Punch! software ARCHITECTURAL SERIES 3000 V10 User Manual

User’s Guide

Home Design Architectural Series 3000

system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Punch! Software, L.L.C.

Punch! Software, L.L.C. reserves the right to improve, enhance and revise its products without notice. Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 is a registered trademark of Punch! Software, L.L.C.

Microsoft Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers.

The information in this document is furnished for informational use only, is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a commitment by Punch! Software, L.L.C. Punch! assumes no liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this document.

Second edition, 2005 Printed in the United States of America

Part 1: Nuts & Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Window Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

A Quick Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

File Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Snaps and Annotations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Controlling Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Plan Tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Part 2: From the Ground Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Topo Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Room Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Foundation Plan Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Floor Plan Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Part 3: Utilities in Your Home Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Electrical Plan Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Plumbing Plan Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

HVAC Plan Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Part 4: Working on Your Home’s Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Roofing Plan Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Roofing Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Deck Plan Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Deck Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Landscape Plan Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Detail Plan Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide i

Contents

Part 5: Customizing Your Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Editing Your Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Working with LiveView . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

Personalizing Your Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

Material Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

Part 6: Design Aid PowerTools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

Elevation Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

Door Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

Window Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

Cabinet Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251

Fireplace Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

Plant Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271

Trim Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277

Part 7: General PowerTools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285

FloorPlan Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287

PhotoView & PhotoView Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291

DXF/DWG Export & Import . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301

Layout Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305

Framing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319

Estimator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

RealModel® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337

Part 8: Punch! Animator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341

File Management and Editing Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343

KeyPoints and Animation Paths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

Segment Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351

Video Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359

Part 9: 3D Custom Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363

Window Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365

File Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369

Drawing Grids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373

Drawing in 3D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379

Drawing in 2D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389

Converting 2D Objects to 3D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397

Editing 3D Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401

Controlling Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411

Applying Color and Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417

ii PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Part 1

Nuts & Bolts

Chapter 1: Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Chapter 2: Window Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Chapter 3: A Quick Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Chapter 4: File Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Chapter 5: Snaps and Annotations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Chapter 6: Controlling Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Chapter 7: Plan Tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Chapter 1

Welcome

Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 is a professional-level home design system developed for anyone who needs fast, accurate home drawings and wants the flexibility to view and edit their plan in 3D.

Uses for Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 include:

■ Architectural drawings

■ Presentations

■ Kitchen design

■ 3D visualization

■ Plumbing installation

■ DXF/DWG Import and Export

■ Electrical plans

■ Framing customization

■ Interior design

■ Landscaping

In addition, Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 contains a variety of useful PowerTools that each perform a specific task. For instance, Framing Editor lets you customize almost every facet of your framing, like the material, spacing and even the direction studs and trusses are to be placed and Layout Manager makes it easy to make professional presentations of your designs to an architect or builder. Once you’re finished with your design, you can even record an AVI movie to send to your friends, architect, builder and so on.

It’s simple to get started designing the home of your dreams. Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the contents of this manual, so you’ll know where to quickly find the answers. Be sure to see Chapters 2 and 3 for an overview of the screen layout and a quick tour of the program.

The most important thing to do before beginning work with Punch! AS3000 will be setting your display to 32-bit color. To do this, right-click the Desktop, then click Properties on the pop-up menu. Click the Settings Tab on the Display Properties dialog box, then select True Color (32-bit); if this is not available on your computer, select 24-bit.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 3

Chapter Welcome

Contents of Package

Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 comes with everything you need to install and use the software. The package includes the following items:

■ Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000

Installation Set of three (3) CDs

■ PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s

Guide

■ Homeplan booklet

System Requirements

In order to run Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000, it is recommended that you have a Pentium-based computer. In addition, your system should include the following:

System Requirements

■ Intel® Pentium®,Celeron®, Xeon™ or Centrino™ or

AMD® Athlon™, Duron™ or Opteron™ Processor

■ Windows® 98 or higher

■ 64 MB of RAM

■ 1.4 GB of hard disk space

■ VGA video card displaying at least 800x600 with 16-bit

color (24-bit, if available)

■ CD-ROM drive

■ Mouse or other pointing device

■ 32 MB Video Card Memory

Tips for Users of Other Punch! Programs

Punch! AS3000 will open all floorplans designed with previously-released Punch! programs. One major difference from very early Punch! programs involves the use of interior, exterior and foundation walls. Walls drawn in some previous Punch! programs, like Punch! Super Home Suite and Punch! 5 in 1 Home Design, may import as interior walls, so these walls will need to be customized in Punch! AS3000.

In addition, you will want to use the Punch! Topo Designer PowerTool to update all topography drawn in previouslyreleased Punch! programs. Designer”, which begins on page 47.

To update a file from a previous Punch! program 1 Make a copy of your file. Save the original. 2 Open the copied file. 3 Define your design’s exterior walls. For more

information, see “To convert interior walls to exterior walls”, which begins on page 78.

For more information, see “Topo

4 Use the Wall Segment Properties dialog box to match all

roof sections. For more information, see “Defining Gable Wall Segments”, which begins on page 78.

5 Use the Automatic Flooring feature on the upper floors.

For more information, see “To control automatic flooring”, which begins on page 76.

6 (optional) Draw flooring on the upper floors. For more

information, see “Adding Flooring”, which begins on page 89.

7 Customize any complex roofing sections. For more

information, see “Using the Freehand Roof Tools”, which begins on page 113.

Tip: The most important thing to remember when beginning a new drawing is to complete your foundation or exterior walls first. A completely-closed exterior perimeter will ensure that floor square footage measurements will be correctly calculated.

Installing Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000

To install Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000, you must run Setup. You can’t install or reconfigure Punch! AS3000 by copying files directly from the distribution CD to your hard drive.

To install Punch! AS3000 1 Insert Punch! AS3000 Installation CD #1 into your

CD-ROM drive. Installation begins as soon as you insert the CD.

2 Follow the installation prompts that appear. 3 Insert Installation CD #2 when prompted to do so.

Note: If Windows Explorer launches and shows you the

contents of CD #2, just close that window. You will not need to launch any further files until the installation is completed.

4 Insert Installation CD #3 when prompted to do so. Note: If Windows Explorer launches and shows you the

contents of CD #3, just close that window. You will not need to launch any further files until the installation is completed.

5 Click OK, making sure you do not change the drive at

this point.

Note: If installation did not begin when you inserted the Punch! AS3000 Installation CD #1 into your CD-ROM drive, Autorun may be turned off on your computer.

4 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Registering Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000

To install Punch! AS3000 if installation does not begin automatically

1 Insert Punch! AS3000 Installation CD #1 into your

CD-ROM drive.

2 Double-click My Computer. 3 Double-click the CD-ROM drive (most computers will

begin the installation at this point).

4 Double-click SETUP.

Registering Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000

Take a moment to register online during installation. After registering, you are eligible for technical support and for early notification when new product releases become available.

Your serial number is located on the Help Menu, under About Punch Home Design.

You can also register your software by visiting the Customer Support Center at http://punch.custhelp.com.

Speed Tips

You can “Speed Up” Punch! AS3000 by changing some of the program's default settings.

■ Close the LiveView window when you are not working

in 3D. No 3D calculations are performed when the LiveView window is closed.

■ Choose the Quarter-View window size for LiveView

instead of Full-View to increase 3D rendering speed. 3D rendering speed increases as the LiveView window becomes smaller in size.

■ Turn off shadows. For more information, see “Adding

Lighting and Shadows”, which begins on page 181.

■ Set your Display Screen Settings to 24-bit (32-bit, if

available), 65,000 colors for optimum rendering speed.

■ Hide the floors that are not being drawn. By turning off

the inactive floors, the program will not waste resources on them.

For more information, see “To view the

working floor only”, which begins on page 38.

■ On the View menu, click Render Options. The Render

Options dialog box is displayed. The lower the render quality, the faster LiveView will render your design.

Important System Settings

Some of your computer’s settings can impact Punch! AS3000’s efficiency. By changing one (or more) of these settings, you can control how the program performs.

■ Set your Display Settings to 800x600 pixels and High

Color (24-bit) or True Color (32-bit). On your Start menu, select Settings>Control Panel>Display>Settings.

■ If you notice that the 3D display is not clear, set back the

Graphics Acceleration. On your Start menu, select Settings>Control Panels> System>Performance> Graphics, then set the acceleration back one notch.

■ By default, all measurements display in English Units; to

choose Metric Units go to Design>Unit of Measure... select Metric.

Display Settings

Punch! AS3000 is designed to run effectively based on the system requirements printed on the software packaging. However, there are some specific settings you can select to obtain the best display possible.

To adjust your display settings 1 On the Start menu, click Settings, Control Panel. The

Control Panel program group is displayed.

2 Double-click Display. The Display Properties dialog box

is displayed.

3 Click to the Settings page tab. 4 In the Colors list box, click True Color (32-bit).

Note: If 32-bit is unavailable, click True Color (24-bit). 5 In the Screen Area section, move the slider to display at

least 800 x 600 pixels.

6 Click OK. The new window settings are applied. You

may be prompted to restart your computer to apply the new settings. If so, click OK or Yes.

Online Help

Punch! AS3000 includes an extensive online help system. This system includes all of the information found in the

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide.

To access the online help files

■ On the Help menu, click Contents or press F1.

To access help for a specific part of your 2D drawing

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the Context Help Button.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 5

Chapter Welcome

3 Click the feature, object or plant that you want help with.

The Quick Access menu for that feature, object or plant is displayed on the right side of the window.

4 Click the Tool Help listing on the pop-up window. Help

for that feature, object or plant is displayed.

5 (optional) Pressing F1 while many tools are active will

access the help file for that Tool.

Video Tutorials

Video Tutorials are available for drawing tools and other commonly-used features. These tutorials can be accessed three ways.

To access video tutorials from Tool Guides 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the feature, object or plant that you want help

with, then click the Tool Guide tool. The Tips and Tricks menu for that tool is displayed.

2 Navigate through the Help System until the topic you

need is displayed.

3 Click the Show Me button. A short video will be played

showing how the tool or feature works.

Technical Support

Before contacting Punch! Technical Support, please verify that the answer to your question is not available from one of the following resources:

■ Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s

Guide

■ Punch! AS3000 Help System

■ Video Tutorials

■ To automatically launch your browser and visit the

Punch! Software website, click the Connect to Punch! button at the upper right of your window.

■ The Punch! Online Community is available at

http://forums.punchsoftware.com. At the Online Community users can post questions and trade useful tips and tricks.

■ The Customer Support Center is available at

http://punch.custhelp.com. At the Customer Support Center you can register your software, search the knowledge base or ask a question, if necessary.

The Customer Support Center can only answer questions that are related to features of Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000. They cannot answer specific questions about home building, local building codes and so on.

3 Click the Video Tutorial button on the Tips and Tricks

following details:

menu. A short video will be played showing how the tool

When contacting the Support Center, please provide the

works.

■ Serial Number - located on the Help > About Punch!

Home Design dialog box

To access video tutorials with a right-click 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click the Context Help Button. 3 Right-click the feature, object or plant that you want

help with. The Quick Access menu for that tool, object or plant is displayed.

4 Click Video Tutorial on the pop-up window. A short

video will be played showing how the tool works.

■ Your computer’s operating system

■ Make and model of your computer

■ Video card manufacturer and model

■ Video card driver date and version

■ Video RAM

■ Display settings, including hardware acceleration

After registering your program, you will receive 60 days of free technical support of your computer with the program running and have the above information handy. The technical support contact

To access video tutorials from Help 1 On the Help menu, click Contents or press F1.

information can be located at the Customer Support Center http://punch.custhelp.com.

6 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

. When you call, you should be in front

Chapter 2

Window Layout

The Punch! AS3000 window provides an assortment of features that make it easy to create precise home plans. This chapter describes the basic components.

In most cases, this chapter does not provide detailed information on standard Windows concepts or on specific menu items. For information on standard Windows concepts, such as the mouse, the Control menu, the window border, the maximize button, dialog box controls and so on, refer to Windows online Help.

title bar menu bar tips & tricks

plan tab

elevation slider

standard toolbar

annotation and dimension bar

virtual ruler

measurement tools

working floor button

selection filter

plan toolbar

design window

LiveView icons

context help button

snaps button

Preview Bar

property bar

vertical

scroll bar

compass

Launch Punch! websites

status bar

horizontal scroll bar

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 7

Chapter Window Layout

Title Bar

The title bar extends across the top of the application window. It displays the name of the program and the name of the current drawing file. Using the buttons at the right end of the title bar you can minimize, maximize, close or restore the window. You can also maximize or restore a window by double-clicking on the title bar. Double-clicking the Control menu box at the left end of the title bar is a quick way to exit. If the application is running in a window, rather than maximized, dragging the title bar moves the entire window on the desktop.

Menu Bar

You can choose menu items using either the mouse or the keyboard. To use the mouse, click the menu name; when the menu drops down, click the item you want. Menu items with an arrow to the right display cascading menus when you place the pointer over one of them. When you highlight a menu item, a description is displayed on the status bar.

To use the keyboard, press the ALT key and type the underlined letter in the menu name, then type the underlined letter in the menu item’s name. If there is a cascading menu, you must type another letter. You can also use the arrow keys to move through menu items and press ENTER to select one. The ESC key backs out of the menu items one level at a time.

There are single-key or key combination shortcuts for certain frequently-used menu items. Each menu lists available shortcut keys to the right of the item’s name. You can use the techniques for choosing menu items in combination.

Tips & Tricks

Punch! AS3000 makes it easy to get started by providing users with tips and tricks for each Tool. Tips & Tricks provide information about each tool and some general information about the program. Tips & Tricks can be turned off and on to suit your needs.

To access general tips & tricks

■ On the Standard toolbar, click the Tips & Tricks

Button.

To access tips & tricks for a specific tool 1 On any plan tab, click the tool you want to learn more

about.

2 Click the Tips & Tricks Button, the Tips and Tricks

menu for that tool is displayed.

To access tips & tricks for a part of your 2D drawing 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click the Context Help Button. 3 Click the feature, object or plant that you want help

with. The Quick Access menu for that feature, object or plant is displayed on the right side of the window.

Plan Tabs and Toolbars

Clicking one of the plan tabs will activate the toolbar for that plan layer. For example, if you select the Landscape tab, the Landscape toolbar will appear. In addition, when you click the small arrow next to the title of the tab, you have the option of viewing or hiding other plans. This will be useful, for example, if you want to see the foundation plan with landscaping, but without exterior and interior walls.

To find out what a certain tool represents, hold the pointer over the tool and read the description on the status bar at the bottom of the window.

8 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

4 Click the Tips & Tricks listing at the top of the pop-up

window. The Tips & Tricks Button menu for that feature, object or plant is displayed.

5 (optional) Click Back or Next to cycle through the tips

available for that feature, object or plant.

Elevation Slider

To turn tool guides on and off

■ To turn off Tool Guides, click (Turn-Off Tool Guides).

■ To turn on Tool Guides, on the Help Menu click Show

Tool Guides.

Elevation Slider

With Punch! AS3000’s Elevation Slider you can easily move selected items vertically off “ground level”. This feature makes it a snap to make sure windows, doors, plants and so on are in exactly the position you want. Simply select the object or feature to be raised and move slider by clicking and dragging with the mouse. For a more information, see Elevation Slider” on page 176.

“Using

Virtual Ruler

The Virtual Ruler works like a real-world tape measure. It stores away in the corner of the window until you need it. Then with one click it is displayed in the middle of the window, where you can move it into any position necessary to make a needed measurement. It then stores away until you need it again. To move the Virtual Ruler, click and drag from the center. To resize, click and drag on one of th e large blac k dots at either end.

You are not constrained to vertical or horizontal, the Vertical Ruler can be stretched in any direction necessary.

Snaps Bar

On the Snaps bar you will find tools that you will begin to find indispensable. Each tool has a very specific function and will allow you to place walls, doors, windows and many other things exactly where you want them - the first time! see “Snaps and Annotations”, which begins on page

23. From placing a window exactly 6'4" from a corner to

placing a table lamp exactly in the center of the end table, you will begin to use Snaps in concert with almost every other drawing tool in Punch! AS3000.

For more information,

Annotation Bar

On the Annotation bar there are two tools for text, straight and angled, and several tools to let you dimension part of your design where automatic dimensioning may not be available.

With these tools, you will be able to measure and label any part of your drawing. If you want, you can store these labels on the Detail Tab so you have the option of turning them off when you want to see your design in a more unobstructed state. “Snaps and Annotations”, which begins on page 23.

For more information, see

Measurement Tools

The measurement tools include associative dimensions, window/door callouts and the shortcuts to calculate floor square footage.

Associative Dimensioning are the measurements that appear as you are adding features. For example, the Associative Dimensioning feature will show how far from the ends of each wall the window is positioned.

Drag

When the Window/Door Callouts option is checked, the measurements of all window and door openings will be shown with the wall measurements and be displayed in the floorplan view.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 9

Chapter Window Layout

Selecting one of the three square footage options will cause Punch! AS3000 to make that calculation and display it in the Status Bar.

Working Floor Button

Use the Working Floor button to switch the current view based on the number of floors in your home plan. When you click the Working Floor button, a pop-up menu is displayed. Simply click the floor on which you would like to work to switch the current working floor.

Status Bar

The status bar is located in the lower left of the window and displays prompts, program messages and measurements. It is a good place to look when you are holding the pointer over certain buttons or menu items to find their function.

Scroll Bars

Scroll bars provide a way for you to pan across the drawing, that is, to change the part of the drawing visible in the window, without changing the level of magnification.

■ To pan the drawing in small increments, click the scroll

arrow that points in the direction you want to pan.

■ To pan in larger increments, click the control shaft,

between the scroll box and a scroll arrow.

■ To pan by a custom increment, drag the scroll box in the

direction you want to pan.

■ To position at a specific area of the page, right-click the

scroll bar and click the wanted area on the pop-up menu that is displayed.

When you want to focus primarily on your 2D actions while maintaining a clear view of the 3D design, select Split Plan/ 3D View. Then, when you’re ready to add materials and colors to your Dream Home it will be easier in the 3D Full View mode.

Properties Bar

You can easily modify features you have previously drawn by selecting them and editing their properties on the Properties Bar. You can even set the Properties Bar to automatically display when a feature is selected by clicking Auto Activate.

Selection Filter

There will be times that you will place items atop one another. To make it easier to select each layer use the Selection Filter. Click the type of feature(s) you want to be able to select. When you hold down the CTRL key, you will only be able to select those features.

For example, to select a transom window placed over a door check “Windows” on the Selection Filter. Hold down the CTRL key and click where the window and door are placed and you will only select the window.

Preview Bars

You can click and drag objects, templates, materials, colors and so on from their Preview Bars onto your plan. The Preview Bar changes to reflect your selection. For instance, if you click the Plant Bar, plant options will be displayed.

LiveView Icons

It is in the LiveView window where you see your designs come to life! The default view is Plan Full View. When you load Punch! AS3000, this is the view you will see. With the 3D Quarter View option, use most of your window for drawing, yet be able to view your design in 3D. For a full explanation see “Working with LiveView”, which begins on page 177.

