Here are my suggestions:

1) A splash screen that displays right away.  On my machine, starting TC seems to take at 20-30 seconds.  The splash screen doesn't appear for about 10 seconds.  By that time, I may sometimes start TC a couple of times thinking that I didn't double click the icon fast enough.

2) The ability to convert a 2D object into a 3D object by simply assigning a Z-size.  This would be much easier than selecting the object and entering a Z-size through the properties tool.  Also, it would be nice to be able to scale the Z-size without going back into the property tool.

Steve

From author Peter-H
not allowed to Quote.

• Enable calculations in the boxes on the bottom of the drawing. Many is the time that I have to get out the calculator out to do a simple sum. Alphacam has been doing this for at least ten years.
  Tab into an Inspector Bar field, then “F2” to enable the Calculator palette. Do your calculations, then Enter to place the calculation in the Inspector Bar field. If calculating several fields, I would use “Ctrl+L” to lock the completed fields.
  
  
• When working in 3D, show which view is selected.
  Look at the end of the drawing name at the top of the drawing. If you are in any standard view, that view name will be displayed. If you Examine or twist the view, no name is shown. Or are you looking for "Named Views" to be displayed?
  
  
• More snaps- if two or more snap points are at the same place, why does TC ask which to snap to? Wastes a lot of time.
  Go to “Options / Preferences” and turn off the “Use choice…” option.
  
  
• When filleting a box that is surrounded by other boxes, why are you asked which box has the second edge? More pointless time-wasting.
  See “Use Choice”. Maybe this will fix the problem.
  
  
• Why is zooming in and out stepped rather than smooth? I often find that I can't get the right size due to this. I have tried with a smooth scrolling mouse, and it's the same.
  Use the Dynamic Zoom feature; usually you hold the “Ctrl” key and press the mouse wheel and drag in toward or away from the drawing center area. It should be a smooth zoom movement.

It may be just me, but what I would find occasionally useful, is the same as my DTP program does.  The ability to drag items into the border area outside the paperspace 'paper',  and have it available for other paperspaces, i.e. the item remains in the border even if one switches to a new paperspace.

As I say, it may be just me, but I use this method often in DTP (desk top publishing), to move things around.  And occasionally it would come in handy in TC.

So I would like a tool that makes only the external "skin" of the model (model is made from many parts). Or maybe "fill solid from Inside to external surface".

This would be useful for making cutaways in an object that contains a smaller object (the one used to make a filled solid), so I would like it, too.


Jeff

I would love to have an easy way to make a cut-list in TurboCAD. See linked video for how easy it is in SolidWorks. IT just seems that it should be a relatively simple procedure to determine bounding box sizes and put them in a table.

Yes I know we can create such things in TurboCAD, but it is a huge pita. Yes, I know we have the layout tools in TurboCAD, but it is not sufficient. I just want a tool that is automated and fully reliable in TC.

DropBox: https://www.dropbox.com/s/mg5qkxb1c4oawfk/Box%20Sample%20DBC.mp4?dl=0

I agree

When an object is selected in 3D mode, its X, Y, and Z axes are displayed and labeled. Please make those labels larger, as they're almost impossible to see.

I'd like the RedSDK axis display/manipulation capabilities duplicated for all display modes.


Jeff

My suggestion/wish is ... Real Improving opening/saving the Files!

Example:

1. Opening 3ds file 70MB ->  in TC 2:35 min -> in Blender 0:29 min
2. Saving this file to native format -> Save as TCW 0:27 min (219MB) -> Save as .blend 0:03 (280MB)
3. then close the programs
4. Opening native format -> TC - TCW 0:47 min -> Blender - .blend 0:03 min

I agree.  File Load/Save/Import could be (should be) vastly improved.  I would think that duplicating the file to a temporary RAMDisk and reading from that would greatly improve speeds over reading structure by structure from a spinner.


Jeff

I'd like the option of having the Audit function immediately notify me when I create something that raises a red flag (aka "exclamation mark").  I was surprised to see a dozen flags in the ACIS History of an in-process object (meaning they were added one upon the other).

By the time I noticed all the flags, it was easier to go back to my 2D profiles and do it over (the resulting STL file was, literally, half the original).


