Show reference objects in drawings

Reference models or reference objects can be shown in general arrangement, assembly, and cast unit drawings. You might want to use 3D plant models or architectural drawings as reference objects, for example.

You can select whether to show a reference object, and select if the hidden lines or own hidden lines are visible. You can also select whether to show the reference object as outlines or as wireframe, and define the line color and type. Reinforcement in reference objects can also be shown.

The appearance options can be modified in drawing properties before you create the drawing, but the visibility options only when a drawing is open.

You can add associative notes to reference objects.

For more information about reference models, see Reference models and compatible formats and Insert a reference model.

In an open drawing, double-click the drawing view frame to open the drawing view properties.
Click Reference object in the options tree on the left.

The Content tab lists all the reference objects included in the drawing.

Note:
The list only shows the reference objects that have objects located the view area.
To show a reference object in the drawing, click the row of the reference object, and in the Visibility column, select Visible.
Go to the Appearance tab and set the representation for the reference object:

Wireframe: Shows the reference object as a wireframe. With this option, opening drawings is faster.

Outline: The reference objects are drawn in the same way as Tekla Structures native parts. The reference object outlines are shown. With this option, you have the Hidden lines and Own hidden lines options available.

Hidden lines: Shows the hidden lines in the reference object that are hidden by other reference models or parts.

Own hidden lines: Shows the hidden lines in the reference object that are hidden by the reference object itself.
Modify the color and the type of Visible lines and Hidden lines.
Click Modify to modify the reference object in the selected view with the new settings.

Modify reference object representation

You can modify the reference object representation in an open drawing.

To open the reference object properties, click the reference object in the drawing.
If the property pane is not open, double-click the reference object.
Modify the reference object representation, line color, and line type as required.
Click Modify.

Reference object representation examples

Below is an example of the Wireframe representation:

Below is an example of the Outline representation. Hidden lines and Own hidden lines are not activated:

Below is an example of the Outline representation. Hidden lines is activated, and shown in red.

Below is an example of the Outline representation. Hidden lines and Own hidden lines are both activated, and shown in red.

Below is an example of how the parts are shown with reference objects. Reference object visible lines are shown in green, and hidden lines in red. The part visible lines are shown in blue, and the hidden lines in cyan.