Reference Copies
In addition to standard copies, you can create references (reference copies).
In contrast to standard copies, there is linked content in reference copies. If the properties of one copy are changed, the changes will affect all the related copies as they all relate to one reference object. It is then only necessary to make changes of material, a specific property or object color in the case of one copy. The free-standing article Configuration describes the options for modifying the properties etc. of reference objects in detail.
To enable the user to distinguish between standard copies and reference copies, pCon.planner will always highlight all reference copies when an object is selected, but this will not apply to standard copies.
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The screenshot above shows two objects, one of which is a standard copy of the other. If one of the two objects is selected, there will be no other highlighting. |
The program works differently for reference copies (see screenshot above). Here, all copies relating to the same reference are given a greyish green marking as soon as a reference copy is selected. |
It should be noted that the actual reference to which the copies relate will not be visible to the user. It only exists in the background. As in the case of standard copies, reference copies can be pasted either once or more than once. The following two sections describe the procedures.
Creating and Inserting Single Reference Copies
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1.Select the object of which you wish to make a reference copy. 2.Click onto one of the edges or surfaces. Now the object can be moved by shifting the mouse. 3.A click on the right-hand mouse button will open the context menu: select Work on Reference Copy to create a reference copy. |
Inserting Multiple Reference Copies
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1.First select the object of which you wish to make a reference copy. 2.Now click on the Reference button (Edit tab, Tools group) or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + F. The cursor will change in appearance (see top left screenshot). |
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3.Use one click to set the basis point. This point marks the position on which the future reference copies depend before they are inserted. 4.Each further click causes the copy created to be inserted (again). The procedure can be concluded with the Esc key or the Cancel context menu item. |
Converting Reference Copies to Standard Copies
By clicking the Isolate button (Edit tab, Tools group) it is possible to convert a reference copy into a standard copy. To do this, mark the reference copy and then click Isolate. It is also possible to use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + I instead of the Isolate button.