Page 1140 - Chief Architect Reference Manual

Chief Architect X10 Reference Manual

Picture Files vs Pictures and Image Objects

In common computer language, picture files, and do not display in camera views or
pictures and images are more or less overviews.
synonymous. In the Chief Architect An Image object is also based on a picture
environment, however, there are some file, but it does display in both 2D and 3D
notable differences between these terms.
views. Images have 3D width and height data
In Chief Architect, a two dimensional image associated with them, as well as a 2D symbol
file such as a .bmp, .jpg, .gif, or .png is which displays in floor plan view.
referred to as a picture file or an image file. Picture files have additional uses in Chief
Examples of these files are saved on most Architect, as well:
computers and can be opened in a variety of
applications. • Backdrops are picture files that display
behind 3D views. See “3D Backdrops”
A Picture, on the other hand, is a file that has on page 1159.
been imported into the program. Pictures can
be imported into floor plan view, cross • Textures are picture files that realistically
section/elevation views, CAD details, and represent materials in 3D views. See
layout pages. They are two-dimensional only “About Materials” on page 1012.

Images

Images add realistic detail to 3D views Placing Images
without adding many surfaces to the
model. For example, a tree image with a A selection of Images are available in
single surface can be used instead of a tree the Library Browser. Select one and
symbol with thousands, dramatically click in a floor plan view, camera view or
improving realism without compromising overview to place it. See “Placing Library
drawing time. Objects” on page 939.
There are two types of Images in Chief Creating Images
Architect:
Custom Images can be added to the
• Images rotate so that they always Library Browser, as well as created in
face the camera in 3D views. plan files. Chief Architect can use any image
with a *.bmp, *.jpg, *.png, *.gif, or *.tif
• Billboard Images do not rotate to extension.
face the camera. An example of when
this may be useful is an image of a trellis, Generally, .png files work best as Images
which might look awkward when facing because this format has good compression
a camera from a side view.

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