10 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

the chapter titled

Clicking one of the buttons on the PowerTool bar launches one of the associated Punch! AS3000 applications. For example:

■ Launch Topo Designer. To learn more about Topo

Designer, see the chapter titled “Topo Designer”, which begins on page 47.

■ Launch Material Workshop. To learn more about

Material Workshop, see the chapter titled “Material Workshop”, which begins on page 203.

■ Launch Roofing Wizard. To learn more about Roofing

Wizard, see the chapter titled “Roofing Wizard”, which begins on page 121.

All PowerTools launch in this same fashion, whether they were written by Punch! Software, LLC or by a third-party developer.

Compass Setting

With the True North compass you can make sure that your design is placed correctly on your lot. The compass is also useful to accurately depict the direction of shadows and the sun’s position.

Compass Setting

PunchSoftware.com

With the click of one button, you can visit the Punch! website at www.punchsoftware.com or the Punch! PowerTool Store at www.punchsoftware.com/PowerTool_store.htm

■ To automatically launch your

browser and visit the Punch! home page, click the Punch! Software Websites button at the upper right of your window, then click Punch! Software Home Page.

■ To automatically launch your browser and visit the

Punch! PowerTool Store, click the Punch! Software Websites button at the upper right of your window, then click Punch! PowerTool Store.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 11

Chapter Window Layout

12 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Chapter 3

A Quick Tour

To get the most benefit from Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000, you should take a minute to become familiar with some of its basic concepts. This chapter describes a few settings you should know, as well as some of the terms used throughout this guide.

Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 is not just one software application, but several applications that can be used together. Once you’ve mastered Punch! AS3000, additional tools are available to customize your home plans: Estimator, Material Workshop, PhotoView, RealModel and 3D Custom Workshop. Information on the use of all these tools can be found in this User’s Manual.

With Punch! AS3000 you can set a precise drawing scale, define units of measurement and set the reference grid. There are also many performance settings you can apply to optimize drawing speed and 3D viewing.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 13

Chapter A Quick Tour

About This Guide

The text and graphics in this guide are tailored to help you find the information you need quickly and get the most out of Punch! AS3000. Each section of this guide is divided into a series of step-by-step instructions, making it easy for you to scan a page to find exactly what you need. You can also refer to the index for additional topics on the same subject, if necessary.

Instructions for installing and using Microsoft Windows do not appear in this guide. If you’re uncomfortable with your knowledge of Windows or with the concepts associated with a user interface object, you should review Windows online Help before attempting any serious work with Punch! AS3000.

Basic Terms

The following is a list of terms used throughout this guide. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the language used in this guide and to reinforce your understanding of basic terminology.

Click

Pressing and releasing the left mouse button once.

Right-click

Pressing and releasing the right mouse button once.

Double-click

Pressing and releasing the left mouse button twice.

Click and drag

Pressing the left mouse button, holding it down and moving the mouse simultaneously.

Drag-and-drop

Clicking to select an item, holding down the mouse button, then dragging and releasing.

Graphic Cues

This guide uses several types of graphic elements. Some show the window or a dialog box that will appear during an operation. When this type of graphic illustration is used, every effort is made to show the element exactly as it is displayed on the window.

Graphic Cues Used in this Guide

Convention Meaning

mouse click that selects a point—the number, when present, specifies the mouse click’s position in a series of clicks

click and drag operation—beginning of arrow indicates where to start; end of arrow

Drag

indicates where to stop

a right mouse click —the number, when present, specifies the mouse click’s position in a series of clicks

Punch! PowerTools™

Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 is PowerTool enabled. Punch! PowerTools seamlessly add additional features and functionality to your program to make it easier to create your dream home!

Whenever more PowerTools become available, they are offered to users at the Punch! PowerTool Store.

■ To automatically launch your

browser and visit the Punch! PowerTool Store, click the Punch! Software Websites button at the upper right of your screen, then click Punch! PowerTool Store.

Scroll

Using the scroll bars on the sides of the application window by clicking the slider box, holding down the mouse button and dragging.

14 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Defining Your Lot Size and Topography

With Punch! AS3000 you define lot size and all topographical information in the Site Planner and Topography Designer PowerTools.

For more information, see “Topo Designer”, which begins on page 47.

Setting the Scale

Scale is the ratio between real-world size of objects and items in your drawing and their size when printed.

The default drawing scale is 1/4" = 1', meaning that 1/4" on your drawing plan equals one foot in real-world size. You can customize scale settings at any time to suit your needs, as well as print your drawing to scale.

To set the drawing scale 1 On the Design menu, click Plan Scale. The Plan Scale

dialog box is displayed.

2 Click a new scale setting, then click OK. The new scale is

applied to your plan drawing.

Setting Unit of Measurement

You can set units of measurement in Punch! AS3000 by selecting either English measurements or Metric measurements. You can also set the default measurements and options to be applied when any previously-drawn design is opened.

3 (optional) Click the arrow next to Angle Format and

select the number of decimal points you want to use.

4 (optional) Click the arrow next to Precision and select the

number of decimal points you want to use.

5 (optional) Click the arrow next to Readout Format and

select the format you want.

6 Click OK. The unit of measurement and options you

selected are applied.

To use English measurements 1 On the Design menu, click Unit of Measure. The

Measurement Units dialog box is displayed.

2 Click English Units.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 15

To use Metric measurements 1 On the Design menu, click Unit of Measure. The

Measurement Units dialog box is displayed.

2 Click Metric Units.

Chapter A Quick Tour

3 (optional) Click the arrow next to Angle Format and

select the number of decimal points you want to use.

4 (optional) Click the arrow next to Readout Format and

select the format you want.

5 Click OK. The unit of measurement and options you

selected are applied.

To set defaults for previous designs 1 Follow the instructions for either English or Metric units

outlined above, then click the box to set the defaults for all previously-drawn designs.

2 Click OK. The defaults will be applied to any previously-

drawn designs when it is opened.

Using the Grid

With Punch! AS3000 you can set specific grid properties that aid in drawing your home plan. You can set points based on the reference grid which is useful when you want to make sure certain points are specified precisely.

Grid settings have a direct impact on the ease of aligning objects, snapping objects to the grid and so on. When using the Snap to Grid feature, items that are dragged and dropped on the design window are automatically snapped, or placed, to align with the current grid. By default, Snap to Grid is turned on.

Grid properties can also be set by accessing the right-click menu with nothing selected.

To define Snap to Grid settings 1 On the Options menu, click Grid Properties or right-click

on your design window and click Grid Properties on the pop-up menu that is displayed. The Grid Properties dialog box is displayed.

2 On the Grid Spacing dialog box, type new measurements

into the Snap Grid section, then click OK. Items you draw or drag-and-drop into the design window will now snap to the measurements you defined.

Note: Initially, the grid is set at 12 i nches, m aking it easy to visualize each plan square as exactly one square foot, but can be customized to meet your particular design needs.

Note: Snap settings can be set as low as 0.10 inch (English),

0.002 m (Metric), and still show visible movement along the grid. Snap settings can be set as high as 500 inches (English),

12.70 m (Metric).

To select grid spacing 1 On the Options menu, click Grid Properties or right-click

on your design window and click Grid Properties on the pop-up menu that is displayed. The Grid Properties dialog box is displayed.

2 Type new horizontal and vertical measurements in the

Grid Dots/Lines section of the Grid Spacing page, then click OK. The new grid spacing measurements are applied.

You can customize grid settings by selecting grid spacing, grid style and whether the grid is hidden from view or displayed.

16 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

To change the grid style 1 On the Options menu, click Grid Properties or right-click

on your design window and click Grid Properties on the pop-up menu that is displayed. The Grid Properties dialog box is displayed.

2 Click the Grid Style page tab. 3 Click either Grid Dots or Grid Lines, then click OK. The

new grid style is applied.

Using the Grid

is disabled. To enable Snap to Grid, simply recheck the menu item.

To display the grid

■ On the Options menu, click to check Grid Visible or

right-click on your design window and click Grid Visible on the pop-up menu that is displayed. The grid is displayed on the design window.

Note: Grid Dots/Lines can be set to as low as 1 inch (English), 0.02 m (Metric), and still be viewable. Grid Dots/ Lines can be set as high as 500 inches (English), 12.70 m (Metric).

To move objects/features along the grid 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the object or feature you want to move. 3 Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, move the object

or feature into position.

Note: Each time you press an arrow key, the object or feature will move one increment that you have set in

“To

define Snap to Grid settings” on page 16.

To turn off Snap to Grid

■ On the Options menu, click to uncheck Snap to Grid,

press CTRL+R, or right-click on your design window and click Snap to Grid on the pop-up menu. The feature

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 17

Chapter A Quick Tour

18 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Chapter 4

File Management

When you start Punch! AS3000, a new blank drawing file is displayed. If you are returning to work on an existing drawing, you must open it, or display it on the screen. Opening a file involves clicking Open on the File menu and specifying the name of the file you want to open. Once you have opened a file, you can edit, import, export, print, view and save it.

You can have more than one file open at a time. The exact number of files you can have open depends on the amount of memory in your system and the complexity of the home plan file. When you open a file, Punch! AS3000 displays it in a new window.

The changes you make to a plan drawing occur only in your computer’s memory until you save them. To preserve a drawing for later use, you must save it to a file. If you want to save a drawing using its current name or if you want to save a new, untitled drawing, use Save. If you want to save a drawing using a new name, use Save As.

At any point during the design process you can import objects created in 3D Custom Workshop to further customize your design. In addition, you can export a 3D LiveView rendering to make it easy to share your design with friends.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 19

Chapter File Management

Opening a File

Opening a file copies the data it contains into memory, making it available for you to edit or print the plan drawing.

To open an existing file 1 On the File menu, click Open. The Open dialog box is

displayed.

2 In the File Name box, type the name of the file you want

to open, or search for the file by switching folders or drives.

3 When you see the name of the file you want to open,

click to select it.

4 Click OK.

To see a list of recently opened files 1 On the File menu, highlight Open Recent. The Open

Recent listing is displayed.

2 On the Open Recent pop-up, click the file you want to

open. The file loads into memory.

To clear the recently opened files listing 1 On the File menu, highlight Open Recent. The Open

Recent listing is displayed.

2 On the Open Recent pop-up, click Clear Recent Designs

List. A warning box is displayed.

3 Click Yes to delete all files from the listing. Click No to

leave the listing unchanged.

Saving a File

When you open a file, Punch! AS3000 copies the file to your computer’s memory. As you work, you modify the copy stored in memory. Any system failure or loss of power destroys that copy. To save your work permanently, you must save it to a file on a disk. A good rule of thumb is to save every 15 minutes or after you’ve completed any work you wouldn’t want to redo.

When you click the Save command, Punch! AS3000 saves the active drawing using the name and location you last gave it. You can create more than one version of a drawing or save copies on another disk for safekeeping. You can save each version under a different name, or you can save them under the same name in different folders or on different disks.

To save an existing file

■ On the File menu, click Save or right-click, then click

Save on the pop-up menu that is displayed or press Ctrl+S.

To save a new, unnamed file 1 On the File menu, click Save As. The Save As dialog box

is displayed.

2 Type a file name in the File Name text box. Punch!

AS3000 automatically adds the PRO extension, unless you specify another extension.

3 Click OK.

To save a file to a different name, drive, or folder 1 On the File menu, click Save As. The Save As dialog box

is displayed.

2 If you want to save the drawing under another name, type

a name in the File Name text box.

3 If you want to save the drawing to a different drive or

folder, click a different drive and folder, or type the complete path in the File Name text box.

4 Click OK.

Closing a File

When you finish working with a file, close it to remove the window from the screen and to free up your computer’s memory. When you are done working in Punch! AS3000, close all your files and exit the program.

To close a file

■ On the File menu, click Close. If you have unsaved

changes in your plan drawing, Punch! AS3000 prompts you to save them before it closes the file.

To close all open files and exit Punch! AS3000

■ On the File menu, click Exit. If any open drawings have

unsaved changes, Punch! AS3000 prompts you to save them before it closes their files.

Accessing the Pre-Drawn Homeplans

Punch! AS3000 includes a wide variety of homeplans for you to alter. The included homeplans are located in the directory where you installed the program, in a subdirectory called “Plans”.

20 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Importing Files

To open a pre-drawn homeplan 1 Open the Punch software and click File>Open. 2 On the screen that appears, click the down arrow beside

My Documents and select C Drive.

3 From the folders that appear in the window, double-click

Program Files.

4 From the next set of folders that appear, click Punch! 5 Select Plans from the next set of folders. 6 The 20 plans will appear in the window. Double-click the

plan you wish to view.

Note: All plans included with Punch! AS3000 are the copyright of Wolfgang Trost Architects. The plans and 3D computer images are for conceptual purposes only. You must have any plans provided in, or generated by, Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 checked by a licensed architect before you build. Punch Software LLC and Wolfgang Trost Architects are not liable for errors, omissions or any other deficiencies in these conceptual plans. Complete sets of building plans for these homes are available by contacting Wolfgang Trost Architects at www.wolfgangtrost.com

Importing Files

Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 is 30 programs in one. All of these programs integrate seamlessly; objects created with Punch! 3D Custom Workshop and cabinets designed in Punch! Cabinet Wizard are available for import into your floor plan.

To import a 3D Custom Workshop object 1 On the File menu, click Import>Punch! 3D Custom

Workshop Object. The Import Punch! 3D Object dialog box is displayed.

2 In the File Name box, type the name of the file you want

to open, or search for the file by switching folders or drives.

3 When you see the name of the file you want to open,

click to select it.

4 Click OK. The object is placed in the center of your 2D

design.

Note: Double-click the object to re-open it in 3D Custom Workshop.

Exporting Files

You can export a rendering of your LiveView window to BMP, JPG, PDS, PNG, TGA and WMF format. Files can be exported in Textured, Wire-Frame and ClearView modes. The exported file will appear just as your LiveView window does. Be sure to render your drawing in high-resolution before exporting. Size is also controlled by how your LiveView window appears, the larger the LiveView window, the larger the file will be. For more information on controlling the LiveView environment, LiveView”, which begins on page 177.

By exporting your design to VRML, it becomes available for viewing with a VRML viewer or through a web browser (provided an appropriate plug-in is installed). These helper applications and plug-ins are available as free downloads on the Internet.

To export 1 On the File menu, click Export 3D>LiveView Image.

The Export Options dialog box is displayed.

2 Click the radio button next to the format you want to use,

then click OK. The Save As dialog box is displayed.

3 (optional) Click the radio button next to the Export

Quality that is needed, then click OK.

4 (optional) Set a size for the exported image, then click

OK.

5 Type a file name in the File Name text box. Punch!

AS3000 automatically adds the extension.

6 If you want to save the drawing to a different drive or

folder, click a different drive and folder, or type the complete path in the File Name text box.

7 Click OK.

To export to VRML 1 On the File menu, click Export 3D>VRML. 2 In the File Name text box, type a name. Punch! AS3000

automatically adds the extension, then click OK.

see “Working with

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 21

Chapter File Management

Sharing Files Using the Content Folder

Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 will look for anything missing from a drawing in the Contents Folder. Missing components could be custom textures, custom plants, the topography grid files, PhotoView images, and so on.

To share a design that has customized components, those components need to be collected and placed in the Content Folder, then the Content Folder will be emailed with your home design plan.

Printing Floorplans

Punch! AS3000 prints using the current Windows printer drivers. You can, however, print using any installed printer. Using the Print dialog box you can specify a printer or plotter from those currently installed. Your can print your drawing in color or in black and white; it can be printed to scale or you can print it all on one page, whatever you require. Follow these steps to print your 2D drawing.

To print to fit page 1 On the File menu, click Print to Fit Page or press Ctrl+P.

A Print Manager menu will ask if you want to print your drawing in color. Click Yes to print in color; click no to print in greyscale.

5 Click OK.

To print to scale 1 On the Design menu, click Plan Scale. The Plan Scale

dialog box is displayed.

2 Click the radio button next to the scale you want to use.

Click OK.

Note: Gridlines will print if they are visible when the drawing is printed.

3 On the File menu, click Print to Scale. A Print Manager

menu will ask if you want to print your drawing in color. Click Yes to print in color; click no to print in greyscale.

4 The Print dialog box is displayed. 5 Click the printer you want to use. 6 (optional) Change the paper orientation and size. 7 Click OK.

Printing a 3D LiveView Rendering

Punch! AS3000 streamlines the process used to print the 3D LiveView images. With just a couple of clicks, you can print beautiful, full-color renderings of your design.

To print a 3D LiveView rendering 1 On the File menu, click Print 3D LiveView, then select

Note: Gridlines will print if they are visible when the

drawing is printed.

2 The Print dialog box is displayed.

3 Click the printer you want to use. 4 (optional) Change the paper orientation and size.

22 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

the quality needed. The print dialog box is displayed.

2 Click the printer you want to use. 3 (optional) Change the paper orientation and size. 4 Click OK.

Chapter 5

Snaps and Annotations

Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000’s powerful Snaps Toolbar has many tools that make precision placement easier. On the Snaps Toolbar there are a wide variety of precision drawing aids that will help in exact placement of walls, doors, windows and so on.

Often, drawing a plan to scale is not enough to convey precise measurements. In such cases, you must notate the measurements using manual dimension notes. Punch! AS3000, by default, automatically displays dimensions as you draw. This makes it easy to create accurate drawings from the start.

In addition to the Virtual Ruler you can use a variety of dimension tools available in Punch! AS3000 to measure items that are not automatically dimensioned. You can also obtain total square footage measurements for each floor of your home design with the Square Footage menu item.

With the text tools you can add either straight or angled text to any area of your drawing. This feature is useful if you’d like to name your home plan or add your address to the final drawing, for instance. You can select from any font installed on your computer, as well as select style and size.

This chapter describes the dimension and measurement tools in Punch! AS3000 and how to add text to your drawing.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 23

Chapter Snaps and Annotations

Snap to Endpoint

Punch! AS3000 gives you the power of snaps. With snaps, you can define exactly what distance interior walls are placed from other walls or begin exactly at the end of the wall when drawing a roof section. You can move through the Snaps Toolbar with the Tab key. Each time you press Tab, the next Snap Tool is activated, Shift-Tab reverses the process.

The following examples show a few ways that Snaps will help you during the design process; each Snap Tool works in concert with many other tools in Punch! AS3000.

Accessing the Snaps toolbar

■ Click the Snaps On Tool. The Snaps

toolbar is displayed.

To snap a wall from the end of another wall 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Interior Wall

Tool.

2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to Endpoint

Tool or press TAB.

3 Click a wall on the design window. The wall will “snap

to” the endpoint nearest where you clicked.

5 Release the mouse button when the wall length you want

is reached.

Note: Each Snap Tool defaults back to “No Snap” after it is used; double-click the Snap Tool to lock it in active mode. If you have locked a Snap Tool and use the Tab key to activate another tool, it will also be locked as active. To unlock it, click “No Snap”.

Note: Walls are drawn from a centerline. When moving or otherwise manipulating them, you are always working from the centerline and snapping to them will do the same.

To snap a roof 1 On the Roofing Plan tab, click one of the Roof

Tools. The Preview Bar displays the pitches that are available.

2 Click the roof pitch to select it. 3 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to Endpoint

Tool or press TAB.