Jeff

Keyshot rendering integration would be awesome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taFGq2Qhr60

Here is how the keyshot works with solid works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9w7gZCNnBk

If you're node editing a selection set by dragging the bounding box bars, both sides of the bounding box move in or out from the reference point.  In standard selection editing, only the side being dragged moves.  For consistency and capability, both modes should be available in both edit modes, perhaps with a toggle key or option check box to enable/disable.  My preference is a toggle key.   
I'm also reminding developers about something that's been asked for occasionally over the years: a key sequence finish like Alt + F for those tools that have only been given a "finish" flag in the context/right-click menus.    I can't recall all of the tools that have this, but generic transform is one of them.  Generic transform actions can be completed after indicating one pair of before-and-after features, or two or three.  Three pairs finishes the action automatically, finishing with one or two pairs has to be flagged.  Assembly-by-three-points has the same behaviour, and the same finish flag. 

In the Design Director palette in v2018, using the "TurboCAD Classic" UI, the lines denoting rows and columns are almost impossible to see. Please fix this.

Henry H

Whish LUMION can render TC Pro 2019 file.

... stop letting things snap to dimensions.

Got to disagree here.  When I try to get dimensions off of images, the ability to snap to a Dimension marker helps maintain consistency.

Enable calculations in the boxes on the bottom of the drawing.
When working in 3D, show which view is selected.
Stop the default door being the one least likely to be wanted- a double door? Really?
Make rendering easier. It's very hard, and things like lights are very difficult to use and don't bear much relation to reality- a 5watt lamp can completely bleach a rendering.

I agree with these.  Calculations in the Inspector Bar would be useful.  I rarely use Architecture, but the Double Door is an odd selection for default.

I especially agree with the rendering.  I upload 3D models to various web sites and they are always well lit (better than TC's Draft render).


Jeff

Why is zooming in and out stepped rather than smooth?

It'll still be stepped, but those steps are at your control.


Jeff

I like to use single character keyboard shortcuts but the number of keys available is limited because TurboCAD does not disable all of the shortcuts when entering text. For example, I've assigned the draw line command to the forward slash key (/) but using it when inputting text stops the text input and jumps to the shortcut (draw line). I'd like all keyboard shortcuts disabled when inputting text in TC2019 (or a maintenance release of TC2018).

Ted

does this happen with all short cuts or just the forward slash?

does this happen with all short cuts or just the forward slash?

It happens to any of the punctuation marks, brackets, braces, etc. on the right side of the qwerty keyboard.

Ted

When changing the workplane (eg. when using by-facet) I would like to have the display changed automatically to be normal to that plane. Yes, I know there is a way to do it with a few keystrokes, but it's unnecessarily tedious. 

When changing the workplane (eg. when using by-facet) I would like to have the display changed automatically to be normal to that plane. Yes, I know there is a way to do it with a few keystrokes, but it's unnecessarily tedious.

I'd agree adding it as an extra option would be good. But personally, I would not want the existing 'by facet' changing, as a lot of times I do not want the view to change

Quote from: lemel_man on October 11, 2018, 07:03:35 AM

When changing the workplane (eg. when using by-facet) I would like to have the display changed automatically to be normal to that plane. Yes, I know there is a way to do it with a few keystrokes, but it's unnecessarily tedious.

I'd agree adding it as an extra option would be good. But personally, I would not want the existing 'by facet' changing, as a lot of times I do not want the view to change

I have both commands, By Facet (Shift+Alt+F) and By WorkPlane (Ctrl+Shift+W), on the PopUp-3 toolbar above the Local Menu. To me, this is easier than typing in hotkeys.
I agree with Andy. I wouldn't want to automatically change my current view after changing the WorkPlane.

How to convert TC file to revit file?

How to convert TC file to revit file?

I miss out on a fair amount of work not being able to read/write Revit files.


Jeff

Maybe through dxf i don't know. I asked about lumion too,

How to convert TC file to revit file?

Very good question!
I will reply - can be done via ifc or dwg, but a lot of important in the file is lost.

I'm more interested in importing Revit families.
Product libraries are available from manufacturers only for Revit or Archicad. Without this, Turbocad will be unusable for construction in a few years. Thought on a professional level.

Likewise, I would like to add a functional dgn file filter.

They have to add this festure to TC pro, it's my suggestion

 IFC for BIM.
IFC files are supposed to be the universal translator for all BIM programs (revit, archicad etc.). The equivalent of DWG or DXF for drawings
 The theory being that you can use the software of your choice. I would be happy if the developement team improved that filter.
Although you might be pleased with it as it is.
We are so close to being BIM compliant and yet so far.

We have the ability to make parametric symbols (families) - PPMs- (similar to archicad symbols) -but we are unable to read the information in those symbols to generate reports. Why not?

Scripted symbols (PPMs)are very easy to write in Turbocad at the moment although I would like a few extra tools to be added.
The ability to loft and some of the advanced features of the TC revolve tool would be nice.

