lines off again.
4 Keep the layer DE_CLINE visible and hide all the other layers.
Manual
Unit 6: Stairs
307
The procedure for creating a stair is always the same. Once you have
Modify Stair.
created a stair, it can always be altered using
Procedure for stair design

-
Select the stair type.
Enter the outline of the stair. This also defines the flight length
from the bottom of the stair.
Set up the height and position the line of travel. The system
will initially create a basic stair design that can be modified
to your specific needs.
If necessary, change settings e.g., number of steps, position of

last step, step angle etc. This completes the initial design.
Only the treads are displayed.
Set up stair components (optional) such as handrails and

carriages.
Lock the stair and label it.
308
Exercise 8: U-Type Stair
Allplan FT

Tip: See the section entitled
"Stairs Module Basics" in
the online Help:
Start by creating the basis for the stair.

The stair outline you enter depends on the stair type you select. For
example, if you select the straight-flight stair type, the system will
close the outline after you have placed four points. The outline of a
U-type stair is defined by 8 points. A spiral stair is defined by two
arc radii and a free-form stair can be based on as many points and
shapes as you want - even splines.
To create the basic stair

1 Click
U-Type (Stairs flyout) and activate the layer AR_STAIR.
2 The first point you click will define the point where the bottom of
the stair and the inner stringer meet. Place the first point.
3 Click the other corners using the outline of the stair we created
earlier. In total, you need to place 8 points.
First point
inner stringer
(from bottom)
4 Click the Height box.

5 Activate the Optimize (tread-to-riser ratio) check box and enter
the following height settings:
- Height (top): 2.75 (top floor default lower plane +11 cm;
finished floor in top floor)
-
Height (bottom): 0.00 (ground floor default lower plane +11

cm; finished floor in ground floor)
and press
to confirm.
Manual
Unit 6: Stairs
309
The height of the stair 2.75 m is displayed in the Stair

Outline / Line of Travel / Height dialog box.
6 Press
to confirm the settings.
A stair is created and the dialog box with the parameters for the
stair geometry is displayed.
7 Press ESC to finish entering stair parameters and
place the label.
If you do not want to label the stair, simply press ESC.
8 Make layers AR_WALL and AR_SLAB visible too.
3 Viewports.
9 Click
In the isometric and elevation views, check the height and
orientation of the stair.
310
Allplan FT
You can modify the parameters proposed by the program in the Stair
Outline dialog box. In this exercise we will:
Position the last step
Change the step angle (only possible with u-type stairs).
The tread and rise are calculated automatically by the system. In the
case of u-type stairs, the landing cannot be modified, its position is
locked by the stair outline. The number of steps, however, can be
altered - this is true for all the stair types.
Stair symbols
-
Large arrows on the steps indicate that the components are at

different heights.
Small arrows on a short line indicate that two components

(steps or landings) are at the same height.
To change the stair's geometry

1 Click
Modify Stair (Stair flyout) and click the line of travel of
the stair.
2 Click Ori, activate Case I and press
to confirm.
Manual
Unit 6: Stairs
311
3 Click LStp. The display will change to TH-.

In elevation, you should be able to see how the last step is one
rise below the top of the stair. The top flight thus has 7 steps and
8 rises. The value of the rise changes automatically and the tread
is calculated based on the length of the first flight.
In plan, you should now be able to see how the top flight doesnt
quite reach the border of the stair outline. The flight needs to be
moved along the line of travel.
4 First, check the distance between the last rise and the boundary of
Measure (Standard toolbar).
the outline using
5 Click OvAb (for Overlap Above) and enter the value for the
distance (calculated above): 0.085.
We will lengthen the landing by the same value and the steps will
move.
The Stair Outline dialog box should now look like this:
312
Allplan FT
On the screen, the stair is represented by treads only. If you want,

you can add other stair components. The program presents these
components and offers options for displaying them in a single, easyto-use dialog box. In addition, each component also has its own
property sheet where you can set up the various dimensions. In the
following exercise you will learn how to define the treads, the inner
handrail and the balusters.
To define stair components
The Stair Outline dialog box is open.

1 Click
to access the Stair Components dialog box.
2 In the Stair Components dialog box, select the Format, 2D tab.

Tip: User-definable
components can be used for
balusters, panel walls, flanges
and other stair elements.
3 Activate the check boxes beside Stair Tread, Inner Handrail and
Inner User-Def. (for the baluster).
In the Layer area, click the ... button and assign the AR_STAIR
layer to the components you have just selected.
In the Format, 2D tab you can also modify the format properties
used to display the selected components in plan view.
Manual
Unit 6: Stairs
313
4 Now switch to the Geometry, 3D tab.
Apart from entering the geometry of the stair components, you

can make the following settings in the Geometry, 3D tab:
In the 3D Line area, you define the linetype which is used to

display the components in 3D views.
In the Hatching area, you specify the hatching which is used

to display the components in architectural sections.
In the Surface area, you can assign a custom surface to the

components.
In the Material area, you can assign materials to the

components. These materials can be analyzed and evaluated in
specific stair schedules.
5 In the Geometry, 3D tab, click Stair Tread and enter the

thickness of the tread at the front and rear as well as the
distance between the tread and the outline of the stair. (
314
Allplan FT
Manual
Unit 6: Stairs
315
6 In the Geometry, 3D tab, click Inner Handrail .

7 Enter the distance between the edges of the handrail and the
outline polygon as well as the position of the handrail element
relative to the front edge of the steps. This defines where the
handrail is to begin. In this example, the baluster will be on the
)
first step. (
316
Allplan FT
8 In the Geometry, 3D tab, click Inner User-def. (inner userdefinable component).

9 Enter the distance between the edges of the handrail and the
outline polygon as well as the position of the handrail element
relative to the front edge of the steps. This defines where the
handrail is to begin. In this example, the baluster will be on the
first step.
Tip: If you change the
dimensions of the tread,
handrail or user-definable
component, you need to
select the Fit option again in
order to re-calculate the
result.
Manual
Unit 6: Stairs
317
10 Click Fit between tread and inner handrail.

The program will automatically calculate the height of the
)
component. (
11 Press
to confirm the Stair Components dialog box.
The stair components are drawn in, and the Stair Outline dialog
box is displayed again.
12 Click Lock.
This locks the stair. You can now label the stair a preview of
the label is attached to the cursor.
Tip: You can skip the label by
pressing ESC.
13 Click in the boxes that are to appear in the label.

14 Select the number of decimal places.
15 Place the label beside the stair.
318
Allplan FT
We will now display a section of the stair in plan as is usual in

construction drawings.
To create a section in plan

1 Click
Section in Plan (Stairs flyout) and activate the layer
AR_STAIR.
2 Click the stairs line of travel to identify it.
Tip:
To use the linetype from the
drawing for the initial region,
leave Below set to "-".
3 In the dialog box, set the linetypes for the stair below and above
the section line.
Tip: To exclude a section of

the stair from display, press
Off.
4 Enter the offset between the section lines. This value is scaleindependent.
Tip: If you make changes to
the stair later, you will need
to re-create the section in
plan manually using this tool.
5 Click the start and end points of the section lines. In plan, the
display will change automatically while the appearance of the
stair in elevation and isometric views stays the same.
Manual
Unit 7: Smart Symbols
319

Components module. Check in
you have licensed the module.
Walls, Openings,
CAD Navigator to see whether
If you do not have Nemetscheks symbol catalogs or if

the smart symbols they contain do not meet your
requirements, you can use the Smart Symbol Designer
tool to design your own, custom smart symbols.
These smart door and window symbols and can be saved
in libraries and retrieved whenever needed.
Designing Smart Symbols

Requirements: an opening.
-
Click
Smart Symbol Designer in the Walls, Openings,
Components module and then an opening.
Set the dimensions of the (door or window) frame and click

to transfer this to the 3D view.
For each element in the window, define horizontal and vertical

elements and/or muntins or, in the case of doors, the
casement and transfer the settings using
Alternatively, select one of the styles presented in the catalogs

and enter settings for the dimensions of the various
elements. Prior to transferring them, enter the dimensions of
the individual elements.
Set pen/color for the elements and glass.
Save the smart symbol.
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Allplan FT
In the next exercise we will insert our own smart symbols in the only
windowless wall in the building (on the ground floor).
The next exercise is essentially a repetition but without smart
symbols.
To create window openings
Drawing file 111 is active. Make layer AR_WALL visible and hide
all the other layers.
1 Double click with the right mouse button in the window opening
at door height in the straight wall beside the curved wall (do not
click the smart symbol!).
2 Create three window openings as shown.
Properties of the window you clicked were adopted
The
and should look like the (make changes if necessary):
Height:
height: 2.26
TL Absolute component height, component
BL relative to the lower plane, offset: 0.00

Outer reveal
0.09
Depth of window:
0.10
Sill:
outside
Smart symbol:
off
Reveal:
Dimensions:
Manual
321
Exercise 9: Designing Smart Symbols

We will now design a three-part, glazed window for the openings.
The smart symbol can then be inserted in any opening.
To make sure that the smart symbols you have already selected in the
Styles catalog and the new smart symbol do not differ, we will use
the same parameters such as frame thickness, pen/color etc.
To design a smart window symbol

1 Click
Smart Symbol Designer (Architectural Openings
flyout).
2 Click the side of one of the new openings.
The dialog box now displayed is where we will enter all the
settings for the smart symbol. Start with the window frame.
3 Enter the dimensions of the frame:
Width: 56 / Depth: 56
Tip: Press
to undo your
settings one step at a time.
to transfer the settings for the frame to the 3D view on

4 Press
the right.
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Allplan FT
The window is to have horizontal elements (a transom).

