Transparency remove from aecobjects

[ntellery]

I've created a floor plan bunch of items with (unknowingly) the transparency setting set to 50 on the properties pallete and I need to remove it however selected aec objects the prop pallete does not display any transparency option.
I've corrected the text which does show it but not for walls, windows, doors etc.
Is there a place this setting should show up so it can be manually changed?

Rather dumb that  it applies but doesn't then show as a setting that can be edited later.
(No the transparency was not applied at a style level).

[David_W_Koch · Accepted solution]

Select the objects whose transparency you want to change (can be a mix of AEC and AutoCAD objects, if you want).  Right click and choose Edit Object Display from the context menu.  If you have selected multiple objects, only the General Properties tab will display in the Object Display dialog.  If you selected just one AEC object, select the General Properties tab if it is not current.  Use the Transparency drop-down list to select a transparency or type in the desired number.  The drop-down list will allow you to choose ByBlock or ByLayer, as well.  (You can type in ByBlock or ByLayer if you like typing.)

[ntellery]

Thanks David, that was simple.
I've not used that interface much if at all.
Much appreciated.

[David_W_Koch]

Yes, they decided that AEC Objects should be controlled by the Display System, not the AutoCAD properties, so they took those properties off of the Properties palette, with the goal of preventing users from going there to set them, easily.

Unfortunately, if default values other than "ByLayer" are set for things line color, linetype or transparency (among others) on the Properties palette with no items selected (or via command-line commands), they did not disable those settings from applying to newly created AEC Objects.  When that happens, not having the properties on the Properties palette makes it difficult to change the values back to ByLayer.  (The ACA.cuix also omits the properties controls from any out-of-the-box panel, and there are no toolbars at all.)

At least they left one avenue for setting those property values, tucked away where the casual user will not accidentally change them from "ByLayer".

[ntellery]

I still use the LIST command at times to find information for objects not displayed on the properties pallete. Can't remember but I think it's z plane height for certain objects that don't display elevation or z on the prop pallete.
I also brought in the Acad properties toolbar for linetype, colour, thickness etc as well as the layer drop down both now inside my own cuix file along with other custom stuff so I can easily reload when I reinstall or upgrade. I find them quicker to access as my Ribbon is usually rolled up.
Seems a bit of mishmash but I understand what you say about simplifying for users.

The ModelExplorer allowing you to group additive and negative mass elements and other objects together is still not in the ribbon that I've seen and it's quite useful together with drape for creating a non destructive terrain model.

[Anonymous]

Hey Nathan,

The roof guru! The view toolbar has the model explorer on the far left. Just thought I would let you know as that's how I have it setup on mine.

Any plans to add new roof videos soon? I learned a lot from Odin & you and just simply playing w/ the roof object. Be nice if ADesk would improve the software like AmeriCAD had for VisionRez for ACA. Can only hope!

Todd

[ntellery]

ok, I will have to add it to my own custom toolbar as I no longer have any acad toolbars or menus loaded. I can add it via the cuix routine I think.  Thanks.

I did have some final ideas to wrap up the roof object, the new edit edges and add vertices from 2017> and some tips on how to embellish it with gutters, hips and ridges and gable ends but I've not found any new tricks.  Perhaps some tips about adding materials for rendering as it doesn't have styles like other objects.
If you have any tricks I've never covered let me know, I'd love to hear it.

At this point I doubt the bean counters in Adesk have much interest in ACA unfortunately.  My hope was that since they released the product to everyone that it would attract more interest in the arch portion, generating interest and $$ for them to further develop it.  But so far most improvements are from Acad only.  
My friend Bill who was in charge of ACA development is no longer with the company. 😞  Not sure why.  Development team was in China so there is some hope that innovative Chinese might take up development further.  There are so many things they could super boost this tool with and it's getting old.