Softlist - Square Foot Cabinet Formulas

Here is a formula for calculating square foot costs for standard base cabinets.
I used 65 as the square foot cost number, substitute your own.

The report will give you the (width,depth,height) of the cabinet.
It will also give you the total square foot costs of the cabinet including labor.

You can input the labor cost (per cabinet) via the accounting button under billing.
The @cost local variable overrides the cost info in the accounting section.

Same principles apply to wall cabinets
Change if matches (type,wall)

Material name = Base Cabinet
Include = yes
Units = each
Custom Formula

if matches(type, base, tall)
   if matches(cabinet_shape,standard)
      if not is_counter
         @cost=(width*depth)*65
          set_dimens(inches,inches,inches)
          list(1,width,depth,height)
       endif
    endif
endif

Here is the formula for blind corner & diagonal cabinets

if matches(type,base,tall)
   if not is_counter
      if matches(cabinet_shape,blind)
         @cost=(width*depth)+depth*(width-depth))*65
         set_dimens(inches,inches,inches)
         list(1,width,depth,height)
      else
         if matches(cabinet_shape,diagonal)
            @cost=((width*depth)+(depth*(width-depth))+((width-depth)*(width-depth)/2))*65
             set_dimens(inches,inches,inches)
             list(1,width,depth,height)
          endif
       endif
   endif
endif

Technique -Cabinets

For those looking to have inset (flush) cabinet styles you can use SoftPlans cabinets to do this. Will take a little work. 

Method 1: Use open cabinet and place doors to fit. Can use all of SoftPlans door styles. Set depth of cabinet you want to use for doors to 1" (smallest you can go). Adjust size, set posit...ion and your done. You can use solids as well but they won't look as good.

Cabinets other methods: Method 2: Draw your own cabinets and use doors as described above. 

Method 3: Use combo of both methods. Use open cabs, draw face stiles, rails. Place doors as above and you now have framed and frameless cabinets.

 

Have fun!

taoist

Keyboard Shortcuts - Beginners take notice. Will reduce drawing time.

Softplan keyboard shortcuts.


Great for reducing mouse movement.

Begginers take notice: These are tips to help you increase drawing speed.

Undo=backspace

Redo=shift+backspace

Cursor Lock=Ctrl+A

Cleanup=Ctrl+C

Divide Segments=Ctrl+D

Multi Drawing=Ctrl+G

Floor System Mode=Ctrl+J

Calculator=Ctrl+K

Locate=Ctrl+L

Profile Mode=Ctrl+P

Do not include item in CLeanup under cursor= Ctrl+N

Redraw=Ctrl+R

Quick 3D=Ctrl+V

Show Paint=Ctrl+W

Ceiling Mode=Alt+J

Roof Mode=Alt+R

Zoom Out=Alt+X

Shortcut command list=Ctrl+/

Also remember the functions keys are shortcuts to the menu tool bar

F1=Draw Menu

F2=Erase Menu

F3=Move Menu

F4=Dimenesion Menu

F5=Note Menu

F6=Edit Menu

F7=Zoom Menu

F8=Build Menu

F9=Options Menu

F11=Cursor snap on/off

F12=Cursor Lock



taoist

SoftView - Lighting Attributes & how to use

I use Spot lighting for undercabinet lights and indirect lighting

Can also use for lighting up paintings on walls
Good for recessed ceiling lights as well

Atmospheric is great for wall/ceiling type lighting
Pay attention to the brightness factor and light color
For softer lighting try changing light color to suit your mood

For any additional lighting that you need, you can add individual lights to your model.
There are 4 different types of lights that can be added:

Point - It casts light in all directions like a light bulb or a fluorescent fixture.
Spot - It throws a cone-shaped beam of light.
Direct - Like the sun, it emits a direct ray of light from one direction.
Atmospheric -It throws a cone-shaped spotlight beam both up and down from the source as would a lamp or wall mounted fixture.

To Edit a Light Source
1. Click Edit from the camera control panel.
2. In the Plan view section of the control panel, select the light you want to edit. The Light menu opens.
3. Edit any of the following light settings from the Light tab:

Brightness
Use this setting to increase or decrease the intensity of the light source using the slide bar or enter a number from 1 to 20.

Decay (Applies to Spot and Point light sources only)

This setting defines how quickly the light source fades over a certain distance. You can set a value from 1 (the slowest rate) to 100 (the quickest rate).

Position
X - Move the light source horizontally to the left, from the center of the Workspace, by entering a negative measurement. Move it horizontally to the right by entering a positive measurement.
Y - Move the light source horizontally forward, from the center of the Workspace, by entering a positive measurement. Move it horizontally back by entering a negative measurement.
Z - The value set for this menu item, moves the light source vertically up or down from the baseline (0") of the building. To set the light source up 12' from the baseline, enter 12' in the Z field. To set the light source down 1' from the baseline, enter –1' in the Z field. The light source in the Elevation View will move to the vertical position you have set.

