Reference models in drawings

Tekla Structures
2021
Tekla Structures

Reference models in drawings

Reference models can be shown in general arrangement, assembly and cast unit drawings. For example, you may want to use 3D plant models or architectural drawings as reference models. You can select whether to show a reference model, and change the reference model appearance in the drawing view properties in an open drawing. You can select whether to show the reference model as outlines or as wireframe, set the hidden lines and own hidden lines options, and define the line color and type. Reinforcement in reference models is also shown.

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

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

To show reference models in drawings and modify reference model properties:

  1. In an open drawing, double-click the drawing view frame to open the drawing view properties.

    In GA drawings, you can also adjust the visibility settings on drawing level by double-clicking the drawing background.

  2. Click Reference object in the options tree.

    The Content tab lists all the reference models included in the model.

    Note that only those reference models that have objects located the view area are shown in the list.

  3. To show a reference model in the drawing, click the row of the reference model, and in the Visibility column, select Visible.
  4. Go to the Appearance tab and select the representation for the reference model:

    Wireframe: Shows the reference model as a wireframe. To open drawings quickly, use the wireframe.

    Outline: The reference model is drawn in the same way as Tekla Structures native parts. It shows the reference model outline. With this option, you have the Hidden lines and Own hidden lines options available.

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

    Own hidden lines: Shows the hidden lines in the reference model that are hidden by the reference model itself.

  5. Modify the color and the type of Visible lines and Hidden lines.
  6. Click Modify to modify the reference model in the selected view with the new settings.

You can also change the visibility and appearance settings in an open drawing by double-clicking the reference model and changing the settings in the Reference Object Properties dialog.

Note that if you modify the reference model appearance on the object level, you can no longer modify the appearance on the view level.

Reference model 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 set Off:

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

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

Below is an example of how the parts are shown with reference models. Reference model 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.

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