4 Click a wall on the design window. The roof will “snap

to” the endpoint nearest where you clicked.

4 Hold down the mouse button and drag. Notice that the

wall follows the pointer and automatically displays the wall length.

5 Hold down the mouse button and drag until the cursor

touches another wall.

24 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

6 Press Tab to re-activate the Snap to Endpoint Tool. The

roof will automatically extend to cover the entire perimeter.

Snap to Segment Centerpoint

4 Hold down the mouse button and drag. Notice that the

wall follows the pointer and automatically displays the wall length.

5 Release the mouse button when the wall length you want

is reached.

7 Release the mouse button.

Snap to Segment Centerpoint

Snap to Segment Centerpoint will be useful when drawing walls, placing doors or windows, and so on. You can move through the Snaps Toolbar with the Tab key. Each time you press Tab, the next Snap Tool is activated, Shift-Tab reverses the process.

To snap a wall from the center of another wall 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Interior Wall

Tool.

2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to Segment

Centerpoint Tool or press TAB to move through the tools on the Snaps toolbar.

3 Click a wall on the design window. The wall will “snap

to” the centerpoint of the wall.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 25

Note: Each Snap Tool defaults back to “No Snap” after it is used; double-clicking the Snap Tool will lock it in active mode. If you have locked a Snap Tool and use the Tab key to activate another tool, it will also be locked as active. To unlock it, click “No Snap”.

Chapter Snaps and Annotations

To snap a window in the center of a wall 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Window Tool. The

Preview Bar displays the styles that are available.

2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to Segment

Centerpoint Tool or press TAB to move through the tools on the Snaps toolbar.

3 Click a wall on the design window. The window will

“snap to” the centerpoint of the wall.

Snap to Object Center

Snap to Object Center will make placing items in the center of rooms easy. Details down to placing a coffee table exactly in the center of the floor rug just take a couple of clicks.

To snap a stairway to the center of a room 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Stairway Tool.

2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to Object

Centerpoint Tool or press TAB to move through the tools on the Snaps toolbar.

3 Click a stairway on the design window. The cursor will

“snap to” the centerpoint of the stairway.

4 (optional) Customize the window properties as shown in

the section “To add a window” on page 83.

4 Hold down the mouse button and drag until the cursor

touches the outside perimeter of the room. Notice that a red arrow is displayed showing the centerline of the stairway. The stairway will automatically move to the center of the room when the cursor touches the perimeter.

26 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Snap to Object Center

5 Release the mouse button.

Note: Each Snap Tool defaults back to “No Snap” after it is

used; double-clicking the Snap Tool will lock it in active mode. If you have locked a Snap Tool and use the Tab key to activate another tool, it will also be locked as active. To unlock it, click “No Snap”.

To snap a lamp to the center of a table 1 Click the Object Tab. The Preview Bar displays

furnishing objects.

2 Click the arrow next to “Objects” at the top of the

Preview Bar to display the object library list, then click another object library.

3 Scroll to view the available objects. Drag and drop a

table and a lamp onto your design window.

4 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to Object

Centerpoint Tool or press TAB to move through the tools on Snaps toolbar.

5 Click the lamp on the design window. The cursor will

“snap to” the centerpoint of the lamp.

6 Press TAB to move through the tools on the Snaps

toolbar until the Snap to Object Centerpoint is again active.

7 Hold down the mouse button and drag until the cursor

touches the outside perimeter of the table.

Note: The lamp will automatically move to the cente r of the table when the cursor touches the perimeter of the table.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 27

Chapter Snaps and Annotations

8 Release the mouse button. Note: For more information on placing objects, see

“Objects Preview Bar”, which begins on page 190.

5 Click the planter on the design window. When you drag

the planter the cursor will “snap to” the cornerpoint.

6 Press TAB to move through the tools on Snaps toolbar

until the Snap to Object Cornerpoint is active again.

Snap to Object Corner

Snap to Object Corner makes it easy to grab an object or other element by its corner and move it precisely into position. You can use any snap tool in conjunction with other snaps to move features and objects into the perfect position, the first time.

To snap a planter to the corner of a deck 1 Click the Object Tab. The Preview Bar displays

furnishing objects.

2 Click the arrow next to “Objects” at the top of the

Preview Bar to display the object library list, then click another object library.

3 Scroll to view the available objects. Drag and drop a

planter onto your design window.

4 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to Object

Cornerpoint Tool or press TAB to move through the tools on the Snaps toolbar.

7 Hold down the mouse button and drag, until the cursor

touches the outside perimeter of the deck.

Note: The planter will automatically move to the corner of the deck when the cursor touches the perimeter of the deck.

8 Release the mouse button. Note: For more information on placing objects, see

“Objects Preview Bar”, which begins on page 190.

Snap to Intersection

Using the Snap to Intersection control, you can position walls, objects and other features where you want them the first time.

To snap a wall exactly opposite another wall 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Interior Wall

Tool.

28 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Snap to Perpendicular

2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to

Intersection Tool or press TAB to move through the tools on the Snaps toolbar.

3 Click a wall on the design window. The wall will “snap

to” the endpoint nearest where you clicked.

4 Hold down the mouse button and drag. Notice that the

wall follows the pointer and automatically displays the wall length.

5 Release the mouse button when the wall length you want

is reached.

Note: Walls are drawn from a centerline. When manipulating them, you are always working from the centerline and snapping to them will do the same.

3 Click the perimeter of a circle or oval drawn previously.

The line will “snap to” an angle perpendicular to the edge.

4 Hold down the mouse button and drag. Notice that the

line follows the pointer and automatically displays dimensions.

5 Release the mouse button when the length you want is

reached.

Snap to Segment-Offset

You can easily place walls, objects, and so on, where you want them the first time with Snap to Segment-Offset.

To snap a planter 18" from the corner of a deck 1 Click the Object Tab. The Preview Bar displays

furnishing objects.

2 Click the arrow next to “Objects” at the top of the

Preview Bar to display the object library list, then click another object library.

3 Scroll to view the available objects. Drag and drop a

planter onto your design window.

4 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to Segment-

Offset Tool. The Snap to Segment-Offset dialog box is displayed.

Snap to Perpendicular

Snap to Perpendicular makes it easy to add a CAD line perpendicular to a circle or oval. For instance, if you want to draw a pathway at a perpendicular angle to a curved retaining wall.

To snap a perpendicular line 1 On the Detail Plan tab, click the Line Tool. 2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to

Perpendicular Tool or press TAB to move through the tools on the Snaps toolbar.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 29

5 Type 18 in the text box. Click OK. 6 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to Object

Cornerpoint Tool or press TAB to move through the tools on the Snaps toolbar.

Chapter Snaps and Annotations

7 Click the planter on the design window. The cursor will

“snap to” the cornerpoint of the planter.

8 Press TAB to move through the tools on the Snaps

toolbar until the Snap to Segment-Offset tool is active.

Note: Each Snap Tool defaults back to “No Snap” after it is

used; double-clicking the Snap Tool will lock it in active mode. If you have locked a Snap Tool and use the Tab key to activate another tool, it will also be locked as active.

Adding and Deleting Points

You can add or delete points to walls, 2D CAD objects, and so on at any time to quickly reshape them.

To add a point 1 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Add Point tool. The

pointer changes to reflect drawing mode.

2 Click on a wall, or anywhere you want to gain flexibility.

To remove a point 1 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Remove Point tool.

The pointer changes to reflect drawing mode.

2 Click on any point you want to remove.

Reshaping Elements

Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 lets you manipulate many straight elements in your design to make your dreams a reality. A few of the elements that can be reshaped are railings, roof panels, flooring, and 2D CAD objects.

9 Hold down the mouse button and drag until the cursor

touches the outside perimeter of the deck.

Note: When the cursor touches the deck perimeter, the planter will automatically move to the distance from the corner of the deck specified in Step 4.

10 Release the mouse button.

30 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

To fillet (round) a corner 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the feature you want to fillet. Selection

handles appear around the object.

3 On the Property bar, click Points, in the Edit Level

section, or right-click and click Point Selection.

4 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Fillet Corner Tool. 5 Click a cornerpoint of the feature; hold down the

mouse button and move the pointer toward the center of the feature.

Drag

Using Flip

6 Release the mouse to stop filleting the corner.

To inversely fillet (round) a corner 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the feature you want to fillet. Selection

handles appear around the object.

3 On the Property bar, click Points, in the Edit Level

section, or right-click and click Point Selection.

4 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Inverted Fillet

Corner Tool.

5 Click a cornerpoint of the object; hold down the mouse

button and move the pointer toward the center of the feature.

Drag

6 Release the mouse to stop filleting the corner.

To chamfer a corner 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the feature you want to chamfer. Selection

handles appear around the object.

3 On the Property bar, click Points, in the Edit Level

section, or right-click and click Point Selection.

4 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Chamfer Corner

Tool.

5 Click a cornerpoint of the object; hold down the mouse

button and move the pointer toward the center of the feature.

Drag

6 Release the mouse to stop filleting the corner.

Using Flip

The Flip function takes the original feature and reverses it either horizontally or vertically.

To flip a feature horizontally 1 Click the feature you want to flip. 2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Flip Horizontal Tool

or on the Edit menu, click Flip Horizontal.

To flip a feature vertically 1 Click the feature you want to flip. 2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Flip Vertical Tool or

on the Edit menu, click Flip Vertical.

Using Mirror

Mirror works much like the Flip function. The difference is that mirror leaves the original and makes a duplicate. Mirror creates two identical objects facing one another.

To mirror a feature horizontally 1 Click the feature you want to mirror. 2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Mirror Horizontal

Tool or on the Edit menu, click Mirror Horizontal.

3 Move the feature into position.

To mirror a feature vertically 1 Click the feature you want to mirror. 2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Mirror Vertical Tool

or on the Edit menu, click Mirror Vertical.

3 Move the feature into position.

Dimensioning

Punch! AS3000 automatically displays dimensions as you draw, making it easy to precisely place walls, doors and other items in your plan drawing. The powerful Dimension Wall tool will be especially useful to add interactive dimensions between walls, where they are not automatically generated. Dimensions drawn with the Dimension Wall tool are automatically updated when either wall is moved. You’ll find this tool extremely useful when measuring between the main house and the walls of other buildings, like a garden shed or playhouse. In some instances, you might want to print your plan drawing without dimension annotation. You have the

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 31

Chapter Snaps and Annotations

option of turning off automatic dimensioning if you don’t want it displayed on the drawing page or as you draw.

To use the wall-spacing dimension tool 1 On the Annotation toolbar, click the Dimension

Wall Tool.

2 Click a wall on the design window to define the starting

point; hold down the mouse button and drag to the second wall.

3 Release the mouse button to set the measurement.

To use the offset dimension tool 1 On the Annotation toolbar, click the Offset

Dimension Tool.

2 Click on the design window to define the starting point;

hold down the mouse button and drag to the ending point of the measurement you require.

Drag

To use the length dimension tool 1 On the Annotation toolbar, click the Length

Dimension Tool.

2 Click on the design window to define the starting point;

hold down the mouse button and drag to the ending point of the measurement you require.

3 Release the mouse button. 4 Move the mouse in the direction you want to offset the

dimension.

3 Release the mouse button. 4 Move the mouse in the direction you want to offset the

dimension.

5 Click to end.

32 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Drag

To use the zero-offset dimension tool 1 On the Annotation toolbar, click the Zero-Offset

Dimension Tool.

2 Click on the design window to define the starting point;

hold down the mouse button and drag to the ending point of the measurement you require.

3 Release the mouse button to set the measurement.

To use the diameter dimension tool 1 On the Annotation toolbar, click the Diameter

Dimension Tool.

2 Click one edge of a circle drawn on the Details Tab to

define the starting point. The dimension will automatically snap to the opposite edge of the circle.

3 (optional) Move the mouse clockwise or counter-

clockwise to position the diameter dimension before releasing the mouse button.

To use the leader dimension tool 1 On the Annotation toolbar, click the Leader

Dimension Tool.

2 Click on the design window to define the starting point;

hold down the mouse button and drag to draw the first segment of the dimension.

3 Release the mouse button and move the mouse in the

direction you want the second segment to be placed.

4 Click to end.

To turn off automatic dimensioning

■ On the Options menu, click to uncheck Automatic

Dimensioning.

Using the Virtual Ruler

■ At the bottom of the window, click the Dimension

button, then click to uncheck Automatic Dimensioning on the pop-up menu that is displayed.

To hide window and door dimensions

■ At the bottom of the window, click the Dimension

button, then click to uncheck Window/Door callouts on the pop-up menu that is displayed.

To change the endpoint style 1 On the Options menu, click Dimension Properties. The

Dimension Properties menu is displayed.

2 Click to select the endpoint style you want to use, then

click OK.

To remove custom dimensions 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Press DELETE.

Using the Virtual Ruler

The Virtual Ruler is a handy feature for measuring items in your home plan that are not automatically dimensioned. You can “undock” the ruler at any time, leaving it active, or hide it from view with one mouse click. The Virtual Ruler is an easy way to measure at an angle, too.

To measure using the Virtual Ruler 1 Click the Virtual Ruler button at the bottom of the

design window. The Virtual Ruler is displayed on the drawing page.

2 Click one of the black circles on the ruler edges and drag

in the direction you want to measure. The measurement is displayed in the center of the Virtual Ruler.

3 (optional) Click the center of the Virtual Ruler and drag it

to a new location on the design window.

To hide the Virtual Ruler

■ Click the Virtual Ruler button at the bottom of the

design window. The Virtual Ruler is “docked.”

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 33

Chapter Snaps and Annotations

Calculating Square Footage

Punch! AS3000 can automatically calculate square footage of each floor of your home plan. This feature makes it easy to figure how much carpet you’ll need to cover the first floor, for instance, or simply estimate your overall home size. If square footage is incorrect, check to make sure the exterior perimeter is intact. Foundation Perimeter”, which begins on page 68.

To calculate floor square footage

■ At the bottom of the window, click the Dimension

button, then click First Floor Square Footage (or Second or Third floor). Punch! AS3000 calculates the square footage and the total is displayed on the status bar.

Note: The square footage calculation is based on wall centerline measurements.

For more information, see “Defining the

Adding Text

Use text to add information to your drawing. For example, you might add text to annotate rooms, specify a home address, the date the drawing was created or a specific feature in your plan. Punch! AS3000 gives you the flexibility to place text anywhere in your plan drawing, using different formatting techniques for each text instance. Text you place in your drawing is displayed on all 2D printed output.

To change alignment of multi-line text 1 Using the selection tool, click the text you want to

change.

2 Click Center on the Properties Bar.

3 (optional) Click Right on the Properties Bar.

To edit text

■ Double-click the text you want to edit.

To place text in your drawing 1 On the Annotation toolbar, click the Multi-Line

Text tool.

2 Click the area where you want to place text on the

drawing page. An edit text dialog box is displayed.

3 Type the annotation in the text box. Click OK to end edit

mode.

4 (optional) Click Font, the Font dialog box is displayed.

Choose the Font, Style and Size, then click OK.

34 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

■ Click the text you want to edit, then click Edit

on the Properties Bar.

To place text at an angle 1 On the Annotation toolbar, click the Rotated Text

tool.

2 Click the area where you want to place text on the

drawing page. An edit text dialog box is displayed.

3 Type the notation in the text box.

4 Click the radio button next to the angle you want or enter

a custom angle in the dialog box.

5 Click OK to end edit mode. 6 (optional) Click Font, the Font dialog box is displayed.

Choose the Font, Style and Size, then click OK.

To change formatting of existing text 1 Using the selection tool, click the text you want to

change. Selection handles appear around the text.

2 On the Options menu, click Text or double-click the

selected text. The Font dialog box is displayed.

3 To change the text font, click a new font on the Font list. 4 To change the text style, click a new style on the Font

style list.

5 To change the text size, click a new size on the Size list. 6 Click OK.

Adding Text

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Chapter Snaps and Annotations

36 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Chapter 6

Controlling Views

Punch! AS3000 provides many options for looking at your home plan onscreen. You can display several windows, each containing a different view of your plan. This gives you the flexibility to view your drawing as a 2D plan, as a 2D plan with a corresponding 3D view or using only Punch! LiveView.

When viewing your 2D home plan, you can magnify the view by zooming in, reduce the view by zooming out, use the Viewpoint tool to display a specific area of your drawing or pan the view in any direction.

3D viewing provides many options, from walking through the home plan to flying around the plan or viewing the framing or completion phase of your project. You can adjust 3D display settings using a variety of viewing features, including adding shadows, for a realistic effect, or adjusting the lighting intensity of the view. Finally, you can create a photorealistic view of your home plan.

In this chapter, you’ll learn about the numerous commands designed to let you view your home in both 2D and 3D.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 37

Chapter Controlling Views

Viewing the 2D Plan

When initially designing your home plan, you will probably want to view the 2D plan view only. Once completed, you can view your plan in a combination of 2D and 3D or in 3D only. In addition, Punch! AS3000 organizes your floorplan into layers which are each easily accessi ble with a single mouse click. For example, you can choose to view the deck plan with landscaping one moment, then quickly switch to view electrical and plumbing. Any combination ... any time!

To view the 2D plan only

■ On the Window menu, click Plan Full View. The 2D plan

view is displayed.

To view all 2D floor plan views at once

■ Click the Working Floor button at the left bottom

of the design window, then click to check View All Floors.

To view the working floor only

■ Click the Working Floor button at the left bottom

of the design window, then click to check View Working Floor Only.

To view drawing layer combinations 1 Click a plan tab. 2 Click the arrow to the right of the tab

label. A drop-down menu will appear.

3 Click the plan you want to view. 4 (optional) Repeat until the

combination you want is reached.

3 Click on the design window and drag in a downward

direction to zoom out.

Note: When the mouse is clicked, the location of the cursor will be centered on the design window.

To zoom in using the wheel mouse

■ Click on the design window and use the mouse’s wheel

to zoom in and out.

Note: To access this feature using some older wheel mouse drivers, set the Scrolling Size to “None” in the Control Panel>Mouse>Mouse Properties>Buttons dialog box.

To set the zoom factor 1 Double-click the Zooom tool or on the View menu, click

Set Plan View Zoom. The Set Plan View Zoom dialog box is displayed.

2 Type a new zoom factor, then click OK.

To reset the 2D plan view

■ On the View menu, click Reset Plan View or press

CTRL+E on your keyboard. Your plan is reset to the original, default view.

Panning Across the 2D Drawing

You can move the design window to see portions of the plan which are outside the current view by panning. Panning also makes it easy to slowly view areas of your drawing piece-bypiece.

To pan in any direction

Zooming In and Out in 2D

You can get a closer look at an area or see a larger portion of your plan drawing by zooming in and out. By dragging over the drawing, the view enlarges or decreases dynamically. You can also set the zoom factor to obtain exact zoom

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Pan button. The

pointer changes to reflect Pan mode.

2 Click on the design window and drag in the direction you

want to view. The view changes dynamically as you move the mouse.

precision. Once you’ve finished viewing your plan close-up, you can return to the previous, full view with one mouse click.