Target (Applies to Spot and Direct light sources only)
Target X - Move the target point of the light source horizontally to the left, from the center of the Workspace, by entering a negative measurement. Move it horizontally to the right by entering a positive measurement.
Target Y - Move the target point of the light source horizontally forward, from the center of the Workspace, by entering a positive measurement. Move it horizontally back by entering a negative measurement.
Target Z - The value set for this menu item, moves the target point of the light source vertically up or down from the baseline (0") of the building. To set the target point up 12' from the baseline, enter 12' in the Target Z field. To set the light source down 1' from the baseline, enter –1' in the Target Z field. The target point in the Elevation View will move to the vertical position you have set.

Color
Click the Color Box to open the Color menu and select a color for the light radiating from the light source.
Distance (Applies to Point lights only)
This setting defines how far the light travels before it begins to fade.
Angle (Applies to Spot lights only)

The two lines radiating out from the Spot light indicate how much of the drawing is being illuminated by the light. Use this item to change the angle of these radiating lines to include a wider or a narrower field of light. To change the angle, enter any angle of 89-degrees or less.

On
Turns a light source on or off but does not remove it.
By default, all newly added light sources are enabled

Shadows
When you check this item, if you are displaying the image in Rendered mode, objects receiving light will inherit shadows from the light source.

Note:
In order to display the shadows that will occur on objects in the 3D model, Shadows must also be selected in the Lighting options menu for a mode.
The shadows generated by the light will now be calculated and shown on your image.

Diffuse
Check this item to reflect light in all directions.

Specular
Check this item to bounce light off the objects receiving light.

Soften Edge
Check this item to soften the edges of a Spot light's illuminating light.

Direction
This is available for Atmospheric lighting only. You can choose to have the light shine Up, Down, or in Both directions.

4. The information in the Common tab is specified in the same way for all editable items. To learn how to set this information, see Setting Information in the Common Tab.
5. Select ok when all necessary changes have been made.

Note:
Any lights that have been added to illuminate the generated 3D image are shown in the camera control panel. These lights positions may be turned off to allow for better camera positioning. Note that when light positions are turned off, they will still affect the illumination of the 3D image. For details on turning off and on light sources, see Viewing Light Sources in the Camera Control Panel.

When in Rendered mode, you can use the Lighting Options menu to add soft lighting to the interior of the 3D model using the environmental light mapping command. This will add irregular light and shadow patterns to the ceiling, walls, and floor of the interior space giving it a more realistic appearance without the need to add a lot of additional lighting.

How to Draw Cabinet Elevations

There are several methods for drawing cabinet elevations.

Method 1:
In plan view place your cabinets then
Go to Draw > Cabinet > Elevation Cabinets
Click on cabinets in plan view, this will give you elevation view of your cabinets. Locate these elevations above your plan view on a wall by wall basis.

Method 2:
You can draw your cabinets in elevation view from the start
In Plan view,
Go To Draw > Cabinet > Elevation View
Select cabinet, door style, size, etc. then draw line verticallly for placing them vertically. If you draw line horizontal, cabinets get placed on their sides.

Method 3:
In Plan view,
Draw cabinets then go to
Build > Section Line
Draw your section line just in front of the cabinets
move the mouse in the direction to view cabinets (usually front to rear)
Go To Build > Cross Section
Choose section letter you just created
check background box, click OK
You now have an interior section (elevation) view of your cabinets
Repeat these steps for evey wall that has cabinets.

Have fun.

taoist

Layers - how to use them

Layers are a great tool for managing various items in your drawings.
You can use them as little or as much as you like.
You can have an unlimited number of layers.
SoftPlan gives us 20 layers.
One of the advantages of Layers is you can control how much or little of an item(s) are visible.


Example: You have a drawing and want to be able to turn on/off the visibility of dimensions.
You would draw your plans and then assign the dimensions to a Dimensions Layer
Then you select the Dimensions Layer and check or unckeck the visibile box to turn on / off the Dimensions

Step #1:
To start, you need to set up your layers for use.
At the Menu Bar
Go To Options > Layer Setup
The Layer Setup window opens

Note: You will notice that the first layer name is default.  Do Not Change!
In the layer name fields below (1-20) you can change the Layer names.

Change Layer 1 to Dimensions
Double left click on the name field, then type in the new name.
In this case we will type Dimensions
Check the visible box to the right of the name
Check the lock box

Note: Checking the lock box prevents the layer from being changed

Assign a color to the layer.  The normal layer color is set from File >System or Drawing Options.
To do this, leave the box checked in the Use Item(s) Color to the right of the lock box.

