Video: https://youtu.be/EzvzJHjGLic
Instructions from Video:
When you have a group of elements that you insert together on a regular basis you should take advantage of grouping. Grouping saves the elements together so they all can be inserted at the same but remain separate elements upon insertion, so they quantify correctly. It’s a great time saver when you are busy!
Let’s look at some examples of how you can use this in your workflow to save time.
Select Insert>Insert Group or select the Insert Group icon on the desktop.
There are groups in the catalog. Select to insert a group that includes a Fireplace and bookshelves around it. Select it from the catalog, move the cursor onto the drawing screen area and left click to insert it. The elements ungroup upon insertion and become individual cabinets, trim and a fireplace unit. Let’s look at it in 3D. They are separate elements and can be manipulated as needed.
For example, evoke the Material Paintbrush tool and apply a new finish to the elements. The layout may be a universal grouping used in many projects but can be updated for each new project by using new finishes that work for the overall design of that project.
Let’s look at creating a group. Let’s look at the kitchen in this home by changing the camera.
Here we have a few groups of items that could be inserted together on a regular basis. The island consists of cabinets, countertop surface, a sink, faucet, columns on each end and chairs around it. These are individual items found in the default catalog. Grouping these together would allow it to be used again and inserted efficiently saving me time on the next project. Once inserted into a new model, you can move items around to make it smaller or different materials. To group the items together, left click to select one of the items and then hold down the shift key on the keyboard and left click to select the other items. As you left-click on each, they are all selecting together. Once all the items to include in the group are selected, right-click and select Add Group.
The Group dialog box appears and lists all the items that you selected. This is an excellent opportunity to double-check that you selected everything you wanted. At the top of the dialog box, you give the new Group a name. Try to be as descriptive as you can so when you see it in the catalog later it isn’t just “Default” and you have to look at the preview to know what it is. Once you are happy with the selections and the name click OK. The Group is now added to the catalog and you can use it for future projects.
The pantry surrounding the refrigerator is another group to insert on a regular basis. It consists of crown trim, cabinets and refrigerator. Again, left click to select one and then holding down the shift key on the keyboard select the other items you want to include in the group. Once selected, right-click and select Add Group. Give the grouping a relative name and click OK.
Try to think of all the “Groups” you can create. Perhaps you have a base plan that can include a Sunroom. The entire sunroom, walls, windows, doors, roof, furniture, can all be grouped together if the new project includes the option to have the Sunroom. Perhaps you stage your models to create renderings, 360 views and VR experiences. Think of grouping the furniture layouts that you prefer as a group and you can insert them in each project, moving them around as you need to fit a new project.
I hope Groups improve your workflow and makes your work one step easier!