The VIEWBASE command allows you to quickly spawn multiple views of your 3D risers (or any AutoCAD Solids). This technology was borrowed from Autodesk Inventor and is available in AutoCAD 2012 and newer as part of the Model Documentation enhancements.
Open the PUMPROOM.DWG from HydraTools->Tools->Training Drawings. We will use this detail to create our views.
In Model Space, Type in VIEWBASE. This will create the first (TOP) view, from which all other views will be created from. If any usable objects exist which can be used to create the views, then you will be asked to select model space objects. Non-usable objects will not be able to be selected.
Next, you will be asked for the layout name that you want to place the views on. In my case I chose Layout 1. If you are already on the layout tab that you want to add the views to and type in VIEWBASE, then all model space objects that can be portrayed in a view will automtically be selected.
Next, you will be asked to place the base view, which will follow your cursor. Try placing it in the middle of your viewport for this exercise. You will see an option drop list appear. I selected Hidden Lines and told it to show only Visible Lines. Feel free to experiment with other options, especially those under Visibilty and Annotation.
After you place one view, the command will ask you for the placement of the next view. As you move around, you will see the view reorient itself. You can use this or pick Orientation to select the view angle. This command repeats until you press Enter, at which point AutoCAD will generate those views. The below picture is from the AutoCAD Help file:
For the Pump Room example, I chose these four views:
You can change the views later by using the VIEWEDIT command. For example, you could make the view be shaded nicely by choosing Hidden and 'Shaded with visible lines' as the option. I did this with the view on the upper right. You can also click on the view and then pick the blue arrow that appears and change the scale of the view.
VIEWPROJ will create further views - you will be prompted to pick the parent view first.
VIEWUPDATE will update your views to the current state of the drawing detail you are modeling (i.e. the 3D Pump Room)
Play around and enjoy this cool little tool. My next post will cover how to create sections from these views!
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