5 In the Profile elements area click the
following dimensions:
transom and enter the
The transom is to be freely positionable.

and enter the value for the
6 In the Arrangement area, click
height of the top window section: 625 (see figure).
to transfer the settings for the horizontal element to
7 Click
the 3D view.
8 In the 3DView area, click in the lower window section. It will be
divided by a vertical element.
post and enter the
9 In the Profile elements area click

following dimensions:
10 In the Arrangement area, click
The post needs to be centered.
11 Press
to transfer the settings to the 3DView area.
12 Make the following settings in the Pens/Colors area:

for the Element: pen 1 and color 13,
for Glass: pen 7 and color 7
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323
13 In the Plan area, click Def and activate the check boxes for the
scale ranges.
14 Press
15 Confirm
Right-click to confirm.
The smart symbol dialog box opens.
16 Use the shortcut menu to create a new folder in the Private folder
and press OK or ENTER to confirm.
17 Save as
Enter a name for the new smart symbol in the dialog line.
Use
Insert Smart Symbol in Opening (Architectural Openings
flyout) to insert the smart symbol in the other two openings. In other
words, the smart symbol is placed.
Smart symbols should be on the layer of the opening.
Modify Format Properties
If this is not the case, you can use
Layer to assign another layer.
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Allplan FT
You can replace smart symbols at any time. The only requirement is
the presence of the two smart symbols (one to be replaced and the
other to be used as a substitute) in the drawing file.
There are two methods for replacing smart symbols:
Replace all instances of a smart symbol with another smart

symbol - Smart Symbol setting.
Replace single instances of a smart symbol Instances setting.

A smart symbol that has been placed in a window opening is an
'instance' of a smart symbol.
In the following exercise we will replace instances of the smart

symbol in the curved wall with a different smart symbol.
To replace smart symbols

1 Click
Replace Smart Symbol (Architectural Openings flyout).
2 Select the Instances setting (click to toggle).
3 Instance of smart symbol to be replaced

Select all instances in the curved wall (enclose them in a selection
rectangle or use the brackets feature).
4 Replace with which instance of smart symbol?
Click an instance (i.e. on of the three windows) of the smart
symbol you just created.
Manual
325
Ground floor: the smart symbols in the curved wall have been
replaced.
Managing Smart Symbols

You can see a list of all the smart symbols in the smart symbol
admin.
These are presented in the door and window opening dialog boxes,
Get from Library (Standard toolbar) and
for example. Or click
select Smart Symbol:
You can copy, move, rename and delete smart symbols here.
Note: Smart symbols in the Styles folder can only be copied; you
cannot modify them.
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Allplan FT
Manual
Unit 8: Sections And Views
327

Although the building model is now finished, there are
still a number of important tasks you have to accomplish
to produce a polished construction drawing. This unit
shows how to create sections and views. An additional
step involves calculating floor space and areas. These can
be output to the drawing file or in the form of schedules.
Section A - A with elevation dimensions
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Exercise 10: Sections
Allplan FT

Section views of a building show it as if viewed from a specific
viewing direction. A section clipping path defines the view and this
can be saved as a hidden-line image in a separate drawing file. The
manner in which intersected elements are displayed - for example,
their hatching - can also be defined for the section view.
If you wish, you can also choose to display intersected elements with
a thick line.
Section B-B
Manual
329
First, we open all drawing files in edit mode and make all layers
visible whose elements we want to include in the section view. The
section line itself is located on a separate drawing file (this file has to
be opened as the active file). The clipping path is defined by setting
parameters.
To define a section line
In the

Activate drawing file 2 Clipping path and open 101, 111, 112,
121, 123 and 126 in edit mode.
1 Activate the layer set Model (all layers with 3D components).

3 Click
1 Viewports.
Define Section (Roofs and Planes flyout).
4 Activate the layer DE_GEN01.

5 Click
Tip: You can define

orthogonal sections as well as
sections at angles.
Properties and make settings as shown below (
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Allplan FT
To produce a section which shows the entire building, we need to

set the upper edge of the section objects at least 20 cm above the
ridge and the lower edge below the bottom of the building.
6 Click the start and endpoints of the section line beyond the
building and press ESC to finish. Make sure the section line
intersects the walls at right angles and not in an oblique manner.
7 Depth/viewing direction
Click a point above the building.
The section depth defines an area behind the section line that
includes all the visible building elements in the final section view.
The greater the depth of the section, the larger the volume of data
generated.
8 Repeat steps 3 through 7 and enter the section identifier: B.
Manual
331
Activating Sections
The section is a three-dimensional wireframe model. Based on this
wireframe model, we can create a hidden-line image and save it in a
separate drawing file. This will create a 2D image that can be edited
using the tools in the Draft, Text and Dimension Line modules.
To activate a section
1 In the border of the viewport, click
Activate Section.
2 Click the A-A section line.

The system will produce a section view of the building using the
settings you defined earlier in Define Section.
3 On the Standard (!) toolbar, click
Wireframe.
Hidden Line Image,
4 Select Wireframe Calculation on Drawing File and

enter the number of the target drawing file: 200. (
5 In the next dialog box, make settings as shown below.

To represent curves in hidden line images as smooth surfaces
instead of faceted, adjust the Max. merge angle to 25 deg. for
example.
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Allplan FT
6 In the Special settings area, click Archit and set the options as
shown in the figure below.
Manual
Tip: If, for example, you use

the
Room tool to define
finish specs, you can include
them in the section view.
Thus, you do not have to edit
the sections again at a later
stage.
333
7 Press
to close all the dialog boxes.
The hidden line image is calculated.
Open and Select, switch to the fileset Sections and open
8 Click
drawing file 200.
9 Set the view to
Plan View.
Section A -A
The section view will not update automatically to reflect

alterations you make to the floor plan. You need to calculate the
section again and update the drawing file using
Hidden Line
Image, Wireframe and Update Hidden Line Image Calculation.
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Allplan FT
Editing the Section

You can now edit the section view. Draw the new elements on a
separate drawing file. Otherwise, these will be deleted when the
drawing file with the image is updated.
First draw the finished floor in the section.
To create elevation dimensioning
Draw the finished floor.
In the
module.
Dimension Lines
Vertical Dim. Line (Create flyout) and activate the layer

1 Click
DL_100.
2 Click
Properties.
3 In the Dimension Line tab set Dimensioning mode to Elevation

dimensioning and select the arrowhead (mark for finished floor)
(see figure).
Manual
335
4 Place a point through which the dimension line is to pass.

5 Reference point
This is a point that is assigned a value that you know.
Click a point on the finished floor on the ground floor.
6 Base value: 0.00
7 Click the points to be dimensioned and press ESC.
8 Change the arrowhead in

Properties:
dimension the unfinished floor (steps 4-7).
9 Press ESC to finish and quit the tool.
and
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Exercise 11: Elevation Views
Allplan FT
Exercise 11: Elevation Views

Displaying the building now in different elevations should be no
problem as you are already familiar with the tools used.
Procedure
Open the drawing files that contain the elements you want to
display in the view.
Select a view in the viewport or on the View menu, Views.
Display the image as a hidden-line image (Standard
toolbar!!) and save the result to an empty drawing file.
South elevation
West elevation
Manual
Unit 9: Area Calculation and Quantity Takeoff
337
Unit 9: Area Calculation

and Quantity Takeoff
The rooms will be created on a separate layer in the
drawing file with the walls. This will ensure that all the
design components are included in the calculation.
Two methods are provided for creating rooms:
manually - enter polygons to define the boundary of
each room separately. The rooms can be labeled
immediately and assigned finish specifications.
automatically - the system scans the drawing file for
closed wall polygons and creates rooms on the basis
of the wall polygons it detects. The rooms can only be
labeled and assigned finish specifications later.
In either case, you have to enter the height of the
room first. You enter the height as you would for
any other architectural element you can even
associate the height of rooms with reference planes
or with other elements. It pays to use a transparent
plane concept both for components and rooms.
So that you can differentiate visually between the
rooms and the other elements on-screen, you
should draw rooms using a different pen color.
338
Exercise 12: Rooms, Finish and Area Calculation
Allplan FT
Exercise 12: Rooms, Finish and Area

Calculation
Before you can perform area and floor space calculations, you have
to define rooms.
Defining Single rooms

In the exercises that follow, we will assign a finish to different
surfaces in the roof and calculate the floor space. Here, we could
employ the automatic room-generation approach. However, we will
also consider the manual approach so that you can decide for
yourself which is the more effective. We will start by defining single
rooms and labeling their wall surface and ceiling areas. Then, you
will be able to define the other rooms automatically.
To create a room
Use
Open and Select to open the Model fileset and drawing

file 121.
Select, Set Layers to make the layer set SC_Rooms
Use
visible.
Quantity Takeoff
CAD Navigator, switch to the
In the
module.
Room (Create flyout) and activate the layer RA_ROOM

1 Click
(Format toolbar).
2 Select the pen (3) 0.50 (Format toolbar).
3 Click
Properties.
Now enter properties for the room.

