Creating event drawings

Planning an event in Vivien involves creating a drawing of the venue, complete with all the staging, furniture, decor, A/V equipment, and so on required for the event.

Drawing in Vivien is like drawing in a CAD program, so many of the concepts will be familiar to those who have used a computer-aided drafting program before. Vivien has a comprehensive 3D library containing furniture, equipment, decor items and various human figures—everything you need to plan your event.

In this section

The drawing environment

Defining the venue

Drawing objects

Adding Library objects to your drawing

Editing objects

Customizing object properties

Using the Image Manager

Using the Video Manager

Drawing tools

The drawing environment

Introduction

In Vivien, you do all your drawing in the Drawing Wireframe tab or in the wireframe panes of the Drawing Quad tab.

Drawing scale

Vivien drawings use a 1:1, or real scale. When you create a drawing in Vivien, you are generating a virtual representation of your real setup. If you were to do this on paper by hand, you would need to draw a scaled-down version of your space. Because there are no paper size limitations in the drawing wireframe views, you can draw your venue, tables, chairs, trusses, lighting fixtures, and so on in real scale.

You scale your drawing for printing purposes during print set-up and when creating Layouts for printing. The print settings allow you to print your drawings in whatever scales are necessary without having to redraw anything.

Units of measure

You can use either metric or imperial units for measurements.

You can also indicate whether you want:

nImperial units measured in whole numbers or inch fractions (to the sixteenth of a inch). For example, you can specify a measurement of 1’6”3/16, which translates to 1 foot, 6 and 3/16 inches.

nMetric units measured in centimeters or millimeters.

To set the default unit

1In the Drawing Wireframe tab, from the Options menu, choose Document Options.

2Click the Draw Defaults tab.

3In the Measurement Unit section, click either Metric or Imperial.

4Under Precision, select Whole or Fraction.

Whole: The measurements are rounded and displayed to the nearest whole number.

Fraction: The measurements are displayed to the nearest sixteenths of an inch, for Imperial, the nearest millimeter, for Metric.

To change the drawing measurement units

You can change the measurement units on the fly by using the measurement units indicator on the Status bar.

While in any of the tabs, double-click the measurement units indicator (either Metric or Imperial) on the Status bar.

Result: The units instantly change to Metric or Imperial.

3D coordinate system 

When drawing in Vivien Virtual Event Designer you are working in a 3D environment. Objects are drawn as 3D objects, with width, depth and height values based on the Cartesian coordinate system of 3 working axes—X, Y, and Z. The point where the 3 axes meet is called the origin and the values of X, Y, and Z are 0, expressed (0,0,0).

View types

All objects in Vivien Virtual Event Designer occupy three-dimensional space. Different view types allow you to see and work with your drawing from different perspectives.

In Vivien Virtual Event Designer there are six types of wireframe views, each accessible from the View Type toolbar. Each of these views displays the working axes in different ways, as described below.

To switch to a different view type 

From the View menu, choose View Type and then select one of the following views:

Plan view

Plan views display the drawing from above looking down. This is similar to a plan view drawing on paper. In plan views, the working axes are X and Y and the Height value
is Z.

Left view

Left views display the drawing looking from the left side through the venue. This is similar to a section on paper. In left views the working axes are Y and Z.

Right view

Right views display the drawing looking from the right side through the venue. This is similar to a section on paper. In right views the working axes are Y and Z.

Front view

Front views display the drawing looking from the front side through the venue. This is similar to an elevation on paper. In front views the working axes are X and Z.

Back view

Back views display the drawing looking from the back side through the venue. This is similar to an elevation on paper. In back views, the working axes are X and Z.

3D view 

A 3D view is a 3D perspective drawing. Although you view the drawing in the 3D perspective while in 3D view, you can only work in two axes. In 3D views, the working axes are dependent on the workplane selected.

To switch to a different workplane in a 3D view

The workplane selected determines the direction in which you can move your cursor in a 3D view. From the View menu, choose Workplane and then select one of the following workplanes:

The crosshairs of your cursor change to reflect the selected workplane.

3D view angle

You can rotate the 3D view angle of the 3D view using your keyboard CTRL and arrow keys or CTRL keys and the third mouse button.

When using your mouse, you can also change the rotation speed when you increase or decrease the amount of pixels your mouse needs to travel to rotate the view on the screen using the CTRL keyboard and + or - keys in the keypad.

To rotate the 3D view angle

Hold down the CTRL key and tap the arrow keys on your keyboard.

OR

Hold down the CTRL key, and then click and drag the third mouse button (scroll wheel) towards the direction of the angle change.

Result: The 3D view angle of the 3D view changes according to the direction of the mouse movement.

Tip: If you add SHIFT to either method, the rotation slows down for both keyboard and mouse movement.

Notes:

nRotation direction is determined by the dominant direction of mouse movement. For example, the view rotates in the left - right angle if the mouse is dragged towards the left and slightly up. The view rotates in the up-down angle if the mouse is dragged upwards and slightly left.

nOnce the rotation direction has been determined and the rotation has started, the rotation cannot “switch” to the other direction. You have to release the mouse button and then click and drag again.

To change the mouse cursor speed and travel distance

Press and hold CTRL + SHIFT and tap the + keypad key (i.e. not the + at the top of the keyboard, by the DELETE key) to increase the number of pixels your mouse cursor needs to travel to rotate the view on your screen and slow down the view rotation.

OR

Press and hold CTRL + SHIFT and tap the - keypad key (i.e. not the - at the top of the keyboard, by the DELETE key) to decrease the number of pixels your mouse cursor needs to travel to rotate the view on your screen and speed up the view rotation.

Result:

nThe number of pixels value is displayed on the Status Bar as you increase or decrease with your keyboard keys.

nIt is faster for your mouse cursor to rotate the view when the travel distance is shorter because of the lesser number of pixels set.

nIt is slower for your mouse cursor to rotate the view when the travel distance is longer because of the greater number of pixels set.

Note: 20 pixels is the default number of mouse cursor travel distance.

Navigating views

Use your keyboard and mouse to control the point of view for any of the Vivien views and use the Zoom tools to shrink or enlarge the view on the screen.

Zooming views

Zoom tools allow you to view smaller or larger sections of a drawing. There are seven zoom tools available in Vivien.

To access the Zoom tools

From the View menu, choose one of the Zoom tools.

or

Use the Zoom tools on the View or Layouts View toolbars.

Result: The viewpoint is adjusted accordingly.

The available Zoom tools are listed in the following table:

Zoom tool	Description
Zoom In	Moves your viewpoint closer to the center of the view.
Zoom Out	Moves your viewpoint farther away from the center of the view.
Zoom Fit	Adjusts the viewpoint so that the extremities of the drawing fit into the current view.
Zoom Fit All	For Quad views, adjusts the viewpoint so that the extremities of the drawing fit into the three wireframe views simultaneously.
Undo View Change	Adjusts the viewpoint so the most current changes to the view are undone
Redo View Change	Adjusts the viewpoint so that any changes to the view caused by Undo View
Zoom Window	Allows you to specify the area of the drawing to be viewed. For more information on using this tool, refer to the procedure below.

To use the Zoom Window tool

1From the View menu, choose the Zoom Window tool.

2Click the left mouse button and drag a window around the area into which you want to zoom.

3Click the left mouse button again to capture the second point of the window.

Result: The view changes to amplify the area you selected.

Rotating views

Rotate tools allow you to shift 3D and Virtual Views left, right, up, or down.

To access the Rotate tools

In Vivien Designer, while in a 3D or Virtual View, from the View menu, choose Rotate View, and then choose one of the Rotate commands.

or

Use the Rotate tools on the View or Layouts View toolbars.

Result: The viewpoint is adjusted accordingly.

The available Rotate tools are listed in the following table.

Rotate tool	Description
Rotate View Left	Moves your viewpoint to the left.
Rotate View Right	Moves your viewpoint to the right.
Rotate View Up	Moves your viewpoint up.
Rotate View Down	Moves your viewpoint down.

Keyboard and mouse control

To modify the point of view

Action	Key or mouse movement
Move the view left, right, up and down	Left, right, up and down arrow keys, respectively
Zoom in and out	PAGE UP and PAGE DOWN keys, respectively or Roll middle mouse button up and down. The zoom action is centered on the mouse pointer, not the center of the window.
Rotate the view (3D perspective—3D or Virtual View only)	Hold down the CTRL key and use arrow keys or PAGE UP and PAGE DOWN keys.
Move the drawing around the window (pan)	Hold down the middle mouse button and drag. or Use the Pan tool on the View toolbar.

nAt any time you can press SHIFT in combination with any of the movement keys to move in smaller increments.

nIn Virtual Views, you can use the mouse instead of the aforementioned key strokes. Click and drag to pan around and use the mouse wheel for zooming.

Camera control in Virtual View

By default, Traditional Vivien is the camera control setting in the Virtual View where the mouse and keyboard action commands are standard Vivien commands used in all version of Vivien.

In the Application Options window, you can choose the Other 3D Applications on the Virtual View Camera Control drop-down if you want to use camera control that comply with other 3D applications. See “Camera Control” for alternative mouse and keyboard action commands.

Defining the venue

Introduction

To begin your drawing, you need to define the venue, the physical space where your event will take place. You set the dimensions of the space and Vivien draws the 2D or 3D plan for it, defining where the walls, floors, and ceilings are.

After you draw the venue, you can apply either a custom color or texture to each part of it; you can also apply a custom material to selected parts of the venue, if desired. For details, see “To apply custom material, and color or texture to a venue”.

You can define the following types of venues:

nroom

narena

ntheatre

nframe tent or circus tent

For details on each type of venue, see the appropriate section below.

Room

A room venue is an empty rectangular room. The origin is at the center of the room on the floor.

Arena

An arena venue is a basic stadium space. The following entries describe the parts of the arena. The origin is at the center of the venue on the floor or ice rink.

Theatre

A theatre venue is a basic theatrical space with a stage, proscenium arch, and an auditorium. The origin is at the intersection of the center line and the proscenium line on the stage floor.

The following entries describe the parts of the theatre.

Tent

Aside from the selection of ready-made tents that come with Vivien (in the library on the Architecture tab), there are two types of tents that you can create yourself—frame tents and circus tents.

nFrame tents: These tents are square or rectangular in shape and usually have two center poles. Each wall is made of a single piece of fabric supported by as many poles as you specify.

nCircus tents: These tents are styled after the classical “Big Top” of the circus. They are more rounded in shape than the frame tent, the walls comprising multiple sections, each supported by as many poles as you specify. The roof is held up by one center pole.

When drawing either type of tent, you can specify many different properties, including the number of poles, length, height, or perimeter of the walls, and the color of different parts of the tent.

You can also choose from different materials and you can choose whether you want to apply either a custom color or texture to different parts of the tent. When assigning a texture, you can choose your own texture, such as a company logo or symbol, or you can choose a texture from the Vivien library.

The origin for both types of tents is at the center of the tent on the floor.

Frame tent

The following entries describe the parts of the frame tent:

Circus tent

The following entries describe the parts of the circus tent:

Defining the venue

To define a venue

Note: For help on any of the boxes in the venue windows, click the Help question mark icon, and then click in the applicable box.

1From the Draw menu, choose Venue, and then select Room, Arena, Theatre, Frame Tent, or Circus Tent.

Result: Based on the type of venue that you have chosen, a different dialog box opens in which you can modify the properties of the venue. The following graphic shows the New Venue - Arena dialog box:

2Modify the properties, and then click OK.

Result: A view-only framework for the selected venue displays in the drawing.

To edit a venue

1Click on a venue line to select the venue.

2Right-click and select Object Properties.

Result: The Properties dialog box displays.

3Click the venue tab (for example, Room).

4Make the necessary changes, and then click OK.

Tip: To make the venue uneditable so that you do not accidentally move it while working on your drawing, click the Layers tool. In the Layer Database window, highlight the Venue line, and then clear the check mark beside Editable. Click OK.

To apply custom material, and color or texture to a venue

Once you have drawn your venue, you can customize it by applying either color or texture, and a custom material to each of its structural elements, such as walls, ceiling, and floor. Based on the type of venue, you can also change the properties of the structural elements themselves. For example, for a tent you can change the wall height, the number of poles, the visibility of its walls, and so on.

Note: The following procedure uses the example of a tent; however, you can perform the same procedure for other types of venues, such as rooms and theatres, changing the applicable elements for each type of venue.

1Click the Drawing Wireframe tab.

2Click the venue to select it. In this example, click the tent.

3Right-click, and then select Object Properties.

Result: The Properties dialog box displays.

4To change structural elements, click the applicable venue tab (in this example, Frame Tent). For tents, you can change elements such as the size, number of poles, and visibility of walls and poles.

5Make the necessary changes, and then click Apply.

6Click the Appearance tab.

7Within the Elements box, click to highlight the first venue element that you want to customize or edit (for example, Walls). To select multiple elements and apply the same customization to all of them at once, press CTRL and select the applicable elements. Proceed with any of the following steps to customize the element:

To apply custom color to the venue element

When customizing a venue, you can choose either a color or a texture for the selected venue elements, you cannot choose both. The default color for the element is the current layer’s rendering color.

a.After performing steps 1 to 7 above, click to select the Custom Color option button.

b.Click the color box and, in the resulting dialog, select the desired custom color.

c.Click OK.

d.Click Apply.

To apply a custom texture from the Vivien library to the venue element

When customizing a venue, you can choose either a color or a texture for the selected venue elements, you cannot choose both.

a.After performing steps 1 to 7 above, to apply a texture from the Vivien library to the tent element, click the Texture from Library option button.

b.In the resulting dialog, navigate to and select the desired texture, and then click Select.

c.To have the texture repeated over the selected element in a continuous series of squares or rectangles, click the Tile option button, and then type the size of the frame in which you want the texture to appear in the Width and Height boxes. Based on the size that you enter, Vivien calculates how many times the texture is repeated (or tiled) to completely cover the selected tent element.

d.To have the texture stretch over the entire element surface, click Stretch.

e.To preserve the aspect ratio of the texture so it is not distorted when stretched over the element, click Keep Aspect Ratio.

f.To choose a custom border color for the texture when it is stretched over the surface of the element, click the Border Color box, and then choose the custom color.

g.To adjust the angle at which the texture is shown, select the value from the Texture Rotation Degrees drop-down box.

h.Click Apply.

To apply an image source as texture to the venue element

a.After performing steps 1 to 7 above, to apply your own texture to the tent element, click the Image Source option and select from the drop-down or click New.

Result: The Image Manager opens if you clicked on New.

b.In the Image Manager window, you can add images as sources and modify their properties. See “Using the Image Manager”.

Or you may proceed to the next step if you have selected an image from the drop-down list.

c.To have the texture repeated over the selected element in a continuous series of squares or rectangles, click the Tile option button, and then type the size of the frame in which you want the texture to appear in the Width and Height boxes. Based on the size that you enter, Vivien calculates how many times the texture is repeated (or tiled) to completely cover the selected tent element.

d.To have the texture stretch over the entire element surface, click Stretch.

e.To adjust the angle at which the texture is shown, type or select from the Rotation (Deg.) drop-down box.

f.Click Apply.

To apply custom material to the venue element

a.After performing steps 1 to 7 above, click the ellipsis button (...) under the Material Properties section.

b.In the resulting dialog, navigate to and choose your custom material.

c.Click Select.

d.On the Appearance tab, click Apply.

To apply transparency to the venue element

a.After performing steps 1 to 7 above, to apply a transparency level to the color or texture that you have chosen for the element, or to override the default transparency level of the selected material click either of the following option buttons:

nMaterial Properties: Click the ellipsis button (...) to choose a material for the selected elements. Click Default to remove the selected material from the element and return to the default material.

nMaterial: When a material is selected, the properties of the material will vary from one material to the next. The Material Properties section enables these default material settings to be changed. Each property value can be changed on a scale from 0%-100%. An explanation of the value is found on the right side of the property.

nTransparency: This setting controls the proportion of light that passes through the material. 0% being completely opaque, 100% being completely clear.

nSpecular Level: This setting controls how prominent other specular effects appear on the material. 0% being no visibility of specular effects, 100% being a maximum visibility of specular effects.

nSpecular Gloss: This setting controls the level of gloss a material will project. 0% will project the gloss over a wide area, 100% will concentrate the gloss in a small area.

nSpecular Color Source: This setting controls the color of light projected on a material. 0% will show only the color of the light, 100% will show only the color of the material.

nLight Reflection: This setting controls the amount of light that is reflected off the material. 0% having no reflection, 100% being specular.

nDisplay Reflection in Virtual Views: This setting controls whether true reflections are show by the object’s material in Virtual Views.

8Click OK when you are finished.

Room Builder Tool

To draw a custom room

1From the Draw menu, choose Room Builder.

Result: A cross-hair will appear on your cursor in the drawing wireframe.

2Click to place a corner of the wall at the location of the cursor. Each subsequent click will connect the current corner to the previous corner.

3To finish the room drawing as is, right-click and select Finish Room Outline.

Note: Alternately, the room can be closed, connected the first and last created corner automatically, by right-clicking and selecting Close Room Outline.

Result: The Room Builder window will appear.

4In the Room Builder window, enter in the missing characteristics of the room walls.

5Select the Place Wall object on opposite side of the Room Outline checkbox if you want to place object on the opposite side of the room outline.

6Select the Close Room outline checkbox if you want to add floors or ceilings to the room.

Note: This option is only available if the room is closed. When a room is closed, Vivien automatically makes the Walls transparent from outside of the room looking inwards, and makes the ceiling and floor single sided, so when the camera is outside of the room the user can see inside. These properties can be changed if the user wishes, by going to the objects' properties

a.Select the Add Floor checkbox to add a floor to the room.

b.Select the Add Ceiling checkbox to add a ceiling to the room.

7Click Enter.

Result: The custom room will be created in Vivien.

Importing floorplans

Introduction

If you have an existing floorplan saved in a graphic format like such as bitmap (.bmp), JPEG (.jpg), PNG (.png), PDF (.pdf) or .gif, you can import it into your Vivien drawing, and then continue to customize it within Vivien by adding tables, chairs, and so on to it.

