New tool: copy along any path

The fixed Edit task area contains the new Copy Along Any Path tool.

You can use this tool to copy one or more 2D and 3D objects along any 3D paths (3D lines, 3D splines, edges of 3D solids or walls). You can use a part of the path, define a starting offset and end offset and enter the distance between the elements or the number of elements. In addition, you can rotate the elements relative to the path or z-axis.

You can copy any 2D elements such as labels and 3D elements such as lines, surfaces, solids, components, converted user-defined architectural elements, SmartParts, PythonParts or smart symbols.

The way components behave when you copy them depends on how their heights are defined. Components that are linked with a plane (for example, default plane, offset plane, reference surface, roof surface) retain this link; the heights do not change.

When you copy components that are based on an absolute value, Allplan adjusts the heights of the copies to the path.

You cannot rotate components about the z-axis; they are always vertical, regardless of what you select for object rotation. Converted user-defined architectural elements are exceptions; they behave like 3D solids and can be rotated freely.

Tip: You can use this tool to copy 3D outlines along a 3D spline and use the outlines and the spline as a basis for Sweep Path.

Although you can use the Copy Along Element tool to copy 3D objects, the path must be a 2D element. With the new Copy Along Any Path tool, you can use any 3D paths.

• You can first select the elements you want to copy and click Copy Along Ayn Path afterward, or you click Copy Along Ayn Path first and select the elements afterward.
• To copy several elements, use the Brackets.

  Tip: If you work with complex 3D objects and numerous copies, it is a good idea to save smart symbols of the objects beforehand. One foil is usually sufficient. This helps you save data, because regardless of how many times you actually place a smart symbol, only the hard-drive space for a single instance is required.

• Define the reference point of the elements that you want to copy. Allplan uses this reference point to distribute the copies. Allplan places the elements with the reference point at the starting point of the path. You can see a preview of the copies; this preview is based on the current settings.

  Note: A preview for architectural components is not available yet, but it is in development.

• The path can consist of several 3D elements such as 3D lines or 3D curves. However, the path must be continuous; select it by using the Brackets.
• After having selected the path, you can see the Copy Along Any Path input options and a preview of the result based on the current settings.

  

• Handles indicate the starting and end points and the direction of the path.

  

• Click the arrow handle to change the direction of the path. This places the elements with the reference point at the new starting point of the path. This also affects how the 3D objects rotate.
• To use only a part of the path, click one of the point handles. Then, click the path or enter the distance in the dialog line, thus defining the starting and end points of the path. All subsequent entries apply to the path length defined.
• You have the following options to distribute the copies:
  • By offset
  • By offset and number
  • By number
• You have the following options for object rotation:
  • No rotation
  • Local
  • Default
  • z-axis
• 2D objects like labels retain their reference points; 2D objects do not rotate or they rotate in the xy-plane only.
• When you are satisfied with the settings, select Esc to create the copies along the path.