When you save as IFC the symbols save perfectly but they are split up into separate components and the intelligent information is lost.
They are also given a general category we need to be able to assign the correct IFC category to IFC files.
Another issue I have is that for some reason the opening modifier - used for blocks, openings or PPMs doesn't translate well when saving to IFC its moved randomly so that the opening is in the wrong place.
The ability to constrain objects to workplanes  would be great.
I have attached a file with a few PPMs. and an IFC file to show the problem I have when saving to IFC.

Keyboard shortcuts for the Inspector bar when it is active (mostly for altering entity properties, not for all the tool specific fields)

I would like to jump to specific fields in the inspector bar (for entity properties) without tabing a hundred times nor using the mouse (Like the "Rotation" fields!)

I would like either:
- A subset of temp shortcuts that are active when the inspector bar is active that will jump to a field based on location/order in the IB.  For instance "alt+1" through "alt+9" to jump to field 1 through field 9.  (maybe alt+0 for field 10).  Currently when the IB is active, hitting "tab" accesses the menu bar hotkeys which is not very relevant if you are screwing around in the IB.

- Dedicated keyboard shortcuts to directly access specific fields in the inspector bar.  Like hitting "CTRL-R" while an entity is selected to directly alter it's rotation in the IB.

Either one of those something similar. Thanks!
 

I agree.
it would be even better, if you select the x rotation bar and hit the tab key once it automatically goes to the z rotation field. (or whatever you need to do) That way we wouldn't need to remember a lot of short cut keys because the program would be doing the .work.

Node operations in 3D polylines, as 2D polylines. Split, join, etc.

And bring back VBA - even as a paid-for optional add-on!

Projection of a raster image onto a 3D solid, similar to the way Google Earth works.

I had wanted to project an aerial image (from a drone at high altitude) onto a terrain model, but could not find a simple way to do this. Surely there should be?

Ian.   Just for curiosity, I'm wondering about what differences you wish, which isn't included in Lightworks wrapped image, or RedSDK textures.  The Maps-Plugin, can (usually) auto create a terrain and wrapping, but I'm guessing that's not what you mean.

Node operations in 3D polylines, as 2D polylines. Split, join, etc.

And bring back VBA - even as a paid-for optional add-on!

In TurboCAD 2018…
You can use the "Split" tool on a 3D Polyline, provided it is ‘flat’ on the 'plane (like a 2D Polyline). Split won't work if the 3D Polyline has a node(s) with height or there is a curve from the Fillet3D tool.
When you use the "Join Polyline" tool, activate the "2D/3D" option first, then select and Finish.
Platinum has a "Fillet3D" tool.

And bring back VBA - even as a paid-for optional add-on!

See This post from Dave Taylor a couple of years ago.

## Edited ## Link now works,  Thanks Jeff  ## End Edit ##

Quote from: IanC on October 17, 2018, 12:09:59 PM

And bring back VBA - even as a paid-for optional add-on!

See [urlhttp://forums.turbocad.com/index.php/topic,17381.msg115869.html#msg115869]This post [/url]from Dave Taylor a couple of years ago.

  http://forums.turbocad.com/index.php/topic,17381.msg115869.html#msg115869 will work.


Jeff

Just experimenting with the Pattern on Sphere utility and it is taking FOREVER (metaphorically, at least)!  In actuality, several minutes have been added over and above the time it took to render before it was added.  Also, it's only using 1 processor core.

I would like the ability to identify objects that are computationally intensive.  Best implemented with a list of objects and the ability to click on each item in the list to highlight the respective object.


Jeff

And bring back VBA - even as a paid-for optional add-on!

Looking for Visual Basic always points me towards Visual Studio.  I'm not familiar with either, but isn't it possible that the VBA scripts can be translated?  I found this page for installing a VBA addon to Visual Studio that says, "This package provides syntax highlighting and snippets of VBA."

https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=spences10.VBA


Jeff

I'd like a Pattern on Curved Surface function added to the group.

As can be seen in the attached images, a 3D object would be placed at regular intervals on a selected curved surface (aka CS).  Selecting the CS would be the same as done in Facet Edit.

The function itself would work by placing copies of the 3D object in the grid seen when you turn Degenerative Faceting off in Wireframe mode.  That's how I placed these spheres (using V-snap).

User options would include:
1. Adjusting the grid pitch, preferably in two directions (long axis and short axis).
2. Choosing to place the 3D object on every grid intersection or on alternating intersections that themselves alternate between each 'line'; said another way, choose between rectangular and diamond patterns.
3. Set a margin from the facet's boundary, possibly two or three different margins (longest dimension, shortest dimension and corners)
4. Set the orientation of each inserted object to be normal to the CS at point of insertion, or to maintain the original orientation (which is linked, of course). <== ADDED

Personally, I don't think this would be too time-consuming to add.  I have already V-snapped several spheres to the grid, so I know it's feasible (and, yes, I verified that it was actually V-snapping).


