Group

• Create local group
• Explode group
• Create group in library
• Edit group
• Close group
• Replace group
• Group parameters
• Virtual group

The 2D group command's aim is to integrate the objects found on the drawing, and preparing them for collective commands to execute. When any of the group's objects has been selected, all objects become selected belonging to the group. Graphical properties can be modified together.

Command location: Drafting > Group

When creating the group, it can be saved in an OLI file, so it can be used in any plan later. The Explode command restores the original objects. The group can be edited uniquely: right-click on the group and choose the Enter into group command. After finishing the editing the group has to be closed: click on any object of the group and choose Close group command. Modifying of the placed group is only available for the given object. Creating and using 2D groups on the plan makes easier to handle the objects of the group together.

Create local group

Usage of local group is recommended if more objects are handled together on the actual plan. This group will not be saved in the group library; it cannot be loaded into other project. A local group can contain groups.

Explode group

Ungroup group. Ungrouping element deletes the group to which the elements belonged.

Create group in library

Usage of global group is recommended if the group is going to be used in other projects as well. Groups can be loaded from the Group library. A global group does not contain groups. Groups are described by the following components: objects of the group, reference points or hotspots added to the group in arbitrary number (a group can be placed by the active hotspot) and the individual name.

Edit group

To be able to modify the objects of a group first enter the group. Objects that do not belong to the group become lighter and they cannot be modified now, but their point can be referred to. The objects in the active group have priority against the outside objects in the object selection operations. Select the group or symbol on the drawing to activate it.

Close group

The command closes the editing of a group and returns to the top level of the drawing. The group can be closed from its popup menu too.

Replace group

Replace group command substitutes all instances of the selected item with another one. In case of virtual group you can manage the virtual group as a unit to replace the distributed objects in one step. Objects can be swapped individually, in one virtual group, or in all virtual groups in one step. This way, for example, without changing the floor plan, you can assign different spotlights to the rooms, a square spotlight to the living room, and a circular spotlight to the bathroom.

Group parameters

If a text within a group starts with $ character, the program handles it as a parameter. Values can be assigned to parameters. In Group Options dialog you can controll how parameters and/or values are displayed. Choose among the states: Show values / Hide parameters / Show parameter names

Virtual group

Virtual group is a powerful tool for mass placement of items with predefined distance rules. Virtual group can be used to place lights, columns, MEP elements such as sprinklers. Virtual group links the elements to the architectural model layout.