4 In the Story Name box, enter 'Roof'. Click the Name box and
enter the number of the room: 201.
5 Click Function and use
Bedroom.
to add a new entry to the list:
Manual
Tip: Entering a factor is useful

for areas like balconies, for
example, that only counted
partially.
6 Click Setup and enter attach the top and bottom levels of the
room in such a way that they match the settings defined for the
walls in the roof.
7 Click Catalog and set the catalog assignment for the areas.
8 Select the Finish tab

and enter settings for the ceiling and wall surfaces.
339
340
Tip: Use
to save
combinations of settings as
styles. You can save the
settings you make for room
surfaces and specific surfaces
as styles using.
With large-scale projects in
particular, this saves time and
increases quality as all those
involved access the same
styles.
9 Press
Allplan FT
10 In plan, click the diagonally opposite corners of the room under

the dormer and press ESC.
Manual
341
11 Make settings for the label. The label in this exercise will include
information on the name, function, volume and area of the
room.
Click in the relevant boxes to exclude them from the label.
Tip: Click
to switch to the
text parameters.
12 Activate the layer AR_LABEL for the label.

13 Click in the room to place the label (a preview of the label is
displayed attached to the crosshairs).
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Allplan FT
Creating Rooms Automatically

In the next exercise you will create the other rooms automatically.
This involves two steps.
Define all the rooms using
Label with
Redefine Rooms, Surfaces, Stories.
The finish will be defined later using special additional tools.
Auto-Room
To create rooms automatically

Redefine Rooms, Surfaces,
Stories tool to assign finish
specs to rooms.
More information is provided
in the online help of Allplan
FT. To open the help, just
press the F1 key.
1 Click
Auto Room (Create flyout).
2 Click Height on the Dynamic toolbar and check the height

setting.
3 Define a selection rectangle that encloses the design but that does
not include the balconies. This quits the tool and creates the
rooms.
4 Click
Redefine Rooms, Surfaces, Stories (Edit flyout).
5 For the Name, enter: R 202 and enter Child 1 for the function.
.
You can add entries to the list using
6 Click in the room at top left in your drawing and click the right
mouse button to confirm.
7 Place the label.
Manual
343
8 Repeat steps 5 through 7 with the other rooms.

The rooms are numbered automatically.
The balcony will be defined as a separate room. Except for Function

and Name, enter a factor of 0.5, delete all the finish specifications
using the Delete Finish button and activate the option Do not
subtract plaster in floor space calc..
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Allplan FT
Finish Specifications
We can now add sides, ceilings, floors and baseboard in the rooms
you just defined. These surfaces can be assigned a material, building
trade and thickness. This information is used when calculating floor
space and performing quantity takeoff calculations.
The surfaces in rooms can be defined in two manners:
Tip: You can use this
approach to modify surfaces
that have been created using
Room.
By defining them as a single entity for an entire room
By defining them one by one - this will allow you to define

separate surfaces within the same area - for example, a tiling
pattern up to a specific height
In the exercises that follow, you will learn how to employ both
methods. The bathroom will serve as our example.
Finish Specifications for an Entire Room

We will assign a plaster covering for the ceiling and wall surfaces of
the bathroom and we will define the materials for the floor.
To define finish specifications

1 Click
Tip: You can also include
ceilings and floor (finish
specifications) in sections.
Make the relevant settings in
the Special Settings for
Archit. Components area of
Hidden Line Image
the
Wireframe (Standard toolbar)
tool.
Finish Specifications (Edit flyout).
2 Enter specifications in the property sheet. These specifications will

apply to the entire surface of that type in the room. This is why
the tiling pattern on the walls will be defined separately, later.
Note: Do not forget to enable the relevant check boxes!
Note: When you move the horizontal slide bars to the right,
additional columns appear.
You can assign custom surfaces to ceilings, floors and vertical
surfaces, and in addition, you can assign hatching, patterns or
fills to ceilings and floors.
Manual
3 Press
Tip: You can apply finish
specifications to a whole
series of rooms.
To so this, simply by enclose
the rooms in a selection
window and/or using the
Brackets tool.
to confirm.
4 Click the bathroom.

5 Right-click to confirm the selection.
The finish specifications are assigned to the surfaces in the
bathroom, even though they are invisible.
345
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Allplan FT
Finish Specifications for Specific Surfaces

Next, we will assign all the walls near sanitary fittings a tiling
pattern that is max. 2 m high. These types of custom surface also
need to be given a height value. As the bathroom is bounded in part
by sloping walls, we will set the height of these surfaces using a
special option.
To define vertical surfaces

Tip: Select another pen (e.g.
pen 8, green) to see the
surface more clearly in plan.
1 Click
Vertical Surface (Create flyout) and activate the layer
RO_VERSU.
2 Click
Properties.
3 Enter a material, building trade and thickness for each

coat/layer in the surface.
The system will apply the surface to the area of the unfinished
structure without taking the coat of plaster (defined earlier for
calculating the area) into account. The plaster should therefore be
entered as the first layer/coat in the surface properties. Using this
approach, you can re-define just specific parts of a surface from
scratch.
Manual
4 Click Setup and make the following settings:

-
TL relative to upper plane, but only up to 2 m from

finished floor (= 2.11 m from unfinished floor). Therefore,
Click Maximum component height and enter 2.11.
5 Press
to confirm all the dialog boxes.
6 In plan, click the corners of the boundary delimiting the room

and press ESC.
7 Place the label and then press ESC to finish.

If you do not wish to apply a label, just press ESC first.
347
348
Allplan FT
Area Calculation
Allplan FT provides different types of lists for performing area
calculations. The following options are available in each list (or
schedule):
area of structure (based on unfinished dimensions)
a value subtracted to account for plaster and covering (based on

unfinished dimensions less a percentage for plaster to be
subtracted from the overall area)
precise finished dimensions, provided finish specifications and/or

side, floor and ceiling areas have been defined (based on finished
dimensions, without subtracting a flat-rate percentage)
To calculate floor space
1 Click
Area Calculation, Application (Create flyout).
2 Select the Default folder. In the Floor Space sub-folder, select the
list called Function.
3 Activate the Structure with option, enter 3.0 % as the flat-rate
amount to subtract for plaster.
Manual
349
4 With Calculation type, you can define the directive according to

which areas are calculated.
Each of the factors can be modified.
5 Press
Tip: Moreover, you can print
out the schedule, copy it to
the Clipboard, transfer it to
Excel and save it as ASCII file.
to confirm.
6 Enclose all rooms in a rectangular selection window.

The list should now be displayed on-screen. To scroll, use the
buttons at top right in the schedule.
7 Near the bottom right-hand corner of the list, choose ->File to
copy the list into the drawing file.
A preview of the list should now be visible attached to the
crosshairs.
8 Set the lists drop-in point beside the floor plan.
9 To finish area calculation, press ESC.
350
Tip: When you click the

dashed lines in the list head,
you can enter the creator and
other information.
Allplan FT
Manual
351
Exercise 13: Quantity Takeoff

Lists and Schedules
You can use the Lists/Schedules tool in any module in the
Architecture family to generate schedules based on the building
model sorted according to different criteria.
Allplan FT comes with a number of ready-made schedules. These are
arranged by category. You can also create your own, custom
schedules and save them in the Office folder.
Tip: Detailed information on
all architectural lists and
schedules is provided in the
online help on Allplan FT V17.
To output a schedule - summary
Open the drawing files with the elements to be included in the

calculation.
Lists/Schedules and select one of the schedules in the list. The

entry you choose lays down the criteria according to which the
system will scan the drawing files for elements.
Optional: Use
Define the area of the drawing files to be searched (entire drawing

file or just parts of it).
Print the schedule, display it in the drawing file or save it as

ASCII.
Find Elements to enter additional filter criteria.
In the following exercises, we present some of the schedules that

come with the program and show how to enter additional search
criteria.
To output a schedule
Open drawing file 121 Roof, model and close the others.
Make layers AR_WALL, AR_COL and AR_CHIMN visible. Hide
the other layers.
1 Click
Lists/Schedules (Create II flyout).
2 Select the Default folder. In the Unfinished Structure sub-folder,

)
select the list called Walls. (
352
Allplan FT
3 Click All on the Dynamic toolbar or click twice with the right
mouse button in the workspace (do not double click!!).
The list/schedule is displayed and you can print it out, save it
with the drawing file or save it as ASCII.
Manual
353
Using search criteria, you can analyze the building in many different
ways. To analyze the entire building, all the relevant drawing files
need to be activated.
Based on the sample schedule generated above, we will define a
search criterion. We will list only walls that are 11.5 cm thick.
To enter search criteria

1 Click
Lists/Schedules (Create II flyout) and select the entry
to confirm.
Unfinished Structure/Walls. Press
Find.
3 Click Object and in the dialog box that appears, select the object
)
you want to find: Wall. (
You can use Boolean operators to link your search criteria.