Jeff

Quote from: IanC on October 17, 2018, 12:09:59 PM

And bring back VBA - even as a paid-for optional add-on!

Looking for Visual Basic always points me towards Visual Studio.  I'm not familiar with either, but isn't it possible that the VBA scripts can be translated?  I found this page for installing a VBA addon to Visual Studio that says, "This package provides syntax highlighting and snippets of VBA."

https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=spences10.VBA

Hi Jeff.   I think what Ian means, is integration (which won't happen) back into TC.  When TC had VBA one could produce macro's directly from the vba window, these where these were saved as a file called .tcm.  This allowed operations to be carried out without producing any stand-alone tools, and allowed easy testing at each stage.  in a similar way the macro palette does now, but with a lot more control and they also allowed dialog boxes.  something which VB script (as used in AnimationLab) and Macro palette do not allow.  For anything like that one would have to use Iron Ruby, which essentially died in 2011.

For standalone tools which Visual studio creates, people tended to use VB6 (and some probably still do). 

I design enclosures and other objects that will be cast poured, injection molded, etc.

For best extraction from molds, vertical surfaces are best made not-quite-vertical.  This is commonly known as a Draft Angle and the preferred angle varies from foundry to foundry (1°-2° is most common).  American foundries usually have sophisticated software to add a Draft Angle to the models, but this is not always the case.

This enclosure I designed is a good example.  While the holes in the mounting pylons can be easily created with the Draft Angle option in Quick Pull, the main body of the enclosure was opened up with the Shell Solid command.

I would like the Shell Solid command to have the option to add a user-specified Draft Angle starting at the 'omitted' face (the one that gets opened up).  If multiple faces have been chosen, then the user could be prompted to select the desired face, or it could be automatically chosen by the active Z axis (and that could be the default choice when the user is prompted).


Jeff

BTW: I've been having more problems with the Captcha not following through after confirming that I'm not a robot.  It would be nice if this were fixed.

The construction layer, give the user the ability to delete it if it is no longer needed.

Thanks,
Doug

The construction layer, give the user the ability to delete it if it is no longer needed.

Thanks,
Doug

Doug.  This is already implemented for Pro and expert,  it was brought in in 2018, I don't have deluxe and its not listed as a Deluxe new feature.  So maybe a wish for Deluxe users.

Quote from: littleman on October 26, 2018, 08:18:19 AM

The construction layer, give the user the ability to delete it if it is no longer needed.

Thanks,
Doug

Doug.  This is already implemented for Pro and expert,  it was brought in in 2018, I don't have deluxe and its not listed as a Deluxe new feature.  So maybe a wish for Deluxe users.

In 2018, you can't delete the $Construction or $Constraints layers in Deluxe or Designer; only in Expert and Platinum.

It would be nice if the "Delete Layer" option was available for those two types of layers in Deluxe and Designer.

Thanks Andy & John for your reply. I do have 2018 Pro although not yet installed.  Still using V21 Pro Plat. it still seems the most stable of all the lastest versions from what I read here on the forum. How stable is 2018 Pro vs. V21 Pro Plat? If it is as stable I will go ahead and install. Can 2018 be installed without interfering  with the operation of V21 Pro Plat?

Thanks,
Doug

The ability to add entity marks in paperspace. They would need to link to objects in a viewport (or a drafting view).

More intelligent architectural slabs, with component priority levels for connecting to walls.
I would like slabs to update automatically when walls are moved

How stable is 2018 Pro vs. V21 Pro Plat? If it is as stable I will go ahead and install. Can 2018 be installed without interfering  with the operation of V21 Pro Plat?

Sorry Doug,  I've only just seen your question.  I cannot comment on stability, as I don't usually do architectural stuff, and I use RedSDK (not the default Lightworks in v2018).

As for installing 2018.  It should not cause any problems being installed alongside v21.  Apart from the obvious things, like, drawings in 2018 won't open in v21 without using 'Save-As'.   Many users on here have multiple versions installed.

The stability for architectual is very good, no problem at all, at least in metric system , and there is no problem with v 21 and v 2018.
At the moment i only use LW on v 2018

Torfinn

And when we talk about Entity Marker, It would have been nice to be able to get the glass area aswell

Torfinn

 A setting in TCExplorer that allows the Visible Box in Viewport Properties to be Unchecked as the default. Sheila

I think I have set that up as default in the template I use.