Using Viewpoints

Using the Viewpoint tool, you can select a specific area in

To zoom in 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Zoom button. 2 Click on the design window and drag in an upward

direction to zoom in.

your 2D plan drawing and view it in 3D. This is useful, for example, if you want to view a specific wall inside your home. Simply click the area you want to view in the 2D plan window and Punch! AS3000 launches the LiveView window displaying the area you selected in 3D.

38 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Arranging 2D and 3D Windows

To select an area in the 2D plan and view it in 3D 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Viewpoint Tool.

A 3D LiveView window opens.

2 Click the area in the 2D plan window that you want to

view. Punch! AS3000 generates the 3D view and it is displayed in the LiveView window.

3 (optional) To change the LiveView dynamically, click

the viewpoint arrow in the 2D plan view; hold down the mouse button and drag.

4 (optional) To close the LiveView window and return to

the 2D plan view, click Plan Full View on the Window menu or click the Plan Full View icon.

Arranging 2D and 3D Windows

There are several ways to arrange 2D plan and 3D LiveView windows while you’re working. You can split the window, displaying both views, view only the plan view, view only the 3D view or display the 3D view in a smaller window with the plan view. You are not limited to the four preset arrangements, you can resize and reposition the LiveView window to fit your work area. LiveView options are also available from the right-click plan options menu. information, see “Moving around in 3D”, which begins on page 178.

For more

To display the 2D plan view and a small 3D view

■ On the Window menu, click 3D Quarter View or

click the 3D Quarter View icon.

To display a split 2D and 3D view

■ On the Window menu, click Split Plan/3D View

or click the Split Plan Icon.

To display the 2D plan view only

■ On the Window menu, click to check Plan Full

View or click the Plan Full View icon.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 39

Chapter Controlling Views

To display a 3D view only

■ On the Window menu, click 3D Full View or click

the 3D Full View icon.

40 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Chapter 7

Plan Tabs

Punch! AS3000 utilizes a collection of layers which are accessible by clicking the tabs along the top and right side of the design window. Clicking a plan tab accesses a set of tools that you can use to design your floorplan, for example clicking the Electrical Tab accesses outlets, swi tches and ce iling fans while clicking the Landscaping Tab accesses tools for edging, fencing, ground fill, excavation and so on. Clicking a Content Bar accesses features like furniture objects, materials, colors and so on.

Once placed, each feature like a door, window, plant, outlet and so on can be altered at any time. Click the feature and the Properties Toolbar is brought to the top (a default that can be changed) and displays the customizable properties of that feature.

You can further customize which plan layer or combination of plan layers you want to be active. In addition, you can make each plan layer a different color so you can tell at a glance which layer a specific feature is on. You can even move features to a different plan when necessary.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 41

Chapter Plan Tabs

Selecting a Plan Tab

Using the easily-accessible plan tabs, you can quickly access each tool set at any time.

To select a plan tab 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the plan tab you want to use. The plan tab is

selected and the tools available on that tab appear.

Customizing Visible Plans

During the design of your floorplan, there may be times when you want certain layers, that by default are hidden, to be visible. For example, while working on your electrical plan, you may need to see where plumbing lines will be. Punch! AS3000 makes it easy to customize how you view your plan layers.

To hide a plan layer from view 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the plan tab you want to use. The plan tab is

selected and the tools available on that tab appear.

3 Click the arrow to the right of the plan name, then click

the plan layer you want hidden.

To customize the color of plan layer 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the plan tab you want to customize. The plan tab is

selected and the tools available on that tab appear.

3 Click the arrow to the right of the plan name, then click

Floor Plan Color. The Color matrix will appear.

Note: Items on a hidden plan layer are not available during a Select All process and will not be altered with the other items and features in your drawing.

To view a plan layer 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the plan tab you want to use. The plan tab is

selected and the tools available on that tab appear.

3 Click the arrow to the right of the plan name, then click

the plan layer you want to appear.

42 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

4 Click a color from the Basic Color list. Click OK. Note: The Color|Solid preview box will display the chosen

color. 5 (optional) Click a color from the Custom Colors list.

Click OK.

6 (optional) Move the arrow to the right of the colorbar at

the right of the Color dialog box. Click OK.

7 (optional) On the Color Spectrum box, click a color or

click-and-drag the color marker. Click OK.

8 (optional) Type Hue, Saturation and Luminosity

variables. Click OK.

9 (optional) Type Red, Green and Blue variables. Click

OK.

Moving Features to Different Plans

With Punch! AS3000 you can move selections to different plan layers; while Move to Plan deletes these objects from their original position. Features moved to other plan tabs will automatically change color to the color assigned to the new location.

To move features from one plan to another 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the feature or object you want moved. To

select more than one object, press the SHIFT key, while clicking objects.

3 On the Edit menu, click Move to Plan, then specify the

plan where you want the feature to appear, in the pop-up menu that is displayed.

4 (optional) Right-click the selection and click Move to

Plan on the pop-up menu that is displayed, then click which plan. The selection is moved to the plan you specified.

Moving Features to Different Plans

Note: Items on a hidden layer are not available during a Select All process and will not be moved along with the other items and features in your drawing.

Selecting the Properties Bar

The Properties Bar is easily accessed by clicking a feature on your floorplan. For example, clicking a door accesses the customizable properties for doors and clicking a plant accesses the properties for plants.

To select the properties bar 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the feature you want to customize. The

Properties Bar is displayed.

Note: If the Properties Bar does not automatically display, it may be set to “Manual Activate”. To reset the toggle, click the arrow after “Properties”, then click Auto Activate on the pop-up menu that is displayed.

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Chapter Plan Tabs

44 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Part 2

From the Ground Up

Chapter 8: Topo Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Chapter 9: Room Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Chapter 10: Foundation Plan Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Chapter 11: Floor Plan Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Chapter 8

Topo Designer

Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000’s Topo Designer lets you incorporate information about your lot’s contours into your design then display that information in 3D. You can use complex curves or simple geometric shapes to represent your topography. You can even use existing topography drawings to trace the contours of your lot. All modifications made in Topo Designer can be applied back to Punch! AS3000. Your topo lines will be displayed on the Landscape tab and their visibility can be turned on and off.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 47

Chapter Topo Designer

Adding Topography Objects

Topo Designer allows you to create topography objects using a variety of methods. You can create sloped lots, draw custom contours from scratch with simple 2D tools, even import a topographical image of your lot and trace the exact contours.

Launching Topo Designer

■ Launch Topo Designer by clicking the Topo

Designer icon on the PowerTool Bar.

Tips for Users of Other Punch! Programs

Topography that was drawn in a previous Punch! program was cumulative. Topo Designer draws all elevations as absolute.

Example: If, in a previous version, you had drawn a circular area and set its elevation to four feet, then you drew an overlapping area and set its elevation to three feet, the result would have been a seven foot hill. Topo Designer will display this as a four foot hill with a one foot depression at the top.

Tips for converting topography

■ Topo lines should not be overlapped.

■ The new topo will not be relative to zero automatically. If

the only topo contour is set to 4', the whole lot will be 4'.

■ Sloped Lot objects and Sloped Lot Section Objects need

to be converted to topo contours.

■ Select the Sloped Lot object, set the contour spacing, the

descent angle, then press the “convert to contours” button.

■ Select the Sloped Lot Section object, set the descent

angle, then press the “convert to contours” button.

2 Type the new lot size in the text boxes, then click OK.

The lot is altered

3 (optional) If you change your lot size after you begin

drawing your topography contours, click the Scale Contours box to assure that your existing topo contours are scaled up or down by the ratio of the new lot size.

4 (optional) Click to select meters if you want to use metric

measurements.

Setting the Working Elevation

Before you draw topography objects, be sure to set your working elevation. All other topography objects are drawn in relation to this elevation.

To set the working elevation 1 On the Design menu, click Set Working Elevation. The

Set Working Elevation dialog box is displayed.

Setting the Lot Size

With Topo Designer you can define a lot size that matches your physical lot. The default lot size is 200 x 200 feet.

To set the lot size 1 On the Design menu, click Lot Properties or press

CTRL+L. The Lot Properties dialog box is displayed.

48 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

2 (optional) In the Working Elevation edit box, type a new

value.

3 Click OK.

Using 2D Drawing Tools

Contour lines represent a series of connected points that share the same elevation. Using Topo Designer’s 2D drawing tools, you can draw open or closed contours to represent the topography of your lot.

Note: Elevations for topography objects are not cumulative, each is relative to the working elevation of your drawing.

Using 2D Drawing Tools

Tip: When drawing multiple instances of a topography object, be sure to turn Auto Reset off. On the Options menu, click to uncheck Auto Reset Tools. When Auto Reset Tools is unchecked, you can draw concurrent topography objects without selecting the corresponding topography tool each time.

To draw curved topography objects 1 Click the Curved Topography Tool. The pointer

changes to reflect drawing mode.

2 The Topo Object Properties bar is displayed,

showing the customizable options for this tool.

3 (optional) In the Elevation edit box, type a new

value.

4 (optional) Click the Method button to access a

different drawing style, then select an option from the pop-up menu that is displayed.

Note: The two predefined drawing methods are closed curve and open curve.

5 Click on the design window to define the start point of

the curve. A rubber-band curve is displayed and follows the pointer.

6 Click and move the mouse to the next point. Repeat until

you have drawn the needed shape.

Note: Although the lines will initially appear to be angular, they will become curved when you end drawing mode.

7 Double-click to end drawing mode.

6 Click and move the mouse to the next point. Repeat until

you have drawn the needed shape.

7 Double-click to end drawing mode.

To draw rectangle topography objects 1 Click the Rectangle Topography Tool. The pointer

changes to reflect drawing mode.

2 The Topo Object Properties bar is displayed,

showing the customizable options for this tool.

3 (optional) In the Elevation edit box, type a new

value.

4 (optional) Click the Method button to access a

different drawing style, then select an option from the pop-up menu that is displayed.

Note: The four predefined drawing methods are draw rectangle from corner, draw rectangle from center, draw square from corner and draw square from center.

5 Click on the design window to define the start point of

the rectangle. A rubber-band rectangle is displayed and follows the pointer. Dimensions are displayed as you draw.

6 Hold the mouse button down, as you extend the rectangle

to the size you want.

To draw straight-edge topography objects 1 Click the Straight-Edge Topography Tool. The

pointer changes to reflect drawing mode.

2 The Topo Object Properties bar is displayed,

showing the customizable options for this tool.

3 (optional) In the Elevation edit box, type a new

value.

4 (optional) Click the Method button to access a

different drawing style, then select an option from the pop-up menu that is displayed.

Note: The two predefined drawing methods are closed polygon and open polygon.

5 Click on the design window to define the start point of

the polygon. A rubber-band polyline is displayed and follows the pointer.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 49

Drag

7 Release the mouse button.

To draw circle and oval topography objects 1 Click the Circle/Oval Topography Tool. The

pointer changes to reflect drawing mode.

2 The Topo Object Properties bar is displayed,

showing the customizable options for this tool.

3 (optional) In the Elevation edit box, type a new

value.

4 (optional) Click the Method button to access a

different drawing style, then select an option from the pop-up menu that is displayed.

Chapter Topo Designer

Note: The four predefined drawing methods are draw oval

from corner, draw oval from center, draw circle from corner and draw circle from center.

5 Click on the design window to define the start point of

the shape. A rubber-band shape is displayed and follows the pointer. Dimensions are displayed as you draw.

6 Hold the mouse button down, as you extend the shape to

the size you want.

Drag

7 Release the mouse button.

To draw arc topography objects 1 Click the Arc Topography Tool. The pointer

changes to reflect drawing mode.

2 The Topo Object Properties bar is displayed,

showing the customizable options for this tool.

3 (optional) In the Elevation edit box, type a new

value.

4 (optional) Click the Method button to access a

different drawing style, then select an option from the pop-up menu that is displayed.

Note: The two predefined drawing methods are free-form arc and 90 degree arc. Each can be drawn either open or closed.

5 Click on the design window to define the start point of

the arc. A rubber-band line is displayed and follows the pointer. Dimensions are displayed, as you draw.

6 Hold the mouse button down, as you extend the arc to the

size you want.

Drag

7 Release the mouse button.

To draw circular arc topography objects 1 Click the Circular Arc Topography Tool. The

pointer changes to reflect drawing mode.

2 The Topo Object Properties bar is displayed,

showing the Elevation edit box.

3 (optional) In the Elevation edit box, type a new

value.

4 Press the mouse button, on the design window, to define

the centerpoint of the circular arc. A rubber-band line is displayed and follows the pointer. This line signifies the radius of your arc.

Drag

5 Hold the mouse button down and extend the radius to the

size you want. Dimensions appear in the position readout bar, as you draw.

6 Release the mouse button. 7 Move the mouse clockwise or counter-clockwise to

create the shape you want.

50 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

8 Click to end drawing mode.

To draw multigon topography objects 1 Click the Multigon Topography Tool. The pointer

changes to reflect drawing mode.

2 The Topo Object Properties bar is displayed,

showing the customizable options for this tool.

3 (optional) In the Elevation edit box, type a new

value.

4 On the Properties bar, type the number of equal

sides you want to draw.

5 Click on the design window to define the start point of

the multigon. A rubber-band multigon is displayed and follows the pointer.

6 Hold the mouse button down, as you extend the multigon

to the size you want.

Creating a Building Pad

Use the Building Pad tools to draw level ground for your foundation. You can draw the building pad, using a special polygon tool or convert another topography object to a building pad. When you return to Punch! AS3000, you can make your building pad visible on the Foundations tab by turning the Landscape layer on.

To draw a building pad 1 Click the Building Pad Area Tool. The pointer

changes to reflect drawing mode.

2 (optional) In the Elevation edit box, type a new

value.

3 Click on the design window to define the start

point of the polygon. A rubber-band curve is displayed and follows the pointer.

4 Click and move the mouse to the next point. Repeat until

you have drawn the needed shape.

5 Double-click to end drawing mode.

To convert an existing topography object to a building pad

1 Click a contour shape in the design window. The Topo

Object Properties bar is displayed, showing the customizable options for this contour.

2 Click the Convert to Build Pad button.

Adding Slopes

Many topographical maps show slope, rather than complex topography shapes. You can use Topo Designer to to create multiple slopes, with individual angles of descent. Once you’ve defined the slope, you can move selected topography lines create plateaus or otherwise customize your topography design.

Drag

7 Release the mouse button. Note: To change the multigon’s size, but constrain its

orientation, press CTRL while drawing.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 51

To define slope sections 1 Click the Slope Lot Section Tool.

2 (optional) On the Topography Slope Properties

bar, type a different Descent Angle in the dialog box.

3 Click on the design window; hold down the

mouse button and drag.

4 Release the mouse button. 5 Repeat steps 3 and 4, until the topography is

drawn to your lot’s specifications.

Chapter Topo Designer

Tracing a Topography Image

If you already have an image that shows the topology of your lot—for instance a scanned topology drawing or an aerial photograph—Topo Designer lets you trace topography objects directly over that image. Simply import the image, position it in the drawing, then use one of the topography tools to trace the image.

4 Click OK. The trace image is repositioned.

To resize a trace image 1 Click the Trace Topography Properties Tool. The

Image Trace Properties bar is displayed, showing the customizable options for this tool.

2 In the Scale Section, type a new value in the

Horizontal or Vertical text box, then press ENTER. The trace image is resized.

1 On the Design menu, click Resize Topography

Trace Image. The Resize Topography Trace Image dialog box is displayed.

To import a trace image 1 On the Design menu, click Load Topography

Trace Image or click the Trace Topography Properties Tool. The Open dialog box is displayed.

2 In the File Name box, type the name of the image file yo u

want to open or search for the file by switching folders or drives.

3 When you see the name of the file you want to open,

click to select it.

4 Click OK.

To move a trace image 1 Click the Trace Topography Properties Tool. The

Image Trace Properties bar is displayed, showing the customizable options for this tool.

2 Click the Offset Trace tool. A pop up dialog

box is displayed.

3 Click the horizontal or vertical scroll arrows to reposition

the trace image.

2 Type a new value in the Horizontal or Vertical text box,

then click OK. The trace image is resized.

Note: You can click Original Size on the Resize Topography Trace Image dialog box, or on the Image Trace Properties bar, to return the trace image to its original size.

To stretch a trace image to fit the design window 1 Click the Trace Topography Properties Tool. The

Image Trace Properties bar is displayed, showing the customizable options for this tool.

2 In the Scale Section, click the Horizontal or

Vertical stretch tool. The trace image is stretched accordingly to fit the page.

1 On the Design menu, click Resize Topography

Trace Image. The Resize Topography Trace Image dialog box is displayed.

52 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Controlling Lot Properties

2 Check the Stretch Horizontal or Stretch Vertical

checkbox, then click OK. The trace image is stretched accordingly to fit the page.

Note: You can click Original Size on the Resize Topography Trace Image dialog box, or on the Image Trace Properties bar, to return the trace image to its original size.

To control the visibility of a trace image 1 Click the Trace Topography Properties Tool. The

Image Trace Properties bar is displayed, showing the customizable options for this tool.

2 Check the Visible checkbox at the bottom of

the property bar. When the checkbox is not checked, the trace image is not visible.

■ On the Design menu, click Topography Trace

Image Visible. When Topography Trace Image Visible is not checked, the trace image is not visible.

Controlling Lot Properties

The Lot Properties dialog box allows you to control not only the size of your lot, but how it is rendered in 3D.

To modify the lot properties 1 On the Design menu, click Lot Properties or click

the Lot Properties Tool. The Lot Properties dialog box is displayed.

2 (optional) Type a value in Width or Depth text boxes,

then select a unit of measurement from the drop-down box.

3 (optional) Type a value in Width or Depth text boxes,

then select a unit of measurement from the drop-down box.

4 (optional) Click to raise or lower the Patch Resolution. A

lower value results in a more accurate 3D rendering of your topography, but may also impact performance.

5 (optional) Check the Render Patch Lines checkbox to

include patch lines, when rendering in ClearView.

6 (optional) Check the Render Lot Base checkbox to render

the subsurface as a solid.

7 (optional) In the Topography Generation section, click to

raise or lower the Generation Quality. Higher generation quality reduces rendering speed.

8 (optional) Check the Automatically Generate When

Needed checkbox to update the LiveView window every time you add or change a topography object.

9 Click OK.

Editing Topography Objects

You can control the precision of your topography drawing by changing the elevation or adding and deleting specific topography points to the topography objects you have created.

To increase or decrease elevation 1 Click a topography object in the design window. 2 (optional) On the Topo Objects Properties bar,

type a different elevation in the dialog box.

To add a topography point 1 Click the Add Topography Point Tool. The

pointer changes to reflect drawing mode.

2 Click to enter a new point on one of the topography

objects you have created.

To remove a topography point 1 Click the Remove Topography Point Tool. The

pointer changes to reflect drawing mode.

2 Click to remove a point from one of the topography

objects you have created.

Controlling Smoothing Tension

To further control the look of the shapes drawn with any tool in Topo Designer, you have control over the degree of smoothing tension applied to them. Clicking Straighten on

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Chapter Topo Designer

the Properties bar will easily create angular shapes, while clicking Adjust allows you to specify precise smoothing tension. Specifying 0 in the dialog box results in no tension being applied, while specifying 10 will cause an exaggerated curve.

