9.11.2.2. Define custom object from 3D model
Before using this command, you have to create the 3D solid of the object and make other preparations. The complexity of designing 3D models ensures a great deal of freedom in definition.
Preparatory steps:
- Construct the 3D model of the object.
- Create a 3D group of the model.
- Create the 2D symbol of the object if you wish to use a special symbol for its 2D representation.
Use of the 
Define custom object from 3D model command:
- Select the 2D and 3D group already created.
1. Creating a 3D model
- Using the solid modeler, create the 3D solid of the object.
2. Creating a 2D symbol of the object
- Draw the 2D symbol of the desired object in the appropriate size using geometric elements (line, arcs, etc.). The program will display this symbol every time you insert the object.
Group definition:
- Create the 2D group with the Tools menu - 2D group - Create command.
- Select the elements of the 2D symbol and define the reference points. You need four points for this method whose sequence of definition is important. You have to define the lower left, lower right, upper right ,upper left points in the same order.
- Assign a name to the group in the appearing dialog box.
&You find an example of 2D symbol definition in Chapter 9.3.4.1. Define custom door/window.
3. Creating a 3D group
- Create the 3D group with the 3D menu - Group in 3D- Define object command:
- Enter the name of the group. The name of the 3D group can be identical with the one you defined for the 2D group.
- Select the solids that form the new object.
- Specify the reference points of the 3D group in the same order as you defined the reference points of the 2D group (lower left, lower right, upper right ,upper left).
If the four bottom corner points of the bounding box enclosing the solid are the reference points, simply select the ENTER keyword.
When creating a 3D group the 2D symbol is automatically created, this is the top view of the 3D model. It is not always identical to the symbol of the object, that’s why it was necessary to create its own symbol.
4. Using the Define custom object from 3D model icon
- Select the 2D group in the dialog box that you want to use as the symbol of the object in the floor plan. You may choose the group you created or the one offered by the program.
- Select the appropriate 3D group.
- Enter the name of the object.
The program displays the name of the object, and asks if you want to save it. The program saves the new object to the specified category in the Objects directory.