4 Click & "and" (logical AND).
The second criterion in this case is a property/attribute of the
object wall - its thickness.
5 Click Attribute and in the Architectural Quantities category,
)
select the Thickness attribute. (
354
Allplan FT
Tip: You can use

to
undo the entries in the
Criterion line one by one.
6 Select the comparison criterion
7 Use the number pad on the right to enter a value for the
thickness: 0.115. To do this, click the figures in the Number area.
The search criterion should now look like this:
8 Press
to confirm.
9 Click All on the Dynamic toolbar or click twice with the right
mouse button in the workspace (do not double click!!). The
schedule now includes only those walls that match the criterion.
Manual
355
If you defined finish specifications, you can also generate schedules

that list them in different ways. Try it out for yourself and generate a
schedule for the finish in the bathroom. In this case, you do not need
to open and select everything just select the bathroom (enclose it in
a selection rectangle or click the room). The following figure shows
3 Finish
4 Finish Specs'.
the schedule 'Default
Tip: The values entered for

reveals are also taken into
account in these lists and
schedules.
Requirement: the reveal needs
to have been defined when
the window openings were
entered.
Using the same approach, you can generate schedules based on the
building trade assigned to the various elements in your model.
Naturally, this will only work when the elements have actually been
assigned a building trade.
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Allplan FT
Building Lists
Building lists allow you to perform analyses in the output schedules
with which you are already familiar. The drawing files do not need to
be loaded for this. The building list is arranged in a tree structure
using drag & drop. Next, the components of the building list to be
analyzed are defined and you can start the operation.
With building lists, the entire contents of drawing files are
always selected. Only the visible layers, however, are analyzed. It
is therefore necessary to select the layers to be analyzed
beforehand.
You can also perform searches according to specific criteria here.
To create a building list

1 On the File menu, click Building Lists.
2 Click Building Structure & File.
Manual
357
3 Press and hold the left mouse button and drag the Floor Level
from the list of levels to Tutorial (release the mouse button).
4 Overwrite the name by entering Ground floor.
5 Using the same approach, drag the drawing files 111 and 112 to
the Ground floor level in the project structure.
6 Expand the project structure so that it includes the roof floor and
drawing files 121, 123 and 126.
7 Activate the check box for the Tutorial project.

This activates all the elements below floor levels and drawing
files.
8 Press
to confirm.
9 In the Select List area, select General quantity lists and click
Areas, overview.
10 Select the Default folder, in the Unfinished Structure sub-folder,
confirm.
select the list called Walls and press to
11 In the Output area, select Screen / printer and click Start.
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Allplan FT
Manual
Unit 10: Layout Output
359

Dont forget to set up the printer/plotter before you start
printing or plotting.
With Allplan FT you can also quickly make hard copies
of the contents of the workspace as well as set up
complex layouts for plotting.
To bring the final drawing to paper, all the filesets and
drawing files are arranged in a layout.
360
Requirements for Plotting
Allplan FT
Requirements for Plotting

Before you print or plot, the output device has to be configured
correctly. If you are working in a network, you can use any device
connected to a remote machine (assuming it is configured correctly).
To do this, you first need to connect the output device.
For more detailed information, please consult your printers or
plotters user guide or the documentation of the operating system
used.
Manual
361
Making a Quick Printout

Often, it is convenient to have the current edit status on paper
without having to assemble a layout first.
You can do this by printing the screen contents to a printer or
plotter.
To print the contents of the display
Drawing file 121 is active.

Make the layers AR_WALL, AR_CHIMN and DL_100 visible and
hide all the other layers.
Show/Hide (Standard toolbar) and select the entry

1 Click
Thick line.
This ensures that all different line thicknesses are printed out.
Tip: To print more screen

contents, click
Print on
the Standard toolbar.
This prints using the most
recent settings.
2 Click
Print Preview (Standard toolbar).
3 Click
Show entire image.
4 Click
Set up printer and select a printer.
5 Click
Print.
6 Press ESC to close the print preview again..

7 Switch the Thick line display mode off again.
362
Exercise 14: Custom Title Block
Allplan FT

Allplan FT provides a wide range of "intelligent" title blocks based
on label styles. Label styles contain design entities, text and
attributes.
The advantage of a title block with attributes is that the text will
update whenever the layout is opened.
You can define your own, custom label styles.
To assign attributes
1 On the File menu, click Open Project. .
2 Click Select Attributes. .
3 Select the following attributes:
Client, Location/plot, City, street, Architect, Structural analysis,
Construction project, Client address.
4 Select the Tutorial project and click Settings.

5 Click Assign Attributes and label the attributes by clicking in
the column on the right and then entering text.
Manual
363
6 Press
to confirm the settings and close the Project
Attributes and Project Settings dialog boxes.
7 To close the Select Project dialog box, press
The attributes you just assigned will now be used in the label style
for the title block.
You do not need to draw the title block from scratch. You can use
the one that you defined near the beginning of this workbook.
To create the title block as a label style
constructionTip: Place
line format
single points at the start
of the original text items to
be deleted (Draft module,
Create flyout) so that you can
position the custom label
styles quickly later and with
great accuracy.
Open an empty drawing file and close all the others.

Select the
Quantity Takeoff module.
Set the scale to 1:1.
1 Click
Get from Library (Standard toolbar).
2 In the dialog box which appears, select the Office folder and the
Text library.
This is where you saved the title block in Unit 2.
3 Select Title block and then Sample structure.
4 Place the title block and press ESC to close the dialog box.
5 Delete the text that is to be replaced by attributes (project-specific
information).
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6 Click
Allplan FT
Define Label Style (Create II flyout).
7 On the Context toolbar, click Attribute.
8 In the Plan manager area, select the Construction project

to confirm.
attribute and press
9 Set the text parameters according to the following illustration and
change the format: A35.
This defines the attribute as a text item with 35 characters
maximum.
10 Set the attribute so that it is left-aligned in the box for the

construction project details.
Manual
365
11 Repeat steps 7 through 9 and place the following attributes:

Area
Attribute
Format
Plan manager
Construction project
A35
Location/plot
A35
Client
A25
Client address
A25
Architect
A25
City, street
A25
Structural analysis
A25
Admin
Plan name (1-50 characters)
12 Click DefFol (Define Foil).

13 Select the entire title block in a selection rectangle using the left
mouse button.
14 Click the point at bottom right. This will serve as the reference
point.
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Allplan FT
Title blocks must always be saved in file number 8 as this file is

associated with the
module.
Label tool in the
Plot Layout
15 Click sub-folder number 8 and enter Title blocks.
16 Click the entry number 1 and enter Structure.

The title block is now saved as a label style.
Manual
367
Layout Output
Printing out finished layouts is a critical step. In Allplan FT, a layout
is the element that you bring to paper. As opposed to design using a
conventional drafting board, the scope of the layout does not have to
be defined in advance.
Generally, you leave the layout (which involves arranging and laying
out drawing files and/or filesets) until youre finished with the
design. This is also the stage where you define the paper size, scale,
border, angle, etc
Each project can contain up to 1,000 layouts.
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Allplan FT
Assembling the Layout

In the following exercises you will set up a layout with the floor
plans of the ground and first floors of the sample building.
This involves two steps:
Setting up the layout i.e. defining the sheet size and border
Select the elements for the layout i.e. the filesets/drawing files
and the title block.
To define the layout
Select the
1 Click
Plot Layout module.
Open and Select.
Tip: The name you enter here

will appear as the Plan name
attribute in the title block!
2 Click in row 1, enter Floor plans and press OK to confirm.

3 Click
Layout Border (Create flyout).
4 Select DIN A1 for the border size.
Manual
5 Set the anchor point and

select the border type Double margin (DIN 824 B).
7 Press
to confirm.
8 Place the border in the bottom left inside corner of the sheet.
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370
Allplan FT
Layout elements are mainly drawing files that you place in the
layout. You can specify which layers are to be included in the
printout by selecting a layer set.
To select layout elements

1 Click
Get Layout Elements (Create flyout).
2 On the Context toolbar, click the File box and select the drawing
file number 111 Ground floor, model
3 Click the Layer button, enable the Layer set option and select the
LS Design layer set.
4 Place it in the layout.