To change smoothing tension 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a topography shape to select it. The Properties bar

for this shape is displayed.

3 On the Properties bar, click Adjust in the

Curve section. The Smooth dialog box is displayed.

4 Type the amount of Curve Tension that you want. The

Curve Tension you specified is applied.

Examples: Unsmooth (0):

Curve Tension set at 10:

Using Nudge

Once you’ve placed a topography object, you can precisely move it into position, using Nudge. Nudge utilizes the arrow keys to move selected objects or features a specified distance. Nudge works in tandem with the Snap Grid. To learn more about the Snap Grid, refer to

To adjust Nudge settings 1 On the Options menu, confirm there is a check next to

Snap to Grid. This confirms that the Snap Grid is activated.

2 On the Options menu, click Grid Properties or press

CTRL+G. The Grid Properties dialog box is displayed.

“Using the Grid” on page 56.

Curve Tension set at 3:

3 Enter, in inches, the Snap Grid distance you want to set.

Click OK.

4 On the Edit menu, click Nudge, then click the direction

(up, down, left, right) or use the arrow keys on your

Curve Tension set at 6:

54 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

keyboard.

Note: When the “Snap to Grid” is turned off, Nudge moves the topography object one pixel at a time, instead of snapping to grid distance.

To move a selection using the Nudge feature 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the topography object to select it.

Rotating a Selection

3 On the Edit menu, click Nudge, then click the direction

(up, down, left, right).

4 (optional) Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to nudge

the topography object.

Rotating a Selection

Using the rotate feature, you can easily spin a topography object around any point. This is useful when you want to face an object in a different direction from which it was drawn. Using the Rotate Tool, you can freely rotate the selection or you can specify the exact amount of rotation, using the Rotate dialog box.

To freely rotate an object 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the topography object you want to rotate. 3 On the Standard toolbar, click the Rotate Tool. 4 Click the topography object; hold down the mouse

button and move the pointer in the direction that you want the object to rotate. Degree of rotation will appear in the status bar, as you draw. Press SHIFT to release the 45 degree constraint.

5 Release the mouse button. Note: The item rotates around its centerpoint.

To rotate by specifying an amount 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the object, wall or feature you want to rotate. 3 Right-click the selection and click Rotate on the pop-up

menu that is displayed.

Note: Each Snap Tool defaults back to “No Snap” after it is used; double-clicking the Snap Tool will lock it in active mode.

To snap a topography object to the end of another CAD object

1 Click one of the Topography Tool buttons. 2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to Endpoint

Tool or press TAB.

3 Click a CAD object in the design window. The

topography contour will “snap to” the endpoint nearest where you clicked.

To snap a topography object to the segment center of another CAD object

1 Click one of the Topography Tool buttons. 2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to Segment

Centerpoint Tool or press TAB to move through the tools on the Snaps toolbar.

3 Click a CAD object in the design window. The

topography object will “snap to” the segment centerpoint nearest where you clicked.

To snap a topography object to the center of another CAD object

1 Click one of the Topography Tool buttons. 2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to Object

Centerpoint Tool or press TAB to move through the tools on the Snaps toolbar.

3 Click a CAD object in the design window. The

topography object will “snap to” the centerpoint of the CAD object clicked.

4 Type, in degrees or radians, the amount you want to

rotate the object and click OK. The object is rotated.

Using Snaps to Draw Topography Objects

With snaps, you can define exactly what distance topography objects are placed from other topography objects and CAD objects. You can move through the Snaps Toolbar with the Tab key. Each time you press Tab, the next Snap Tool is activated; Shift-Tab reverses the process.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 55

To snap a topography object to the corner of another CAD object

1 Click one of the Topography Tool buttons. 2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to Object

Cornerpoint Tool or press TAB to move through the tools on the Snaps toolbar.

3 Click a CAD object in the design window. The

topography object will “snap to” the cornerpoint of the CAD object clicked.

To snap a topography object from an intersection 1 Click one of the Topography Tool buttons.

Chapter Topo Designer

2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to Intersection

Tool or press TAB to move through the tools on Snaps toolbar.

3 Click a CAD object in the design window. The

topography object will “snap to” the endpoint nearest where you clicked.

To snap a topography object at right angles to another CAD object

1 Click one of the Topography Tool buttons. 2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to

Perpendicular Tool or press TAB to move through the tools on the Snaps toolbar.

3 Click a CAD object in the design window. The

topography object will “snap” perpendicularly to the segment nearest where you clicked.

To snap a topography object a specified distance from another CAD object

1 Click one of the Topography Tool buttons. 2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to Segment-

Offset Tool. The Snap to Segment-Offset dialog box is displayed.

based on the reference grid, which is useful when you want to make sure certain points are specified precisely.

Grid settings have a direct impact on the ease of aligning topography objects, snapping objects to the grid and so on. When using the Snap to Grid feature, items that are dragged and dropped on the design window are automatically snapped, or placed, to align with the current grid. By default, Snap to Grid is turned on.

You can customize grid settings by selecting grid spacing, grid style and whether the grid is hidden from view or displayed.

Grid properties can also be set by accessing the right-click menu, with nothing selected.

To define Snap to Grid settings 1 On the Options menu, click Grid Properties or right-click

on your design window and click Grid Properties on the pop-up menu that is displayed. The Grid Properties dialog box is displayed.

3 Type a value in the text box, then click OK. 4 Click a CAD object in the design window. The

topography object will “snap to” the point at the specified distance from the CAD object clicked.

2 On the Grid Spacing text box, type new measurements To snap a topography object to a segment of another CAD object

1 Click one of the Topography Tool buttons. 2 On the Snaps toolbar, click the Snap to On-

Segment Tool or press TAB to move through the tools on the Snaps toolbar.

3 Click a CAD object in the design window. The

topography object will “snap to” the segment of the CAD object clicked.

into the Snap Grid section, then click OK. Items you draw or drag-and-drop into the design window will now snap to the measurements you defined.

Note: Initially, the grid is set at 12 i nches, m aking it easy to

visualize each plan square as exactly one square foot, but can

be customized to meet your particular design needs.

Note: Snap settings can be set as low as 0.10 inch (English),

0.002 m (Metric), and still show visible movement along the

grid. Snap settings can be set as high as 500 inches (English),

12.70 m (Metric).

Using the Grid

With Topo Designer you can set specific grid properties that aid in drawing your topography plan. You can set points,

56 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Using the Virtual Ruler

To select grid spacing 1 On the Options menu, click Grid Properties or right-click

on your design window and click Grid Properties on the pop-up menu that is displayed. The Grid Properties dialog box is displayed.

2 Type new horizontal and vertical measurements in the

Grid Dots/Lines section of the Grid Spacing page, then click OK. The new grid spacing measurements are applied.

To change the grid style 1 On the Options menu, click Grid Properties or right-click

on your design window and click Grid Properties on the pop-up menu that is displayed. The Grid Properties dialog box is displayed.

2 Click the Grid Style page tab. 3 Click either Grid Dots or Grid Lines, then click OK. The

new grid style is applied.

Note: Grid Dots/Lines can be set to as low as 1 inch (English), 0.02 m (Metric), and still be viewable. Grid Dots/ Lines can be set as high as 500 inches (English), 12.70 m (Metric).

To move topography objects along the grid 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the topography object you want to move. 3 Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, move the

topography object into position.

Note: Each time you press an arrow key, the topography object will move one increment that you have set in “To define Snap to Grid settings” on page 56.

To turn off Snap to Grid

■ On the Options menu, click to uncheck Snap to Grid,

press CTRL+R or right-click on your design window and click Snap to Grid on the pop-up menu. The feature is disabled. To enable Snap to Grid, simply recheck the menu item.

To display the grid

■ On the Options menu, click to check Grid Visible or

right-click on your design window and click Grid Visible on the pop-up menu that is displayed. The grid is displayed on the design window.

Using the Virtual Ruler

The Virtual Ruler is a handy feature for measuring items in your topography plan that are not automatically dimensioned. You can “undock” the ruler at any time, leaving it active, or hide it from view with one mouse click. The Virtual Ruler is an easy way to measure at an angle, too.

To measure using the Virtual Ruler 1 Click the Virtual Ruler button at the bottom of the

design window. The Virtual Ruler is displayed on the drawing page.

2 Click one of the black circles on the ruler edges and drag

in the direction you want to measure. The measurement is displayed in the center of the Virtual Ruler.

3 (optional) Click the center of the Virtual Ruler and drag it

to a new location on the design window.

To hide the Virtual Ruler

■ Click the Virtual Ruler button at the bottom of the

design window. The Virtual Ruler is “docked”.

Using Dimensions

Topo Designer lets you annotate your drawing, using dimension tools. If you need to check the distance between two points in your plan against a known distance, just draw a dimension line between the two points.

To use the zero-offset dimension tool 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Zero-Offset

Dimension Tool.

2 Click on the design window to define the starting point;

hold down the mouse button and drag to the ending point of the measurement you require.

3 Release the mouse button to set the measurement.

To control automatic dimensioning

■ On the Options menu, click to check Automatic

Dimensioning.

■ At the bottom of the window, click the Dimension

button, then click to check Automatic Dimensioning on the pop-up menu that is displayed.

Note: When this item is checked, Automatic Dimensi oning is on. When it is unchecked, Automatic Dimensioning is off.

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Chapter Topo Designer

To control window and door dimensioning

■ On the Options menu, click to check Window/Door

Callouts.

■ At the bottom of the window, click the Dimension

button, then click to check Window/Door Callouts on the pop-up menu that is displayed.

Note: When this item is checked, Window/Door Callouts is on. When it is unchecked, Window/Door Callouts is off.

Viewing the Topography Drawing

While designing your topography plan, you will probably want to view the 2D plan view only. Once completed, you can view your plan in a combination of 2D and 3D or in 3D only.

To view the 2D topography plan only

■ On the Window menu, click Plan Full View. The 2D plan

view is displayed.

To work on a selected floor

■ On the Design menu, click Work on Floor or

click the Working Floor button at the left bottom of the design window, then click to check the floor you want to work on.

2 Click the plan you want to view.

3 (optional) Repeat until the combination you

want is reached.

Zooming In and Out in 2D

You can get a closer look at an area or see a

larger portion of your topography drawing by zooming in and

out. By dragging over the drawing, the view enlarges or

decreases dynamically. You can also set the zoom factor to

obtain exact zoom precision. Once you’ve finished viewing

your topography plan close-up, you can return to the

previous, full view with one mouse click.

To zoom in

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Zoom button.

2 Click on the design window and drag in an upward

direction to zoom in.

3 Click on the design window and drag in a downward

direction to zoom out.

Note: When the mouse is clicked, the location of the cursor

will be centered on the design window.

To zoom in using the wheel mouse

■ Click on the design window and use the mouse’s wheel

to zoom in and out.

To view all 2D floor plan views at once

■ On the Design menu, click Visible Floors or click

the Working Floor button at the left bottom of the design window, then click to check View All Floors.

To set the zoom factor

1 On the View menu, click Set Plan View Zoom. The Set

Plan View Zoom dialog box is displayed.

2 Type a new zoom factor, then click OK. To view the working floor only

■ On the Design menu, click Visible Floors or click

the Working Floor button at the left bottom of the design window, then click to check View Working Floor Only.

To view drawing layer combinations 1 On the Design menu, click Visible plans or click

the Visible Plans button at the left bottom of the

To reset the 2D plan view

■ On the View menu, click Reset Plan View or press

CTRL+E on your keyboard. Your plan is reset to the original default view.

design window. A drop-down menu will appear.

Panning Across the Topography Drawing

You can move the design window to see portions of the

topography plan which are outside the current view by

panning. Panning also makes it easy to slowly view areas of

your drawing piece-by-piece.

58 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

LiveView Window Options

To pan in any direction 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Pan button. The

pointer changes to reflect Pan mode.

2 Click on the design window and drag in the direction you

want to view. The view changes dynamically, as you move the mouse.

LiveView Window Options

As in Punch! AS3000, there are three pre-set LiveView window sizes. The LiveView window can be repositioned and resized to fit your requirements. All LiveView window pre-set sizes are accessible from the right-click plan options menu.

Note: Always click the Generate Topography button to update the 3D data before you launch a LiveView window.

To display the 2D plan view and a small 3D view

■ Click the 3D Quarter View icon or on the Window

menu, click 3D Quarter View or right-click, while nothing is selected, and click 3D Quarter View, from the pop-up menu that is displayed.

To change Walk-Through elevation with the mouse

■ Press and hold the right mouse button down to raise and

lower the viewpoint, alternately.

To specify an absolute Walk-Through elevation 1 Open a LiveView window. 2 On the View menu, click 3D Viewing Method, Walk-

Through Elevation. The Walk-Through Elevation dialog box is displayed.

3 Type a new elevation measurement in inches, then click

OK.

To view your home using Fly-Around 1 Open a LiveView window. 2 On the View menu, click 3D Viewing Method,

Fly-Around or click the Fly-Around button on the LiveView window.

3 Move the Fly-Around pointer around inside the

LiveView window and watch the view move dynamically.

To view your home using Walk-Through 1 Open a LiveView window. 2 On the View menu, click 3D Viewing Method,

Walk-Through or click the Walk-Through button on the LiveView window.

3 Position the mouse pointer in the LiveView window,

then click and drag up to move inward.

4 Position the mouse pointer in the LiveView window,

then click and drag down to move outward.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 59

To change Fly-Around altitude with the mouse

■ Press and hold the right mouse button down to change the

viewpoint.

To specify a center of reference in Fly-Around mode

1 Open a LiveView window. 2 On the design window, click the center of

reference icon and drag it to a new position.

Note: The placement of the icon will be the point around which the helicopter revolves.

To specify an absolute Fly-Around altitude 1 Open a LiveView window. 2 On the View menu, click 3D Viewing Method, Fly-

Around Altitude. The Fly-Around Altitude dialog box is displayed.

3 Type a new elevation measurement, then click OK.

Chapter Topo Designer

To adjust the 3D camera angle 1 Open a LiveView window. 2 At the bottom of the LiveView window,

click the right camera angle arrow to widen the view.

3 At the bottom of the LiveView window, click the left

camera angle arrow to narrow the view.

To increase or decrease the Fly-Around and WalkThrough speed

1 Open a LiveView window. 2 At the bottom of the LiveView window, click

the right speed arrow to speed up the viewing method.

3 At the bottom of the LiveView window, click the left

arrow to slow down the viewing method.

Note: The faster the viewing speed, the lower the quality of the rendered 3D image.

Adding Lighting and Shadows

As in Punch! AS3000, you can customize the lighting and shadows in Topo Designer.

To adjust the lighting intensity in a 3D View 1 Open a LiveView window. 2 On the View menu, click 3D Lighting or click the

3D Lighting button on the LiveView window. The 3D Lighting dialog box is displayed.

3 Click the direction from which you want the light to

originate in the Direction section of the 3D Lighting dialog box.

4 Increase or decrease the light intensity by clicking and

dragging the intensity slider.

5 Increase or decrease the overall brightness by clicking

and dragging the brightness slider.

6 Click OK.

2 On the View menu, click 3D Shadows or click the

3D Shadows button on the LiveView window.

To hide shadows from a 3D view

■ On the View menu, click to uncheck 3D Shadows or

click the 3D Shadows button on the LiveView window.

To control shadow quality

■ On the View menu, click Shadow Quality and click

either High (slow) or Low (fast).

Adjusting Rendering Quality

Punch! AS3000 technology includes anti-aliased photo-

realism. With this technology, you can view your plan with

incredible detail, whether you are in material mode,

ClearView or framing and so on.

To render a plan in 3D final quality

1 Open a LiveView window.

2 On the View menu, click Render 3D Final Quality

or click the 3D Final Quality button on the LiveView window.

To set 3D render quality

■ On the View menu, click 3D Final Quality, Low. This

results in a fast rendering speed, but lower quality output.

■ On the View menu, click 3D Final Quality, High. This

results in a moderate rendering speed and average quality output.

■ On the View menu, click 3D Final Quality, Ultra High.

This results in a slower rendering speed and a high quality output.

■ On the View menu, click 3D Final Quality, Excellent.

This results in a very slow rendering speed, but a very high quality, sharp output.

To add shadows to a 3D view 1 Open a LiveView window.

60 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Chapter 9

Room Wizard

For many people, visualizing their dream home does not start with the outside shape of the building , but with a wish list of individual rooms. Now you can create complex floorplans from the inside out by laying out your home design room by room. Create entire rooms with one click of the mouse! Build an entire floor in just minutes with Punch! Room Wizard.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 61

Chapter Room Wizard

Launching Room Wizard

■ Launch Room Wizard by clicking the Room

Wizard icon on the PowerTool Bar.

Adding Rooms

You can create rooms with a few simple clicks of the mouse. Punch! Room Wizard allows you to use pre-designed room dimensions, customize these dimensions or create your room from scratch. When you want to see your design with the overlapping walls trimmed away, just click the “Walls” tab.

The Rooms toolbar features twelve color-coded room types, as well as one general room type that can be customized to your wishes. Simply select your room type, change your room’s dimensions (if you wish), and place your room on the design window. When you’re finished placing rooms, simply exit Room Wizard to update your design!

Tip: It is best to use Room Wizard only once per design. If you have added walls using the tools in your design program, there is the possibility that those walls will be removed by relaunching Room Wizard.

To create auto-sized rooms 1 Click the corresponding button for the room type that you

want to create. The Room Properties bar appears on the right-hand side of the Room Wizard.

2 Click the radio button next to auto-sizing on the Room

Properties bar.

3 (optional) In the Width text box, enter the width of the

room, in feet and inches, and press ENTER.

4 (optional) In the Height text box, enter the length of the

room, in feet and inches, and press ENTER

5 Click in the drawing area to place your room. Tip: You can resize an auto-sized room by clicking on a

wall and expanding it to the length you want.

4 Choose the Method to draw your room.

■ To draw a rectangular room, starting from

the upper left-hand corner, select the first rectangle option.

■ To draw a rectangular room, starting from

the center, select the second rectangle option.

■ To draw a square room, starting from the upper left-

hand corner, select the first square option.

■ To draw a square room starting from the center, select

the second square option.

5 Create your room by clicking and dragging in the design

window to draw your walls.

To create a room from scratch

1 Click the Rectangle button. The Room Properties bar

appears on the right-hand side of the Room Wizard.

2 Choose the Method to draw your room.

■ To create a rectangular room, starting from

the upper left-hand corner, select the first rectangle option.

■ To create a rectangular room, starting from

the center, select the second rectangle option.

■ To create a square room, starting from the upper left-

hand corner, select the first square option.

■ To create a square room starting from the center,

select the second square option.

3 In the Room Name text box, type your room’s name and

press ENTER.

4 Create your room by clicking and dragging in the design

window to draw your walls.

To draw rooms 1 Click the corresponding button for the room type that you

want to create. The Room Properties bar appears on the right-hand side of the Room Wizard.

2 Click the radio button next to Manual Sizing on the

Room Properties bar.