You can import floorplan images in 3 view types:

nPlan: Floorplan images in Plan view can be imported into the Drawing Wireframe tab that is set to Plan View Type.

nFront/Back: Floorplan images in Front or Back profile views can be imported into the Drawing Wireframe tab that is set to the Front or Back View Type.

nLeft/Right: Floorplan images in Left or Right profile views can be imported into the Drawing Wireframe tab that is set to the Left or Right View Type.

Notes:

nYou can print with Imported Floorplans in Wireframe and Layouts.

Attention: Imported floorplans are a purely visual feature without any guarantee of accuracy and precision in the printed document. When printing a floorplan, a Warning dialog appears asking for you to acknowledge that there are no guarantees about the content, accuracy, precision, or anything else in the printed document and that you will not hold CAST responsible for any errors or inaccuracies in the document. Select the checkbox and click OK to proceed.

nThe images in the profile views allow you to import wall outlines for the room that you are building in your 2D drawing.

To import a floorplan

Note:  Before you perform this procedure, you must know the precise dimensions of at least one of the elements in your imported floorplan. For example, if it contains a stage, note the width of the stage before you import the graphic into your Vivien drawing.

1In the Drawing Wireframe tab, in Plan view, click File > Import Floorplan... > Plan.

or,

In Front or Back view, click File > Import Floorplan... > Front/Back.

or,

In Left or Right view, click File > Import Floorplan... > Left/Right.

Result: The Floorplan Importing Wizard window will appear.

2In the window click Browse.

Result: The file browser window will open.

3In the file browser window, navigate to your floorplan image, select it, and then click Open.

Result: The file browser window will close. The location of the floorplan image will be in the Browse field.

4Click Next.

Result: The wizard will switch to the Rotate Floorplan page. Here the floorplan image can be rotated 0°, 90°, 180° or 270°.

5Select the angle of rotation for the floorplan, then click Next.

Result: The wizard will switch to the Define Anchor Point page. You can select from predefined anchor points or create your own.

6From the Anchor drop-down menu, select the anchor point of the floorplan.

a.If a custom anchor point was selected, click a point in the floor plan to create the anchor point.

7Click Next.

Result: The wizard will switch to the Define Insertion Base Point page. The anchor can be inserted at either the origin or a user selected point.

8Define the insertion base point, then click Next.

a.If a user selected point was chosen, the wizard window will minimize. Click on a point in the Vivien file where you want the insertion point to be.

Result: The wizard will switch to the Specify Floorplan Scale page. Here a dimension line is drawn between two points of the floorplan to determine its scale.

9Ortho X and/or Ortho Y can be enabled to ensure any dimension line drawn is parallel with the respective axis.

Note:  This step can be skipped if you are modifying a previously imported floor plan, by selecting the box next to Skip this Step....

10Click Next.

Result: The window will minimize and show the floorplan inserted into Vivien.

11In the floorplan image, choose an item in your drawing whose measurements you know, and then click on one end of the item. For example, if you know the dimensions of the Stage, click on one corner of it.

12Click on a opposite end of the item. For example, if you had clicked on one edge of the table, click on an opposite edge of it.

Result: The Import Floorplan window will reappear, prompting you to enter the length of the line that you have just drawn.

13Type the length of the line, and then click Next.

Result: Vivien adjusts the size of the floorplan based on the scale that you have entered to ensure that your drawing is accurate. The floorplan appears in your drawing in plan view (the only view in which you can see it).

14Click Finish to finish editing the floorplan. Click Back to change any of the previous settings.

Tip: Once you import the floorplan, you can hide it from sight by right-clicking on your drawing and selecting Hide Floorplan. To show the floorplan again, simply right-click and select Show Floorplan.

Tip: To modify the properties of the floorplan after it has been inserted, right-click the floorplan image and select Modify Floorplan.

Note: You can delete floorplans, but once deleted, the floorplan must be re-imported in order for it to be available once again. Since this process may affect the measurements set in the above procedures, it is recommended that you only delete floorplans once everything is finalized.

To delete a floorplan

If you have imported a floorplan into your Vivien document, and then want to remove it, you can delete it from the file.

1In the Drawing Wireframe tab, in Plan view, right-click on your event drawing and select Delete Floorplan.

Result: The floorplan is deleted.

Drawing objects

Introduction

You draw objects in drawing wireframe views (the Drawing Wireframe tab and additionally, in Vivien Virtual Event Designer, the Drawing Quad tab). The Draw menu lists the objects that you can draw.

Keep the following tips in mind when you are drawing objects:

Drawing tips

nAt any time, instead of clicking points with the mouse, you can type in the desired coordinates. See “Command line”.

nCreate shortcuts for library objects. See “Shortcut bars”.

nUse the Height value in Vivien Virtual Event Designer. “The Height value”.

nUse keyboard shortcuts and hot keys. See “About keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys”.

nBefore you place a 2D/3D primitive object, screen, or LED wall into your drawing, you can right-click on the object and select its Insertion Point from the menu that appears. See “Insertion points” for details.

Drawing points

Points identify specific coordinates in 3D space. You can insert points as references or as scenic elements. There are four different point styles: dot, cross, square, and circle. The default point style is defined for the document.

To draw a point

1From the Draw menu, choose Point.

or

Click the Point tool on the Draw toolbar.

2Click on the drawing to place the point.

For information on modifying a point once you have drawn it, see “Point tab”.

Drawing lines

Lines are 2D objects that join vertices. In Vivien, you can draw lines continuously, which means you can easily join multiple vertices to create shapes.

Lines come in four styles:

nSolid

nCenter

nDashed

nDot

Line styles determine how line objects appear on your drawing and can be modified at any time.

Line patterns are available to a Rectangle, Circle, Ellipse, Arc, and Elliptical Arc.

You can 3D Transform lines into surfaces. For more on transforming lines, “Transforming objects into surfaces or 3D surfaces”.

When you draw multi-segmented lines, or add a line to a surface, or when drawing a room using the Room Builder, the next point of the line you wish to add snaps automatically to the previously drawn line/surface’s endpoint, midpoint or intersection when the Endpoint Snap, Midpoint Snap and/or Intersection Snap are enabled.

To draw a line freehand

1From the Draw menu, choose Line.

2From the sub-menu, select Solid, Dot, Center, Dashed.

Tip: You can also use the appropriate line tool on the Draw toolbar. The available line tools are as follows:

n    Solid

n Dot

n Center

n Dashed

3Click on the wireframe at the starting point of the line.

4Drag the next vertex to its end point and click.

5Continue to place vertices of the line as needed on and click.

6Continue to place vertices as needed.

7To end the line at the last vertex you placed, right-click and choose Finish Line.

To cancel the drawing of the line, right-click and choose Abort Line. This erases the entire line from the drawing.

To join the last point you placed with the first one you placed, right-click and choose Close Line.

To draw a line by specifying coordinates

You can also draw lines using coordinates by specifying absolute or relative values.

1From the Draw menu, click Line and choose Solid, Dot, Center or Hidden.

2In the Command Line, type the absolute X, Y and Z coordinates (separated by commas) where you want the line to start (i.e. @0,0,0).

3Press ENTER to establish the first point of the line.

4In the Command Line, type the absolute X, Y, and Z coordinates where you want the next point of the line or,

Using the relative values, in the Command Line, type @, followed by the length towards the next point of the line (positive or negative direction), (i.e. @3’6”,0,3’).

5Press ENTER to draw the new line segment.

6Continue to type absolute or relative values and press ENTER to draw the next line segments.

7When you are finished drawing the lines, right-click and click Finish Line.

To draw a line by specifying its length and angle

1From the Draw menu, click Line and choose Solid, Dot, Center or Hidden.

2In the Command Line, type the X, Y, and Z coordinates (separated by commas) where you want the line to start (i.e. @ 0,0,0).

3Press ENTER to establish the first point of the line.

4In the Command Line, type the length towards the next point of the line followed by the < sign and the angle (direction), (i.e. @3’6”<-180).

5Press ENTER to draw the new line segment.

6Continue to type the length and angle in the Command Line.

7When you are finished drawing the lines, right-click and click Finish Line.

Tip: You can also determine the direction of the line from the cursor’s current position relative to the start point set in step 2.

For information on modifying a line once you have drawn it, see “Line tab”.

Drawing splines

Splines are curved lines that pass through multiple vertices that influence the shape of the curve (or french curve).

To draw a Spline

1From the Draw menu, choose Spline.

Tip: You can also use the appropriate spline tool on the Draw toolbar.

2Click on the drawing at the starting point of the spline.

3Drag the next vertex to its end point and click.

4Continue to place vertices of the spline as needed and click.

5Continue to place vertices as needed.

6To end the line at the last vertex you placed, right-click and choose Finish Line.

Right-click and choose Abort Line to cancel the drawing and erase the entire spline.

Drawing circles

There are two ways to draw circles:

nSpecify the horizontal and vertical radius and place the circle in the drawing.

nDraw the circle freehand.

To draw a circle

1From the Draw menu, choose Circle.

or

Click the Circle tool on the Draw toolbar.

Result: The New Circle dialog box opens.

2In the Horizontal Radius box, type the horizontal radius for the circle. The default value is 4’0”.

3In the Vertical Radius box, type the vertical radius for the circle. The default value is 4’0”.

Note: When the Horizontal and Vertical radii are the same, a circular object is created; when they are different, the object is oval-shaped.

4To ensure that the circle remains proportionately the same when resized, leave the Lock Ratio checkbox checked. If you clear this checkbox, then you can manually resize the circle in any direction, regardless of its original measurements.

5Click OK.

6Click in the drawing to place the circle.

To draw a circle in Freehand mode

1Switch to Freehand mode, if you are not already in it, by clicking the Freehand Mode tool on the Tools toolbar.

2From the Draw menu, choose Circle.

or

Click the Circle tool on the Draw toolbar.

Result: The New Circle dialog box opens.

3Click to place the center of the circle.

4Click to set the radius for the circle.

Drawing arcs

There are two ways to draw an arc:

nSpecify the arc radius, start and end angles and place the arc in the drawing.

nDraw the arc freehand.

To draw an arc

1From the Draw menu, choose Arc.

or

Click the Arc tool on the Draw toolbar.

Result: The New Arc dialog box opens.

2In the Radius box, enter a radius for the arc. The default value is 4’0”.

3In the Start Angle box, enter the start angle. The default value is 0.00.

4In the End Angle box, enter the end angle for the arc. The default value is 180.00.

5Click OK.

6Click on the drawing to place the arc.

To draw an arc in Freehand mode

1Switch to Freehand Mode, if you are not already in it, by clicking the Freehand Mode tool on the Tools toolbar.

2From the Draw menu, choose Arc.

or

Click the Arc tool on the Draw toolbar.

3Click to place the start point of the arc.

4Click to place the end point of the arc.

5Click to place the middle point of the arc.

Drawing elliptical arcs

There are two ways to draw an arc:

nSpecify the elliptical arc radius, start and end angles and place the arc in the drawing.

nDraw the elliptical arc freehand.

To draw an elliptical arc

1From the Draw menu, choose Elliptical Arc.

or

Click the Arc Elliptical tool on the Draw toolbar.

Result: The New Elliptical Arc dialog box opens.

2In the Radius box, enter a radius for the elliptical arc. The default value is 4’0”.

3In the Start Angle box, enter the start elliptical angle. The default value is 0.00.

4In the End Angle box, enter the end angle for the elliptical arc. The default value is 180.00.

5Click OK.

6Click on the drawing to place the elliptical arc.

7Click and drag the mid point of the arc to create the desired elliptical

To draw an arc in Freehand mode

1Switch to Freehand Mode, if you are not already in it, by clicking the Freehand Mode tool on the Tools toolbar.

2From the Draw menu, choose Elliptical Arc.

or

Click the Arc Elliptical tool on the Draw toolbar.

3Click to place the start point of the elliptical arc.

4Click to set the horizontal and vertical radii of the elliptical arc.

5Click to set the start point of the ellipse.

6Click to set the end point of the ellipse.

Drawing rectangles 

There are two ways to draw rectangles:

nSpecify the length and width and place the rectangle in the drawing.

nDraw the rectangle freehand.

To draw a Rectangle

1From the Draw menu, choose Rectangle.

or

Click the Rectangle tool on the Draw toolbar.

Result: The New Rectangle dialog box opens.

2In the Length box, type the length for the rectangle. The default value is 4’0”.

3In the Width box, type the width for the rectangle. The default value is 8’0”.

4To ensure that the rectangle remains proportionately the same when resized, leave the Lock Ratio checkbox checked. If you clear this checkbox, then you can manually resize the rectangle in any direction, regardless of its original measurements.

5Click OK.

6Click in the drawing to place the rectangle.

To draw a Rectangle in Freehand mode

1Switch to Freehand mode, if you are not already in it, by clicking the Freehand Mode tool on the Tools toolbar.

2From the Draw menu, choose Rectangle.

or

Click the Rectangle tool on the Draw toolbar.

3Click to place one corner of the rectangle.

4Click to place the opposite corner for the rectangle.

Drawing shapes

Shapes are regular shaped objects comprising multiple vertices. You can draw Shapes as 2D objects or specify a height to create 3D objects. You can use shapes to create either wireframe or solid objects.

Unlike the Surface tool, the Shape tool gives you the ability to quickly and easily create symmetrical shapes like squares, pentagons, hexagons, hectagons, and so on. The maximum number of edges that a shape can have is 40.

Note: Unlike most other tools, the Shape tool does not have an interactive mode.

To draw a shape

1   From the Draw menu, choose Shape.

2In the Number of Edges box, type the number of edges or sides of the shape.

3Specify the Radius (the distance from the center of the shape to the nearest vertex).

4Click Height if you want to extrude the shape into a 3D object, and then type the height value in the box provided.

5Click OK to place the shape in your drawing.

Drawing text labels

Text labels enable you to label different parts of your drawing for your reference. The labels only appear in wireframe views and the 3D View.

To change the Text Label font globally

You can specify the font that you would like to appear globally in all text labels, both new and existing.

1In any drawing mode, click Options > Document Options.

2Click the Font tab.

3Under Text Labels (Drawing Wireframe), from the Font drop-down list, select the font that you want to appear in all new text labels.

4Choose whether you want the letters to appear bold, underlined, or in italics.

5Click OK.

To draw a text label

1From the Draw menu, choose Text Label.

Tip: You can also use the Text Label tool on the Draw toolbar.

Result: The New Text Label window will appear.

2In the New Text Label window, in the Text box, type the desired text.

Note: Use SHIFT+ENTER to add new text lines.

Tip: You can also type text labels with information listed in the Event Info table using smart variables %Variable Name% in New Text Label. The information will be displayed automatically. For example, use %Director% and the name of the Director stored in the table will appear in the Text Label.

3Click Insert Smart Variable to open the Smart Variables window where you can select the smart variable names and values that are listed in the Event Info tab in Document Options.

Result: The Smart Variables window appears.

a.From the table in the Smart Variables window, click on the name, translated name, or value that you want to insert in the text box.

Tip: Click the Filter drop-down and choose which information to display in the table. See “Event Info tab”.

b.Select the Include Name and Value checkbox to display both texts under the name and value columns, or you can leave the checkbox clear to display only the texts under the value column.

c.Click Insert.

Result: The smart variable text appears in the Text box of the New Text Label window.

4Using the radio buttons, choose how you want to specify the Height of the Text Label, and enter the value in the corresponding field.

nIndividual Line of Text - Each line of text will be the chosen height. The text label will change size to accommodate the height.

nTotal Text Label - The total text box will be the chosen height. Text will change size to accommodate the height.

a.To add space between the text and the boarder of the text label, select the checkbox next to Text Label Padding, and enter the value of the padding in the field.

Note: The Total Text Label Height field will tell you the exact height of the text label based on your choices.

5To add a callout to the text label, select the Show Callout checkbox.

a.From the Position drop-down menu, select where the callout will be located on the text label.

b.To have an arrow at the end of the callout, select the Show Arrow checkbox.

6To add a border to the text label, select the Show Border checkbox.

7To fill the text label with color, select the Fill checkbox.

a.Click the Color Selector button to choose the color that will fill the text label.

8To align the text label to the current view, select the Align to View checkbox.

9To insert the text label, click OK.

Result: The New Text Label window will close and you will be in the Wireframe view.

Note: If the Callout checkbox was selected in the New Text Label window, the first click in Wireframe view will be the arrow's position, and the second position will place the text label.

10Click on the drawing to place the text label.

Result: The text label will be placed.

Notes:

nTo change the font of existing text labels in wireframe modes, see “ To change the font of Text Labels ” below.

nThe insertion point for the text label is at the intersection of the crosshairs.

To change the font of Text Labels

To change the font of existing labels, you must do so individually through the label’s Properties window.

1Select the text label whose font you want to change.

2Right-click, and then choose Object Properties.

3Click the Text Label tab.

4Under Font, clear the checkbox beside Use Document Defaults.

5From the Font drop-down list, select the new font.

6Choose whether you want the letters to appear bold, underlined, or in italics.

7Click OK.

To set alignment for a text label

1Select the text label for which you want to change the alignment.

2Right-click and choose Object Properties.

3Click the Text Label tab.

4Set the horizontal and vertical justification as desired.

5Select the Align to View checkbox to ensure the text label is legible in all view types (plan, left, right, front, back, and 3D).

6Click OK.

Result: The text label relocates around the insertion point based on the options selected.

Drawing dimensions

Dimensions are 2D objects that help you measure different aspects of your drawing. There are several types of dimensions that you can draw in Vivien:

You can also use the angle dimension tool to define precise angles in your drawing, which helps when verifying angular measurements, and can act as a guide for the drawing process.

Drawing linear dimension lines

Dimension lines are 2D objects that measure and display the distance between two points based on the selected measurement mode. The measurement mode describes which axis the distance is measured along.

nIn Vivien Virtual Event Designer, the measurement modes available are: X, Y, XY, XZ, YZ and XYZ.