Drawing file 112 is now automatically displayed attached to the
crosshairs.
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371
5 Click LySet and select the layer set called. LS Design. Press
to confirm.
6 To position the drawing file correctly, click within the boundary
of the drawing file already placed.
The outline of drawing file 116 is now attached to the crosshairs.
7 Click File, select number 121 and select the layer set LS Design.
8 Place it in the layout.
9 Press ESC to finish selecting layout elements.
10 Click
Tip: To change the annotation
for the layout, switch to the
Text module and use the
standard text editing tools.
Label (Create flyout).
11 Click the layout border.

12 Click in the Label Style box.
13 In the Office folder, select the label style called Structure and
to confirm.
press
14 Place the title block in the bottom right corner.

Instead of attributes, the values assigned are now displayed.
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Allplan FT
The finished layouts are saved and can be plotted straight away or
later, as you choose.
Manual
Plotting Layouts
The finished layout now needs to be plotted.
Before you follow the steps in the exercise below, check that the
plotter has been correctly installed and configured.
To plot layouts
1 Click
Plot Layouts (Create toolbar).
2 Select the output device (printer / plotter) in the Output tab.
Tip: If you configured

Nemetschek drivers in the
Services application, they will
also be presented in the
device list.
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374
3 Select layout 1 in the Selection tab.
4 Do you want to start plotting?

Click Yes.
The layout will then be plotted out.
nn
See Also
Further information on the
Settings tab is available in
the online Help (F1).
Allplan FT
Manual
375
Layout Windows
You can use layout windows to place just portions of drawing files or
filesets in a layout. This is useful if you want to display just specific
areas or elements that are far apart in the building model. In the
following exercise you will create layout windows and display
sections of individual drawing files.
To create layout windows
1 Click
Open and select an empty layout.

Create Layout Window (Create flyout).
We will create the window so that the drawing file it is to display

is immediately available for selection.
2 Click With Elements.
3 Select drawing file 111 (File) and

place it in the layout.
4 Press ESC as no other drawing files need to be selected.
5 Define the size of the layout window by placing two opposite
points (bottom left and top right) using the left mouse button.
6 Repeat steps 3 through 5 to create a layout window for drawing
file 121.
If available, you can also use the drawing files with the West
elevation and South elevation.
Modify Layout Window (Modify flyout) and select
7 Click
Scale Layout Window.
This lets you change the size of the window.
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Allplan FT
8 To change the arrangement of the layout windows, you can use

Move (Edit flyout).
The result might look like this:
Manual
Unit 11: Presentation
377

The exercises in this unit require the modules in the Presentation
family. Check in
CAD Navigator to see whether you have
licensed these modules.
The ability to make presentation drawings - be it for

clients or for competitions - is important.
This is why powerful presentation modules are integrated
in Allplan FT. These include tools for simple hidden-line
images to real-time walk-throughs.
You can create a realistic, three-dimensional image of
your design at any time during the design process with
colored surfaces, lighting, and shadows. This unit shows
you how.
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The Presentation Family
Allplan FT

Allplan FT contains powerful presentation modules. In this manual,
we will work in the Animation module; the other modules in the
Presentation family are introduced only briefly.
The Paint Module

You can use the tools in the Paint module to create and edit colors,
colored areas and color freehand lines. All elements created in this
module are saved in vector format which means that the elements
can be moved, mirrored, resized, enlarged etc. without loss of picture
quality. You can also apply a specific hue to color images in a single
operation.
You work with 256 predefined colors. Alternatively, you can mix
your own colors using red/green/blue values or based on
hue/saturation/brightness.
Besides the Allplan standard color palette, you can purchase
additional color sets (RAL 840 HR, RAL Design System, for example)
or assemble your own RGB color palettes.
The Shadow Module

The Shadow module provides tools for generating full-surface, color
representations of 3D models including shadows cast by two light
sources. Natural daylight can also be taken into account by
specifying a latitude, date and time. This way, you can study the
effects of light and shadow on a building during the course of a day.
Furthermore, you can make photo-realistic images of building
models created using the modules in the Architecture family or using
the tools in 3D Modeling module. The program calculates photos
based on the perspective view that you set. You can also study the
effect of sunlight on a building over a period of time.
As opposed to the Animation module where the images are bitmaps
(based on pixels), the elements you create in the Shadow module are
saved in vector format which means that the elements can be moved,
mirrored, resized, enlarged etc. without loss of picture quality.
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379
The Scan Module

You can use the tools in the Scan module to import scanned drawing
files into Allplan/Allplot FT and manipulate them. Scanned images
(e.g., the site plan or the drawing of a house to be renovated) can
then serve as a backdrop for your work. The scanned image files are
saved in the corresponding project.
Pixel data (the scanned image) and vector data (Allplan drawings)
can be combined (this is known as hybrid data processing). You can
also display multiple scanned images at the same time and print
them out on a raster plotter.
Allplan FT provides a wide palette of tools for editing scanned-in
drawings. You can delete, move, copy, rotate, resize and mirror
areas. You can also merge images and vice versa i.e. divide large
images into a number of smaller ones.
Use the scanned images as the basis for your work in 2D and 3D.
For example, display the image on screen, define rooms and use this
as a basis for calculating the area of the current structure. Or, draw
new elements to be integrated into the structure.
The Animation Module

In the Animation module, you generate and edit bitmap data.
You can use the tools in the Animation module to shade (from a
palette of up to 16 million colors) the walls, windows, 3D lines etc.
created in the 3D and architectural modules.
Setup Lights you can set any number of colored light
Using
source of varying intensity which allow you to create realistic scenes.
Using
Surface Settings you can assign surface properties to
architectural and 3D elements.
Render tool you can render images based on different
With the
methods of computation (flat shading, Gouraud shading, Phong
shading and ray tracing) to produce photo-realistic images for
presentations.
And you can even integrate the new building in its environment by
placing a bitmap (a scanned photograph of the neighboring
buildings, for example) in the background while you render.
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Allplan FT
Textures such as wood, marble, stone, sand etc. that are supplied
with the program or bitmap images such as scans of tile structures,
can be used for material simulations.
Animation Window Entire Model on the Window or
Using
Shortcut menu, you can open up to 16 Animation windows
simultaneously with the other windows. Thus you can enter a world
of virtual reality that you navigate with the mouse. This way, you
can check each design or construction stage and demonstrate the
future appearance of an object.
Tip: If you wan to view only
one element in the Animation
Animation
window, use
Window - Select Elements on
the Window or Shortcut
menu.
The individually camera positions can either be set intuitively in the

animation window, entered in plan view, or entered as coordinates.
Movie scenes created in this manner can then be recorded with
Record Movie and saved as shows or AVI movies before being
transferred to video.
Shows can be converted to AVI movies using the
Open, Convert
Show tool. You can also use this tool to assemble an AVI movie
based on several shows.
Up to now you have used the modules in the Basic and Architecture
families to design your building model. In these modules, bitmap
data is created and processed whereas the Animation module works
with data in vector format.
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381
Vector Data
CAD systems that aim to produce precise drawings work with CAD
data that is geometry-oriented. The elements in a CAD drawing are
saved as vectors. These vectors serve to define the elements and
allow them to be identified as such.
A straight line, for example, is defined by its start point, end point
and the direction; a circle consists of a center point, a radius and an
angle. Complex geometric entities such as splines are approximates
using mathematical formulas.
A CAD drawing thus consists of a series of geometric values entered
via the keyboard or using the mouse. These values are exact values
and are based on the defined coordinate system.
Vector data are "intelligent": When you resize vectors or zoom in on
details, the vectors themselves are still mathematically precise. The
representation adapts to the different scales and sizes which is why
there is no loss of quality even when vectors are printed out as largeformat drawings.
Bitmap Data
Bitmaps consist of a series of picture elements (hence the term pixel).
Information on the position and color of every pixel within a dot
grid is stored. Together, the pixels form an image somewhat similar
to a photograph in a newspaper (these are also merely a series of
dots). The nearer you are to the image, the more visible the
individual dots. The finer the grid of dots, the better the resolution.
When you render an image in the Animation module, you cannot
enlarge it without suffering loss of quality. This is because only the
pixels themselves are enlarged thus leading to deterioration in the
quality of the picture - even with small pictures: The image appears
coarse, sloping lines look like steps and even smooth transitions from
one color to another increase in contrast.
In the Animation module, you can render images using different
resolutions. The higher the resolution of the image, the better the
quality. However, the amount of data generated also increases
significantly and the operation can take much longer as a result.
When rendering an image, keep the printout format in mind and set
an appropriate resolution.
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Getting Ready
Allplan FT
Vector Data and Bitmaps

