Adding Library objects to your drawing

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.

To open the Library Browser

1. From the Library menu, choose a library category.

Result: The Library Browser appears with the selected category highlighted.

2. Click 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:

• To 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”.
• If you are adding a light fixture, follow the instructions under “Adding light fixtures”.

1. Open the Library Browser.
2. Navigate to the desired object use the Search feature to locate it (for details, see “To search the Library Browser”). Click on an object type (i.e., a folder) to display the list of available objects.
3. Select 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”.

4. Move 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.

5. Click 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”.

6. Continue placing this type of object by repeating step 5.
7. To 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.

1. Open the Library Browser.
2. Click the category tab that you are interested in. For example, click AV.
3. In 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”.
4. Click the Search icon.

The Search button.

Result: The results of your search appear in the browser pane.

Tips:

• To return to the top level of the current category, click the Home button.

The Home button.

• To clear the search, but remain in the current category, click the Clear button.

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

1. From the Library Browser, double-click on the object’s name you want to insert in you drawing.
2. Right-click the object to display the menu list of insertion points.
3. Click 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

1. From the Tools menu, choose Snap Mode, and then choose Library.

Tip: You can also click the Library Snap tool on the Tools toolbar.

The Library Snap button.

2. Insert 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

1. Open the Library Browser.
2. Navigate to the desired object use the Search feature to locate it (for details, see “To search the Library Browser”).
3. Select the object, and then click the Create Shortcut tool at the top of the Library Browser.

The Create Shortcut button.

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

1. Right-click on the shortcut.
2. Select Properties.

The Properties button.

Result: The Properties window appears.

3. Enter 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.
4. Click Properties to view the properties of the library entry. For details, see “Library object properties”.
5. When 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:

• Light fixtures, hang structures (truss) and splines cannot be saved as components of custom library items.
• You 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”.
• If 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

1. Select the object(s) to be saved as a custom item.
2. From 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.

3. Pick 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.

4. Enter a name for the new library item.
5. To make this item available to other documents, check the appropriate box.
6. Click Next.
7. Add 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).

8. Click Next.
9. Enter all pertinent information, including manufacturer, weight and other notes.
10. Click Next.
11. Enter your name.
12. Click 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 examples of when a custom library item can be deleted:

• A 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.

• A custom library item that is created in a File, and is not added to the application library:
• Can 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.
• Cannot be deleted from the Library Browser if there are instances of the custom item in the file.
• A “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:

• You 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.
• When you delete a custom library item, you do not delete the shortcut associated with it. You must delete shortcuts manually.

1. In the Library Browser, navigate to the folder where you stored the custom library item.
2. Highlight 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.

Result: A message box appears telling you the action is irreversible.

3. 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.

1. Select the library item(s) that you want to replace.
2. Right-click and choose Replace Library Item.
3. In the Library Selection window, select the new type of library item.
4. Click 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:

• Defining the layout area
• Defining the layout orientation
• Selecting the chairs or tables from the library
• Defining 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

1. If 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”.
2. From the Draw menu, choose Seating Wizard.

or

Click the Seating Wizard tool on the Draw Toolbar.

The Seating Wizard button.

Result: The Seating Wizard window opens.

3. Select whether the seating area will be a Rectangular or a Custom Area.
4. Click Next.

Result: The Seating Wizard window will minimize to display the Drawing Wireframe tab.

5. In the Drawing Wireframe tab, draw the shape of the seating area.
6. To finish drawing the area, right-click and select Finish Area.
7. Click Next.

Result: An arrow will appear in the seating area attached to the cursor.

8. Set 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.

9. In the Seating Wizard window, select the layout style of library items in the seating area.
10. Click Next.

11. Select whether an aisle is required in the seating area.

1. If an aisle is required, set the width of the aisle.

12. Click Next.

13. From the library, select the type of item that will go in the seating area.
14. Click Next.

15. Select the layout style of items in the seating area and the spacing between them.
16. Click Next.

17. Specify the alignment of items in the seating area.
18. Click Next.

19. Specify whether there are row restriction in the seating area.

1. If row restrictions are required, specify the minimum and maximum number of library items allowed in a row.

20. Click Next.

21. Specify the number of items allowed in the seating area.
22. Click 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.

23. Click 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.

1. In your drawing, click any of the tables or chairs to highlight the layout area outline.
2. Click 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:

• If 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.
• However, 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.
• When 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.

1. In your drawing, right-click the seating area and select Object Properties.

Result: The Properties window opens with the new Seating Area tab available.

2. Click the Seating Area tab.
3. Click Edit to enable editing of the seating area.
4. When 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

1. From the Options menu, choose View Options.
2. In the View Options window, click the Wireframe Details tab.
3. Check the Draw Symbols option.
4. Click OK.