3 Click the Method button and select your design method.

62 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Modifying Room Properties

Modifications to your room(s) are performed on the right-hand side of the Room Wizard in the Property bar. You can modify properties such as room dimensions, name, even the viewing priority of overlapping rooms, at any time during the building process.

Note: The Room Properties bar will appear each time you create a room.

To change room dimensions 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection

Tool.

2 Select the room you want to modify. The

Room Properties bar appears on the righthand side of the Room Wizard.

3 (optional) In the Width text box, enter the width of the

room, in feet and inches, and press ENTER.

4 (optional) In the Height text box, enter the length of the

room, in feet and inches, and press ENTER

To change room names 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Select the room you want to modify. The Room

Properties bar appears on the right-hand side of the Room Wizard.

3 Type the name of the room you want in the Room Name

text box and press ENTER.

To align a room to the grid 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Select the room you want to modify. The Room

Properties bar appears on the right-hand side of the Room Wizard.

3 Click one of the Align to Grid buttons to

reposition the room.

Note: When you draw a room, by default, it is aligned to the grid. However, if you resize the room using the properties bar to something other then a 6" increment, you can use the Align to Grid tool to position the room more precisely.

To control the visibility of overlapping rooms 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Select the room you want to modify. To select more than

one room, press the SHIFT key while clicking rooms. The Room Properties bar appears on the right-hand side of the Room Wizard.

3 (optional) Click Increase Priority to make the selected

room appear on top of any overlapping rooms.

4 (optional) Click Lower Priority to make the selected

room appear beneath any overlapping rooms.

Note: When you want to see your design with the overlapping walls trimmed away, just click the “Walls” tab.

To turn off automatic dimensioning

■ On the Options menu, click to uncheck Automatic

Dimensioning.

■ At the bottom of the window, click the Dimension

button, then click to uncheck Automatic Dimensioning on the pop-up menu that is displayed.

■ On the Room Properties bar, click to uncheck Auto-Dim.

To calculate the area of a room 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Select the room you want to calcu late. To select more

than one room, press the SHIFT key while clicking rooms.

3 Click the Calc. Area button on the Room Properties bar. 4 The calculation is displayed in the space under the Calc.

Area button.

To calculate the area of an entire floor 1 Click on the Walls tab. Your design is displayed in

blueprint form.

2 (optional) Click Calc. Floor Area to calculate the total

area of the current floor.

Controlling Drawing Settings

The drawing settings appear on the Property bar when you first open Room Wizard, and again when you click on any part of the Design Window where you have not placed a room.

Note: Before you draw rooms, be sure to set your working elevation. All other rooms are drawn in relation to this elevation.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 63

Chapter Room Wizard

To set the working elevation

■ On the Property bar, type a new value in the Working

Elevation edit box, then press ENTER.

To set ceiling heights 1 On the Property bar, type the height you want the first

floor ceiling to be, in the First Floor text box, and press ENTER.

2 Type the height you want the second floor ceiling to b,e

in the Second Floor text box, and press ENTER.

3 Type the height you want to third floor ceiling to be, in

the Third Floor text box, and press ENTER.

To work on a selected floor

■ On the Design menu, click Work on Floor, or

click the Working Floor button at the left bottom of the design window, then click to check the floor you want to work on.

Editing Your Design

Room Wizard provides you with editing tools to help you modify your interior floorplan. You must select the room(s) you want to edit before clicking on the Edit menu.

To copy a room from one floor to another 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the room(s) you want duplicated.To select more

than one room, press the SHIFT key while clicking rooms.

3 On the Edit menu, click Copy to Floor, Upper Floor.

Select Lower Floor if you want to copy the original down one level.

Note: The first floor is set as your default working floor.

To move rooms from one floor to another 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the room(s) you want moved. To select more than

one room, press the SHIFT key while clicking rooms.

3 On the Edit menu, click Move to Floor, Upper Floor.

Select Lower Floor if you want to move the original down one level.

To move a room using the Nudge feature 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click the room to select it.To select more than one room,

press the SHIFT key while clicking rooms.

3 On the Edit menu, click Nudge, then click the direction

(up, down, left, right).

Tip: You can also nudge your design by using the arrows on

your keyboard.

To move the a room by a specified amount

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click the room(s) you want moved. To select more than

one room, press the SHIFT key while clicking rooms.

3 On the Edit menu, click Move. The Move dialog box is

displayed.

4 Click either Cartesian or Polar, then type amount you

want the room moved in the appropriate text boxes.

5 Click OK. The room is moved, based on the coordinates

you specified.

Note: Coordinates are measured in inches or they can be

measured in feet and inches, separated by a hyphen.

To rotate a room by specifying an amount

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click the room(s) you want rotated. To select more than

one room, press the SHIFT key while clicking rooms.

3 On the Edit menu, click Rotate. The Rotate dialog box is

displayed.

4 Click either Degrees or Radians, then type the angle you

want to rotate the plan in the Angle text box.

5 Click OK. The room is rotated based on the angle

measurement you specified.

To freely rotate a room

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click the room you want to rotate.

3 On the Standard toolbar, click the Rotate Tool.

4 Click the room, hold down the mouse button and

move the pointer in the direction that you want the room to rotate. Degree of rotation will appear in the status bar as you draw. Press SHIFT to release the 45 degree constraint.

5 Release the mouse button.

To flip a room

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 64 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

2 Click the room(s) you want flipped. To select more than

one room, press the SHIFT key while clicking rooms.

3 On the Edit menu, click Flip Vertical or Flip Horizontal.

The room is flipped.

To mirror a room 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the room(s) you want mirrored. To select more

than one room, press the SHIFT key while clicking rooms.

3 On the Edit menu, click Mirror Vertical or Mirror

Horizontal. The room is mirrored.

Editing Your Design

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 65

Chapter Room Wizard

66 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Chapter 10

Foundation Plan Tab

Just like building in the real world, the best place to start is with a foundation for your design. The Foundation Plan Tab includes tools to help you add the foundation details to your plan. You will learn to specify wall and footing widths, add stiffener beams, draw piers and define post tension.

Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 makes creating basements or split-level homes easy. With just one or two mouse-clicks your basement will be moved into proper elevation position, with the use of the versatile Elevation Slider.

PowerTools to enhance your design

■ “Topo Designer” on page 47

■ “Material Workshop” on page 203

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 67

Chapter Foundation Plan Tab

Defining the Foundation Perimeter

Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 provides the tools to create a good foundation in your home plan. You have options for wall thickness, footing width, stiffener beams and foundation piers.

Note: As you draw your foundation you are also drawing your first floor walls.

To define the foundation perimeter 1 On the Foundation Plan tab, click the Foundation

Perimeter Tool.

2 Click on the design window to define the start point of

the foundation. A rubber-band line is displayed and follows the pointer. This line signifies the first edge of the foundation. Notice that dimensions are displayed, as you draw.

Setting the Foundation

Perimeter Options

Punch! Home Design Architectural Series

3000 draws your first floor walls, as you

define the foundation perimeter. Once you

have defined the foundation perimeter of your

design, you have the option to customize

many features. From wall thickness, floor

height and stud spacing to automatic flooring

options and footing width, you have

alternatives for almost every feature. You can

customize these settings at any time. For

information on setting the wall style,

“Defining Gable Wall Segments”, which

begins on page 78.

To define the foundation width

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the

Selection Tool.

2 Click the wall of the foundation to select

it; the Wall Properties bar is displayed.

3 Click the radio button next to the width of

footings you want to use.

4 (optional) Type in a custom measurement, if needed.

see

To define stud spacing

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click the wall of the foundation to select it; the Wall Note: Drawing is constrained to 15 degree angles; to release

this constraint hold down the SHIFT key, while drawing.

Properties bar is displayed.

3 Type the stud spacing required in the dialog box. 3 Click and move the pointer to the next cornerpoint.

Repeat until you have completely drawn the foundation.

4 Right-click to end drawing mode.

To turn off automatic dimensioning

■ On the Options menu, click to uncheck Automatic

Dimensioning.

■ At the bottom of the window, click the Dimension

button, then click to uncheck Automatic Dimensioning on the pop-up menu that is displayed.

■ On the Walls Properties bar, click to uncheck the radio

button next to Auto-Dim.

To hide window and door dimensions Note: The dashed lines represent footing width and the faint

blue diagonal lines represent the foundation area.

68 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

■ On the Options menu, click to uncheck Window/Door

Callouts.

Editing Foundation Walls

■ At the bottom of the window, click the Dimension

button, then click to uncheck Window/Door callouts on the pop-up menu that is displayed.

■ On the Walls Properties bar, click to uncheck the radio

button next to Callouts.

To dimension from wall center

By default, measurements are from wall surface to wall surface; to measure walls “on center” follow these steps.

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the wall of the foundation to select it; the Wall

Properties bar is displayed.

3 Click the radio button next to Centers.

To change dimension location 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the

Selection Tool.

2 Click the wall of the foundation to

select it; the Wall Properties bar is displayed.

3 Click the Flip Dims button.

3 Check the Automatic Floor checkbox. Flooring is

automatically inserted between joined exterior wa lls.

4 Uncheck the Automatic Flooring checkbox. The flooring

disappears.

5 (optional) Type a Depth in the dialog box to customize

the flooring depth.

Editing Foundation Walls

At any point during design of your new home, foundation walls can be moved, reshaped, removed and so on.

To move the foundation 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click and drag on the design window to select all poin ts

of the foundation you want to move.

3 Click one of the selected walls; hold down the mouse

button and drag the foundation to the new location.

To reshape the foundation 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the wall of the foundation you want to

reshape.

3 Click a cornerpoint of the foundation; hold down the

mouse button and drag.

4 Click the next cornerpoint; hold down the mouse button

and drag.

5 (optional) Click a side of the foundation to move two

cornerpoints at once.

To convert foundation walls to interior walls 1 On the Standard toolbar, click

the Selection Tool.

2 Right-click a foundation wall

on your design window. Click Convert Wall to Interior on the pop-up menu. All connected walls become interior walls, the footings disappear and the walls are moved from the Foundation Plan Tab to the Floor Plan Tab.

To control automatic flooring 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a wall of the foundation to select it; the Wall

Properties bar is displayed.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 69

Chapter Foundation Plan Tab

Adding Stiffener Beams

Stiffener beams are used to support the foundation; typically they run from one end of the foundation to the other. You can control the length, width and dimension of each beam.

To place stiffener beams 1 On the Foundation Plan tab, click the Stiffener

Beam Tool.

2 On the Beam Properties bar, type the width

and depth of stiffener beam you want.

3 Press the mouse button on the design window

to define the start point of the stiffener beam. A rubber-band line is displayed and follows the pointer.

4 Hold the mouse button down, as you extend the stiffener

beam to the opposite side of the foundation.

5 Release the mouse button to end drawing mode. Note: Drawing is constrained to 15 degree angles. To

release this constraint hold down the SHIFT key, while drawing.

To move a stiffener beam 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the stiffener beam you want to move. Selection

handles appear.

3 Click again, hold down the mouse button and drag the

stiffener beam to a new location.

Note: For more information on making precision movements using Snaps, see the chapter titled “Snaps and Annotations”, which begins on page 23.

To change the length of a stiffener beam 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the stiffener beam you want to alter. Selection

handles appear.

3 Click an endpoint of the stiffener beam; hold down the

mouse button and drag. Release the mouse button to stop lengthening the beam.

To change the dimensions of a stiffener beam

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection

Tool.

2 On the Beam Properties bar, type the width

and depth of stiffener beam you want.

Defining Foundation Piers

Foundation piers support the foundation. They are concrete

pads that add strength under a support column. Even after

you place piers, you can customize them.

To place foundation piers

1 On the Foundation Plan tab, click the Piering

Tool.

2 On the Pier Properties bar, type the diameter of

piers you want to use.

3 Click on the design window. A foundation pier

will be placed at the location of each click.

To move a foundation pier

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click the foundation pier you want to move.

3 Click again, hold down the mouse button and drag the

foundation pier to the new location.

Note: For more information on making precision

movements, using Snaps, see

Annotations”, which begins on page 23.

To resize a foundation pier

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 On the Pier Properties bar, type the new

diameter of piers you want to use.

the chapter titled “Snaps and

70 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Adding Post Tension Strands

Post tension strands are used to prevent cracking in a concrete slab foundation. They extend from one edge of the foundation to the other and are bolted into the frame and set in concrete.

To place a post tension strand 1 On the Foundation Plan tab, click the Post-

tension Tool.

2 Press the mouse button on the design window to define

the start point of the post tension strand. A rubber-band line is displayed and follows the pointer.

3 Hold the mouse button down, as you extend the post

tension strand to the opposite side of the foundation.

4 Release the mouse button to end drawing mode.

To move a post tension strand 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the post tension strand you want to move. 3 Click again, hold down the mouse button and drag the

post tension strand to the new location.

3 Release the mouse button. The slope is defined.

To change the slope direction 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click an end of the foundation slope indicator. 3 Move the mouse in the direction you want the slope

changed.

4 Release the mouse button.

Creating a Basement

Basements are easy to create with the Elevation Slider.

To create a basement 1 On the Foundation Plan tab, click the Foundation

Perimeter Tool.

2 Draw a foundation. For specific information on adding

foundations, see “Defining the Foundation Perimeter” on page 68.

3 Press and hold the SHIFT key down, while clicking on

each foundation wall, to select all the foundation walls.

4 On the left side of the screen, drag the Elevation Slider

down to the level of the basement.

To resize a post tension strand 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the post tension strand you want to alter. 3 Click an endpoint of the post tension strand; hold down

the mouse button and drag. Release the mouse button to end.

Drawing the Foundation Slope

Foundation Slope is typically specified in garages or basement areas where there is a drain. It specifies which direction the floor area slopes.

To draw the foundation slope 1 On the Foundation Plan tab, click the Foundation

Slope Tool.

2 Click once in your plan drawing, then drag in the

direction you want the floor to slope.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 71

Creating a Split-Level Foundation

Designing a split-level home is quite simple. The foundation will need to be drawn in two parts and, with the aid of the Elevation Slider, moved into place.

To create a split level 1 On the Foundation Plan tab, click the Foundation

Perimeter Tool.

2 Draw the foundation of the part of your home plan that

will be different from the rest of the home. If you need help drawing a foundation, please refer to Foundation Perimeter” on page 68.

3 Press and hold the SHIFT key down, while clicking on

each foundation wall, to select all the foundation walls.

“Defining the

Chapter Foundation Plan Tab

4 On the left side of the screen, drag the Elevation Slider

5 Draw the Foundation of the rest of the home and proceed

down to the level needed for the split.

with designing your home plan.

Creating a Slab Foundation

A slab foundation is the preferred foundation in many areas. Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 makes it easy to draw one. Four inches is a standard thickness for slab foundations. Post tension strands are added to prevent cracking.

To create a slab foundation 1 On the Foundation Plan tab, click the Foundation

Perimeter Tool.

2 Draw a foundation. For specific information on adding

foundations, see “Defining the Foundation Perimeter” on page 68.

3 Click the wall of the foundation to select it; the Wall

Properties bar is displayed.

4 Type 4 (or the needed depth) in the flooring depth dialog

box, then click OK.

5 Draw post tension strands. For specific information on

adding post tension strands, see “Adding Post Tension Strands” on page 71.

72 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Chapter 11

Floor Plan Tab

By beginning with the foundation phase of your design, the exterior walls of the first floor are automatically generated. The next step is drawing exterior walls of the upper floors and drawing interior walls on all stories. Drawing walls is simple, just click and drag. Punch! AS3000 automatically displays wall dimensions and connects corners for you. To add interactive dimensions between walls, where they are not automatically added, begins on page 24.

Exterior walls, even those automatically generated with the foundation tools and interior walls can be resized, moved or deleted after they are placed. Punch! AS3000 makes creating the final home plan of your dreams, exactly as you want it, simple.

You can define your wall thickness before placing and create custom-sized walls in a snap. Further customize your design by adding windows, doors, stairs, furniture and so on.

see “Accessing the Snaps toolbar”, which

PowerTools to enhance your design

■ “Material Workshop” on page 203

■ “Door Designer” on page 227

■ “Window Designer” on page 239

■ “Cabinet Wizard” on page 251

■ “Fireplace Wizard” on page 263

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 73

Chapter Floor Plan Tab

Drawing Exterior Walls

By default, the foundation design process creates eight-foot exterior walls on the first floor. However, if you want to skip the foundation section, you can begin designing by drawing exterior walls, using the two Exterior Wall tools. With these tools you can either draw “free form” or to specific dimensions, whichever suits your needs best. Walls are automatically joined when you draw and are placed at right angles. It is extremely important to use the Exterior Wall tools to draw a complete exterior wall perimeter so Punch! AS3000 can correctly calculate the floor’s square footage.

To draw exterior walls 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Exterior Wall

Tool.

2 Click on the design window; hold down the mouse button

and drag. Notice that the wall follows the pointer and automatically displays the wall length.

3 Release the mouse button when the correct wall length is

reached.

4 Repeat steps, drawing horizontal and vertical walls.

Notice that Punch! AS3000 automatically connects walls to form corners.

Note: To draw the last wall perpendicular to the first wall, release the mouse button while the cursor is atop the start point of the first wall.

Note: Drawing is constrained to 5 degree angles; to release this constraint hold down the SHIFT key, while drawing.

Note: If you don’t see automatic dimensioning while you draw, it might be turned off. To enable automatic dimensioning, on the Options menu, click Automatic Dimensioning. To add interactive dimensions between walls, where they are not automatically generated, the Snaps toolbar”, which begins on page 24.

To draw exterior walls to exact lengths 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Exterior Wall

(Custom Length) Tool.

2 Click on the design window; hold down the mouse button

and drag. Notice that the wall follows the pointer and automatically displays the wall length.

3 Release the mouse button at any point. The Custom Wall

Length menu is displayed.

see “Accessing

4 Type the length needed, then click OK.

5 Repeat steps, drawing horizontal and vertical walls.

Notice that Punch! AS3000 automatically connects walls to form corners.

Note: Dimensions are entered in inches or feet and inches,

separated by a hyphen. For example, 10-0 indicates ten feet,

while 10 is interpreted as ten inches.

Note: To draw the last wall perpendicular to the first wall,

release the mouse button, while the cursor is atop the start

point of the first wall.

Changing Exterior Wall Segment Length

Once you have drawn exterior walls for your design, you can

easily change the length of individual wall segments. You

can not only change the length of a wall, but move an

adjoining wall with the segment.

To change the wall segment length from the center

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Resize Segment

(Custom Length) Tool.

2 Click an exterior wall. The Change Segment Length

dialog box is displayed.

3 Type the new length in inches or feet and inches,

separated by a hyphen. For example, 10-0 indicates ten feet, while 10 is interpreted as ten inches.

4 Click Change. The wall segment is resized.

To resize a wall segment length from the end

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Resize Segment

(Custom Length) Tool.

2 Click the exterior wall to be resized. The Change

Segment Length dialog box is displayed.

3 Type the new length in inches or feet and inches,

separated by a hyphen. For example, 10-0 indicates ten feet, while 10 is interpreted as ten inches.

74 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Drawing Interior Walls

4 Click the radio button for the red dot to change the

location of the left end of the wall segment, then click Change.

5 (optional) Click the radio button for the green dot to

change the location of the right end of the wall segment, then click Change.

Drawing Interior Walls

Once you’ve drawn your exterior house shell, you can begin drawing the interior walls of your home. There are two interior wall tools; one draws walls on the fly, while using the other makes it easy to define an absolute length. For more information on drawing with precision using Snaps, see chapter titled “Snaps and Annotations”, which begins on page 23.

To draw interior walls on the fly 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Interior Wall

Tool.

2 Click on the design window; hold down the mouse button

and drag. Notice that the wall follows the pointer and automatically displays the wall length.

3 Release the mouse button when the wall length you want

is reached.

the

Note: Drawing is constrained to 5 degree angles; to release this constraint hold down the SHIFT key, while drawing.

Note: If you don’t see automatic dimensioning, while you draw, it might be turned off. To enable automatic dimensioning, on the Options menu, click Automatic Dimensioning. To add interactive dimensions between walls, where they are not automatically generated,

see “Accessing

the Snaps toolbar”, which begins on page 24.

To draw interior walls to exact lengths 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Interior Wall

(Custom Length) Tool.

2 Click on the design window; hold down the mouse button

and drag. Notice that the wall follows the pointer and automatically displays the wall length.

3 Release the mouse button at any point. The Custom Wall

Length menu is displayed.

4 Type the exact length needed, then click OK. 5 Repeat steps above, drawing horizontal and vertical

walls. Notice that Punch! AS3000 automatically connects walls to form corners.

Note: Dimensions are entered in inches or feet and inches, separated by a hyphen. For example, 10-0 indicates ten feet while 10 is interpreted as ten inches.

Note: To draw the last wall perpendicular to the first wall, release the mouse button, while the cursor is atop the start point of the first wall.

4 Repeat steps above, drawing horizontal and vertical

walls. Notice that Punch! AS3000 automatically connects walls to form corners.

Tip: Punch! AS3000’s default is to track walls along adjoining walls; to avoid this constraint, begin drawing from the center of the room and drag toward the wall.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 75

Chapter Floor Plan Tab

Setting Wall Options

Once you have drawn interior or exterior walls for your design, you have the option to customize many features. From wall thickness, floor height and stud spacing to automatic flooring options, you have alternatives for almost every feature.

To define wall width 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the

Selection Tool.

2 Click a wall to select it; the Wall

Properties bar is displayed.

3 Click the radio button next to the width

of walls you want to use.

4 (optional) Type in a custom

measurement, if needed.

Note: For changes to take effect, press ENTER after each change.

To define stud spacing 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a wall to select it; the Wall Properties bar is

displayed.

3 Type the stud spacing required in the dialog box.

To turn off dimension or callouts for a selected wall

■ On the Walls Properties bar, click to uncheck the radio

button next to Auto-Dim.

■ On the Walls Properties bar, click to uncheck the radio

button next to Callouts.

To dimension from wall surface

By default, measurements are from wall center to wall cen ter;

to measure walls from surface to surface, follow these steps.

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click a wall to select it; the Wall Properties bar is

displayed.

3 Click the radio button next to Surfaces.

To change dimension location

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click a wall to select it; the Wall Properties bar is

displayed.

3 Click the Flip Dims button.

To turn off all automatic dimensioning

■ On the Options menu, click to uncheck Automatic

Dimensioning.

■ At the bottom of the window, click the Dimension

button, then click to uncheck Automatic Dimensioning on the pop-up menu that is displayed.

To control automatic flooring

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click a wall to select it; the Wall Properties bar is

displayed.

To hide all window and door dimensions

■ On the Options menu, click to uncheck Window/Door

Callouts.

■ At the bottom of the window, click the Dimension

button, then click to uncheck Window/Door

3 Check the Automatic Floor checkbox. Flooring is

automatically inserted between joined exterior wa lls.

4 Uncheck the Automatic Flooring checkbox. The flooring

disappears.

5 (optional) Type a Depth in the dialog box to customize

the flooring depth.

callouts on the pop-up menu that is displayed.

76 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Setting Ceiling/Floor Options

Once you have drawn exterior walls for your design, you can customize several options. You can create soffit for the outside, define the depth of the floor, and define the ceiling options. To also manually draw flooring whenever it is

For more information, see “Adding Flooring”, which

needed. begins on page 89.

To define ceiling options 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a wall to select it; the Wall Properties bar is

displayed.

3 Click the Ceiling/Floor button on the Properties Bar. The

Ceiling/Floor Builder menu is displayed

4 Click the Ceiling Options box. 5 Enter the dimensions in the text boxes

to define the needed ceiling options.

6 Click OK.

4 Click the Soffit Options box. 5 Enter the dimensions in the text boxes

to define the needed soffit options.

6 (optional) Click the radio button to join

the soffit pieces, if you prefer to work with the soffit as one unit or click the radio button for separate soffits to work with each side as a separate piece.

7 Click OK.

Editing Walls

At any point during design of your new home, both exterior and interior walls can be moved, reshaped, removed and so on.

To move a wall 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a wall to select it. 3 Click one of the selected walls; hold down the mouse

button and drag the foundation to the new location.

To remove a wall 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the wall you want to delete, to select it. Orange tabs

appear at either end of the wall.

3 Press the DELETE key on the keyboard.

To define floor options 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a wall to select it; the Wall Properties bar is

displayed.

3 Click the Ceiling/Floor button on the Properties Bar. The

Ceiling/Floor Builder menu is displayed

4 Click the Floor Options box. 5 Enter the dimensions in the text boxes

to define the needed floor options.

6 Click OK.

To define soffit options 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a wall to select it; the Wall Properties bar is

displayed.

3 Click the Ceiling/Floor button on the Properties Bar. The

Ceiling/Floor Builder menu is displayed

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 77

To cut and paste a wall 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a wall to select it. 3 Click Cut on the Edit menu or press CTRL+X on your

keyboard. The wall group or wall segment that was selected is removed from view.

4 Click Paste on the Edit menu or press CTRL+V on your

keyboard. The wall you removed from your drawing in step 3 is displayed.

5 Drag the wall to the new location.

To convert exterior walls to interior walls 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the

Selection Tool.

2 Right-click an exterior wall on

your design window. Click Convert Wall to Interior on the

Chapter Floor Plan Tab

To convert interior walls to exterior walls 1 On the Standard toolbar, click

2 Right-click an interior wall on

pop-up menu. All connected walls becomes interior walls.

the Selection Tool.

your design window. Click Convert Wall to Exterior on the pop-up menu. All connected walls becomes exterior walls.

Defining Gable Wall Segments

When a wall is drawn that will be roofed by a gable roof section, you can easily match the wall to the pitch of the roof. It does not matter whether you draw the roof first or alter the wall segment first.

To define a gable wall segment 1 Click the wall section that will be fitted to the gab le roof;

the Wall Properties bar is displayed.

2 Click the Wall Style button, then

click the Gable Style on the pop-up menu.

3 Type the Base Height. The Base

Height, denoted by the blue bar, will typically be your ceiling height.

4 Type Pitch - A and B to match the

pitch of the roof section they will meet.

5 Type Height - C and Height - D (if

necessary, to match your roofline). Click OK.

Drawing Irregular Walls

With Punch! AS3000, you can draw diagonal walls, create

gable walls and elevate wall segments. You can create a

unique floor plan with just a few clicks.

To draw diagonal walls

1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Interior Wall

Tool.

2 On the Preview Bar, click the wall width you want.

3 Press and hold the SHIFT key, then click on the design

window and drag. Notice that the wall follows the pointer and automatically displays the wall length.

4 Release the mouse button when the diagonal wall length

you want is reached.

Tip: Punch! AS3000’s default is to track walls along

adjoining walls; to avoid this constraint, begin drawing from

the center of the room and drag toward the wall.

To define slanted walls

1 Click the wall section that will be fitted to the gable roof;

the Wall Properties bar is displayed.

78 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

2 Click the Wall Style button, then

click the Gable Style on the pop-up menu.

3 Type the Base Height. The Base

Height, denoted by the blue bar, will typically be your ceiling height.

4 Type Pitch A and B if you are

matching a roofline.

5 Type Height - C and Height - D (if

necessary, to match your roofline). Click OK.

To elevate walls 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a wall to select it. 3 Use the Elevation Slider at the left of the window to raise

or lower the wall into position.

To rotate walls 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a wall to select it. 3 Click Rotate on the Edit menu. The Rotate dialog box is

displayed.

4 Click either Degrees or Radians, then type the angl e you

want to rotate the wall in the Angle text box.

5 Click OK. The wall segment or wall group you selected

is rotated, based on the angle measurement you specified.

Changing Interior Wall Segment Length

Once you have drawn exterior walls for your design, you can easily change the length of individual wall segments. You can not only change the length of a wall, but move an adjoining wall with the segment, assuring perpendicular walls.

To lengthen or shorten wall segments 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click an endpoint on the wall you want to resize, to select

it.

3 Hold down the mouse button and drag the endpoint.

Notice as you move the pointer, the wall dimensions are displayed.

Changing Interior Wall Segment Length

Drag

4 Continue dragging, until the wall length you want is

reached, then release the mouse button.

To define the wall segment length from the center 1 On Standard toolbar, click the Resize Segment

(Custom Length) Tool.

2 Click an interior wall. The Change Segment Length

dialog box is displayed.

3 Type the length needed, then click Change. The wall

segment is resized.

4 (optional) Uncheck the Linked box if you want the wall

to be resized, but do not want the adjoining wall to remain perpendicular to it.

Note: Dimensions are entered in inches or feet and inches, separated by a hyphen. For example, 10-0 indicates ten feet, while 10 is interpreted as ten inches.

To define a wall segment length from the end 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Resize Segment

(Custom Length) Tool.

2 Click the interior wall to be resized. The Change

Segment Length dialog box is displayed.

3 Type the length needed. 4 Click the radio button for the red dot to change the

location of the left end of the wall segment, then click Change.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 79

Chapter Floor Plan Tab

5 (optional) Click the radio button for the green dot to

change the location of the right end of the wall segment, then click Change.

6 (optional) Uncheck the Linked box if you want the wall

to be resized, but do not want the adjoining wall to remain perpendicular to it.

Note: Dimensions are entered in inches or feet and inches, separated by a hyphen. For example, 10-0 indicates ten feet while 10 is interpreted as ten inches.

Defining Wall Height

Punch! AS3000 makes setting an entire floor’s wall height easy. In addition, you can define custom wall heights for individual wall segments.

To change the height of a wall 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a wall segment in your drawing to select

it. The Wall Properties bar is displayed.

3 Type a new height in the Wall Style section of

the Wall Properties bar.

4 Press Enter.

To change the height of an entire floor 1 On the Design menu, click Default Ceiling Heights, First

Floor. The First Floor dialog box is displayed.

2 Type a new height measurement in the Height text box,

then press Enter.

Note: Changing the ceiling height this way will cause subsequently-drawn walls to be at the new height. If walls were drawn before setting the new wall height, they will need to be individually changed.

3 (optional) On the Edit Menu click Select All or type

Ctrl+A to select all walls on the active floor of your drawing, then type a new height in the Wall Style section of the Wall Properties bar.

Moving Walls

Once you’ve placed your walls, you can move them by dragging, making very precise movements using Nudge or by specifying exact cartesian or polar coordinates that correspond to the reference grid.

For more information on the reference grid, see “Using the

Grid” on page 16.

For information on adding dimensions between items where

automatic dimensioning is not applicable,

“Dimensioning”, which begins on page 31.

To move a wall by dragging

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click a wall to select it.

3 Holding down the mouse button, drag the wall segment

or wall group to a new location, then release the mouse button.

Note: By default, walls are moved either horizontally or

vertically; to remove this constraint, press SHIFT, while

moving the wall.

Note: For more information on making precision

movements using Snaps, see the chapter titled “Snaps and

Annotations”, which begins on page 23.

To move a wall by specifying coordinates

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click a wall to select it.

3 On the Edit Menu, click Move. The Move dialog box is

displayed.

4 Click either Cartesian or Polar, then type new X-and Y-

Axis coordinates in the appropriate text boxes.

5 Click OK. The wall segment or wall group you selected

is moved, based on the coordinates you specified.

see

Drawing a Curved Wall

With Punch! AS3000, drawing bay windows and curved

walls is easy. You could even draw a round house! After

drawing the walls, you can add windows, doors and so on to

suit your need.

To draw a curved wall

1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Curved Wall

Tool. The Curved Wall Tool Properties dialog box is displayed.

For more information see “Using Nudge” on page 173.

80 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Breaking a Wall

With Punch! AS3000 it’s easy to paint each room in your design a different color. Once you have drawn exterior and interior walls to your specifications, you can simulate different rooms with the Wall Break Tool, making it possible to apply different colors or materials in each room. information, see “Applying Paint and Color”, which begins on page 199.

For more

2 Type the Wall Segment length in the text box, then click

OK.

3 On the Design window, press the mouse button, to define

one end of the circular wall segment, and drag. A rubberband line appears and follows the pointer. This line signifies the diameter of your curved wall.

4 Release the mouse button when the wall is the correct

length.

5 Move the mouse clockwise or counter-clockwise until

the wall is the shape you want.

6 Click to end. Note: Press SHIFT to reverse the direction the arc is

drawing.

To draw a bay window 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Curved Wall

Tool. The Curved Wall Tool Properties dialog box is displayed.

2 Type 4-0 (four feet, zero inches) as the Wall Segment

length in the dialog box, then click OK.

3 On the Design window, press the mouse button to define

one end of the circular wall segment and drag. A rubberband line appears and follows the pointer. This line signifies the diameter of your curved wall.

4 Release the mouse button when the wall is the correct

length.

5 Move the mouse clockwise or counter-clockwise until

the wall is the shape you want.

6 Click to end. 7 Drag and drop windows onto the facets of the bay

window. which begins on page 83.

Note: Press SHIFT to reverse the direction the arc is drawing.

For more information, see “Adding Windows”,

To break a wall 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Wall Break Tool. 2 On the Design window, click a wall where you

want to position a break.

3 (optional) Hold the mouse button down and move it back

and forth to position the break using associative dimensioning.

Adding Doors and Openings

All doors and cased openings are automatically dimensioned to neighboring walls, doors and windows. There are three types of openings and nine door styles available in Punch! AS3000 and they are all placed in the same manner. In addition, you can design doors to your exact specifications using Punch! Door Designer. “Door Designer”, which begins on page 227.

To add a door 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Door Tool. The

Door Properties Bar is displayed.

2 On the Door Properties Bar, click the Door

Style button, then click the door style you want from the pop-up window that is displayed.

3 On the Design window, click a wall where you

want to place a door.

4 (optional) Click to set the door swing, if necessary.

For more information, see

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 81

Chapter Floor Plan Tab

5 Type the Width, Height, Elevation and Trim Width to

6 Type the Door Swing Angle, if necessary. Note: Any changes made on the Door Properties bar

become the default and will be used the next time a door is placed.

customize them.

Moving an Opening or Door

Sometimes after placing a door you will need to move it to a new position or delete it completely. Both of these procedures are simple.

To move a door 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a door to select it. 3 Holding down the mouse button, drag the door to a new

location, then release the mouse button. Be sure to drag the door from the center. If you drag on an endpoint, the door will be resized.

door style you want from the pop-up window that is displayed.

To resize a door by specifying dimensions

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click the door you want to modify.

3 On the Door Properties Bar, type the Width,

Height, Elevation and Trim Width to customize them.

To resize a door by dragging

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click a door to select it.

3 Holding down the mouse button on an endpoint of the

door, drag the endpoint to resize the door, then release the mouse button.

To flip the direction of a door

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection

Tool.

2 Click the door you want to modify.

3 On the Door Properties Bar, click the Flip Door button.

The door flips direction.

Drag

Note: Doors can only be moved within the wall where they were placed.

Changing Door Settings

There is no need to redraw a door just because you need a different size or style. You can control many of its features through the Custom Door Properties Bar.

To change door type 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the

Selection Tool.

2 Click the door you want to modify. 3 On the Door Properties Bar, click

Door Style button, then click the

82 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

To change door swing

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection

Tool.

2 Click the door you want to modify.

3 On the Door Properties Bar, type the new door swing

angle. The door swing updates.

To change the elevation of a door

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click a door to select it.

3 On the Door Properties Bar, type a new elevation in the

Elevate text box.

4 (Optional) Use the Elevation Slider at the left of the

screen to raise or lower the selected door into position.

Adding Double Doors

Double doors add an elegant look to any room. To simulate French Doors, use glass doors instead of the wooden ones used in this example.

To draw double doors 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Door Tool. The

Door Properties Bar is displayed.

2 On the Door Properties Bar, click the

Door Style button, then click the Custom Door style at the bottom of the list. The Door Preview Bar is displayed.

3 Click the arrow next to “Doors”

at the top of the Preview Bar to display the door library list, then click Double Doors. Available double doors are displayed in the Preview Bar.

4 On the Double Door Preview Bar, click the

left door.

Note: Right and left doors are placed individually.

5 On the Design window, click a wall where

you want to place a door.

6 Click to set the door swing. 7 Repeat steps 4-6 for the right door. Overlap

them slightly to minimize the center post.

Adding Windows

Like doors and cased openings, there are an extensive variety of windows available in Punch! AS3000. They are automatically dimensioned to neighboring walls, doors and windows. There are 19 window styles available in Punch! AS3000 and they are all placed in the same manner. In addition, you can design doors to your exact specifications using Punch! Window Designer. “Window Designer”, which begins on page 239.

For information on precision placement using Snaps, see the chapter titled “Snaps and Annotations”, which begins on page 23.

To add a window 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Window Tool. The

Windows Properties Bar is displayed.

2 On the Windows Properties Bar, click the

Window Style button, then click the window style you want from the pop-up window that is displayed.

3 On the Design window, click a wall where you

want to place a window.

For more information, see

4 Type the Width, Height, Elevation and Trim Width to

customize them.

5 (optional) For double-hung or casement/picture

windows, specify the grill spacing.

Note: Any changes made on the Windows Properties bar, become the default and will be used the next time a window is placed.

Moving a Window

If you’ve placed windows on your home design and then decide you want to move them to accommodate a better view, for instance, Punch! AS3000 makes it easy to move windows after they’ve been placed.

To move a window 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a window to select it.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 83

Chapter Floor Plan Tab

3 Holding down the mouse button, drag the window to a

new location, then release the mouse button.

Drag

Note: Be sure to drag the window from the center. If you drag on an endpoint, the window will be resized.

Changing Window Settings

Once windows have been placed, it is easy to resize them. You can do this by specifying exact dimensions or by dragging one end, until you have the required size. You have control over the look of your windows by changing the grill settings. You can also flip windows vertically or horizontally to create beautiful groupings to suit any room design.

To resize a window by specifying dimensions 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a window to select it. 3 On the Windows Properties Bar, type the

Width, Height, Elevation and Trim Width to customize them.

To resize a window by dragging 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a window to select it. 3 Holding down the mouse button on an endpoint of the

window, drag the endpoint until the window is the size you want, then release the mouse button.