Elements that you create in Allplan FT/Allplot FT are generally saved
as vector data; the exception is the images you generate in the
Animation module.
The following modules generate the following types of data:
Paint and Shadow modules: vector data - no loss of quality +

pictures can be manipulated at will.
Animation module: pixel data.
Scan module: hybrid data processing (i.e. both). This means that
you can resize, move the bitmap data in a scanned image as if it
were vector data. The scanned image's bitmap data behaves like
vector data. However, with high factor enlargements, the Aliasing
will become more evident.
Getting Ready
Real-time animation is only 'real' time if you have a computer that is
powerful enough to perform the complex calculations.
Important: If you are running Windows NT/Windows 98/2000, set

the display setting in the Control Panel to 32,768 colors.
To demonstrate more clearly the effects that can be achieved in this

module and to shorten processing time, the following exercises will
use just the walls in the ground floor. You can follow this procedure
with the entire building model.
Manual
383
Floor Slab
To see the shadows and lighting effects more clearly, we will first
draw a flat slab under the building to simulate a flat terrain.
To draw the slab
In the
Components module.
Walls, Openings,
Open an empty drawing file (make it current) and set 111 and
112 to edit mode.
Make the layers AR_WALL, AR_CHIMN and AR_COL visible

and hide all the other layers.
Refresh (border of viewport) and

1 Click
center the image.
Reduce View to
2 Select pen number (8) 0.18 (green).

Slab (Architectural Components flyout) to draw a floor
3 Use
slab under the building with a wide border at the edges.
Properties:
Make the following height settings in
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Getting Ready
Allplan FT
Settings: Eye and Target Point

To see the symbols for the observers eye point and target point as
well as light sources and their respective target, you need to enable
Global Options.
the relevant option in
The Animation Module

The following shows how to create a movie model in just five steps.
In the process you will learn about basic tools in the Animation
module.
Please bear in mind that making complex animations using
sophisticated effects requires practice and experimentation. You
should therefore consider the following as an introduction and try to
spend some time exploring the different possibilities.
Procedure:
Set the animation parameters and define the first view
Set up the lighting
Define materials and surface properties
Choose a rendering method and render the image
Assemble the movie model: position cameras
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385
Exercise 15: Display the Entire Model in

Animation Mode
In the Animation Window Entire Model tool (up to 16 animation
windows can be open), you can use the mouse to set the direction in
which the object is viewed. Use the Animation Window Options to
define the movement of the mouse. The current lighting settings and
surface properties are also visible in the animation windows.
To open an animation window and to set parameters
In the
(Presentation family).
1 Press the F4 key or click

on the Window menu.
Animation module
Animation Window Entire Model
The animation window is opened and the building is placed in the

middle, view from front and top.
Tip: To speed up or slow
down the movement of the
mouse, change the value
controlling the sensitivity.
2 Click with the right mouse button in the workspace and select
Animation Window Options on the shortcut menu. .
3 In the Movement area, select the Custom size option.
This setting controls the movement of the mouse. If, you want to
walk through a building while retaining the same eye level, we
recommend that you use the Horizontal and Vertical settings.
nn
See Also
To learn about the animation
tools in more detail, we
recommend the step-by-step
guide entitled Presentation.
This can be ordered at the
training center.
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Exercise 15: Display the Entire Model in Animation Mode
Allplan FT
When you have defined the Animation Window Options, you can
use the mouse to navigate in and around the building in the
animation window.
To use the mouse

1 Navigate by pressing one of the following mouse buttons and
moving the mouse:
left: camera on the surface of the sphere about the object
middle: turns the camera right/left, up/down
right: zooms forward/backward
2 Exit animation mode by closing the window.

Tip: Pressing and holding
down the SHIFF key
accelerates the movement of
the mouse.
The default setting is Sphere mode. In this mode, the eye point
pivots about the target point and its movement is constrained to an
imaginary sphere. You have already encountered the movement of
the mouse in sphere mode:
Mouse navigation in Sphere mode

Left mouse button:
camera on the surface of the sphere about the object
turns the camera right/left, up/down
Right mouse button: zooms forward/backward
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387
If you press and hold down the CTRL key while in animation mode,
you switch to Camera mode. This mode can be visualized as the view
through a camera with the observer at the center, looking around.
Mouse navigation in Camera mode

Left mouse button:
camera pan, rotation about the observer.
turns the camera right/left, up/down
Right mouse button: zooms forward/backward
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Exercise 16: Lights and Surfaces
Allplan FT

Lights
The program provides a wide range of lighting options to ensure that
your presentation is a success:
Sunlight: is defined by specifying the latitude, time and angle of

the North arrow in plan.
Ambient light: a non-directional, even light that can also be

allocated a color and degree of brightness. Ambient light gives
objects a constant color.
Four corner lights: parallel light, each corner light can be

allocated a color and can cast shadows.
Nine individual lights (particularly important for lighting

interiors): for each light, you can define a color, the type of light
source and the exact location of the light source and its target.
-
Point light: is diffused evenly in all directions from a single

light
Spotlight: the intensity of the light drops the further away

from the point it is.
Conical light: is similar to the spotlight except that the

intensity of the light pool cast is uniform.
Manual
389
Sun path studies can be generated quickly and easily using the
Sun Study tool.
In the following exercise, you will set the sunlight.
To set up lights: sunlight

Tip: Use
defaults.
to restore
1 Click
Setup Lights (Modify flyout) or right-click in the
Setup Lights on
animation window and select More Tools the shortcut menu.
2 Click Sun.
3 Select a city of your choice.
You can even add cities to the list: enter the latitude and
longitude and specify a name in the New area.
4 Activate the Summertime check box and
enter the date and time: 1. July, 3 p.m..
5 Enter the direction of North. 0 (on the side with the kitchen).
6 Press
7 You can see in the animation window at once how these settings
affect the image (if the animation window is not open, just press
F4). The shadows cast by the lights are not visible due to the
rendering method employed here. The direction of lighting,
however, is evident from the illumination of the surfaces.
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Allplan FT
Surfaces
Each line color can be assigned a surface color as well as a value for
transparency, luster, refraction and a texture.
Defining colors
In the Color Mix dialog box, you can define and mix colors
using any of the following methods.
These methods can also be combined. Click a basic color.
Click on a shade of that color. Mix the color using the RGB
(red, green, blue) model.
Mix the color using the HSB (hue, saturation, brightness)

model. First, select a color (where saturation and brightness
are set to 255) and mix in some white (saturation) and black
(brightness).
Select a color system, a color file and then a color name in the
file. You can also define your own custom palettes.
We will now define the surface properties of the windowpanes and

assign the walls a different color.
To define surface properties

Tip: You can also use
Surface Settings (Modify
flyout in the Animation
module) to define surfaces.
The animation window is still open.

If not, just press the F4 key.
The window panes in the smart symbols have been drawn using
pen 7. If color/pen association is enabled, color 3 (light blue) is
assigned to pen 7.
1 In the animation window, right-click one of the light blue

window panes and select Surface Settings on the shortcut menu.
The Surface Properties for Color 3 dialog box is displayed.
2 Set the transparency of the glass to 70 (%).
Manual
5 Click the Object color button.

Tip: You can save your own
colors under a name of your
choice. You can also save
entire color palettes in color
files.
6 Change the saturation of the blue to 40.

This will add white to the blue and make it a shade lighter.
391
392
Allplan FT
7 Press
to close the Select RGB Color dialog box and the
Surface Properties for Color 3.
Tip: You can still see the lines
of the opening symbols on
the window panes.
To hide them, disable the
Smart Symbol Foil A in
Show/Hide.
The glass panes become transparent at once.

The walls have been drawn using pen 3 (0.35). If color/pen
association is enabled, color 5 is assigned to pen 3.
8 In the animation window, right-click one of walls and select
Surface Settings on the shortcut menu. The Surface Properties
for Color 5 dialog box is displayed.
9 Click the Object color button.
10 Define a color using the RGB color model and the following
settings:
Red: 240
Green: 240
Blue: 180
11 Press
to confirm.
The effect in the model becomes visible at once.

12 If you want, you can use the same approach to assign a dark
green to the floor slab. Click Object color and select a suitable
color in the dialog box.
Manual
393
Changing the surface properties affects all visible elements with

the same color!
As an alternative to
Surface Settings, you can use
Assign
Custom Surfaces to3D/Archit. Elements or Custom Surface
Properties on the shortcut menu of the animation window to
assign animation surfaces to 3D elements, regardless of the
element color.
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Exercise 17: Rendering
Allplan FT
Exercise 17: Rendering

The Render tool will render your model taking all the settings you
have made for the view, lights and surfaces into account. A number
of different rendering methods are available: Flat shading, Gouraud,
Phong, QuickRay and ray tracing.
The Render tool always uses the view you set last in the
animation window. Thus, we strongly recommend that you never
render directly in the design viewport. Always select a suitable
view in the animation window before you start the rendering
process.
Please bear in mind that the more sophisticated the rendering method
you choose and the larger the window in which the model is
rendered, the longer the whole process will take.
The following exercise uses the ray tracing method.
To render the model
In the animation window, select the view you want to render.
1 Click
Render (Create flyout) or right-click in the animation
Render on the shortcut
window and select More Tools menu.
2 Set the rendering method to Ray Tracing.
3 Now define the size of the image you want to generate. Click the
button beside Size and define the size of this window by placing
two diagonal points. A quarter of the workspace will be sufficient
for a first impression.
Manual
4 Press
to confirm.
The rendering process starts.
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396
Exercise 18: Camera Path, Movie Model, AVI Movie
Allplan FT
Exercise 18: Camera Path, Movie Model, AVI

Movie
We will now simulate a fly-by around the ground floor.
To do this, you will set camera positions and save these together as a
'movie model'.
In the following exercise you will create a movie by placing several

cameras in the floor plan.
To create a movie
1 Click
Set Camera Path (Modify flyout) or right-click in the
Set Camera Path on the
animation window and select
shortcut menu.
Manual
397
2 Click Set Camera.

