Hi,

The problem I am having, I am trying to explode a group and then delete some lines in that group, and then show it again in hidden line mode 3d perspective.  I notice that when I explode an object and edit it, it no longer shows in 3d hidden line mode - it only shows in 3d mode with hidden lines showing.  So I tried to re group it after editing, and it only shows in wireframe with the formerly hidden lines showing even after re grouping.

So how would I edit an object to delete some lines, and then render it as a line drawing again, so that the hidden lines are no longer showing as in the original?

When you explode a 3D object down to polylines or lines.. it is no longer a true 3D object... so it will no longer render.

You don't have to explode a group to edit it. Select the group hit ctl-G or select edit-group-content from the tools menu. Edit the content and then ctl-shift-G or finish-edit-group-content.

Well, I tried selecting the group and did a ctl - G and I still could not select an individual line in the group.  I also went into the tools menu and "edit group content" is grayed out.  It seems the only way I can select an individual line is to completely explode the group...

It sounds like your object is not truly a group. Post the file.

Here it is...

You have surface object that is in a Group.

Explode the Group one time, and it will be a surface... you can render it. If you explode again... it will become polylines... and it will no longer be a 3D object/surface, nor will it be possible to render it.

Yes that's the problem, I tried exploding it just one time, but then when I tried editing, i.e. selecting just one line and deleting a line, I can't select one line...the whole group lights up...

You need to do some studying... so that you know how groups, blocks, and surface objects function. Groups and blocks are far different than a surface object... and the drawing that you have has one inside the other. A group or block can include 2D as well as 3D objects inside them. A surface object is 3D object that has a surface/skin... as opposed to a volume. After you have once exploded a surface object... it is no longer a 3D object... it becomes nothing more than polylines that look like a 3D object.

A little more complex than that.. but that's the gist of it I guess.

Nadsab

the lines I assume you are trying to delete are the diagonal ones, however these are part of the objects make-up and occur sometimes when something is created in another program / format and opened in TC, such as 3DS files, normally they can't be simply deleted whether you explode the group or not, yes they can be deleted once exploded down to a poyline but thats no good if you want hidden line or other renders.

If they are an annoyance, then the best way I know is to use the original object as a template and re-create the part in TC's own format, this is the same in the pro version of TC, indeed changin your object into a pro ACIS solid actually makes it worse. occasionally re-saving in another format then opening that can help, but its trial and error.

Andy

So if I explode the group twice, are you saying that I can not edit it and then re group it for hidden line visual style?

To change the subject a bit, what's the difference between Doublecad XT and Turbocad Deluxe 19?

I had been using doublecad for a while, the free version, it seems similar to turbocad...

So if I explode the group twice, are you saying that I can not edit it and then re group it for hidden line visual style?

Correct... if what you mean by that is being able to render it.

Quote from: nadsab on November 15, 2012, 09:32:16 AM

So if I explode the group twice, are you saying that I can not edit it and then re group it for hidden line visual style?

Correct... if what you mean by that is being able to render it.

OK is there any way at all to select a line on a 3d surface object and delete a line (or I guess it would be an edge since it's a 3D surface object), and then be able to render that object again in hidden line mode after the edit?

I ask because I need to make a correction, I did a simple extrude and then 3d subtract which was a mistake.  So I have to do a 3d extrude and 3d add add to erase the mistake.   I did this it worked fine but I just have one left over line I want to get rid of...

I'm using Pro for a month to try out then will go back to Deluxe if that makes any difference...possible to do this in Pro?


EDIT - I was able to just now correct (delete) this another way via 3d subtract, but just curious for future reference it above is possible...

Since you are trying pro... you can try to use the Facet Editor, and see if you can manipulate the part the way you want.

If you have the Editing History (Part Tree) turned on... you can possibly use that to your advantage... and go back to the mistake, and delete that operation from the History. This would be your best option.

It may be to late now for using TC's undo function.

Also it may be a good idea to see if the autosave or backup files are available that have your geometry before you did the exploding. TC is one of the best programs I know that generates autosaves and backups, even if you haven't given the file, you was working on, a name.

Some Autosave info here: http://forums.turbocad.com/index.php/topic,8659.msg50449.html#msg50449