To change the grill settings of a window

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click a window to select it.

3 On the Windows Properties Bar, click either

Double Hung or Casement/Picture. The Grill settings control is displayed.

Note: The Grill settings dialog will appear only

when a Double Hung or Casement/Picture window is

selected.

4 Using the scroll bars in the Grill section of the dialog

box, adjust the grill appearance. The new grill settings are applied.

Elevating a Window

Punch! AS3000 makes it simple to create window groups or

transoms. The Elevation Slider makes it almost a one-click

process.

To elevate a window

1 Place windows, using the technique outlined in “Adding

Windows” on page 83.

2 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

3 Click the window to select it.

4 On the Window Properties Bar, type a new elevation in

the Elevate text box.

5 (Optional) Use the Elevation Slider at the left of the

screen to raise or lower the selected window into position.

6 Continue selecting and elevating windows until the look

you want is achieved.

To flip a window 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a window to select it. 3 On the Windows Properties Bar, click one of

the flip buttons.

Note: Flip is not available if a Double Hung or Casement/Picture window is selected.

84 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Stacking Windows

Punch! AS3000 makes it simple to create window groups or

transoms. The Elevation Slider makes it almost a one-click

process. For ease in selecting features which are placed close

Adding Accessories

together, use the Selection Filer. For more information, see “Selection Filter”, which begins on page 10.

To stack windows 1 Place windows using the technique outlined in “Adding

Windows” on page 83.

2 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 3 Click the window to select it. 4 Using the Elevation Slider at the left of the screen, raise

or lower the window into position.

5 Continue placing and elevating windows, until the look

you want is achieved.

Note: Stacked windows will appear on top of one another in the 2D design window. To select stacked windows, you might need to move the most recently-placed windows along the wall to gain access to those windows placed before.

Adding Accessories

You can easily add drapes, curtains, blinds and so on to any window. Accessories are designed to “track the walls”, meaning they can only be placed on wall segments and will move with those walls.

To add accessories 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Accessory Tool.

The Accessory Properties Bar is displayed.

2 (optional) Click the arrow next to

“Accessory” at the top of the Preview Bar to display the accessory library list, then click Blinds. Available blinds are displayed in the Preview Bar.

3 On the Preview Bar, click the Accessory you

want to place.

4 On the Design window, click a wall where you

want to place the accessory.

Note: Hold the mouse button down to move the accessory along the wall.

5 Click to select the accessory. The Properties Bar is

displayed.

6 Type the Width, Height, Wall Offset and

Elevation to customize them.

7 (optional) To create a sheer effect, set the

translucency.

8 (optional) To automatically size the

accessory, click the Auto/Size button, then click the window. The accessory will automatically fit to the dimensions of that window.

Adding a Second Floor

With Punch! AS3000 you can create a home design with up to three stories. Once you’ve completed your foundation and other first floor features, you can begin adding upper stories to your home design. For more information on foundation design, refer to which begins on page 67.

To copy all exterior walls from the first floor to the second

1 On the Foundation tab,

uncheck any other plan layers you may have selected to view simultaneously.

2 Press SHIFT, while

clicking each exterior wall, until they are all selected.

3 On the Edit menu, click

Copy to Floor, then Upper Floor. All exterior walls are copied to the second floor.

To draw walls on the second floor 1 On the Design menu, click Work on Floor, Second

Floor or click on the Active Floor Icon at the bottom left-hand portion of the screen, then click Work on Second Floor on the pop-up menu that is displayed.

the chapter titled “Foundation Plan Tab”,

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 85

Chapter Floor Plan Tab

2 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Exterior Wall

Tool. Using the techniques outlined in “Drawing Exterior Walls” on page 74 and “Drawing Interior Walls” on page 75, draw Exterior and Interior Walls.

Note: The non-working floor is shown in a pale color as reference, but if you prefer, you can choose to view only the floor you are working on. Click the Active Floor Icon and click View Working Floor Only.

Note: To make it easy to identify which floor is active, you can assign separate colors to the active and background floors. For more information on customizing floor colors see the chapter titled “Editing Your Drawing”, which begins on page 171.

To copy everything from one floor to another 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 On the Design menu, click Work on Floor, Second

Floor (or the floor you want to copy) or click on the Active Floor Icon, then click Work on Second Floor on the pop-up menu that is displayed.

3 On the Edit menu, click

Select All, or press CTRL+A.

4 On the Edit menu, click

Copy to Floor, Upper Floor. Select Lower Floor if you want to copy the original down one level.

To move everything from one floor to anot her 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 On the Design menu, click Work on Floor, Second

Floor (or the floor you want to move) or click on the Active Floor Icon, then click Work on Second Floor on the pop-up menu that is displayed.

3 On the Edit menu, click

Select All, or press CTRL+A.

4 On the Edit menu, click

Move to Floor, Upper Floor. Select Lower Floor if you want to move the original down one level.

Creating a Split Level

With Punch! AS3000’s Elevation Slider, you can easily

design a split level home. With one or two mouse clicks, your

split level can be perfectly positioned.

To create a split level

1 On the Design menu, click Work on Floor, Work on

Second Floor or click on the Active Floor Icon, then click Work on Second Floor on the pop-up menu that is displayed.

2 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Exterior Wall

Tool. Using the techniques outlined in the section “Drawing Exterior Walls” on page 74, draw an entirely separate area.

3 Select all points of the newly-drawn section, by clicking

on each wall, while holding down SHIFT.

4 On the left side of your window, move the Elevation

Slider to the position needed for the split.

Placing a Staircase

As you create more than one floor in your design, you’ll want

to draw a staircase. As you are placing stairs, Punch! AS3000

displays the stair length so you know the exact

measurements, as you draw. To create an opening for the

stairway in the upper floor,

which begins on page 89.

To draw a straight staircase

1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Straight Staircase

Tool. The Staircase Properties bar is displayed.

2 Click on the design window to define the start point of

the staircase. A rubber-band staircase, with dimensions, is displayed and follows the pointer.

3 Extend the staircase to the location you want, then right-

click to end drawing mode.

see “Adding a Floor Cutout”,

86 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

4 (optional) Press and hold the SHIFT key, while drawing

to release the 15 degree constraint.

To draw a curved staircase 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Curved Staircase

Tool. The Staircase Properties bar is displayed.

2 Click and release on the design window to define the start

point of the staircase. A rubber-band staircase, with dimensions, is displayed and follows the pointer.

3 Move in the direction you want the stairs to rise, then

click to place the staircase.

Modifying a Staircase

5 Nudge points into position to refine the look of the

landing.

6 (optional) Press and hold the SHIFT key, while drawing

to release the 15 degree constraint.

4 (optional) Press and hold the SHIFT key, while drawing,

to constrain stairs to a perfect arc.

To create a landing 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Straight St ai rcase

Tool. The Staircase Properties bar is displayed.

2 Click on the design window to define the start point of

the staircase. A rubber-band staircase, with dimensions, is displayed and follows the pointer.

3 Click where you want the landing. 4 Extend the staircase to the location you want, then right-

click to end drawing mode.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 87

Modifying a Staircase

Once you have drawn a staircase, you can modify features and location to suit your needs. With Punch! AS3000 you have control over stairway width, riser and tread dimensions, handrail height and placement and whether the stairs are open or enclosed.

Reversing the direction of a staircase 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Right-click the center line of the

staircase you want to alter.

3 Click Reverse Staircase

Direction on the pop-up menu that is displayed. The direction of the staircase is reversed.

Note: This works for both curved and straight staircases.

Chapter Floor Plan Tab

Customizing staircase features 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection

Tool.

2 Click the staircase you want to customize,

to select it. The Staircase Properties bar is displayed.

3 (optional) Type a new staircase height and

width.

4 (optional) Check the radio button to add

skirt walls.

5 (optional) Type a new step height (riser). 6 (optional) Type a step depth (tread). 7 (optional) Specify handrail height and

location, left or right, as you are looking from bottom of staircase.

Moving a staircase 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the centerline of the staircase you want to

reposition.

Drag

3 Click Copy on the Edit menu or press CTRL+C on your

keyboard.

4 Click Paste on the Edit menu, or press CTRL+V on the

keyboard. The stairway you copied is displayed.

Adding Railings

After drawing a staircase, you’ll need to draw a railing

around the opening to provide a barrier.

To draw a straight railing

1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Railing Tool. The

Railing Properties bar is displayed.

2 Click on the design window to define the start point of

the Railing. A rubber-band Railing, with dimensions, is displayed and follows the pointer.

3 Extend the Railing to the location you want, then right-

click to end drawing mode.

4 (optional) Press and hold the SHIFT key, while drawing,

to release the 15 degree constraint.

To draw a curved railing

1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Curved Railing

Tool. The Railing Properties bar is displayed.

2 Click on the design window to define the start point of

the railing. A rubber-band Railing, with dimensions, is displayed and follows the pointer.

Note: The railing will appear angular as it is drawn, but will

curve after the next point is set.

3 (optional) Press and hold the SHIFT key, while drawing,

to constrain railing to a perfect arc.

Modifying a Railing

3 Click again; hold down the mouse button and drag the

staircase to the new location.

Resizing a staircase 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the centerline of the staircase you want to resize. 3 Click an endpoint or midpoint of the staircase; hold down

the mouse button and drag.

To copy and paste a staircase 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the centerline of the staircase you want to copy.

88 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Once you have drawn a railing, you can modify its features.

Customizing railing features

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click the railing you want to customize. The

Railing Properties bar is displayed.

3 (optional) Type a new handrail height.

4 (optional) Type a new baluster spacing.

5 (optional) Check whether railing posts are

wanted.

Adding Flooring

To copy and paste a railing 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the railing you want to copy. 3 Click Copy on the Edit menu or press CTRL+C on your

keyboard.

4 Click Paste on the Edit menu or press CTRL+V on the

keyboard. The railing you copied is displayed.

5 Click again; hold down the mouse button and drag the

new railing into position.

Resizing a railing 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click the railing you want to resize. 3 Click on an endpoint of the railing; hold down the mouse

button and drag.

Adding Flooring

Whether you want to carpet the whole floor with one color or you want each room to have an individual feel, Punch! AS3000 helps you experiment with different flooring options, before spending hundreds of dollars on something you’re not happy with. Once drawn, you can customize the flooring by applying materials like tile, carpet, wood and so

For more information, see “Applying Building

on. Materials”, which begins on page 200.

To draw flooring 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Floor Tool. The

Flooring Properties bar is displayed.

Note: If necessary, you can turn off the automatic flooring option. Click an exterior wall, uncheck the Auto-Floor option on the Wall Properties bar.

3 Click and move the pointer to the next cornerpoint.

Repeat until you have completely drawn the flooring area.

4 Right-click to end drawing mode. 5 (optional) To customize the thickness of the flooring,

type a new thickness on the Properties Bar.

To move flooring 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Press the mouse button and drag around all points of the

flooring, to select it.

3 Click on a side of the flooring; hold down the mouse

button and drag it to the new location.

To reshape flooring 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a side of the flooring you want to reshape. 3 Click a cornerpoint of the flooring; hold down the mouse

button and drag.

4 Click the next cornerpoint; hold down the mouse button

and drag.

5 (optional) Click a side of the flooring to move the two

cornerpoints at once.

To calculate the square footage of a flooring area 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a side of the flooring area you want to

calculate, to select it. The Flooring Properties bar is displayed.

3 Click the Calc. Area button on the Properties bar. 4 The calculation is displayed on the Properties bar.

2 Click on the design window to define the start point of

the flooring. A rubber-band line is displayed and follows the pointer. This line signifies the first edge of the flooring. Notice that dimensions are displayed, as you draw.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 89

Adding a Floor Cutout

Punch! AS3000, makes it easy to design lofts, creative staircase openings and so on. You can also easily convert that space over the garage to a versatile room.

To draw a floor cutout 1 On the Floor Plan tab, click the Floor Cutout Tool.

The Flooring Properties bar is displayed.

2 Click on the design window to define the start point of

the floor cutout. A rubber-band line is displayed and follows the pointer. This line signifies the first edge of the flooring. Notice that dimensions are displayed, as you draw.

Chapter Floor Plan Tab

3 Click and move the pointer to the next cornerpoint.

4 Right-click to end drawing mode. 5 (optional) To customize the thickness of the cutout, type

To move floor cutout 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Press the mouse button and drag around all points of the

3 Click on a side of the floor cutout; hold down the mouse

To reshape a floor cutout 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click a side of the floor cutout you want to reshape. 3 Click a cornerpoint of the floor cutout; hold down the

4 Click the next cornerpoint; hold down the mouse button

5 (optional) Click a side of the floor cutout to move the two

Repeat until you have completely drawn the floor cutout area.

a new thickness on the Properties Bar.

floor cutout to select it.

button and drag it to the new location.

mouse button and drag.

and drag.

cornerpoints at once.

90 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Part 3

Utilities in Your Home Design

Chapter 12: Electrical Plan Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Chapter 13: Plumbing Plan Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Chapter 14: HVAC Plan Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Chapter 12

Electrical Plan Tab

Adding electrical components to your home design is a simple matter of selecting the component you want to place and clicking on your drawing plan. You can even turn the lights on and off!

Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 provides handy placement features such as associative dimensioning and wall tracking. Using associative dimensioning or snaps, you can place components a specific distance from a neighboring wall or other electrical component. Automatic wall tracking makes sure you place components such as outlets and switches without error.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 93

Chapter Electrical Plan Tab

Placing Outlets and Switches

Punch! AS3000 makes it simple to add electrical components to your home plan. Using the convenient tabbed utility tools, simply select the components you want to place and click. Dimension lines automatically appear, making it easy to place components a specific distance from a neighboring electrical component or wall segment. You’ll notice that when placing certain outlets and switches, the object is automatically “tracked” to the wall segment, making accurate placement simple. Floor and ceiling outlets are not tracked to walls. If the outlet is to be placed within 6" of a water source, for example, in a kitchen, bath or outdoors, always use a GFI outlet. Ground Fault Interrupters are designed to shut themselves off if they get wet.

For information on precision placement using Snaps, see the chapter titled “Snaps and Annotations”, which begins on page 23.

To place outlets and switches 1 On the Electrical Plan tab, click one of the outlet or

switch tools.

2 Click a wall segment; hold down the mouse

button and drag. Dimensions will display as you drag the outlet or switch along the wall. The dimension lines indicate the distance from the center of the outlet or switch to the nearest wall or other electrical component.

To move a ceiling or floor outlet by a specific

distance

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click to select the outlet you want to move. Selection

handles appear.

3 On the Edit menu, click Move. The Move dialog box is

displayed.

4 Click either Cartesian or Polar coordinates.

5 Type the X and Y Axis measurements, then click OK.

6 The outlet is moved to the location you specified.

To move an outlet or switch by dragging

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click to select the outlet or switch you want to

move. Selection handles appear.

3 Drag the outlet or switch to a new location. As you move

the outlet or switch, associative dimensioning is displayed.

3 Release the mouse button to place the outlet or switch.

Note: To place a 4-Way or 5-Way switch, click the 3-Way

switch button on the Switch Style Preview Bar and click the needed switch on the pop-up window that is displayed.

4 Release the mouse button to place the outlet or switch in

the new location.

To remove an outlet or switch

1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool.

2 Click to select the outlet or switch you want to delete. To place ceiling or floor outlets

1 On the Electrical Plan tab, click the 110 or the 220

Ceiling/Floor Outlet Tool.

Selection handles appear.

3 Press the DELETE key on the keyboard. The outlet or

switch is removed from your design.

2 On the Preview Bar, click either a

Floor Outlet or a Ceiling Outlet.

3 Click on the design window to place

the outlet.

94 PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide

Drag

Adding Connector Switches

It’s easy to add ceiling fan switches to your home design. Using the ceiling fan switch tool, just click and drag to define the wiring.

To place connector switches 1 On the Electrical Plan tab, click the Connector

Switch Tool.

2 Click a wall segment; hold down the mouse button and

drag. The wiring is displayed as you drag.

Drag

3 Click the ceiling fan or light you want to connect. The

wiring is displayed in your drawing.

3 Press the DELETE key on the keyboard. The connector

is removed from your design.

To move connector switches by a specific distance 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click to select the connector switch you want to move.

Selection handles appear.

3 On the Edit menu, click Move. The Move dialog box is

displayed.

4 Click either Cartesian or Polar coordinates. 5 Type the X and Y Axis measurements, then click OK. 6 The connector is moved to the location you specified.

Adding Fixture Lighting

Adding fixture lighting to your design is very similar to adding other electrical components; however, they do not track directly to walls or automatically display dimensioning.

Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 provides many lights to choose from, including recessed canned lights, heat/vent lights and so on. In addition, you can control the amount of illumination that each fixture generates.

To move connector switches 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click to select the connector you want to move.

Selection handles appear.

3 Drag the connector switch to a new location. 4 Release the mouse button to place the connector switch

in the new location.

To remove connector switches 1 On the Standard toolbar, click the Selection Tool. 2 Click to select the connector you want to delete.

Selection handles appear.

PUNCH! Home Design Architectural Series 3000 User’s Guide 95

To add light fixtures 1 On the Electrical Plan tab, click Light Tool. The

pointer changes to reflect drawing mode.

2 The Light Properties bar is

displayed, showing the customizable options for this tool.

3 (optional) Click the Light Style

button to access a different light style, then select an option from the pop-up menu that is displayed.

4 Click once in your plan drawing to

place each light.

Punch! software ARCHITECTURAL SERIES 3000 V10 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Table of Contents

Nuts & Bolts

Welcome

Contents of Package

System Requirements

Tips for Users of Other Punch! Programs

Installing Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000

Registering Punch! Home Design Architectural Series 3000

Speed Tips

Important System Settings

Display Settings

Online Help

Video Tutorials

Technical Support

Window Layout

Title Bar

Menu Bar

Tips & Tricks

Plan Tabs and Toolbars

Elevation Slider

Virtual Ruler

Snaps Bar

Annotation Bar

Measurement Tools

Working Floor Button

Status Bar

Scroll Bars

Properties Bar

Selection Filter

Preview Bars

LiveView Icons

Compass Setting

PunchSoftware.com

A Quick Tour

About This Guide

Basic Terms

Graphic Cues

Punch! PowerTools™

Defining Your Lot Size and Topography

Setting the Scale

Setting Unit of Measurement

Using the Grid

File Management

Opening a File

Saving a File

Closing a File

Accessing the Pre-Drawn Homeplans

Importing Files

Exporting Files

Sharing Files Using the Content Folder

Printing Floorplans

Printing a 3D LiveView Rendering

Snaps and Annotations

Snap to Endpoint

Snap to Segment Centerpoint

Snap to Object Center

Snap to Object Corner

Snap to Intersection

Snap to Perpendicular

Snap to Segment-Offset

Adding and Deleting Points

Reshaping Elements

Using Flip

Using Mirror

Dimensioning

Using the Virtual Ruler

Calculating Square Footage

Adding Text

Controlling Views

Viewing the 2D Plan

Panning Across the 2D Drawing

Zooming In and Out in 2D

Using Viewpoints

Arranging 2D and 3D Windows

Plan Tabs

Selecting a Plan Tab