The dialog box closes and the floor plan of the building is
displayed.
3 Place the camera.
Tip: When you have placed a
camera, the animation
window displays the view
through this camera at once.
Thus, you can check your
movie at any time!
4 Click the tip of the arrow near the camera lens you can now
turn the camera and click to specify the direction.
5 Position the next camera in the same way.

6 Number of intermediate entries to interpolate
Enter the number of steps between the two cameras: 5.
8 Set more cameras (see figure) and
press ESC to finish entering the camera path.
9 The Camera Path dialog box appears again and the cameras (A to
F) you have just placed in the floor plan are displayed in the
Camera entries area.
10 Press
11 The animation window is still open (if not, press F4).

12 Right-click in the animation window and select
along Camera Path on the shortcut menu.
Run Movie
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Allplan FT
Tip: The first and last camera

are always set by default.
You can select a different
starting or finishing point by
clicking in the boxes.
13 Press
to confirm.
The movie will be displayed once. If you activated the Repeat

option, the movie will run in an endless loop until you press ESC.
The Dynamic toolbar includes tools you can use to modify the
camera path:
Insert, move, rotate and delete camera.
With Camera Information you can change the coordinates of the eye
and target point by entering numerical values. An Allplan movie
model consists of the 3D model, the surface definitions, the light
settings and the individual camera positions. All four components
are saved.
To save the movie model

1 Open the shortcut menu of the animation window and select Save
movie model ... .
2 In the Save File dialog box, enter a name and specify the path
where to save the movie model.
The FIL movie model is best saved in the project; this is the
default setting.
3 Click Save.
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399
This "movie model" serves to save the surface definitions, lighting

settings and camera positions.
The building merely a surface model in this example can no
longer be edited in a single drawing file.
However, you can insert a different building as an alternative in the
movie model in order to view it using the same surfaces and lighting
settings.
Recording an AVI Movie

You can also record the movie model you just created and saved as
an AVI movie. Please note that this operation can take some time.
To record an AVI movie

1 Click
Record Movie (Create flyout).
2 Select Create AVI.

3 Define the target size (=size of output window), by entering the
height and width in pixels or using the size of the Animation
window.
4 Select the rendering method Quick Ray so that shadows are cast.
400
5 Press
Allplan FT
to confirm and start recording.
The final movie is located in the project directory. To view it, double
click it.
Using the settings above, it will take about 5 minutes to record
the movie.
For a high-resolution, flicker-free movie select the following
settings:
-
Render method: Ray Tracing
Target size: Get from Animation window
Images/sec.: 16
. . . and start recording just before you leave work.
Manual
Appendix
401
Appendix
Project Organization using the Default Layer
Allplan FT is a very flexible system that allows you to
develop your own custom solutions for projects within
the office. The layers used in this tutorial provide
essential support.
However, it is also possible to structure projects without
using layers. In this case, the individual elements are
arranged in drawing files.
The structure presented here for large-scale projects is
intended only as a guide.
Drawing File Organization "without Layers"
General project-related information is stored on drawing files 199. This is universally required data (plan layout, axis system
etc.).
Story design starts at drawing file 100. The first digit indicates
the number of the story. The last two digits provide information
on the contents. The sequence in which the drawing files are
named should be identical on each floor.
Other material is stored starting at drawing file 2000. Numbers

2000-2099 contain sections. Numbers 2100-2199 contain the
elevation views while 2200-2299 include the presentation data
and 2300+ the detail drawings.
402
Project Organization using the Default Layer
Fileset
File
Contents
Grid
1
2
3
4
5
6
11
12
13
:
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
:
51
52
53
54
55
:
71
72
73
74
75
76
:
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
Axis system (coarse)

Axis system (fine)
Axis dimensions
Axis labeling
Title Block
Legend
Survey points
Dimensions
Labels
Layout
Surveying
Site plan
Outdoor facilities
Foundation
st
1 floor
Boundaries of lot
Neighboring buildings
Existing building
New building
hatching
Dimensions
Text
Fileset
nd
2 floor
3rd floor
Section A -A
Section B - B
Draft
Symbols
Dimensions
Design
Text
East elevation
Foundations
hatching
Sections
hatching
Dimensions
Text
South elevation
Background pattern, fill

Load-bearing walls
Non-bearing walls
Beams
Stairs, elevator
Slab
Doors (2D)
Windows (2D)
Wall recess (2D)
Slab recess (2D)
Reflected ceiling
Reflected plan
Furniture
HVAC
Grids, axes
Dimensions
Additional dimensions
Text
Additional text
Rooms
Area
DIN 277 areas
DIN 276 costs
Prelim. roof design
Special components
Perspective views
Detail A
Detail B
Allplan FT
File
Contents
125
126
:
200
201
:
300
301
:
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2010
:
2019
2100
2101
2102
2103
2104
2105
2110
:
2119
2201
2202
2203
2204
:
2299
2300
2301
2302
2303
2304
:
2309
2310
:
2319
Adjacent components
Foreground patterns, fills
Load-bearing walls
Load-bearing walls
Section (hidden-line)
Details
Hatching, pattern, fill
Fixtures
Dimensions
Text
Outdoor facilities
Section (hidden-line)
Hidden-line image
Details
Hatching, pattern, fill
Dimensions
Text
Outdoor facilities
Hidden-line image
Hidden-line image
Hatching, fill, textures
Outdoor facilities
Text
Draft
Details
Hatching, patterns
Dimensions
Text
Draft
Manual
Appendix
403
Overview of Tools
The Tutorial makes extensive reference to flyouts and the icons they
contain.
We recommend photocopying this page and placing it somewhere
near your monitor so that you can refer back to it as you work
through the workbook.
Viewports
Refresh
3D View
Zoom Section
Previous View
Pan
Next View
Enlarge View
Save, Load View
Reduce View
Always on Top (on)
Regen
Always on Top (off)
Plan View
Hidden-line Image
Rear Left Iso.
Activate Section
Rear Elevation
Copy to Clipboard
Rear Right Iso.

Left Elevation
Right Elevation
Front Left Iso.
Front Elevation
Front Right Iso.
404
Overview of Tools
Allplan FT
"Height" Dialog Box

These icons define how the component you are in the process of
drawing e.g., walls, rafters, are attached to the reference planes.
TL relative to the lower plane
TL relative to upper plane
BL relative to the lower plane
BL relative to upper plane
Absolute height TL
Absolute height BL
Use this to set the offset between the top level of the
component and the lower/upper reference plane.
Use this to set the offset between the bottom level of
the component and the lower/upper reference plane.
Use this to set the top or bottom level of the
component as an absolute height.
Relative to BL (component or plane)
Use this to associate the top or bottom level of a

component with the top/bottom level of another
component or plane. When you select this option, the
reference level has to be clicked immediately.
Absolute component height
Enter the component height here.
Vertical offset
This toggle controls whether the offset entered is to be

interpreted as a vertical offset or perpendicular to the
plane.
Relative to TL (component or plane)
Offset perpendicular to plane

Component top
This makes the component adapt to the upper plane in

its entirety.
Attach outer component edge to plane
With this, the top, outside edge of the component will

adapt to the upper reference plane.
Component edge above plane
With this, the component will pierce the upper

reference plane by the value you specify.
Maximum component height
When the top level of the component is attached to the

upper reference plane, you can use this to have the
component not exceed a certain height and to run
horizontally at that height.
Manual
Appendix
405
The Main Flyout Toolbars
Basics toolbar

Match
Text flyout
Dimension Lines flyout
Layout flyout
Edit flyout
Basic Tools
(always available)
Draft flyout
CAD Navigator
Create II flyout
Modify flyout
Architecture toolbar
Architectural Components flyout
Architectural Openings flyout
Rooms flyout
Stairs flyout
General Element Filter flyout

Architecture / Allfa Filter flyout
Engineering Filter flyout
Selection Aids flyout
Module-specific
Tools
Create flyout
Format Filter flyout
Selection Rectangle flyout

