Auto Hybrid - Simple Outline

[Kevin McAllister]

I wish there was an option to create a simple outline using the Auto Hybrid. (Imagine dragging around an object using the polygon lasso mode and getting a single filled shape). Often things want to be simplified on a plan and I don't need all the extra lines. I would like this option for the entire Auto Hybrid, or for things above or below the cutting plane.

A simple workflow example would be when I want to indicate a chandelier overhead. The chandelier is a 3d model. Right now I make a hybrid symbol and draw a simple 2d outline. What I really want to do is make it an Auto Hybrid and use it to indicate objects above the cutting plane. But I don't want every bulb, I just want the outside outline of the object in a dashed hidden line way.

Kevin

Edited December 1, 2013 by Kevin McAllister

[grant_PD]

Yes, the Auto Hybrid needs more work. I like this idea of an outline.

I think it would also be more efficient to view the object in 3d (say isometric) and drag on sliders to set the three view options. I spent a lot of time last project guessing at what the cutting plane was, guessing at how far I should view objects above and below....This needs to be real time and interactive.

[Kevin McAllister]

Real time and interactive would be brilliant.

KM

[PVA - Admin]

I think maybe a step further and just have a "Simple Outline" or "Exterior Only" mode of all locations where Hidden Line is used, not just in Auto Hybrid.

In some situations, altering the smoothing angle in Line Render Options lets you achieve this look, but having it available as a simple checkbox would be much better, thoughts?

[Kevin McAllister]

Hi Jim,

Sounds like a good idea. I'm not sure where else this option is needed. Definitely with the Auto Hybrid. I have often wished there was a Convert to Outline along with Convert to Lines in the Modify>Convert menu.

Thanks,

Kevin

[grant_PD]

The problem is that plan symbols tend to be more esoteric than the auto hybrid allows. It's really about conveying the information that the plan needs to show, and we need some control over that.

[PVA - Admin]

Would the outline alone accomplish this, or are there other things than line style, opacity, color etc that are currently not under your control that should be?

[grant_PD]

Outline would get us close. I would want an outline for each plane. And again, being able to "clip cube" each section interactively would go a long way towards helping to find the right balance.

[PVA - Admin]

1) interactive editing of auto hybrid cut planes, similar to the UI for clip cube.

2) Outline Only mode for Auto Hybrid objects, or another method of controlling the complexity of the linework other than smoothing angle, to allow for varying degrees of outline detail.

Submitting now.

[Kevin McAllister]

I would want an outline for each plane.

I think this is more like what I was asking for originally. That way if the plane is off, the outline would be off too.

KM