For example, in an XY plane, the X measurement between two points is the distance along the X axis between the two points, as shown in the following picture.

The dimension is visible only in one view type. The view type is set when the dimension is drawn and is dependent on the view type and workplane in which the dimension is drawn.

To draw a linear dimension

1From the Draw menu, Dimensions sub-menu, choose Linear Dimension.

Tip: You can also click the Linear Dimension tool on the Draw toolbar.

2Click on the drawing to set the dimension start point.

3Right-click to set the measurement mode.

Tip: In measurement mode, you can choose Multiple, which enables you to draw multiple Linear Dimensions, using the last point of the previous measurements as the initial point for the next measurement.

4Click on the drawing to set the dimension end point.

5Click and drag the grab point in the center of the dimension text to drag the text to the correct side of the object, if required.

6Click to set the dimension line.

Tips:

nUse snaps to connect dimensions directly to other objects.

nYou can set the rotation angle of the Linear Dimension to rotate the extension lines around the dimension end points. The rotated Linear dimension will then display the distance between the two points at the angle specified. Right-click on the Linear Dimension and select Object Properties.

nYou can change the Fill color behind the dimension text of the Linear Dimension. Right-click on the Linear Dimension and select Object Properties.

nYou can select Display Dash in Document Options > Dimensions tab to display the linear dimensions with a dash between foot and inches in imperial measurements (e.g. 19’-3 11/16”).

nTo change the font used in all dimensions, click Options > Document Options > Fonts. In the Dimensions (Drawing Wireframe) section, select the font options to be used in all dimensions.

Drawing continue dimensions

Continue dimensions display sequential chains of linear measurements that are aligned to the start (base) measurement of the Continue Dimension, always using the last point of the previous measurement as the initial point of the next measurement.

To draw a continue dimension

1From the Draw menu, Dimensions sub-menu, choose Continue Dimension.

Tip: You can also click the Continue Dimension tool on the Draw toolbar.

Note: You can also start the Continue Dimension on an existing Linear Dimension.

2Click on the drawing to set the dimension start point.

3Click on the drawing to set the next point and direction of the subsequent measurements in the Continue Dimension.

4Repeat setting the next point and direction to continue on the subsequent dimensions.

5Right-click on the drawing to set the dimension end point.

Note: After completing a Continue Dimension, the measurements created are individual Linear Dimensions.

Example: Continue Dimension

Drawing baseline dimensions

Baseline dimensions display linear measurements stacked above or below the Base Dimension while maintaining uniform spacing between, always using the first click as the initial coordinate for all subsequent measurements.

To draw a baseline dimension

1From the Draw menu, Dimensions sub-menu, choose Baseline Dimension.

Tip: You can also click the Baseline Dimension tool on the Draw toolbar.

2Click on the drawing to set the dimension start point.

3Click on the drawing to set the end point of the first Baseline Dimension.

4Click on the drawing to set the position (above or below) for the next/subsequent Baseline Dimension.

5Click on the next point to complete the next Baseline Dimension measurement, and set the direction of the subsequent measurement.

6Repeat setting the next point to create the subsequent Baseline Dimensions.

7Right-click on the drawing to set the dimension end point.

Note: After completing a Baseline Dimension, the measurements created are individual Linear Dimensions.

Example: Baseline Dimension

Drawing arc length dimensions

The arc length can be displayed for any arc drawn in the Drawing Wireframe/Quad. Once enabled, the arc length dimension is attached to the arc and automatically updates itself whenever the arc is changed. The dimension is only visible in the view type in which it was drawn. Although the arc length dimension is attached to the arc, it is a separate entity. Each arc length is individually selectable and has its own properties. Arc length dimensions can be separated onto their own layers, and given their own colors and line weights.

To draw an arc length dimension

1In a Drawing Wireframe, select the arc for which you want to display an arc length dimension.

2From the Draw menu, Dimensions sub-menu, select Arc Length Dimension.

Tip: To adjust the font used in all dimensions and with the Angle Dimension tool, click Options > Document Options > Fonts. In the Dimensions (Drawing Wireframe) section, select the font options to be used in all dimensions and with the Angle Dimension tool.

Drawing radial dimensions

The radius of a circle/arc is defined as the distance from the center of a circle/arc to its perimeter. The radius can be displayed for any circle or arc drawn in the Drawing Wireframe/Quad tabs. Once enabled, the radial dimension attaches to the circle/arc and automatically updates itself whenever the circle/arc is changed. Note that the dimension is only visible in the view type in which it was drawn. Although the radial dimension is attached to the arc, it is a separate entity with its own properties and can be individually selected. Radial dimensions can be separated onto their own layers, and given their own colors and line weights.

To draw a radial dimension

1In Drawing Wireframe, select the circle/arc for which you want to display a radial dimension.

2From the Draw menu, Dimensions sub-menu, select Radial Dimension.

Tip: To adjust the font used in all dimensions click Options > Document Options > Fonts. In the Dimensions (Drawing Wireframe) area, select the font options to be used in all dimensions.

Drawing angle dimensions

The Angle Dimension object measures and displays an angle, either in Line Select, between two intersecting lines and objects, or as drawn in Freehand mode.

To draw an angle dimension in Line Select

1From the Draw menu, Dimension sub-menu, select Angle Dimension.

2Choose Line Select from the Dimension Draw Options dialog.

3Click on the first line segment in the drawing.

4Click on the second line segment in the drawing.

Result: The angle between the two selected lines is displayed.

To draw an angle dimension in Freehand

1From the Draw menu, Dimensions sub-menu, select Angle Dimension.

2Choose Freehand in the Dimension Draw Options dialog.

3Click once to define the vertex of the angle (this is the point at which the two lines of your angle meet, shown as point number 2 in the diagram above).

4Click a second time to define the first end point (point number 1 in the diagram above).

5Click a third time to define the second end point (point number 3 in the diagram above).

Result: The new object displays the interior (or exterior) angle defined by the two lines.

Tips:

nYou can change the Angle Dimension option of measuring the exterior or interior angle by toggling the Flip Angle checkbox in the Angle Dimension Properties page. Simply select the protractor, right-click and choose Object Properties > Angle Dimension tab.

nTo adjust the font used in all dimensions and with the Angle Dimension tool, click Options > Document Options > Fonts. In the Dimensions (Drawing Wireframe) section, select the font options to be used in all dimensions and with the Angle Dimension tool.

Drawing linear scales

A linear scale is a visible line divided into equal proportions used to compare distances in a Vivien drawing to actual distances.

There are two ways in which you can draw linear scales:

nNon-freehand mode in which you type the exact information of the linear scale.

nFreehand mode in which you click and drag to set the dimensions of the linear scale.

To draw a linear scale

1From the Draw menu, Dimension sub-menu, choose Linear Scale.

Result: The New Linear Scale window will appear.

2In the Length field, enter in the desired length of the linear scale.

3Select either Horizontal or Vertical to determine how the line scale is positioned.

4From the Text Alignment drop down menu, choose how the linear scale text will be presented.

5From the Layer drop down menu, choose in which layer the linear scale will be visible.

6To change the default document settings of the linear scale, click to clear the checkbox next to Use Document Defaults.

7Click OK.

Result: The linear scale is attached to the cursor.

8Click to place the linear scale in the drawing.

Drawing walls

Walls are 2D objects that describe flat rectangular planes representing walls in your drawing. Walls can have different hatching styles for easy identification in the plot.

There are two ways to draw a wall:

nSpecify the width and height and place the wall in the drawing.

nDraw the wall freehand.

To draw a wall

1From the Draw menu, choose Wall.

or

Click the Wall tool on the Draw toolbar.

2In the Width box, enter the width for the wall. The default value is 12’0”.

3In the Height box, enter the height of the wall. The default value is 8’0”.

4Click OK.

Result: The wall attaches to the cursor.

5Move the cursor to the desired position for the wall, and then click to place it in the drawing.

To draw a wall in Freehand mode

1Switch to Freehand mode, if you are not already in it, by clicking the Freehand Mode tool on the Tools toolbar.

2From the Draw menu, choose Wall.

3Click to place the start point of the wall.

4Click to place the end point of the wall.

5In the dialog box that opens, enter the missing dimension of the wall.

6Click OK.

To define the transparency of a wall

1Right-click a wall, and select Object Properties.

Result: The Properties window will appear.

2In the Properties window, click the Wall tab.

Note: 0% = Opaque, 100% = Transparent.

3To change how the back of the wall will look, set the Back Transparency field to the desired transparency percentage.

4To change how the front of the wall will look, set the Front Transparency field to the desired transparency percentage.

5Click Apply to enable the new wall transparency settings.

6Click OK.

Hatching

To add hatching to an object

Note: Not all objects support hatching. If hatching is not supported, the checkbox to enable hatching is disabled.

1Right-click the object, and select Object Properties.

Result: The Properties window will appear.

2In the Properties window, click the General tab.

3To enable hatching for the object, select the Show Hatch Lines checkbox.

4Select the desired hatching style for the object from the Available hatching styles drop-down menu.

5Click Apply to enable the hatching style for the object.

Tip: You can also click the Managers menu and choose Hatch Style Manager to open the Hatch Style Manager window.

To edit or create a hatching style

1Right-click an object that supports hatching, and select Object Properties.

Result: The Properties window will appear.

2In the Properties window, click the General tab.

3To enable hatching for the object, select the Show Hatch Lines checkbox.

4To make a new hatch style or edit an existing style, click New/Edit....

Result: The Hatch Style Manager window will appear. All existing hatch styles are displayed and can be edited here.

5To create a new hatch style, click the New Hatch Style button.

Result: The New Hatch Style window will appear.

6In the New Hatch Style window, enter the details of the new hatch style.

7Click OK.

8Click Apply to enable the new styles.

To clone a hatching style

1Right-click an object that supports hatching, and select Object Properties.

Result: The Properties window will appear.

2In the Properties window, click the General tab.

3Select the Show Hatch Lines checkbox.

4Click New/Edit....

Result: The Hatch Style Manager window will appear. All existing hatch styles are displayed and can be edited here.

5To clone an existing hatching style, select the style you want to copy and click the Clone Hatch Style button.

Result: The Clone Hatch Style window will appear. All the settings of the selected hatch style will be copied into the window.

6In the Clone Hatch Style window, edit any hatching setting that you want to be different from the original hatching style.

7Click OK.

Result: The cloned hatching style will appear in the Hatch Style Manager window and be available for use.

To delete a hatching style

1Right-click an object that supports hatching, and select Object Properties.

Result: The Properties window will appear.

2In the Properties window, click the General tab.

3Select the Show Hatch Lines checkbox.

4Click New/Edit....

Result: The Hatch Style Manager window will appear. All existing hatch styles are displayed.

5To delete an existing hatching style, select the style you want to remove and click the Delete Hatch Style button.

Result: The Delete Hatch Style window will appear.

6In the Delete Hatch Style window, to delete the hatch style click Yes.

Result: The selected hatching style be removed from Vivien.

To change the print scale of hatching styles

Spacing for built-in line patterns found in hatching use a default scale of 1.0 equal to 0’6” (2.54 cm). Print Scale Options can be used to create a different scale when printing in Presentation mode.

1Right-click an object that supports hatching, and select Object Properties.

Result: The Properties window will appear.

2In the Properties window, click the General tab.

3Select the Show Hatch Lines checkbox.

4Click New/Edit....

Result: The Hatch Style Manager window will appear. All existing hatch styles are displayed.

5Click Print Scale Options.

6The Print Scale Options window will appear.

7In the Print Scale Options window, to create a custom print scale, select the radio next to Custom scale.

Note: To revert the print scale to its default settings, select the radio next to Print scale.

8Edit the print scale settings as desired.

9Click OK.

10Click Apply.

Result: The print scale options will be changed.

To import hatching patterns

To import Hatch Pattern files (.pat files), save these files in the folder location that was entered as the Hatch Pattern Files location in the File Locations tab in the Application Options window. When you restart Vivien, these patterns will be listed in the Hatch Style Manager.

1Right-click an object that supports hatching, and select Object Properties.

Result: The Properties window will appear.

2In the Properties window, click the General tab.

3Select the Show Hatch Lines checkbox.

4Click New/Edit....

Result: The Hatch Style Manager window will appear. All existing hatch styles are displayed.

5Click Import Patterns.

Result: The Application Options window will appear.

6In the Application Options window, enter the location of the hatch pattern files (.pat files) in the Hatch Pattern Files field.

7Click OK.

Result: A dialog appears warning that Vivien needs to restart to display the imported hatching patterns in the Hatch Style Manager.

Drawing risers

Risers are solid 3D rectangular objects. Risers can be used for creating platforms, square columns, or any other box-shaped objects.

There are two ways to draw a riser:

nSpecify the width, depth, and height, and then place the riser on the drawing.

nDraw the riser freehand.

Note: Risers appear two-dimensional when you are in Plan, Left, Right, Front, and Back views. To see risers in three dimensions, switch to 3D view in Vivien Virtual Event Designer.

To draw a riser

1From the Draw menu, choose Riser.

or

Click the Riser tool on the Draw toolbar.

Result: The New riser dialog box opens.

2In the Width box, enter the width for the riser. The default value is 8’0”.

3In the Depth box, enter the depth for the riser. The default value is 4’0”.

4In the Height box, enter the height for the riser. The default value is 2’0”.

5Click OK.

Result: The riser attaches to the cursor.

6Move the cursor to the desired position for the riser, and then click to place it in the drawing.

To draw a riser in Freehand mode

1Switch to Freehand mode, if you are not already in it, by clicking the Freehand Mode tool on the Tools toolbar.

2From the Draw menu, choose Riser.

3Click the starting point of the riser on the drawing. The insertion point is the lower left corner of the riser.

4Drag in any direction to stretch out the riser’s shape. Click to place the upper right corner of the riser.

5In the dialog box that opens, type the missing dimension of the riser.

6Click OK.

Drawing cylinders

Cylinders are solid 3D cylindrical objects. You can use cylinders to create platforms, columns, or any other cylinder-shaped objects.

There are two ways to draw a cylinder:

nSpecify the height and radius and place the cylinder on the drawing.

nDraw the cylinder freehand.

Note: Cylinders appear two-dimensional when you are in Plan, Left, Right, Front, and Back views. To see cylinders in three dimensions, switch to 3D view.

To draw a cylinder

1From the Draw menu, choose Cylinder.

or

Click the Cylinder tool on the Draw toolbar.

Result: The New Cylinder dialog box opens.

2In the Height box, enter the height for the cylinder. The default value is 8’0”.

3In the Horizontal Radius box, type the horizontal radius for the cylinder. The default value is 4’0”.

4In the Vertical Radius box, type the vertical radius for the cylinder. The default value is 4’0”.

Note: When the Horizontal and Vertical radii are the same, a circular object is created; when they are different, the object is oval-shaped.

5To ensure that the cylinder remains proportionately the same when resized, leave the Lock Ratio checkbox checked. If you clear this checkbox, then you can manually resize the cylinder in any direction, regardless of its original measurements.

6To have the cylinder appear smooth in the Virtual View, leave the Smooth Shading option enabled; to see a faceted cylinder in the Virtual View, disable this option. The default for this option is ON.

7To change the default number of cylinder segments, clear the check mark beside Use Document Defaults and type the new number of segments. Note that the higher the number of segments, the better the cylinder will appear in Virtual View, but the more performance will degrade.

8Click OK. 

Result: The cylinder attaches to the cursor.

9Move the cursor to the desired position for the cylinder, and then click to place it in the drawing.

To draw a cylinder in Freehand mode

1Switch to Freehand mode, if you are not already in it, by clicking the Freehand Mode tool on the Tools toolbar.

2From the Draw menu, choose Cylinder.

3Click to place the center of the bottom surface of the cylinder.

4Click to set the radius for the cylinder.

5In the dialog box that opens, type the desired height, horizontal radius, and vertical radius for the cylinder.

6To ensure that the cylinder remains proportionately the same when resized, leave the Lock Ratio checkbox checked. If you clear this checkbox, then you can manually resize the cylinder in any direction, regardless of its original measurements.

7To have the cylinder appear smooth in the Virtual View, leave the Smooth Shading option enabled; to see a faceted cylinder in the Virtual View, disable this option. The default for this option is ON.

8To change the default number of cylinder segments, clear the check mark beside Use Document Defaults and type the new number of segments. Note that the higher the number of segments, the better the cylinder will appear in Virtual View, but the more performance will degrade.

9Click OK.

Drawing spheres

Spheres are solid 3D circular or oval objects.

There are two ways to draw a sphere:

nSpecify the horizontal and vertical radius and place the sphere on the drawing.

nDraw the sphere freehand.

Note: Spheres appear two-dimensional when you are in Plan, Left, Right, Front and Back views. To see spheres in three dimensions, switch to 3D view.

To draw a sphere

1From the Draw menu, choose Sphere. 

or

Click the Sphere tool on the Draw toolbar.

Result: The New Sphere dialog box opens.

2In the Horizontal Radius box, type the horizontal radius of the middle diameter of the sphere. The default value is 4’0”.

3In the Depth Radius box, type the depth radius of the middle diameter of the sphere. The default value is 4’0”.

4In the Vertical Radius box, type the vertical radius of the middle diameter sphere. The default value is 4’0”.

Note: When the Horizontal, Depth and Vertical radii are the same, a circular 3D object is created; when they are different, the 3D object is oval-shaped.

5To ensure that the sphere remains proportionately the same when resized, leave the Lock Ratio checkbox checked. If you clear this checkbox, then you can manually resize the sphere in any direction, regardless of its original measurements.

6To change the default number of sphere segments and stacks, clear the Use Defaults checkbox and type the new values for Number of Segments and Number of Stacks. Note that the higher the number of segments or stacks, the better the sphere will appear in Virtual View, but the more performance will degrade.

7To have the sphere appear smooth in the Virtual View, leave the Smooth Shading option enabled; to see a faceted sphere in the Virtual View, disable this option. The default for this option is ON.

8Click OK.

Result: The sphere attaches to the cursor.

9Move the cursor to the desired position for the sphere, and then click to place the object in the drawing.

To draw a sphere in Freehand mode

1Switch to Freehand mode, if you are not already in it, by clicking the Freehand Mode tool on the Tools toolbar.

2From the Draw menu, choose Sphere.

3Click to place the center of the sphere.

4Click to set the radius for the sphere.

5In the dialog box that opens, enter the desired horizontal and vertical radius for the sphere.

6To ensure that the sphere remains proportionately the same when resized, leave the Lock Ratio checkbox checked. If you clear this checkbox, then you can manually resize the sphere in any direction, regardless of its original measurements.

7To change the default number of sphere segments and stacks, clear the Use Defaults checkbox and type the new values for Number of Segments and Number of Stacks. Note that the higher the number of segments or stacks, the better the sphere will appear in Virtual View, but the more performance will degrade.

8To have the sphere appear smooth in the Virtual View, leave the Smooth Shading option enabled; to see a faceted sphere in the Virtual View, disable this option. The default for this option is ON.

9Click OK.

Drawing cones

Cones are solid 3D objects.

There are two ways in which you can draw cones:

nNon-freehand mode in which you type the exact horizontal and vertical radius of the cone.

nFreehand mode in which you click and drag to set the dimensions of the cone

To draw a cone

1From the Draw menu, choose Cone.

Note: You can also click the Cone tool on the Draw toolbar.

2In the Height box, type the height of the cone.

3In the Horizontal Radius box, type the horizontal radius for the cone.

4In the Vertical Radius box, type the vertical radius for the cone.

Note: When the Horizontal and Vertical radii are the same, a circular object is created; when they are different, the object is oval-shaped.

5To ensure that the cone remains proportionately the same when resized, leave the Lock Ratio checkbox checked. If you clear this checkbox, then you can manually resize the cone in any direction, regardless of its original measurements.

6To change the default number of cone segments and stacks, clear the Use Defaults checkbox and type the new values for Number of Segments and Number of Stacks. Note that the higher the number of segments or stacks, the better the cone will appear in Virtual View, but the more performance will degrade.

7To have the cone appear smooth in the Virtual View, leave the Smooth Shading option enabled; to see a faceted cone in the Virtual View, disable this option. The default for this option is ON.

8To enable hatching for the object, select the Show Hatch Lines checkbox.

9Select the desired hatching style for the object from the Hatch Style drop-down menu.

10Click OK.

Result: The cone is attached to the cursor.

11Click to place the cone in the drawing.

To draw a cone in Freehand mode

1From the Draw menu, choose Cone.

Note: You can also click the Cone tool on the Draw toolbar.

2In the New Cone window, click Freehand.

3Accept the default values, and then click and drag out the shape of the cone in your drawing. When you have the desired size, click again.

Result: The New Cone window appears again.

4In the dialog box that opens, type the height and the horizontal and vertical radius of the new cone.

5To ensure that the cone remains proportionately the same when resized, leave the Lock Ratio checkbox checked. If you clear this checkbox, then you can manually resize the cone in any direction, regardless of its original measurements.

6To change the default number of cone segments and stacks, clear the Use Defaults checkbox and type the new values for Number of Segments and Number of Stacks. Note that the higher the number of segments or stacks, the better the cone will appear in Virtual View, but the more performance will degrade.

7To have the cone appear smooth in the Virtual View, leave the Smooth Shading option enabled; to see a faceted cone in the Virtual View, disable this option. The default for this option is ON.

8To enable hatching for the object, select the Show Hatch Lines checkbox.

9Select the desired hatching style for the object from the Hatch Style drop-down menu.

10Click OK.

11Click in the drawing to finish placing the new cone.

Drawing surfaces

Surfaces are 2D objects that describe flat planes. You can use surfaces to create backdrops or other flat objects. Surfaces can be 3D Transformed to create odd shaped risers, or other custom shaped 3D objects. For more information on 3D transforming, “Transforming objects into surfaces or 3D surfaces”.

When you draw multi-segmented lines or surfaces, the new line or surface snaps automatically to the previously drawn line or surface’s endpoint, midpoint or intersection when the Endpoint Snap, Midpoint Snap or Intersection Snap are enabled.

Note: The beam will pass through a surface with the Transparency value set to 80% or greater. The beam will not pass through the surface when the value is lower than 80%. Transparency value is set in the Material Properties section in the Appearance tab of the Properties window. See “Appearance tab”.

To draw a surface

1From the Draw menu, choose Surface.

or

Click the Surface tool on the Draw toolbar.

2Click on the drawing at the starting point of the surface.

3Move the pointer to the next point of the surface and click.

4Continue to place points for the surface as needed.

5To finish and close the surface, right-click and choose Finish Surface.

To cancel the drawing of the surface, right-click and choose Abort Surface. This erases the whole surface from the drawing.

Surfaces as Curtains

Vertical surfaces can have their appearance changed to mimic the look of curtains in Plan View. The curtain will appear as a wave or semicircles pattern, instead of the usual straight line of a surface. The depth, width and number of segments in the curtain pattern can be customized.

Note: Curtains are limited to being visible only in Plan view, with a surface that is vertical and rectangular in shape, with no surface area visible in Plan View.

To display a surface as a curtain.

1Right-click an eligible surface and select Object Properties.

2In the Properties window, click the Surface tab.

3To enable the curtain feature for the surface, select the checkbox labeled Enable.

Note: If the surface is ineligible to be a curtain, this option will be grayed out.

4Select from the Style drop-down menu which pattern of curtain should be displayed.

5Enter the desired depth of the curtain pattern in the Depth field.

6Enter the desired width of the curtain pattern in the Width field.

7Enter the desired number of segments in the curtain pattern in the Number of Segments field.

8Click Apply.

Drawing hang structures

Some light fixtures need to be suspended, or hung. The structures they are hung on are called “hang structures” (also known as truss). You can draw many different types of truss, including pipes, ladders, boxes, and triangles, with the Truss Wizard. You can even specify whether the truss points in an upward or downward direction, which makes it easy to create uplighting effects.

To hang truss

1From the Draw menu, choose Truss Wizard.

or

Click the Truss Wizard tool on the Draw toolbar to place truss.

Result: The Truss Wizard dialog box opens.

2Select whether you want to Draw the truss or Specify the dimensions and place it automatically.

3Select whether you want the truss measurements to be specified in metric or imperial units.

4Select the direction in which the fixtures will face when hung from the truss. Note that this does not apply to the Floor Base type of truss since all fixtures hung from this truss type always point upwards.

nDown: Select this option to have all fixtures hung from this piece of truss shine downward. This is the default value.

nUp: Select this option to have all fixtures hung from this piece of truss shine upward.

5Select the type of truss you are adding: Pipe, Ladder, Box, Triangle Up or Triangle Down, or Floor Base. A preview image of the selected truss displays beside the selection.

Note: When you select the Floor Base truss, any fixtures attached to it always point upwards.

6For all types other than Pipe and Floor Base, select a Cross Section measurement.

7For all types other than Floor Base, select the shape of the truss: Linear or Circular.

8If you selected to specify the truss, rather than draw it in step 2:

a.To draw a linear truss, in the Length box, enter the length of the truss.

Note: The minimum length of a linear pipe is 6”; the minimum length of a piece of linear truss is 2’.

b.To draw a circular truss, in the Radius box, enter the radius of the truss and select the form of the circle.

Notes: 

nUse the Form drop-down menu to create a Half-Circle or Quarter Circle truss object.

nThe minimum length of a circular truss is 4’.

c.Select to have the truss inserted horizontally or vertically. In the Height box, enter the trim height for the piece of truss. The trim height represents the height at which the truss is inserted in the file. For truss inserted with a Down Fixture Direction, the trim height is measured from the bottom pipe of the truss; for truss inserted with the Up Fixture Direction, the trim height is measured from the top pipe of the truss.

9Select whether the orientation of the truss should be Horizontal or Vertical. Specify the Trim Height/Height in the field.

10Click OK.

a.If you selected Draw, click on the drawing where you want the truss to start and then click to place the endpoint of the truss

Result: The truss is placed according to your settings.

Drawing projectors and screens

You can use the Projection Wizard to draw your choice of a number of different types of screens and projectors. If desired, you can then navigate to an image stored in bitmap (.bmp) or JPEG (.jpg) format and place it on the screen. The Projection Wizard is especially useful to give you an idea of the spacing you will need to arrange in your venue to set up the projector and screen for optimum viewing.

Note: While the Wizard provides a realistic depiction of the spacing required, and the look of the projector and screen, it does not enable you to specify the method for hanging or mounting the projector. Instead, use your Vivien drawing as a guide to hang or mount the projector at the precise location indicated.

You can use the Wizard to draw both a projector and screen, in which case the two are treated as a grouped object, or you can choose to create only a projector or a screen. In this latter case, you can return to the wizard later to add either the projector or screen, working your way through the Projection Wizard again. The Wizard saves the settings that you originally chose for the projector or screen, and enables you to add the other object as a grouped item.

Projector and screen types

The Projection Wizard enables you to choose from three main screen types, and then customize the screen to suit your needs. When drawing projectors, you can choose between generic small, medium, and large models; you cannot choose brand name models.

To properly calculate the distance from the projector to the screen, you must know the size of the screen, as well as the projector’s aspect ratio and the lens throw ratio (refer to the projector specifications for these values). After you input these values, Vivien will calculate the appropriate throw distance for you (the distance from the projector to the screen), as well as the projected image width.

To draw a projector and screen

This procedure shows you how to draw a projector and screen together. You can choose from three different types of screens and three different sizes of projector. When you create a projector and screen in this manner, they are treated as a single, grouped object, enabling you to change their properties simultaneously, if necessary.

1From the Draw menu, choose Projection Wizard.

Result: The Projection Wizard dialog box opens.

2Click Create Both, and then click Next.

3Select the type of screen that you want to create, and then click Next. You can choose from the following screen types:

nTripod Screen: This type of screen sits on a tripod and is typically used in smaller venues because the screen size is usually limited to no larger than 10’ X 10’. When drawing this type of screen, you can specify the screen size, the distance from the screen to the ground, and the diameter of the circle formed by the legs of the tripod.

nFolding Screen: This type of screen consists of up to 6 main components: the frame, legs, surface, valance, drape legs, and skirt. When drawing this screen, you can choose from a list of industry-standard screen sizes, or specify the screen size of your choice. You can also choose whether the screen is surrounded by a drape and, if so, you can choose the dimensions of the drape panels.

nCustom Surface: Unlike the other two screen types available, custom screens do not have a frame around them. When you choose this type of screen, you can specify the size of the screen, or choose from a predefined list of standard screen sizes.

Result: The window that appears varies according to the type of screen that you chose.

4Type the properties of your screen in the appropriate fields below:

nPredefined Size: From the drop-down list, select the standard size of screen that you want to create. If you want to specify a non-standard size, choose Custom.

nWidth: Indicates the width of the standard sized screen. If you chose to create a custom-sized screen, type the custom width.

nHeight: Indicates the height of the standard sized screen. If you chose to create a custom-sized screen, type the custom height.

nElevation Above Floor: (only applicable for Folding and Tripod screens) Type the height of the tripod or support frame.

nTripod Diameter: (only applicable for Tripod screens) Type the diameter of the circle created by the tripod legs.

nLength of Support Feet: (only applicable for Folding screens) Type the length of each of the supporting “feet” for the frame of the screen.

nInclude Drape Kit: (only applicable for Folding screens) Select this checkbox if you want to hide the frame of the screen with drapery panels. If you do not check this box, the frame around the screen is visible.

5Click Next.

Result: Only if you are creating a Folding screen and if you chose to include the drape kit, the Define Drape Kit Dimensions window appears.

Note: If you are creating any other type of screen or if you have decided to hide the drape kit, then the Content Selection window appears. Proceed directly to step 8.

6Type the dimensions of the drape kit around the Folding screen. If you do not want to see part of the drape kit, clear the checkbox beside the appropriate heading (for example, if you do not want to see the skirt, clear this checkbox).

7Click Next.

Result: The Content Selection window appears.

8Choose whether you want to draw a blank screen, show an image, or play a video on it.

a.To show an image, click Image Source, and select the desired image previously imported by the Image Manager. Or, click New to open the Image Manager and create a new image for use. “To create a new image source in the image manager” for more information.

b.To show an video, click Video Source, and select the desired video previously imported by the Video Manager. Or, click New to open the Video Manager and create a new video for use. “To create a new video source in the video manager” for more information.

Note: Video codecs may be required to play the video even though it is already an “.avi” or “.mpg” file.

9Click Next.

Result: The Define Projector Specifications window appears.

10Enter the properties for your projector in the appropriate boxes:

nAspect Ratio: This is the width-to-height ratio of the displayed image. Refer to the projector specifications for this value. Note that some projectors can support multiple aspect ratios. The following aspect ratios are available for you to choose from:

n1:1: Provides a perfectly squared screen format for native SVGA/XGA projectors.

n5:4: For images with SXGA resolution. Widescreen images will appear cropped at this ratio.

n4:3: Standard aspect ratio for TV, as well as for images with VGA, SVGA, XGA, or UXGA resolution. Widescreen images will appear cropped at this ratio.

n3:2: For classic 35mm film with 24mm x 36mm image size.

n16:9/16:10: For wide-screen images, this aspect ratio shows you a picture that is about one-third wider than standard displays. It is the format for HDTV video and some SDTV video.

n1.85:1: For 35mm widescreen standard theatrical film.

n1.9:1: Common aspect ratio supported by social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

n2.35:1/2.39:1: For anamorphic widescreen cinemascope format.

n21:9: For high end UltraWide monitors.

n3:1: Standard aspect ratio for APS-P panorama images.

nProjector Size: Choose the size of your projector, Small, Medium, or Large. This value is largely for display purposes in your drawing and does not necessarily reflect the actual projector.

nLens Throw Ratio: Refer to the projector specifications for this value. It may be lens-specific rather than projector-specific because some projectors can support multiple lenses. It is equal to the throw distance divided by the projected image width. For a projector without a zoom lens, the throw ratio is fixed (the size of the projected image is completely determined by the throw distance and aspect ratio). However, for a projector with a zoom lens, you can change the throw ratio (you can control the image size without having to change the throw distance).

Note: Once you input the throw ratio and aspect ratio, Vivien will calculate the projector’s throw distance for you.

nThrow Distance: The formula for calculating the throw distance is Throw Ratio * Width of Screen. Some lenses are wider-angle (they cover short throw distances), while others are more in the tele-range (they cover large throw distances). Once you input the screen width, and the aspect ratio and throw ratio for your projector, Vivien will adjust the throw distance accordingly.

nImage Width (read-only): Vivien automatically calculates this value based on the screen width and height that you chose, as well as the projector’s aspect ratio that you just typed. If the Image Width shown in this box is smaller than the screen width that you entered earlier, it is because the specified screen height is too small and, as a result, limits the width of the image to maintain the requested aspect ratio. If you want the image width to be the same as the screen width, then you must increase the screen’s height so that its width-to-height ratio is the same as (or a multiple of) the projector’s aspect ratio. For example, if the projector’s aspect ratio is 5:4, then you could have a screen with the dimensions of 10’ wide X 8’ high (for a ratio of 10:8, or 5:4). Click Back twice to return to the Screen Dimensions window, and then adjust the height accordingly.

nFront Projection / Rear Projection: Choose whether you want the projector to throw the image onto the front or back of the screen. Based on your selection, the projector will either appear in front of or behind the screen in your drawing.

11Click Finish.

Result: The projector attaches to your cursor.

12Click to place the projector in your drawing.

Drawing screens 

In Vivien, you can draw a 2D surface on which you can place an image to simulate projection onto a screen. To draw a screen on its own (without a projector), you still use the Projection Wizard, choosing Create a Screen in the first window.

Note: To add a screen to the drawing after you have added a projector, select the projector, right-click, and select Change Projection Settings. When you do so, the Projection Wizard appears, listing the existing settings for the projector. As you work your way through the Wizard to add the screen, you can leave the current projector settings, or modify them. Based on the settings you choose, Vivien adds the screen at the appropriate throw distance from the projector. Both objects are subsequently treated as a single, grouped object.

To draw a screen

1From the Draw menu, choose Projection Wizard.

Result: The Projection Wizard dialog box opens.

2Click Create a Screen, and then click Next.

3Select the type of screen that you want to create, and then click Next. You can choose from the following screen types:

nTripod Screen: This type of screen sits on a tripod and is typically used in smaller venues because the screen size is usually limited to no larger than 10’ X 10’. When drawing this screen, you can specify the screen size, the distance from the screen to the ground, and the diameter of the circle formed by the legs of the tripod.

nFolding Screen: This type of screen consists of up to 6 main components: the frame, legs, surface, valance, drape legs, and skirt. When drawing this screen, you can choose from a list of industry standard screen sizes, or specify the screen size of your choice. You can also choose whether the screen is surrounded by a drape and, if so, you can set the dimensions of the drape panels.

nCustom Surface: Unlike the other two screen types available, custom screens do not have a frame around them. When you choose this type of screen, you can specify the size of the screen, or choose from a predefined list of standard screen sizes.

Result: The window that appears varies according to the type of screen that you chose.

4Type the properties of your screen in the appropriate fields below:

nPredefined Size: From the drop-down list, select the standard size of screen that you want to create. If you want to specify a non-standard size, choose Custom.

nWidth: Indicates the width of the standard sized screen. If you chose to create a custom-sized screen, type the custom width.

nHeight: Indicates the height of the standard sized screen. If you chose to create a custom-sized screen, type the custom height.

nElevation Above Floor: (only applicable for Folding and Tripod screens) Type the height of the tripod or support frame.

nTripod Diameter: (only applicable for Tripod screens) Type the diameter of the tripod.

nLength of Support Feet: (only applicable for Folding screens) Type the length of each of the supporting “feet” for the frame of the screen.

nInclude Drape Kit: (only applicable for Folding screens) Select this checkbox if you want to hide the frame of the screen with drapery panels. If you do not check this box, the frame around the screen is visible.