Brackets
406
Overview of Tools
Allplan FT
Manual
Index
407
Index
A
access rights 142
additional polyline entry tools
239
Admin 298
animation
overview 384
Animation
Animation Window Entire
Model 385
Animation window options
385
Requirements 223, 382
Animation window 386
Animation Window - Entire
Model 385
arcs offset direction 176
architectural elements
modifying 261
architecture
toolbar 408
Architecture
Configuration 73
area calculation 348
associative dimensioning 126
attributes
for projects 362
Attributes
assigning attribute values 362
matching 155
AVI movie 399
axis grid 193
B
basic tools 73
toolbar 408
Bracket Feature 51
bracket tool
overview 114
building lists 356
C
camera path 396
circle 115
column 198
Common Approaches in
ProjectPilot 136
component parameters
column 198
Component properties
door 205
construction lines 108
Coordinates
displaying 43
entering 42
Copying
drawing files 298
planes 288
cursor snap 109
CursorTips 45
Curved wall
center 177
openings 215
curved walls
general 175
radius 177
segments in 174
custom planes
pitch 300
Custom Reference Planes 277
Cutting
elements 113
D
Default planes
Option 274
Defining colors 390
Delete
Auto-Delete Segments 86
wall sections 259
Designing smart symbols
overview 319
Designing Smart Symbols 321
408
Index
dialog boxes
user-defined 82
Dialog Line 23
dimension line parameters
saving 127
dimension lines 125
adding points 131
Dimension lines
horizontal 128
Dimension Lines
vertical 130
Dimensioning
Curves 178
elevation dimensioning 334
Radius 178
Displaying Coordinates 43
Door
entering direction 208
Parameters 205
doors 203
dormer 282
Draft
ortho 182
Drawing file
copying, moving 298
drawing files
copying in ProjectPilot 299
understanding 75
dynamic toolbar 178
Dynamic toolbar 20
E
eaves
entering 280
Edit
filtering 226
Element
Auto-Delete Segments 86
elements
cutting 113
Elements
filtering 226
elevation dimensioning 334
elevation views 336
entering
polylines 239
Entering Lengths 42
Allplan FT
Entering Lengths and Coordinates

42
entity groups 228
eye point, target point 384
F
Fileset
creating, new 151
Fill 53
filter assistant
toolbar 408
filters 226, 288
finish specifications 344
Flyouts 21
G
general polyline entry 240
Get Midpoint 108
groups
of element/entities 228
H
Handrail 315
hatching 119
Hatching 53
Reference Scale 55
height
dialog box 406
Height
association with default planes
170
association with planes 204,
209
component height 210
entering parameters 170
modifying 261
hidden line image 331
I
Installation
Software Requirements 9
intersections 120
L
Label 371
Label style
creating 363
label styles 79
Manual
Index
Layer 140
assignments 180
Attributes 141
general information 140
line attributes 155
pen, line, color 155
selecting current layer 172
settings 155
Troubleshooting 180
Visibility 143
layers
access rights 142
layer sets 156
modifying 228
turning on 179
Layers
advantages 144
drawing files 145
managing 143
Layout
assembling 368
elements 370
selecting 368
layouts
defining 368
layer sets 156, 370
layout windows 375
plotting 373
Libraries 61
library 97
Light
sunlight 388
Lights
type of light 388
Line
entering dX, dY 105
line attributes
for layers 155
Line feed 90
lines
orthogonal 107
with cursor snap 109
Linetype
Modification 113
linetypes
for layers 155
Lists/schedules
overview in online help 351
409
M
masking plane 287
mirroring and copying 226
Modification
architectural elements 252,
261
lengthen lines 106
Pen Thickness 87
Stretch entities 111
modifying
general 252
Modifying
archit. Component properties
256
overview 262
text parameters 95
movie
AVI format 399
movie model 396
Moving
drawing files 298
Mutually perpendicular lines 107
O
office
library 97
offset direction
curved wall 176
of walls 173
offset polyline 225
online Help system 3
Opening
dimension sill height spec 232
elevation specs 234
in curved wall 215
openings 202
entering 202
outline auto-detect 119
P
Parallel 84
Paths in Allplan FT 68
Pattern 53
pen
for component hatching 163
for layer 155
Planes
410
Index
custom reference planes 277

using planes 273
plotting
layouts 373
Plotting
layer set 370
Point Snap 44
polylines
entering using advanced tools
239
Precision Drawing 42
Print
contents of screen 361
priority 169
Private
data path 97
Project
creating 149
path settings 150
select, switch 74
project attributes 362
project organization
using only the default layer
401
Project organization
tips 154
Projection 30
ProjectPilot
Common Approaches 136
properties
wall 169
Properties
saving as style 238
slab 237
Q
quantity takeoff 351
building lists 356
quick printout 361
quitting 32
R
railing bars 316
raise file 251
Raising in z direction 251
Rectangle 83
reference point 115, 116, 182
definition of, overview 218
Allplan FT
Reference Scale 82
rendering 394
Reveal 207
roof 279
roof covering 284
Roof
parameters 280
roof pitch 300
rooms
creating 338
creating automatically 342
single 338
S
saving
dimension line parameters
127
Saving
properties as a style 238
Saving Components as Styles 62
scale 82
schedule output 351
Screen
print contents 361
search criteria 353
section
path 329
Section 329
to drawing file 331
sections
activating 331
Select
elements 226
Selecting
re-selecting 122
Setting unit of length 163
Shortcut Menu 22
show wall junctions 291
Show/hide 30
sill height 232
Slab 237
as roof covering 287
slab opening 246
Smart symbol
general 202
preview 210
replacing 324
smart symbols
Manual
Index
inserting 219
managing 325
opening side 219
Smart Symbols 207
defining 67
Properties 65
using 64
Snapping to Points 44
Training, Coaching and Project
Support 5
Stair
height 308
overview 307
section 318
u-type stair 308
stair tread 312
stairs
components 312
labeling 317
modifying 310
user-definable component 316
Stairs
2D outline 236
standard schedules 351
Standard Views 30
Status Bar 23
stretching
entities 258
Stretching Entities 111, 258
Styles 61
saving 238
surfaces 390
symbol catalogs 96
symbols
path 97
Symbols 63
general 96
retrieving 100
T
Text
horizontal 88
modifying parameters 95
paragraph text 90
setting parameters 89
text settings
general information 95
411
title block
as label style 363
Title head
use label style 371
To copy a drawing file 250
To lengthen lines 106
To set dimension line parameters
126
Toolbar
Architecture 73, 408
Basic Tools 73, 408
toolbars
filter assistant 408
Toolbars 17
Basic Tools 17
Default Configurations 18
Filter Assistant 20
Flyouts 21
Point Assistant 19, 48
tools 32
transport point
column 199
troubleshooting 132
troubleshooting checklist 132
U
Unit
Length 81
User Interface 16
u-type stair 308
V
vertical surface 346
viewports 191, 404
views 191
W
Wall
Join wall with line 260
Join walls 254
joining walls with the roof
289
multiple construction layers
185
wall offset direction
curved wall 176
walls
curved walls 174
412
Index
moving 258
offset direction 173
straight walls 173
Walls
joining 254
separating 259
Allplan FT
Window
entering direction 208
window openings 207
Z
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Allplan FT V17 Manual: Getting Started

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Allplan FT V17

This documentation has been produced with the utmost care.

Document No. 170eng01m02-1-BM0502

Unit 1: Basics ..............................................................................15

Hatching and Reference Scale ....................................................................... 55

Unit 3: Project Organization .................................................133

Unit 4: Building Design ..........................................................161

Unit 5: Reference Planes ....................................................... 273

Unit 6: Stairs ............................................................................ 305

Unit 7: Smart Symbols ........................................................... 319

Unit 8: Sections And Views................................................... 327

Unit 9: Area Calculation and Quantity Takeoff............... 337

Unit 10: Layout Output ......................................................... 359

Unit 11: Presentation ............................................................. 377

Documentation on installing the program

An introduction to basic concepts

A tutorial which guides you from initial 2D drafting to the design

This manual also assumes that you have a working knowledge of

We would like to express our gratitude to the AIC architectural

The online Help is the main source of information for learning

The brochure New Features In This Version provides

Each volume in the "Step-by-Step" series deals with a specific

FAQs on the Internet

Feedback on the Help

Training, Coaching and Project Support

Our sophisticated, comprehensive seminar program is the

One-on-one seminars are best when it comes to addressing your

One-day crash courses, designed for office heads, convey the

We are also happy to hold seminars on your premises: These

The up-to-date seminar guide is provided on the Internet at the

Training, Coaching and Project Support

This manual describes the procedure for a first-time installation at

The Allplan FT CD contains an install.hlp file in which you

INTEL Pentium III or compatible

128 MB RAM (without display list)

1 GB free hard disk space

CD-ROM drive (for the installation)

1 parallel or USB port for the hardlock

Graphics board, resolution 1024 x 768, 8 MB

19-inch monitor 1024 x 768

Network card (only for network operation)

The operating system must be installed and running. Allplan FT

Windows 98 SE/ Windows Me (please note that a computer with

Novell as file server

We also recommend Internet Explorer 4,01 or higher.

The operating system must already be installed and running.

All peripheral devices must be connected and correctly

When you install two or more Allplan FT workstations in a

Prior to Installing ...

Prior to Installing ...

Common data: components of Nemetschek programs which are

Central file storage: projects and office standard, for example.

Prior to installing, decide on the folder in which you want the

Central file storage when installing in a network

The Projects folder is shared. Installing with Workgroup Manager is

Prior to Installing ...

First-time Installation on a Standalone Workstation

To install Allplan FT on a standalone workstation

Prior to installing, read the following topics: