3D Objects Nightmare

[3DG]

This 3D Cad is a major pain in the butt!! Every time, I zoom my objects, they don't stay anchored to the ground. They float in midair and I don't know how to stop them from doing it. Anybody out there got any ideas how stop them from floating? I'm so open to suggestions.

[JD Mather]

I have never see this behavior.

Can you attach the file here?

Does 3dorbitctr help?

[ReMark]

Floating 3D objects? That's a new one on me. Do you mean that the bottom of all objects have an elevation other than "0"?

 

How much experience with AutoCAD do you have? Is this your first 3D drawing?

[Patrick Hughes]

I'm not certain what you mean by "floating in air" but I can guess. Perhaps what you are experiencing is simply not having a reference point - something that allows you to mentally visualize where in 3d model space your objects exist.

 

Here is something that may help.

 

First, make certain your UCS icon is turned on.

 

Next, my personal preference is to always have the icon displayed in the lower left corner, rather than following the origin.

 

Now, with the UCS set to the WCS draw a circle at 0,0,0 center location. This will establish a point of reference to your existing geometry and solids.

 

Remember your objects do actually "float" in your model space as you are viewing them, but it is not likely they are really moving around. as you zoom and pan. It is most likely it is simply getting accustomed to the spacial realm of AutoCAD.

[3DG]

This is my first time drawing a framed house in 3D,but I've drawn 3d objects before. The studs and my doors move out of place when I use shift + mouse wheel to turn my drawing.

[rkent]

This is my first time drawing a framed house in 3D,but I've drawn 3d objects before. The studs and my doors move out of place when I use shift + mouse wheel to turn my drawing.

 

Are you modeling with multiple viewports in model space? That is the best way to ensure you are actually placing objects where you think you are. Set up 3 viewports with one large one in the vertical and two to the left or right of that. The large view can be your iso view and the other two your top and side view, or front, etc.

 

Use the VIEWPORTS command, when the dialog comes up, look to the bottom and find the setup drop down, pick 3d, now to the left there is a list, pick each one and a preview is shown on the right, pick the three left or three right to start. You may find you like 4 better, etc.

[nestly]

:(This is the first time I've ever drawn a framed house in 3d. My studs and doors move out of place when I use the shift+mouse wheel to move around the floorplan.

 

Unlike 2D drafting, when you draw in 3D, you have to align objects in all 3 planes, not just X and Y. It sounds like you're drawing based only on X and Y, but objects are actually being placed "above" or below" the intended destination, causing them to "separate" when you change the view. Multiple viewports, as suggested by rkent, can really help to visualize what's going on, especially until you're more familiar with working in 3D. Dynamic UCS may also help by automatically creating the drawing plane based on the objects you're referencing from, but if you don't fully understand it, it can drive you crazy when positive X switches from "right" to "up" for no apparent reason.

[rkent]

You can also use the command -VPORTS and create all sorts of combinations and sizes, attached is one scenario I like. On the left I have the top, front, and right side views and a small iso view, on the right I have a larger iso view for working on the model.

[Pocket]

Another quick way is to use the 3D orbit command and rotate the model slightly after each new element you add. If the new piece goes flying off in space, its not anchored where you think it is, instead its mounted to where it lines up exactly with your ISO view. This happens alot when not using OSNAP or drawing something in space near the rest of the drawing as AutoCAD will draw with a Z value of 0 and your other elements can be any other value

[drifter15]

I think I know the problem:

When you draw 3d , do you draw them in the "Top" view port and then try to "move" them to place using move command?

 

Maybe you should use "align" command to allign your 3D objects together.

 

That happened beforeto me. the reason is : moving the objects in 3D space without reference!

Try moving your objects smartly, use "Align" command.

[JD Mather]

I never use multiple modelspace viewports - I know where I am in 3D.

As recommended learn to use align and 3dalign commands.

Attach file here that is giving you unexpected behavior.

[f700es]

+3 on these tips

 

I never use multiple modelspace viewports - I know where I am in 3D.

As recommended learn to use align and 3dalign commands.

[bjenk8100]

free orbit is the best i think. you doing continuous orbit, that could be the floating issue your talking about.