5Click Next.

Result: Only if you are creating a Folding screen and if you chose to include the drape kit, the Define Drape Kit Dimensions window appears.

Note: If you are creating any other type of screen or if you have decided to hide the drape kit, then the Content Selection window appears. Proceed directly to step 8.

6Type the dimensions of the drape kit around the Folding screen. If you do not want to see part of the drape kit, clear the checkbox beside the appropriate heading (for example, if you do not want to see the skirt, clear this checkbox).

7Click Next.

Result: The Content Selection window appears.

8Choose whether you want to draw a blank screen, show an image, or play a video on it.

a.To show an image, click Image Source, and select the desired image previously imported by the Image Manager. Or, click New to open the Image Manager and create a new image for use. “To create a new image source in the image manager” for more information.

b.To show an video, click Video Source, and select the desired video previously imported by the Video Manager. Or, click New to open the Video Manager and create a new video for use. “To create a new video source in the video manager” for more information.Video codecs may be required to play the video even though it is already an .avi or .mpg file.

9Click Finish.

Result: The screen attaches to your cursor.

10In your drawing, move the cursor to the desired position for the screen, and then click to place it in your drawing.

Note: If you have chosen to place an image on the screen, it appears only in Virtual View.

Screen Properties

After a screen has been created, the properties of a screen can be altered from the properties menu. The following properties of the screen can be changed:

nDimensions and Options

The size of the screen can be changed from its original dimensions.

nScreen Width: The width of the screen.

nScreen Height: The height of the screen.

nOnly Display Image/Video on Front Face: Select this checkbox to set the color, Image Source, or Video Source to appear only on the front side of the screen.

Note: The front side of a Screen is the one which does not display the “V” symbol when the Screen appears in Drawing Wireframe set to Plan view.

Tip: The Only Display Image/video on Front Face option will help when using the Global Illumination with Approximation Method 2 Visual Effect: when this Visual Effect is enabled, the illumination it pro­duces will only appear on the front side of the Screen.

nDisplay Source

Options for controlling what will be visible on the screen.

nDisplay Source: Drop-down menu for controlling what will be visible on the screen.

nImage Source: Available images that can be displayed on the screen.

nVideo Source: Available videos that can be displayed on the screen.

nKeep Aspect Ratio: Toggle whether to have images/videos displayed on the screen maintain their aspect ratio or stretch/constrict when the size of the screen changes.

nReassign Video/Image Subsource(s): This checkbox is available when the screen is set with Multi-split subsources. Select this checkbox to open the Reassign Video/Image Subsource dialog and reassign the video and image source types and options for the screen.

nGlow Settings

Setting for controlling the glow of the selected screen, independent of the global settings.

nHide: Toggle to enable/disable the screen glow feature.

nGlow Intensity Multiplier: When enabled can enhance the glow of the screen on a scale of 0 to 10.

Drawing projectors

You can use the Projection Wizard to draw a projector on its own (without the screen), or to add a projector to a drawing in which there is already a screen.

You may want to perform this procedure, for example, if you are going to project an image onto a wall or other surface. Even though you are not drawing a screen at the same time, Vivien will still calculate the throw distance to the projection surface if you know both its width and the projector’s throw ratio. You can then manually place the projector in your drawing at this distance from the wall or screen.

Note: If you want to add a projector to your drawing after you have drawn a screen on its own, select the screen, right-click, and choose Change Projection Settings. When you do so, the Projection Wizard appears, listing the existing settings for the screen. As you work your way through the Wizard to add the projector, you can leave the current screen settings, or modify them. Based on the settings you choose, Vivien adds the projector at the appropriate throw distance from the screen. Both objects are subsequently treated as a single, grouped object.

To draw a projector

This procedure shows you how to draw a projector on its own, enabling you to choose from three different sizes of projector. When you create a projector in this manner, it is treated as a single object (it is not grouped with a screen)

Note: To add a screen to the drawing after you have added a projector, select the projector, right-click, and select Change Projection Settings. When you do so, the Projection Wizard appears, listing the existing settings for the projector. As you work your way through the Wizard to add the screen, you can leave the current projector settings, or modify them. Based on the settings you choose, Vivien adds the screen at the appropriate throw distance from the projector. Both objects are subsequently treated as a single, grouped object.

1From the Draw menu, choose Projection Wizard.

Result: The Integrated Projection Wizard dialog box opens.

2Click Create a Projector, and then click Next.

Result: The Define Projector Specifications window appears.

3Enter the properties for your projector in the appropriate boxes:

nAspect Ratio: This is the width-to-height ratio of the displayed image. Refer to the projector specifications for the proper aspect ratio for your projector. Note that some projectors can support multiple aspect ratios. The following aspect ratios are available for you to choose from:

n1:1: Provides a perfectly squared screen format for native SVGA/XGA projectors.

n5:4: For images with SXGA resolution. Widescreen images will appear cropped at this ratio.

n4:3: Standard aspect ratio for TV, as well as for images with VGA, SVGA, XGA, or UXGA resolution. Widescreen images will appear cropped at this ratio.

n3:2: For classic 35mm film with 24mm x 36mm image size.

n16:9/16:10: For wide-screen images, this aspect ratio shows you a picture that is about one-third wider than standard displays. It is the format for HDTV video and some SDTV video.

n1.85:1: For 35mm widescreen standard theatrical film.

n1.9:1: Common aspect ratio supported by social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

n2.35:1/2.39:1: For anamorphic widescreen cinemascope format.

n21:9: For high end UltraWide monitors.

n3:1: Standard aspect ratio for APS-P panorama images.

nProjector Size: Choose the size of your projector, Small, Medium, or Large. This is largely for display purposes in your drawing and does not necessarily reflect the actual projector.

nLens Throw Ratio: Refer to the projector specifications for this value. It may be lens-specific rather than projector-specific because some projectors can support multiple lenses. It is equal to the throw distance divided by the projected image width. For a projector without a zoom lens, the throw ratio is fixed (the size of the projected image is completely determined by the throw distance and aspect ratio). However, for a projector with a zoom lens, you can change the throw ratio (you can control the image size without having to change the throw distance).

Note: Once you input the throw ratio, aspect ratio, and width of the projected image, Vivien will calculate the projector’s throw distance for you.

nThrow Distance: The formula for calculating the throw distance is Throw Ratio * Width of Screen (width of the projected image). Some lenses are wider-angle (they cover short throw distances), while others are more in the tele-range (they cover large throw distances). Once you input the aspect ratio and throw ratio for your projector, as well as the width of the projected image, Vivien will adjust the throw distance accordingly.

nImage Width: The width of the projected image. Note that the value shown here, as well as the lens throw ratio and aspect ratio, affect the Throw Distance value calculated by Vivien.

nFront Projection / Rear Projection: Choose whether you want the projector to throw the image onto the front or back of the screen. Based on your selection, the projector will either appear in front of or behind the screen in your drawing.

4Click Finish.

Result: The projector attaches to your cursor.

5Click to place the projector in your drawing.

Drawing cameras

Cameras provide view points in Virtual Views and renderings. You can set up additional cameras to provide additional view points.

To insert a camera

1From the Draw menu, choose Camera > Camera.

Result: The New Camera dialog box opens.

2Enter a name for the camera and a value in degrees for the field angle. The default value for the field angle is 53.13.

3From the Layer drop-down box, select the layer of your file on which you want to draw the camera. By default, the Camera object is inserted on the Camera layer.

Note: If you do not see all layers in the Layer drop-down box, click Show non-editable layers.

4(Optional) Select the Aspect Ratio checkbox to set a fixed Aspect Ratio for the new camera. From the Aspect Ratio drop-down box, select the fixed Aspect Ratio for the new camera.

Result: The Virtual View will be defined by the set Aspect Ratio of the selected Camera, with pillar or letter bars displayed to indicate the viewing definition boundaries.

5(Optional) Select the Lock checkbox to lock this new camera on its position and view angle in Virtual View.

6Click OK to apply the settings or Cancel to discard.

7Click on the drawing to place the camera.

8Move the cursor to aim the camera, and then click to place the target.

Result: The camera is inserted into your drawing and available in the camera selection list for Virtual Views and renderings.

Tip: Use the Height value tool while placing the camera and target.

Note: In Drawing Wireframe views, the marker points of the camera drawing identify the camera’s target. In Virtual Views, you are looking through the camera, therefore the camera drawings are invisible. For this reason you can choose to display the target as a colored x, y, z axis in Virtual View. For more information on displaying the target, refer to “Virtual view options”.

To create a camera from the current Virtual View

Another way to create a camera is directly from the Virtual View. If you've set up the Virtual View just so, but forgot that you are not working with a camera, you can create a camera based on the view you just set up.

1Set up the Virtual View as desired.

2Right-click in the Virtual View and select Save View as New Camera.

Result: The New Camera dialog appears.

3Enter a name for the camera and a value in degrees for the field angle, if desired.

Note:  To retain the properties of the current Virtual View, do not change this Field Angle value.

4Click OK.

Result: The camera appears in the Drawing Wireframe and a new camera is added to the drop-down on the Camera toolbar.

Using the Camera toolbar

After you have drawn a camera, you can use the Camera toolbar in Virtual Views to view your drawing through the camera of your choice. The camera toolbar also gives you quick access to certain camera properties, such as name, field angle, lock/unlock and reset.

With multiple cameras in place, you can use the Camera Toolbar to quickly switch from one camera to the next. This feature is useful if you want to quickly view all the sight lines in your room.

To open the Camera toolbar

1Click the Virtual View tab.

2Right-click in the toolbar area and select Camera.

Result: The Camera toolbar appears.

To switch between cameras

From the Camera toolbar’s drop-down list, select the camera through which you want to view your drawing.

Note: To switch back to the default view, click None.

To view or edit camera properties

1From the Camera toolbar’s drop-down list, select a camera.

2Click the Camera Properties icon.

3In the window that appears, you can change any of the following properties:

nName: You can edit the name that appears in the Camera toolbar for the currently selected camera.

nField Angle: You can change the field angle of the currently selected camera, measured in degrees.

nAssigned Hotkey: Click to assign a new numbered hotkey for this camera. This is the number that you can press to instantly switch from one camera to the next.

nAspect Ratio: Select this checkbox and select a fixed aspect ratio for the selected camera.

nLock camera in Virtual View: Select this checkbox to lock the selected camera in its current position in all Virtual View. To unlock it, simply select the camera from the Camera toolbar, and then press the Camera Lock button.

To lock a camera

Follow the steps below to lock a camera in its current position in the Virtual View. This feature helps prevent you from accidentally moving or zooming a camera while adjust the viewpoint in the Virtual View.

1From the Camera toolbar’s drop-down list, select the camera that you want to lock.

2Click the Camera Lock icon.

Result: The Camera is now locked in position in the Virtual View. Whenever you select this camera and attempt to adjust the viewpoint in the Virtual View, a lock symbol appears in the middle of the Virtual View. To unlock the Camera, simply select it from the Camera toolbar, and press the Camera Lock icon again.

To create a new camera

1Adjust the Virtual View to the suitable position for your new camera.

2On the Camera toolbar, click the New Camera icon.

3Type the name of the new camera.

4Click OK.

To reset a Camera

1From the Camera toolbar’s drop-down list, select the camera that you want to reset.

2Click the Camera Reset icon:

Note:

nYou cannot reset a camera if it is locked.

nThe Reset Camera menu applies only if World is the selected Camera.

To use the Pitch and Yaw locks for rotations

Use the Lock-X and Lock-Z buttons on the Camera toolbar to prevent in-place rotations along the specified axis:

nLock-X, or Rotation around the X Axis = PITCH [tilting forward and backward]

nLock-Z, or Rotation around the Z Axis = YAW [also called Heading or Direction]

To see the effect of these locks in the Virtual View, you must press ALT while dragging the view; these locks have no effect if you do not press ALT.

Note: Press the reset buttons (Rx, Ry, Rz) to re-orient the camera to the world's axes.

Switching cameras in virtual view

Camera objects drawn in Drawing Wireframe are visible in Virtual View to indicate position and orientation.

Note: In Virtual View, you must select Display Model and Display Tooltips on the Camera tab of the View Options window to see and switch cameras in Virtual View. Switch To This Camera is disabled if Display Model and Display Tooltips are not selected.

To switch cameras in virtual view

1On Virtual View, hover over the Camera you want to select.

Result: The Camera is highlighted and shows tooltip information.

2Right-click on the Camera and choose Switch To This Camera from the menu that appears.

Result: Virtual View displays the view angle from the selected Camera.

Camera paths

Camera paths allow you to define a path along which a camera will travel and then play back the camera’s path in the Virtual View, giving your client a realistic flythrough of the event space.

Once you draw a Camera path, you can use the Camera Path Editor and the Timeline tool to define the time interval between the points along the path. If there are Camera Targets inserted in the file, you can also specify when the camera should follow a camera target. Finally, you can also define the orientation and field angle of the Camera at the current node position.

Once you have defined the time intervals and camera’s orientation, you can open the Timeline tool and watch the Camera path play in the Virtual View. Camera Path playback is also simulated in Full Screen mode and may be recorded using the Virtual View Output tool.

Drawing Camera paths

Camera paths allow you to define a path along which the camera will travel during playback in the Virtual View. You draw Camera paths just as you would draw a spline. Each point along the path is called a “Node”.

Note: You can keep the camera path, nodes and targets visible during file editing, and once you’re done, go into the Properties of these objects and toggle their visibility off in Virtual View.

To draw a Camera path

1In a Wireframe view, from the Draw menu, click Camera > Camera Path.

2Click in your plot where you want to start drawing the Camera path.

3Continue clicking in your drawing to create your path. When you are finished, right-click and select one of the options on the pop-up menu:

nFinish Camera Path: This option finishes the path at the last point, and places it in your plot.

nClose Camera Path: This option closes the path from one end to the next, and places the path in your plot.

nAbort Camera Path: This option cancels the drawing of the Camera path altogether.

nRemove Last Step: This option removes the last point of the path.

Camera paths are controlled from the Lighting Wireframe/Quad and/or Virtual View modes, using the Camera Path Editor and the Timeline tool. For details, see below.

Using the Camera path editor

Once you create a Camera path in a wireframe view, follow the steps in this section to define the time intervals between the nodes on the path. For details on drawing Camera paths, see “Drawing Camera paths”.

Camera path editor window

Camera path editor columns

nNode:    This column gives you the Node number of the nodes on your Timeline.

nShortest Path:    When the Shortest Path checkbox is selected for a node, it forces the camera to rotate as little as possible when moving between two nodes on your timeline. When the Shortest Path checkbox is unchecked for a node, the camera will take the longer of the two directions as it rotates to aim at the next node's target. This applies to Roll, Pitch and Yaw.

nX, Y, and Z Columns:    The X, Y, and Z columns in the Camera Path Editor are editable position information for each of the nodes on your timeline. You may enter in distance values into these fields to re-position your nodes as you see fit.

nRx and Rz Columns:    These columns represent the rotation around each of the X and Z axes in Vivien. These columns are non-editable, but allow you to get positional information from your nodes.

n      Rx, or Rotation around the X Axis = PITCH   [tilting forward and backward]

n   Rz, or Rotation around the Z Axis = YAW       [also called Heading or Direction]

nInterval:    A node’s Interval is how long it takes in seconds to get from one node to another. For example, if the timing on node 2 is ten seconds (10s), then the camera would move for ten seconds before reaching node 2.

nBehavior:    Behavior is the camera’s movement and direction behavior as it relates to the Camera Path. There are three types of Camera Behavior:

nFollow Path:    The camera will follow straight along the path, not deviating in any way possible from the path as it travels between nodes.

nFollow Target:    The camera will always point at an assigned Camera Target if this behavior is chosen for a node.

nUser Defined:    This option allows the camera to behave exactly as specified by a user, meaning that the camera will point wherever you point it when the User Defined behavior is chosen.

nTarget:       Each node can be assigned a different target when the Follow Target behavior in the Behavior column is chosen. The Target column is a drop-down box for choosing different targets in your drawing.

nField Angle:    This option allows you to enter in different field angles for each node.

To use the Camera path editor

1In Lighting Wireframe / Quad or Virtual View, from the Tools menu, select Camera Path Editor.

2In the Camera Path Editor, from the Camera Path drop-down, select the Camera path that you want to edit.

3In the Interval column, adjust the timing for each node along the path, specifying when you want the camera to be at that node.

nIf you have placed targets along the path, and you want the Camera to follow a target at a particular node, in the Target column click in the cell corresponding to the node and, from the drop-down list that appears, select Follow Target. Then, click in the adjacent Target cell to select the target.

nTo define the orientation and field angle of the Camera at a particular node along the path, in the Camera Target column, click in the cell corresponding the node, and then select User Defined.

4Once you have defined the time intervals, you can use the Timeline tool to watch the Camera path play in the Virtual View. For details, see below.

Visual Camera Path Builder tool

The Visual Camera Path Builder tool allows you to create a Camera Path on the fly while you move the Camera around your space. This tool essentially works by placing a node at the Camera’s current position once you’ve told Vivien that you are satisfied with the Camera’s current placement on screen.

Note: The Visual Camera Path Builder tool is disabled if the Virtual View Camera Control was set to Other 3D Applications in the General tab of the Application Options window.

To use the Visual Camera Path Builder tool

1Right-click in the Virtual View and select Visual Camera Path Builder.

2Once you’ve started the Visual Camera Path Builder, you’ll be prompted to name your new path, add it to the Camera layer (or a layer of your choosing), and create the first node based on the Camera’s current position.

3Once you click OK in the dialog box, you will then be in Visual Camera Path Editor mode. Maneuver the Camera around the space, and when you want to create a new node based on your Camera’s position, right-click in the Virtual View and choose the Add Node. At this point, you can also Abort your Camera Path in the Visual Camera Path Builder tool.

4Move the Camera and right-click every time you would like to create a new node from your Camera’s current position in space.

5When you have created as many nodes as you would like to have in your Camera path, right-click again in the Virtual View and choose Finish Camera Path.

