Masking plane

Module(s): General: Roofs, Planes, Sections

You can use the Masking Plane tool to control how architectural elements within a specific area are displayed in plan view. All the architectural components that are located below this masking plane area can be displayed with a different line type, for example, or hidden entirely from view. The roof covering is an exception: the program only displays the parts of the roof covering that fall within the boundaries of the masking plane are displayed. Attics, for example, can quickly be displayed in the correct manner with this tool.

To define how architectural elements below a masking plane are displayed

1. Click Masking Plane (How).
   

   Activate Masking Plane in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: Create Architecture General: Roofs, Planes, Sections

   • Palette: Tools Create area in the following module(s):

   General: Roofs, Planes, Sections

   • Configuration: Architecture Roofs and Planes flyout
2. Define the parameters for the masking plane. A preview of the settings is provided in the preview area.
3. Click OK to confirm the settings.
4. Enter the area in which the architectural elements are to be displayed differently.

   The new masking plane has an immediate effect on all the elements in the current drawing file and in drawing files that are open in edit mode.

   Tip: Use a separate drawing file for the masking plane. This way, you can switch it on and off quickly and easily.

Note: The masking plane is even active when the layer in which it is located is hidden.

Note: If you close a current drawing file containing a masking plane or if you set it to reference mode, the display of the architectural elements in the other active drawing files stays the same. The same applies if you open the drawing file with the masking plane (in edit mode) later. The elements displayed under the masking plane are not shown or hidden until you select Restore 3D View to update all the architectural elements in active drawing files.

Note: Carrying out the Restore 3D View tool applies masking planes to the current drawing file and all drawing files that are open in edit mode. Therefore, depending on what you want to display, open or close the drawing file with the masking plane before you select Restore 3D View.