Groups allow users to combine various objects into a single collection, simplifying operations done on multiple objects together, thus saving time to the designer. This enhances design reusability, reduces modeling effort, and significantly improves productivity.
Usage Contexts:
Select and manipulate multiple objects as a single unit.
Organize models by grouping similar objects.
Create reusable clusters of assets.
Creating a Group
1: Select all the objects intended for the group. Right click and select 'Group' from the right click options or use the shortcut key 'Ctrl+G'
2: View the total object count within the group in the properties tab.
3: Once the group is created move, rotate, flip, copy/array, delete, lock/unlock, hide/show, isolate the group as needed.
Editing Elements within a Group:
1: You can make parametric edits to components within the group using the editing tools in the design tab, such as push/pull, add/remove vertex, split face, and draw void. (Note: These edits can be made directly without activating the group.)
2: To use Move, Rotate, Copy/Array or Flip on an object within the group, first activate the group by double-clicking on it. Then select the tools from the design tab to edit the object.
Adding/Deleting Objects in a Group
After creating groups, you can directly draw objects like spaces, walls, floors, and slabs within the group. Additionally, materials, doors, windows, stairs, and furniture can be added to the group later on. After adding objects in a group, the object count automatically updated in the group properties. Follow the steps below for the same:
(a) Drawing object types in the group:
Step 1: To draw new objects in an existing group, first, activate the group by double-clicking on it. (The selection box will turn to dotted black lines meaning you can now work within in group.)
Step 2: Then, click on the draw tool from the Design tab or use the shortcut "L" (or "A" of you want to draw an Arc). Select the object type that you wish to draw & begin modeling it in the active group.
(b) Adding Doors & Windows:
Open the Door or window library & select the door or window that you wish to place & directly start placing it on the walls within the group.
(c) Apply Material:
Apply materials directly by selecting them from the material library and applying them to the objects within the group.
(d) Add Furniture & Stairs:
Start by activating the group. Then, open the furniture tab, and select the desired furniture, and place it in the model. Follow the same steps to add Stairs to a group.
Note: To delete an object within a group, activate the group, then select the object that you wish to remove & press delete on the keyboard.
Working with Group Copies
1: Create a copy of the group using the Copy/Array tool (C) from the Design Tab. If the copied groups are identical copies, parametric edits such Edit/Push-pull, add vertex, remove vertex, draw-split and relabel of objects are reflected on all instances of the copy.
Note: Move, rotate, copy/array, hide, show, lock/unlock, flip, add/delete objects within one group does not reflect on copied instances of the group even if they are identical copies.
2: To make identical copied groups unique, click on the group and then click on 'Make unique' in the Group Properties tab. Alternatively, right-click on the group & select 'Make unique' from the context menu.
Deleting Groups
Delete a group by clicking on it and then clicking on Delete. Alternatively, use the delete key on the keyboard.
Ungrouping Objects
Ungroup a group by right clicking on it to find the Ungroup option or use the keyboard shortcut "Shift+G".
Note: Current limitations of Groups:
Nested Groups: Creating groups within groups is not supported.
Component-like behavior is unavailable.
Groups cannot be labeled.
Actions like selection, move, rotate, flip, copy/array, delete, lock/unlock, hide/show, isolate, and add/delete objects within a group do not reflect in other instances of that group.