6At this point, you can also Abort your Camera Path, or you can choose to Close the Camera path from your current view, which will create a seamless loop on the Camera path. When you are finished with the Visual Camera Path Builder tool, you will automatically exit the Visual Camera Path Builder tool mode.

To use the Timeline tool

Once you have adjusted the timing of a Camera path with the Camera path editor, switch to the Virtual View to watch the camera move along the path with the Timeline tool. This tool enables you to watch the timing in slow motion, regular speed, or up to four times the speed.

Notes:

nCamera Path playback is also simulated in Full Screen mode.

nNodes of existing Camera Paths can be edited from a Virtual View when the Timeline's Previous Node or Next Node buttons are used; they can only be edited while playback is paused.

1In Lighting Wireframe / Quad or Virtual View, from the Tools menu, select Timeline.

Result: The Timeline tool appears.

2Use the controls to watch the Camera move along the path you have defined:

nPlay: Click to start the camera path simulation in the Virtual View. While this plays, the red line moves along the timeline to display its current position. You can click on the red line indicator and scrub along the timeline, which updates the red line and the Camera simulation at the corresponding point along the path.

nStop: Click to stop the camera.

nPrevious Node: Click to switch back to the previous node on the path.

nNext Node: Click to move to the next node on the path.

nToggle PlayBack Direction: Click to switch the direction of the camera on the path.

nToggle Loop: Click to keep the camera moving on the path in a continuous loop.

nAdjust Playback Speed: Click to choose the playback speed.

nShow Node Numbers: Click to show the node numbers in the timeline.

nZoom: Use the slider to zoom in or out on the timeline.

Using the Camera Manager

The Camera Manager enables you to view and set the properties of Camera objects and Camera Paths in a convenient way. The Camera Manager window opens in the wireframe and virtual views, and displays the following:

nThe editable settings for New Camera Defaults showing Layer, Field Angle and Aspect Ratio.

nThe option to Override all Cameras’ Aspect Ratio checkbox.

nThe table with the list of Camera objects inserted in the plot and their settings: Camera Name, Lock, Hotkey, Field Angle, Aspect Ratio and DMX Value.

nThe table with the list of Camera Paths created in the plot and their settings: Camera Path Name, Show Path, Node, Node Number, Aspect Ratio, DMX Patch.

To access the Camera Manager

1From the Managers menu, choose Camera Manager.

Result: The Camera Manager window appears.

To edit Camera and Camera Path properties in Camera Manager

1In the Camera Manager window, you can change any of the following properties:

nNew Camera Defaults: this section shows the default properties set for a new camera object that will be inserted in the drawing.

nLayer: you can select the default layer of the new camera object.

nField Angle: you can specify the default field angle (degrees) of the new camera object.

nAspect Ratio: you can select the default aspect ratio of the new camera object.

nOverride Aspect Ratio: this section shows the option to change the Aspect Ratios for all Cameras.

nOverride all Camera’s Aspect Ratio - Display at: Select this checkbox to override the aspect ratios for all cameras and select a temporary aspect ratio from the drop-down menu to view all cameras in your drawing.

Note: All previously set Aspect Ratios are preserved in the table, and can be used after this option is disabled.

nCamera: this section shows the list of camera objects inserted in the plot with their corresponding properties.

nCamera Name: Click the Camera Name cell to edit the camera’s name.

nLock: Select this checkbox to lock the selected camera in the Virtual View.

nHotkey: Click this drop-down menu to assign a new numbered hotkey for the selected camera.

nField Angle: Click the Field Angle cell and write the new field angle (degrees) for the selected camera.

nAspect Ratio: Click the drop-down menu to select a new fixed aspect ratio for the selected camera. This option is disabled when Override all Cameras’ Aspect Ratio is checked.

nCamera Path: this section displays the list of camera paths created in the plot.

nCamera Path Name: Click the Camera Path Name cell to edit the camera path’s name.

nShow Path: Select this checkbox to show the selected Camera Path.

nNode: Select this checkbox to show the nodes created along the selected Camera Path.

nNode Num: Select this checkbox to show the numbers assigned to each of the nodes along the selected camera path.

nAspect Ratio: Click the drop-down menu to select a new fixed aspect ratio for the selected camera path.

Drawing a compass

Add a compass to your drawing to define the direction that is north. This definition is important to set the position of the sun and/or moon for renderings that use environmental options.

There can be only one compass in a file.

To draw a compass

1From the Tools menu, choose Define North.

2Click to place the starting point of the compass.

3Click to place the end point of the compass. The end point must be directly north of the start point.

Result: A compass displays, centered on the start point and pointing towards the end point.

4To remove the compass from the drawing, choose Clear North from the Tools menu.

5To redefine north, repeat steps 1-3. You do not need to remove the compass from the drawing when redefining as there can be only one compass in a file.

Drawing pipe and drape

Use Vivien’s Pipe and Drape Wizard to add lengths of drapery to your drawing. You can quickly add the default length and height of drapery, or specify custom sizes and define drapery properties such as color, texture, and material in the wizard or after inserting the drapery in your drawing.

Vivien’s Event Resources tab keeps track of the number of drape panels, crossbars, and upright pipes you will need to ensure that your equipment quotes are accurate.

The several components in a drape line are shown in the following graphic:

nDrape panels: These are the individual pieces of fabric that hang from the horizontal pieces of pipe called crossbars. You can specify the number of drape panels in each of the pipe and drape drawing methods. The default number of panels is three per section.

nSection: A section consists of a series of drape panels hanging from a horizontal pipe called a crossbar, which is supported on each end by an upright pipe. You can specify the number of panels per section and, based on the drawing method you choose, either the exact width of the section or the maximum width.

nUpright pipes: These are the pipes that stand on either end of each section in your drape line, supporting the crossbars.

nBase plates: These are the support plates for the upright pipes.

The Wizard offers you two drawing options:

nDraw: This is the most flexible option when drawing your drape line. It enables you to specify the height, maximum width of a section, and the number of drape panels per section. When you click Finish, the Wizard returns you to the drawing where you can click and drag to draw as many drape lines as desired in whatever length required.

nSpecify: This option enables you to define the height, width, the number of sections in your drape line, and the number of drape panels per section. This option enables you to either draw a new drape line section, or add to an existing drape line.

To draw pipe and drape - Draw method

Note: If you are adding a new drape section to an existing panel in your drawing, click the Endpoint snap tool first. This ensures that the new drape panel “snaps” to the existing one in the correct position.

1On the toolbar, click the Pipe and Drape Wizard tool.

Result: The Select Drawing Method window appears.

2Click the Draw option button, and then click Next.

Result: The Draw Pipe and Drape window appears.

3Select the Create a New Drape Line option to create a new section of the drape line; or select the Add to an Existing Drape Line option to add the next section of the drape line.

Notes:

nDrawing a new drape line includes all upright pipes for the drape line.

nAdding to an existing drape line uses an existing upright pipe as the beginning of the added drape line.

4In the Height box, type the height of the drape line, or accept the default value of 15’0”.

5In the Max. Crossbar Length box, type the maximum length of each horizontal pipe, or accept the default value of 10’0”. This is the length of the horizontal pipe between the upright pipes. If you click to insert a section at a shorter interval than this value, Vivien automatically adjusts the width of each drapery panel accordingly and a shorter section is inserted in the drawing.

6Select the Min. Crossbar Length checkbox and type the minimum length of each horizontal pipe, or accept the default value of 1”. This value sets the shortest length of the horizontal pipe in a section between upright pipes.

7Select the Use Equal Crossbar Length/Space Upright Evenly checkbox to automatically set the same length for all the crossbars. If you clear this checkbox, then Vivien creates the drapery panels of equal size for all full sections, but resizes the panels in the last section accordingly if you choose to make this panel smaller.

8In the Pipe Diameter box, type the diameter of all crossbars and upright pipes.

9Click the Base Plate drop-down to select the size of the base plate support for the upright pipes.

10Select the Add Base Plate Weight checkbox to add thickness to the base plate in Wireframe and Virtual Views.

11In the Drape Panels per Crossbar box, type the number of drape panels that you want to see in each section of the drape line, or accept the default value of 3 panels per section. Each panel is separated by a new, upright piece of pipe.

12The default or previously set texture of the drape is displayed in the Drape Texture box. To change the texture, click the Drape Texture ellipsis button to browse and select a new texture from the Texture Select dialog that opens.

13In the Drape Description box, type additional user information or identification for the drape line, which will be displayed in Reports.

14Click Finish.

15Click in the desired spot in your drawing where you want to start drawing the drape line.

16Move the cursor to the spot where you want the first section to end, and click. Then move your cursor to the spot where you want the next section to end, and click. You can draw as many sections as you like. When you are finished drawing your drape line, right-click and select Finish Pipe and Drape.

For details on customizing the new drape line, see “To customize drapery elements (color, material, and texture)”.

To draw pipe and drape - Specify method

Note: If you are adding a new drape section to an existing panel in your drawing, click the Endpoint snap tool first. This ensures that the new drape panel “snaps” to the existing one in the correct position.

1On the toolbar, click the Pipe and Drape Wizard tool.

Result: The Select Drawing Method window appears.

2Click the Specify option button, and then click Next.

Result: The Specify Pipe and Drape window appears.

3Select the Create a New Drape Line option to create a new section of the drape line; or select the Add to an Existing Drape Line option to add the next section of the drape line.

Notes:

nDrawing a new drape line includes all upright pipes for the drape line.

nAdding to an existing drape line uses an existing upright pipe as the beginning of the added drape line.

4To specify the total length of the drape line section, select Total Length and type the length of the drape line, or accept the default value of 10’0”. The Crossbar Length option is disabled if the Total Length option is selected.

5To specify drape line section by the length and quantity of it’s crossbars, select Crossbar Length and type the length of the crossbar, or accept the default value of 10’0” The Total Length option is disabled if the Crossbar Length option is selected.

6In the Number of Crossbars box, type the number of crossbars in the drape line, or accept the default value of 1.

Note: The length of each crossbar will automatically change with reference to the specified Total Length and Number of Crossbars.

7In the Height box, type the height of the drape line, or accept the default value of 15’0”.

8In the Pipe Diameter box, type the diameter of all crossbars and upright pipes.

9Click the Base Plate drop-down to select the size of the base plate support for the upright pipes.

10Select the Add Base Plate Weight checkbox to add thickness to the base plate in Wireframe and Virtual Views.

11In the Drape Panels per Crossbar box, type the number of drape panels that you want to see in each section of the drape line, or accept the default value of 3 panels per section. Each panel is separated by a new, upright piece of pipe.

12The default or previously set texture of the drape is displayed in the Drape Texture box. To change the texture, click the Drape Texture ellipsis button to browse and select a new texture from the Texture Select dialog that opens.

13In the Drape Description box, type additional user information or identification for the drape line, which will be displayed in Reports.

14Click Finish.

15Click in the desired spot in your drawing where you want to start drawing the drape line.

16Move the cursor to the spot where you want the first section to end, and click. Then move your cursor to the spot where you want the next section to end, and click. You can draw as many sections as you like. When you are finished drawing your drape line, right-click and select Finish Pipe and Drape.

For details on customizing the new drape line, see “To customize drapery elements (color, material, and texture)” below.

To quickly change Pipe and Drape Wizard settings 

This procedure shows you how to quickly change some of the structural pipe and drape settings for a selected drape line, such as the height and diameter of the upright pipes and crossbars. Use this procedure to customize the structural properties of a single drape line.

1In your drawing, select the pipe and drape sections that you want to customize.

Tip: To select multiple sections, press CTRL, and then click the appropriate sections.

Note: The sections that you select must have been drawn in the same way. For example, all drape lines created with Specify method.

2Right-click and select Change Pipe and Drape Settings.

Result: The appropriate Settings window appears. Based on the type of drape line that you selected, a different window appears.

3Change any of the settings that you see in this window. For help on any of the boxes, click in the box, and then press F1.

4Click Finish to save and apply your new settings.

To customize drapery elements (color, material, and texture)

You can add custom color, texture and material to selected drapery elements (such as the front and back of the drape panels, the crossbars, upright pipes, the drape loops that attach to the crossbars, or the drape lines as a whole).

Notes:

nIf you select multiple drape lines in your drawing, you can apply the same properties to all of them simultaneously through the following procedure. However, if you had already selected varying properties (for example, if you had chosen one color for the front panel of some drape lines, but another color for the front panel of others), or if some of the elements had no properties selected at all, then when you choose new properties in the following procedure, it applies to all drape lines selected, overwriting any existing settings that you may have saved.

nWhen you select multiple drape lines, the Appearance tab only lists the properties of selected elements if they are common across all drape lines. For example, if the front panel of all selected drape lines already has the same custom texture applied, and it is set to tile in one meter squared intervals, then these values are shown in the Appearance tab. However, if at least one of the front panels in the selected drape lines has a different custom texture value applied, the Appearance tab does not list the texture settings at all. If you choose new texture settings, your choice overwrites all existing settings for the selected element across all selected drape lines.

nYou can apply the same properties to all drapery elements by highlighting “Group” in the Elements box.

1In your drawing, select the pipe and drape sections that you want to customize.

Tip: To select multiple sections, press CTRL, and then click the appropriate sections.

2With the desired sections selected, right-click and select Object Properties.

Result: The Properties dialog appears.

3Click the Appearance tab.

4In the left pane, click the drapery element that you want to customize. For example, to customize the front of the drape panels (each panel is double-sided), click Drape Front.

Note: You can select multiple elements by pressing CTRL, and then clicking the elements; you can select all elements by clicking Select All.

5You have a choice of applying one of the following settings to the selected elements:

nLayer Rendering Color: Select this option to apply the same color as the current layer to the selected elements.

nCustom Color: To apply a custom color, select this option, and then click the color box. In the resulting color dialog, select the custom color that you want to use, or click Define Custom Colors to create your own color. Click OK, and then click Apply.

nTexture from Library: Select this option to apply a custom texture file from the Vivien library to the selected elements, and then click the ellipsis button (...). In the resulting dialog, navigate to and highlight the desired texture. Click Select.

nImage Source: To apply a custom texture file that you have created and saved in bitmap or jpeg format, select this option, and then click the ellipsis button (...). Navigate to the file, and click Open.

nUse Normal Map: Select this checkbox to apply an Image Source that’s a Normal Map, to create the perception of fragmented surface texture detail and depth, making objects look more realistic.

Click this drop-down box to apply an existing Normal Map image or click New to create a new Normal Map image via the Image Manager.

Note: This drop-down lists all Image Sources that appear in the Image Manager; as such, Image Sources which are Normal Maps should be named appropriately for easy identification.

nScale: Select the height or depth of visual effect created by the Normal Map. Click the drop-down box to select the percentage scale value from not visible (0%) to maximum value stored in the imported Normal texture/image (100%).

6If you have chosen to apply a texture to the elements, you can choose how the texture will appear on the selected drapery elements as follows (if you have applied a color instead, you can skip directly to step 7):

nTo view the texture file as a series of square or rectangular “tiles” that are repeated over the entire surface of the drapery element, click the Tile option button, and then type the size of the tiles in the boxes provided.

nTo view the texture file stretched out as a single surface over the entire drapery element, click the Stretch option button.

nTo preserve the aspect ratio of the texture so it is not distorted when stretched over the element, click Keep Aspect Ratio.

nTo choose a custom border color for the texture when it is stretched over the surface of the element, click the Border Color box, and then choose the custom color.

nIf you have selected Use Normal Map, specify the number of times the Normal Map is multiplied across the object (element) to which it is applied. Type the value in the Normal Map Size Multiplier box. (Enter a valid number between 0.01 and 100.)

Notes:

nThe default value of 1 results in no changes to the Normal Map’s size; values lower than 1 will increase the size of the Normal visual effect, and values higher than 1 will decrease it.

nThe Normal Map Size Multiplier operates within the Tile or Stretch Texture Options.

nTo set the angle at which the texture appears on the drapery element, type the value in degrees in the Rotation (Deg.) drop-down.

nTo change the color of the texture, click the Color Tint color box and select a new color, then click the Scale drop-down to specify the intensity of the color.

7To choose a custom material for the selected drapery elements (such as metal, paper, plastic, or fabric) click the ellipsis button (...) in the Material Properties section.

8In the resulting dialog, navigate to and highlight the desired material, and then click Select.

9Click Apply.

10If desired, you can apply a transparency level to the selected element. Based on the settings that you have chosen for color, texture, and material, the transparency options vary as follows:

nTransparency: This setting controls the proportion of light that passes through the material. All materials in Vivien specify a level of transparency that varies from one material to the next. For example, glass is more transparent than brick. If you select Default, the transparency level is set to 0% (opaque).

nSpecular Level: This setting controls how prominent other specular effects appear on the material.

nSpecular Gloss: This setting controls the amount of light that is projected on the material.

nSpecular Color Source: This setting controls the amount of light that is projected on the material.

nLight Reflection: This setting controls the amount of light that is reflected off the material.

Notes:

nUse the drop-down menus to change any of the material properties. Use the Reset button to revert back to defaults.

nThe beam will pass through a surface with the Transparency value set to 80% or greater. The beam will not pass through the surface when the value is lower than 80%.

11Display Reflection in Virtual Views: Select this checkbox to display the set reflective characteristics in Virtual Views.

12Click Apply.

13Click OK to save your changes and close the Properties dialog.

To customize pipe and drape structure for individual drape lines

This procedure shows you how to customize other properties of the pipe and drape sections, such as the height and diameter of the upright pipes and crossbars. Use this procedure to customize the structural properties of individual drape lines that you have selected.

Note: While the tabs in the Properties window are best used to customize a single drape line, if you selected multiple drape lines, the values that you type in these tabs apply to all selected drape lines; they overwrite any custom settings that you previously saved for individual crossbars, uprights, or drape panels.

1In your drawing, select the pipe and drape section that you want to customize.

2With the desired section selected, right-click and select Object Properties.

Result: The Properties window appears.

3To change any properties of the drape line crossbars, click the Pipe and Drape tab.

nPipe: This section displays the properties of the drape line crossbars and upright pipes.

nCrossbar section:

nLength: Type the length of all crossbar pipes in the selected drape line.

nDiameter: Type the diameter of all crossbar pipes in the selected drape line. Updating the crossbar diameter will update the loop diameter.

nUpright section:

nHeight: Type the height of all upright pipes in the selected drape line.

nDiameter: Type the diameter of all upright pipes in the selected drape line. Changing the upright height will update the drape height.

nBase Plate: Click the Base Plate drop-down to select the size of the base plate support for the upright pipes.

nAdd Base Plate Weight: Select this checkbox to add thickness to the base plate in Wireframe and Virtual Views.

nUse Document Defaults (Segments): Clear this checkbox if you want to specify the number of segments that comprise the circumference of the crossbar pipes. You can choose between three and 40 segments. This value is largely for rendering purposes—the greater the number of segments, the greater the rendering time. Leave this checkbox checked to accept the default value of 8 segments.

nDrape: This section displays the properties of the drape line panels.

nPanel section:

nHeight: Type the height of all panels in the selected drape line.

nWidth: Type the width of all panels in the selected drape line.

nLoop Diameter: Type the diameter of the loops that wrap around the crossbar pipes at the top of all panels in the selected drape line. This value should be greater than the diameter of the crossbar pipes.

nUse Document Defaults (Segments): Clear this checkbox if you want to specify the number of segments that comprise the drape panel loop that wraps around the crossbar pipe. You can choose between three and 40 segments. This value is largely for rendering purposes—the greater the number of segments, the greater the rendering time. Leave this checkbox checked to accept the default value of 8 segments.

nCurtain section:

nEnable: Select this checkbox to display the curtain as a wave in Plan View.

nCurtain Folds (2D Plan Only):

nStyle: Choose the style of how the wave is displayed.

nDepth: Type the depth of each wave period.

nWidth (Period): Type the width of each wave period.

nNumber of Segments: Type the number of segments for the 2D wave object.

4Click Apply.

5Click OK.

Result: Your changes are applied to all selected drape lines.

Mirroring pipes

Once a pipe is created, a mirror image of the pipe can be created. Mirroring duplicates and reverses the pipe, inserting it the same distance from an axis line as the original pipe. Both straight and curved pipes can be mirrored. A mirrored pipe will also include any fixtures attached to the original pipe, but aiming the fixtures at the new mirrored angle. “Mirroring objects” for more information.

Mirroring truss

Once a truss is created, a mirror image of the truss can be created. Mirroring duplicates and reverses the truss, inserting it the same distance from an axis line as the original truss. Both linear and circular trusses can be mirrored. A mirrored truss will also include any fixtures attached to the original truss, but aiming the fixtures at the new mirrored angle. “Mirroring objects” for more information.

Adding Library objects to your drawing

Introduction

Vivien includes an extensive library of predefined objects that you can quickly add to your drawings. These are 3-dimensional shapes drawn to scale representing the real life objects you need to account for when planning your event (for example, tables, chairs, podiums, projectors, and lights).

You add Library objects in drawing wireframe views (Drawing Wireframe and Drawing Quad tabs).

You can add objects one at a time directly from the Library, or in the case of chairs and tables, you can use a wizard to automate their placement. The Seating Wizard helps you add many chairs or tables at once, in arrangements that optimize the use of space. For details, “Adding multiple chairs or tables using the Seating Wizard”.

Adding objects from the Library Browser

You can view the contents of the Vivien library in the Library Browser. The Library Browser is categorized to help you find the items you are looking for. Each category is represented by a menu item in the Library menu and a tab in the browser.

Library category	Includes the following...
Staging	Items associated with a stage for example, podiums and steps
Tables	Different types of tables in different shapes and sizes
Table Sets	Different types of tables with chairs placed around them.
Chairs	Different styles of chairs
Banquet	Items that would be placed on tables for example, bottles and tableware
A/V	Audio visual equipment for example, projectors, lights, computer monitors and speakers
Lighting	Lighting equipment for example, light fixtures
Architecture	Architectural elements for example, columns and arches
People	Images of people (to help visualize the environment)
Objects	Miscellaneous objects for example, furniture, ladders and musical instruments
Manufacturer	Library items from vendors such as CORT Event Furnishings, AFR, Backdrop Fantastic, etc.

To open the Library Browser

1From the Library menu, choose a library category.

2Click the tabs along the bottom of the browser window to view the contents of different sections of the library.

To insert objects from the library

Notes:

nTo add multiple chairs or tables to the drawing and arrange them in rows, follow the instructions under “Adding multiple chairs or tables using the Seating Wizard”.

nIf you are adding a light fixture, follow the instructions under “Adding light fixtures”.

1Open the Library Browser.

2Navigate to the desired object use the Search feature to locate it (for details, see “To search the Library Browser”).

nClick on an object type (i.e., a folder) to display the list of available objects.

3Select the object, and then click the Insert tool at the top of the Library Browser.

or

Double-click the object name.

Result: The object attaches to the cursor with default settings.

Tip: For library objects, you can activate the Library Snap tool to display the snap points and the “Default” insertion point of the Library item displayed in red when not selected, which turns to green when selected. When the Library object insertion begins, right-click to access and select a different insertion point from the menu list. See “Using library snap”.

4Move the cursor onto the drawing where you want to place the object.

Result: A symbol for the object displays at the crosshairs.

Note: If the following symbol displays at the crosshairs, you cannot place the object at the cursor location. The message on the status bar provides the reason why.

5Click on the drawing to place the object.

Result: A symbol for the object displays on the drawing. For information on symbols, see “How library objects are represented in drawings”.

6Continue placing this type of object by repeating step 5.

7To finish placing this type of object, right-click and choose Finish Library Item from the pop-up menu.

Tip: Once you have added an object, you can duplicate it several times at once using the Clone tool. For details, see “Copying objects”.

To search the Library Browser

You can save time by using the Library Search feature. In the Library Browser, simply click the category tab that you are interested in, and then type the object name (or part of it) in the Search box at the top of the browser panel. All objects that match your query are shown.

1Open the Library Browser.

2Click the category tab that you are interested in. For example, click AV.

3In the Search box, type the name of the item that you are searching for, or a partial name. For example, if you are searching for the Medium Video Projector, you could type “projector”.

4Click the Search icon.

Result: The results of your search appear in the browser pane.

Tips:

nTo return to the top level of the current category, click the Home icon.

nTo clear the search, but remain in the current category, click the Clear button.

Specifying library item insertion point

Library items use “Default” insertion points defined by the library model to insert into your drawing. In addition to the default, a library item has 10 available insertion points around its bounding box corners. You can select the insertion point when inserting a library item into your drawing.You can choose from any of the top corners of the bounding box, or bottom corners, or top center, or bottom center.

When you select a different insertion point, the cursor switches to the specified point and insertion continues with the new insertion point. The insertion point is identified by a red square when Library Snap is enabled.

To specify the library item’s insertion point

1From the Library Browser, double-click on the object’s name you want to insert in you drawing.

2Right-click the object to display the menu list of insertion points.

3Click on the new insertion point.

Result: The cursor switches to the specified insertion point.

Note: Once a Library item’s insertion point has been changed during insertion within the project, it is remembered for future insertions from the Library Browser, and will be used when performing some CAD operations such as Copy/Paste, and Move and Rotate (when object’s base point is preferred in these operations).

Using library snap

Library Snaps are snap insertion points drawn at the bounding box corners of the library item, and one corner is displayed in red to represent the library item’s insertion point.

When Library Snap is enabled, all library items in the drawing will display their snap points, which can be used as a snappable insertion point that will align the placement of the item in Wireframe views.

When Library Snap is enabled, the insertion point is identified by a red square if the object is not selected, which turns to a green square if the object is selected. The default insertion point can be changed by selecting a different insertion point from the menu list that appears when you right-click the library item you are inserting. The cursor switches to the specified insertion point.

Note: Library Snap only applies to objects from the Library tab in the Library Browser.

To use library snap

1From the Tools menu, choose Snap Mode, and then choose Library.

Tip: You can also click the Library Snap tool on the Tools toolbar.

2Insert the library object.

Result: The library object appears with the snap points at its bounding box corners and the cursor is attached to the default insertion point displayed in green when selected.

Note: In Wireframe, Library Snap is automatically enabled at the start of Mirror and Paste, Move and Rotate operations.

Creating library shortcuts

Library shortcuts give you quick access to library objects that you use frequently. Shortcuts display on the shortcut bars to the left of the working area. Clicking a shortcut for an object is the same as finding the object in the Library Browser and using the Insert command.

To create a shortcut for a library object

1Open the Library Browser.

2Navigate to the desired object use the Search feature to locate it (for details, see “To search the Library Browser”).

3Select the object, and then click the Create Shortcut tool at the top of the Library Browser.

or

Right-click the object name and select Create Shortcut. 

Result: A shortcut to the object appears on the shortcut bar corresponding with the library category for the object.

For more information about shortcuts, see “Working with shortcuts”.

To modify a shortcut for a library object

1Right-click on the shortcut.

2Select Properties.

Result: The Properties dialog box opens.

3Enter a new name for the shortcut in the Name box.

The name of the object as listed in the library displays in the Type box.

4Click Properties to view the properties of the library entry. For details, see “Library object properties”.

5When you are satisfied with your changes, click OK.

Saving custom library items

Custom library items are made of one or more objects, including custom items that you have drawn as well as existing library items. You can save a custom library item for a complex object that you have drawn and think you might want to use again.

When you save custom library items, all of the item’s original properties are saved, including its texture and color. In addition, if the item that you are saving is broken down into separate elements, then these elements are also saved with the item and can be viewed on the Appearance tab. For example, if you are saving an object like a riser, each of the four riser elements is saved with the custom library item.

Notes:

nLight fixtures, hang structures (truss) and splines cannot be saved as components of custom library items.

nYou cannot rename the elements of custom library items in the Appearance tab; therefore, it is recommended that you give elements custom names before you save the item as a custom object. For details, see “To rename object elements”.

nIf you save a custom library item in the Tables or Chairs folder in step 7 of the procedure below, then it will be available when choosing seating items with the Seating Wizard (within the Custom folder).

To create a custom library item

1Select the object(s) to be saved as a custom item.

2From the Library menu, choose Create Custom Object.

Tip: If the menu item is greyed, one or more of the selected objects cannot be included in the custom library item.

3Pick a base point for the item. This is the insertion point for the item.

Result: The Library Item Wizard opens, displaying a rotating Virtual View of your new item.

4Enter a name for the new library item.

5To make this item available to other documents, check the appropriate box.

6Click Next.

7Add or modify the path.

Note: The path is the location in the library where the item will be stored. An item assigned to the path “Custom/Tables” would be available in the custom section of the items library in a subcategory named “Tables”. Note that if you save a custom library item in the Tables or Chairs folder, then it will be available when choosing seating items with the Seating Wizard (within the Custom folder).

8Click Next.

9Enter all pertinent information, including manufacturer, weight and other notes.

10Click Next.

11Enter your name.

12Click Finish.

Result: The custom item is placed in the item library as per the path specified in step 3.

Rules for deleting custom library items

In general, a custom library item that has been shared with the application library, (i.e. by selecting the Make this item available to other documents in the first step of its creation) can only be deleted from the Welcome Screen’s Library Browser. A custom library item can be deleted from within a file as long as there are no instances of the item in the file.

The following are specific exxamples of when a custom library item can be deleted:

nA custom library item that is created in a file, and added to the application library, cannot be deleted from the Library Browser while a file is open. The custom library object now exists in the Library Browser. To remove the custom library item, it must be deleted from the Welcome Screen’s Library Browser. This deletion cannot be undone.

Note: A custom library item will always be included in the “private library” of the file in which it was created. If a custom library item is created (and used) in a file and then deleted from the application library, that item is still not removed from the file. Only when the item is removed from the application library, and the item is not in use in the file it was created in, that the item can be deleted from the file. This deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.

nA custom library item that is created in a File, and is not added to the application library:

nCan be deleted from the Library Browser inside the file if no instances of the item are inserted into the file. The deletion cannot be undone.

nCannot be deleted from the Library Browser if there are instances of the custom item in the file.

nA “DWG” library item (imported from AutoCAD file and listed in the Library Browser) can be deleted while the file is open if no instances of the item are inserted into the file. The deletion cannot be undone.

To delete a custom library item

If you do not want to keep a custom library item any longer, you can delete it from the Library Browser.

Notes:

nYou cannot delete a custom library item if it is currently inserted in your drawing; instead, you must delete the item from your drawing, save and close the file. When you reopen the file you can delete the item from the Library Browser.

nWhen you delete a custom library item, you do not delete the shortcut associated with it. You must delete shortcuts manually.

1In the Library Browser, navigate to the folder where you stored the custom library item.

2Highlight the library item name, and then right-click and choose Delete.

Note: This option is disabled if the item is currently inserted in your drawing. You must delete the item from your drawing, and then save and close the file. When you reopen the file you can delete the item from the Library Browser.

3A message box appears telling you the action is irreversible. Click Yes to delete the item.

To replace inserted library objects

You can use the Replace Library Item command to quickly and easily replace one or more library items with another.

1Select the library item(s) that you want to replace.

2Right-click and choose Replace Library Item.

3In the Library Selection window, select the new type of library item.

4Click Insert.

Result: All the library items that you selected in step 1 are replaced with the item chosen in step 3.

Loading custom library objects on-demand

The custom library objects will be loaded on-demand when a second instance of Vivien is launched. Only one instance of Vivien has full permissions to edit the custom library object database, to preserve memory usage on loading of the application.

When the second instance of Vivien is launched, a warning dialog appears to inform that the second instance will be running in read-only mode.

Adding multiple chairs or tables using the Seating Wizard

To add multiple chairs to your venue, you could add a single chair and then duplicate it using the Clone command (see “Copying objects”). A more efficient approach is to use the Seating Wizard.

The Seating Wizard walks you through the following steps:

nDefining the layout area

nDefining the layout orientation

nSelecting the chairs or tables from the library

nDefining the arrangement and spacing of the chairs, tables or Table Sets

The Seating Wizard helps you maximize your layout area by doing all the calculations for you.

To add multiple chairs or tables using the Seating Wizard

1If you are placing the chairs or tables on a raised surface (a platform or riser), set the Height value. For details, see “The Height value”.

2From the Draw menu, choose Seating Wizard.

or

Click the Seating Wizard tool on the Draw Toolbar.

Result: The Seating Wizard dialog box opens.

3Select whether the seating area will be a Rectangular or a Custom Area.

4Click Next >.

Result: The Seating Wizard window will minimize to display the Drawing Wireframe tab.

5In the Drawing Wireframe tab, draw the shape of the seating area.

6To finish drawing the area, right-click and select Finish Area.

7Click Next >.

Result: An arrow will appear in the seating area attached to the cursor.

8Set the orientation of library items that will be in the seating area by aiming the arrow in the direction of interest and clicking.

Result: The orientation of library items in the seating area will be set. The Seating Wizard window reopens.

9In the Seating Wizard window, select the layout style of library items in the seating area.

10Click Next >.

11Select whether an aisle is required in the seating area.

a.If an aisle is required, set the width of the aisle.

12Click Next >.

13From the library, select the type of item that will go in the seating area.

14Click Next >.

15Select the layout style of items in the seating area and the spacing between them.

16Click Next >.

17Specify the alignment of items in the seating area.

18Click Next >.

19Specify whether there are row restriction in the seating area.

a.If row restrictions are required, specify the minimum and maximum number of library items allowed in a row.

20Click Next >.

21Specify the number of items allowed in the seating area.

22Click Next >.

Result: A summary of the seating area will be displayed. Information such as the number of seating items you added, the seating capacity and the venue area is available for viewing. If changed to the seating area need to be made, click < Back and correct as needed.

23Click Finish.

Result: The library item will be arranged in the seating area as specified in the Seating Wizard.

To change the size of the layout area

After you have drawn the layout area and add the chairs or tables to it, you can change its size, if desired.

1In your drawing, click any of the tables or chairs to highlight the layout area outline.

2Click on a corner of the layout area and drag to resize the outline, either larger or smaller.

Note: Ensure that you click the layout area outline, not the venue outline.

Result:

nIf you had originally set the Seating Wizard to fill the layout area with as many chairs and tables as possible, Vivien adjusts the seating accordingly and notifies you how many tables and chairs fit in the new layout area.

nHowever, if you had chosen a specific number of tables and chairs when you originally created the layout area, then Vivien keeps this number in the new layout area. If there is not enough space in the new layout area for the specific number of tables and chairs that you requested, Vivien tells you how many tables and chairs would fit in the space you have drawn, and then gives you the option of either accepting the new number of chairs and tables, or reverting the layout area to its original size.

nWhen you finish resizing the seating area, the Seating Wizard Results dialog box appears, summarizing the new total seating capacity and available seats, as well as the total seating area and venue area.

To change properties of a layout area

After you have drawn the layout area and add the chairs or tables to it, you can change any of its properties without going through the seating wizard.

1In your drawing, right-click the seating area and select Object Properties.

Result: The Properties window will open, with the new Seating Area tab available.

2Click the Seating Area tab. Click Edit to enable editing of the seating area.

3When finished click Apply to implement any changes made.

How library objects are represented in drawings

Library objects are represented as two-dimensional symbols or as three-dimensional models in your wireframe drawing.

A symbol is a two-dimensional graphic representation of an item in a wireframe view. In all wireframe views except 3D, symbols can be used to represent objects. Each object in the Library has a default symbol associated with it, and while you cannot change the symbol, you can turn it on or off. When you turn symbols off, you will see the complete wireframe drawing for the object.

For example, if you turn the symbol off for a table and chair arrangement, in a Plan view you will see the table top and legs and chair seats and legs. With the symbols turned on, you see only the table top and chair seats in Plan view.

To turn fixture symbols on or off

1From the Options menu, choose View Options.

2In the View Options window, click the Wireframe Details tab.

3Check the Draw Symbols option.

4Click OK.

Editing objects

Selecting objects

You must select objects before you can manipulate them.

nSelected objects display with dotted lines and a white box at the insertion point.

nSelected light fixtures and projectors are filled in green.

Use the following table to identify the selection method for objects.

Invert Selection

This feature is helpful if you want to deselect all the currently selected editable objects (in Wireframe), and consequently select all objects that were previously not selected.

nFrom the Edit menu, choose Select Special > Invert Selection to activate invert selection, or press CTRL+I, which applies to all objects displayed in Wireframe.

nInvert Selection or CTRL+I applies only to fixtures displayed in Lighting Wireframe and Virtual View.

To use invert selection

For example, if your drawing has a total of 10 objects, and 4 objects out of the 10 are currently selected. From the Edit menu, click Select Special > Invert Selection, or press CTRL+I to activate invert selection.

Result: The 4 selected objects will be deselected and the other 6 objects that were previously not selected, will be selected automatically.

Undoing/Redoing actions

You can reverse your last series of actions using the Undo menu command. The name of the Undo command changes depending on what the last action was (for example, if the last action was a Paste operation, the Undo command is Undo Paste). Undo reverses the series of actions that you performed since you opened the document, including those actions that you performed before you last saved the document. If you cannot reverse the last action, the Undo command is grayed.

If you decide that you did not want to undo an action, use the Redo command. Similar to the Undo command, the name of the Redo command changes depending on what the last undo action was.

To use the Undo tool

From the Edit menu, choose Undo.

or

Click the Undo tool on the Edit toolbar. The last action you performed is reversed.

To use the Redo tool

From the Edit menu, choose Redo.

or

Click the Redo tool on the Edit toolbar.

Result: The last undo action you performed is reversed.

Repeating the last command

To repeat the last command

From the Edit menu, choose Repeat.

or 

Click the Repeat tool on the Edit toolbar.

Result: The last command you performed is repeated.

Deleting objects

There are two ways to remove objects from your drawing: using the Delete command and using the Cut command. The Cut command places the object on the clipboard so it is available to be pasted.

To delete an object

1Select the object(s) to be deleted.

2From the Edit menu, choose Delete.

or

Click the Delete tool on the Edit toolbar.

Result: The object is removed from the drawing and the Event Resources.

To cut an object

1Select the object(s) to be deleted.

2From the Edit menu, choose Cut.

or

Click the Cut tool on the Edit toolbar.

Result: The object is removed from the drawing and the Event Resources and placed on the clipboard.

Grouping/Ungrouping objects

Grouping objects together ensures that they are always selected (and edited) as one. For example, you might want to group a projector with the table or riser it sits on. If you relocate the projector in the drawing, the riser automatically moves with it, saving you time and work.

In order to use Groups effectively, it is important to understand how they operate in Vivien (which may be different than in other software). To that end, ensure that you have read through the “Groups are objects that exist on layers” section.

To group objects

1Select the objects to be grouped.

2From the Modify menu, choose Group.

or

Click the Group tool on the Modify toolbar.

Result: The Dynamic Group Outline appears to indicate that the selected objects have been Grouped.

Dynamic Group Outline is a dashed framing outline enclosing all objects within a Group. The color of the outline is the same as the color of the Layer where the Group belongs. Dynamic Group Outline will continue to appear every time a Group is selected, until the Group is Ungrouped. For more information, see “Dynamic group outline”.

To ungroup objects

1Select the grouped objects.

2From the Modify menu, choose Ungroup.

or

Click the Ungroup tool on the Modify toolbar.

Result: The objects are ungrouped and the Dynamic Group Outline disappears.

Objects located on different layers can be grouped together but the resulting group only exists on one layer—the current layer when initially created.

To change or view the layer of a group

1Select the object(s) for which you want to view the grouping.

2Right-click and select Object Properties.

3Click the Group tab.

Result: The layers for the objects in the group are listed with the layer for the group highlighted.

Note: By default, the group assumes the current layer when initially created.

4If you want to group the objects on a different layer, select the layer from the list.

Selection Sets

You can group non-fixture objects and create Selection Sets shortcuts in the Selection Sets shortcut bar in the Wireframe, Quad and Virtual views. Selection Sets apply to any and all drawn objects and objects inserted from the Library Browser, which include Groups and Truss.

Selection Sets are NOT the same as Groups because they only save which particular objects are selected, and the order in which they are selected.

To create a Selection Set

1Select the objects you want to group and select with a shortcut.

2On the shortcut bar, click Selection Sets.

3Right-click on the open space on the Selection Sets shortcut bar, and choose New Selection Set from the popup menu.

Result: The Enter new selection set name dialog box appears.

4Type a name for the new selection set.

5Click OK.

Result: The new Selection Set shortcut appears on the Selection Sets shortcut bar.

Moving objects

Vivien supports two types of move commands: relative and absolute.

Absolute coordinates are relative to the origin of the drawing. An absolute move is defined as moving an object from one specific point to another.

A relative move is defined as moving an object to a destination relative to its original position.

To move an object using the mouse

1Select the object(s) to be moved.

2Hover the cursor over the object until a gray box appears at the base of the cursor.

3Click and drag the mouse to the new position and then release to finish the move.

To move an object using absolute values

1Select the object(s) to be moved.

2From the Modify menu, choose Move.

or

Click the Move tool on the Modify toolbar.

3Click to set the base point for the move.

or

Press ENTER to automatically select the object's insertion point as the base point for the move.

or

Type the coordinates of the base point and press ENTER. Type a comma between each coordinate. When you start typing, the Command Line toolbar opens, if it is not open already.

4Enter the new coordinate location for the base point, and then press ENTER.

Tip: You can change only one or two coordinates to an absolute location while keeping the other coordinates as they are.

Example: If you want an object to move to a height of Z=10 but you don’t know the X and Y coordinates. Start the Move command and type “x,y,10” in the Command Line after picking the base point.

To move an object using relative values

1Select the object(s) to be moved.

2From the Modify menu, choose Move.

or

Click the Move tool on the Modify toolbar.

3Type @ and the distances to move the object and press ENTER. For example, to move an object 2’0” stage right (X axis) and 3’0” off the floor (Z axis), type the following and then press ENTER:

@2’,0,3’

To move an object using distance and direction

1Select the object(s) to be moved.

2From the Modify menu, choose Move.

or

Click the Move tool on the Modify toolbar.

3Type @, the distance, the < sign and the direction (as an angle, positive or negative) to move the object and press ENTER. For example, to move an object 3’6” to the left, type the following, and then press ENTER:

@3’6”<-180

Distributing objects

A group of objects can be selected and then distributed in a straight line between two points.

To distribute objects between two points

1Select the objects to be distributed.

From the Modify menu, Distribute Objects sub-menu, choose Between Two Points.

or

Click the Between Two Points tool on the Modify toolbar.

2Click on the drawing to set the first distribution point.

3Click on the drawing to set the second distribution point.

Result: The objects will be distributed evenly in a straight line between the two chosen points.

Rotating objects

Objects can be rotated around a base point. This allows you to place objects on angles in your drawing or to reorient objects place from the Library.

To rotate an object

1Select the object(s) to be rotated.

2From the Modify menu, choose Rotate.

or

Click the Rotate tool on the Modify toolbar.

3Press ENTER on your keyboard to rotate the object from its insertion point, OR click to set the center point for the rotation, OR type in the coordinates of the center point for the rotation, and then press ENTER.

4Enter the rotation angle and press ENTER, or drag the mouse, and then click to enter the rotation angle. For example, to rotate an object 45 degrees, type 45 and press ENTER.

Rotating objects in place

You can rotate multiple objects around their respective insertion points to place them all at the same angle in your drawing.

To rotate multiple objects in place

1Select the objects to be rotated.

2From the Modify menu, choose Rotate in Place.

a.Click to set the base point used for the rotation angle.

OR

b.Type in the coordinates of the base point, and then press ENTER.

Note: The base point is only used to help determine the angle, as each object is rotated around its own insertion point.

3Type the rotation angle, and then press ENTER, or move the mouse and click to set the rotation angle. For example, to rotate objects 45 degrees, type 45, and then press ENTER.

Resetting object orientation

To reset the rotation of objects

1Select the objects whose rotation needs to be reset.

2From the Modify menu, choose Reset Orientation.

Result: The object’s orientation will be reset to its default setting.

Mirroring objects

The Mirror command duplicates and reverses an object, inserting it the same distance from an axis line as the original.

Notes:

nPipes, truss (including fixtures hanging on them) and fixtures inserted on the floor can be mirrored. “Mirroring pipes” and “Mirroring truss” for more information.

nWhen mirroring Text Label objects, the Text Label’s position/rotation, anchor position, callouts and arrows will be mirrored across the mirror plane, but the text will always face the screen and will not be reversed.

To insert a mirrored object

1Select the object(s) to be mirrored.

2From the Modify menu, choose Mirror.

or

Click the Mirror tool on the Modify toolbar.

3Click on the drawing to set the first axis point.

4Click on the drawing to set the second axis point.

Result: The mirrored object is copied, reversed from the origin based upon the axis drawn.

Copying objects

There are two ways to make copies in Vivien: using the Copy and Paste commands, and using the Clone command.

The Clone command makes multiple copies of an object and distributes them evenly along a line, arc, grid or random pattern.

For details about cloning fixtures along a pipe or truss, see “Hanging multiple fixtures”.

To copy and paste

1Select the object(s) you want to copy.

2From the Edit menu, choose Copy.

or

Click the Copy tool on the Edit toolbar.

3From the Edit menu, choose Paste.

or

Click the Paste tool on the Edit toolbar.

To perform a linear clone

1Select the object you want to clone.

2From the Modify menu, choose Clone, then choose Linear.

3Click a point on your drawing or type coordinates to specify the direction and interval/length of the linear clone.

Example: For example, to place a copy of the selected object every 5’ at a 45 degree angle type the following and then press ENTER: @5’<45 

Result: The Clone Linear window appears.

4In the Clone Linear window, in the Length section, select whether the section drawn in Step 3 will be an Interval, or the Total Distance of the clone.

5If you selected Interval, you may click Use object extents for interval to automatically populate the Interval text box with the dimensions of the selected object.

6In the Object Placement section, select which values will be available for editing.

Note: When performing a clone, the value not chosen for editing is calculated automatically by Vivien and is grayed out.

Note: To undo changes made to the clone values, click Reset button

.

7In the Number in row box, type the total number of copies desired (this includes the original object).

8In the Interval box, type the interval distance between objects.

9In the Total Distance box, type the distance from the first to last object.

10Select the Align Objects to Line checkbox, to align objects to the set line.

11If you want to scale the copied objects, select the Apply Scale checkbox in the Scale Objects section and choose the scaling options that are available for editing.

12Select the Uniform radio button to display all the copied objects in one size.

OR,

Select the Non-Uniform radio button to display the copied objects in different sizes.

13If Uniform was selected, type the value in the X box to specify a uniform scale factor of the last copied object in the clone. The sizes of the copied objects multiply uniformly in increments from first to the last copied object.

OR,

If Non-Uniform was selected, type the values in the X, Y and Z boxes to specify the scale factors of the last copied object in the clones. The sizes of the copied objects multiply in increments from first to the last copied object.

14Click OK.

To perform a clone along a path

Perform this procedure to clone a selected object along a path that shares the same design as a line, arc or spline.

1Draw a line, arc or spline that will act as a path for the cloned object.

2Select the object you want to clone.

Note: The object will be cloned from its current location. To clone the object on top of the path, snap the object to the end point of the path.

3From the Modify menu, choose Clone, then choose Along Path.

Result: The Clone Along Path window appears.

4Under Lengths, select one of the two options:

nNumber to clone a specific number of objects along the path.

OR

nInterval to clone the object at specific intervals along the path.

Note: Objects can be cloned a specific number of times, or at specific intervals along the path. When one option is selected, the other will become unavailable.

5Under Object Placement, if Number was selected previously, enter the number of time the object is to be cloned in the Number of items field. If Interval was selected, enter the distance at which the object will be cloned in the Interval field.

Note: If Interval was selected, The Unused Distance field will show how much space along the path will be unused with no objects cloned.

a.Select from the Unused Location drop-down menu where the unused space should be along the path.

6To have the object clones aligned to the path, select the Align to Path checkbox.

7If you want to scale the copied objects, select the Apply Scale checkbox in the Scale Objects section and choose the scaling options that are available for editing.

8Select the Uniform radio button to display all the copied objects in one size.

OR,

Select the Non-Uniform radio button to display the copied objects in different sizes.

9If Uniform was selected, type the value in the X box to specify a uniform scale factor of the last copied object in the clone. The sizes of the copied objects multiply uniformly in increments from first to the last copied object.

OR,

If Non-Uniform was selected, type the values in the X, Y and Z boxes to specify the scale factors of the last copied object in the clones. The sizes of the copied objects multiply in increments from first to the last copied object.

10Click OK.

Result: The object will be cloned in a patter based on the path.

To perform a polar clone

1Select the object you want to Clone.

2From the Modify menu, choose Clone, then choose Polar.

3Click a point that represents the center of the circle around which the objects will be cloned.

4In the dialog box that opens, type the total number of copies desired (this includes the original object).

5Specify the total angle in degrees to fill with copied objects.

6Select the Rotate Objects checkbox if you want the copied objects to rotate as they are pasted around the center of the circular clone, as shown below.

7Click OK.

To clone objects in a grid pattern

Perform this procedure to copy and paste the selected object in a grid pattern in the direction and at the distance that you specify.

1Select the object that you want to clone.

2From the Modify menu, choose Clone, and then choose Grid.

Result: The Grid Clone window appears.

3Select whether the horizontal and vertical lengths will be an Interval, or the Total Distance of the clone.

Note: Click Freehand to manually draw the horizontal and vertical lengths of the gird clone.

4If you selected Interval, you may click Use object extents for interval to automatically populate the Horizontal Interval and Vertical Interval textboxes with dimensions of the selected object.

5Specify which values will be available for editing.

Note: When performing a clone, the value not chosen for editing is calculated automatically by Vivien and grayed out.

Note: To undo changes made to the clone values, click the Reset button.

6In the Number of columns box, type the number of columns in the grid.

Note: This value includes the original object(s) as the first “column” of the grid. For example, if you type 3, the object is copied and pasted twice beside the original object in the direction and at the distance that you specify.

7In the Interval box, type the spacing between each horizontal object in the grid.

8In the Total Distance box, type the distance between each horizontal object in the grid.

9Select the Fill direction in which you want the object(s) to be cloned horizontally in the grid, either To the right or To the left of the original object.

10In the Number of rows box, type the number of rows in the grid.

Note: This value includes the original object(s) as the first “row” of the grid. For example, if you type 3, the object is copied and pasted twice above or below the original object at the distance that you specify.

11In the Interval box, type the distance between each vertical object in the grid.

12In the Total Distance box, type the distance between each vertical object in the grid.

13Select the Fill direction in which you want the object(s) to be cloned in the grid vertically, either above or below the original object.

14Click OK.

To clone object in a random pattern

Clone fill is used to take an object and randomly clone it in a defined space.

1Select the object that you want to clone.

2From the Modify menu, choose Clone, and then choose Random Fill.

Result: The Random fill window appears.

3In the Number of Objects box, type the number of cloned objects to appear.

4In the Horizontal Distance box, type the horizontal distance of the defined space.

5Select the Fill direction in which you want the object(s) to be cloned horizontally, either To the left or To the right of the original object.

6In the Vertical Distance box, type the horizontal distance of the defined space.

7Select the Fill direction in which you want the object(s) to be cloned horizontally, either To the bottom or To the top of the original object.

8If you want to scale the copied objects, select the Apply Scale checkbox in the Scale Objects section and choose the scaling options that are available for editing.

9Select the Uniform radio button to display all the copied objects in one size.

OR,

Select the Non-Uniform radio button to display the copied objects in different sizes.

10If Uniform was selected, type the value in the X box to specify a uniform scale factor of the last copied object in the clone. The sizes of the copied objects multiply uniformly in increments from first to the last copied object.

OR,

If Non-Uniform was selected, type the values in the X, Y and Z boxes to specify the scale factors of the last copied object in the clones. The sizes of the copied objects multiply in increments from first to the last copied object.

11Click OK.

Scaling objects

The Scale command changes the size of the object(s). The Scale command applies to a library object, an imported object, and some primitive objects.

When you use Scale from the Modify menu a selected 2D or 3D primitive object, it multiplies the scale factor specified, calculates a new dimension for the primitive object and updates the value in its properties. Whenever an object is scaled, the scale factor of the resulting scaled object in its new size will always be equal to 1 again.

When you use Scale from the Modify menu and specify a scale factor equal to 1, the size of the selected object will not change.

If you want to reset the scaled object back to its original or normal size, select the object, and then choose Reset Scale from the Modify menu.

To use the Scale command on imported objects which did not import as single entities, we recommend for you to consolidate the selected objects first, using Vivien’s Consolidate Mesh feature. If not consolidated, the relative position and size of such objects will not be preserved after the Scale operation is completed.

Notes:

nFixtures, Truss and Groups cannot be scaled.

nYou can enable the Show Bounding Box for CAD operation option in the Object Settings tab in the Document Options window to improve the operation performance when you scale complex objects. A bounding box appears as a placeholder to complex objects when scaling or rotating in Wireframe.

To scale one or more objects uniformly

1Select the object(s) to scale.

2From the Modify menu, choose Scale.

Tip: You may also click the Scale button on the Modify toolbar.

3In the Command Line toolbar, type the scale factor value (for example “2” or “0.5” or “4”, etc) for a uniform and precise resize.

OR

Use the mouse wheel to increase or decrease the size of the objects for a uniform and experimental resize method; each notch of the mouse wheel will increase or decrease the object’s scale uniformly (i.e. on all three axes) by a factor of 0.5.

4On your keyboard, press Enter.

Result: The size of the selected object changes uniformly according to the scale factor.

To scale one or more objects with different scale values in X, Y, Z

1Select the object(s) to scale.