To assign a custom color, uncheck the lock box by double clicking on it.
Next change the color by clicking on it and the color menu appears

Note: When you assign all items (dimensions in this case) the same color, the layer they are in is easily identified.

You can assign a new Pen type in the Pen field to be used with the Layers you create.
When done, click the OK button.

Step #2:
Set the visibility of the Layer
Go To Menu Bar, select
Options > Visible Items
The Visible Items menu opens showing whats visible for the curent Mode.
In the Group Visibilities section of the menu (middle) highlight the Layers group.
In the Group Items Type section (right) is a list of available layers.
To have a layer with the associated items that will be placed in the Layer visible on the drawing, check the Layer name.
In this case check the dimensions box, and the extensions box.
Uncheck everything else.
This is so we see only the dimensions and extensions in the dimensions Layer.

Note: If any Layer is checked as visible, the Select Active Layer field becomes available on the Status Bar.
Layers can be made visible in any Mode.

Step #3:
Adding Items to the Layer.
There a various methods to adding items to a Layer.
The Default layer is where all items are normally added.

Method 1: Before drawing an item, choose the Layer you want to put the item in (Dimensions) by using the Select Active Layer field on the Status Bar.
All items you draw (Dimensions) are now added the the selected Layer.

Method 2: To add the item to any layer, right mouse click on the item (Dimension), click on the Common Tab
In the Layer field, select the Layer you want the items put in.
Click OK

Method 3:  Add item(s) to the drawing in any Layer then use  Set Layer command to choose Layer for the items are in.
Go To Edit > Set Layer
Form an expanding box (marquee) to surround the item or group of items (Dimensons) to be added to the Layer.
The Layer Menu opens.
Select the Layer name you want to use for the item(s) (Dimensions)
Click OK.

Step #4:
Using Layers to control visibilty.
At Menu Bar Go To Options > Visible Items
The Visible Items menu opens and shows what is visble for the current Mode
Use the Visible Items menu to show / hide Layers from the current Mode

Note: Item visibility is set on and individual basis for each Mode. If you select a Layer to be visible in one Mode, the items placed in that Layer are not visible in other Modes till they are set as visible.
You control what Layer(s) are visible in what Mode(s).
A single Layer is not visible in all Modes unles you set the Layer to be visible in all Modes.

SoftList -Report Quantity of certain length instead of Total Lineal Feet

"To report on Qty. of certain length instead of total linear feet"


Lets say you want to have Softlist report the quantity of 16' baseboard you need instead of total linear feet.
This has advantages because you do not have to figure out for yourself Gee, I know have take the total feet of baseboard and divide by the lengths I would like to use for this job.

SoftList can do it for you with a few mouse clicks
Assuming you have baseboard in your drawing;

Generate a Material Report by going to
Build at the menu bar > Material List
Select baseboard by doing Edit > Find or by scrolling down the report
Right mouse click the baseboard material
Select edit material

The material setup window pops up
At the top change the units from feet to each
At the bottom left in the coverage box, enter the length you want to use EX: 16'
At the botm middle you will see (3) boxes under value
Enter 16' in the middle box
At the bottom right of the pop up window click on the accounting box
Go to cost and enter price for 1 piece of 16' baseboard
Select OK and save the changes
Select OK at the Material pop up window
At the prompt to discard and regenerate report select yes

Locate baseboard by edit > find or scroll through report and notice
that the baseboard is reporting quantity, unit price and total price
You can use this for anything for quantity VS total feet

taoist

SoftList -Change siding from Square Feet to Quantity and Cost

"How to change siding from square feet to qty. and size"

Have plan open

In this example we are going to figure for how much 8" x 12' siding is needed with cost per piece and total cost for siding.

1) Select Build > Material List
2) Select Setup
3) Select Material Definition > Edit Material
4) Menu Bar Edit > Find type siding
5) Note that there are 3 formulas

Siding (gables) for roofs accumulated
Siding (walls) for walls accumulated
Siding total of roof and wall siding

6) Select siding (gables) and select click edit button
7) In coverage box enter 8
8) Click OK and save the changes
9) Select siding (walls) and repeat steps 7 & 8
10) Select siding
11) In Units box change from sqft to pcs
12) In the top Value box near the bottom center type 8"
13) In the enter Value box type 12'
14) Click on the Accounting box and type the cost per piece of siding you want to use in the cost box
15) Click OK and save the changes
16) Generate the report
17) Locate the siding in the report and notice it shows the number of pieces, cost per piece and total cost.

taoist

SoftList -Libraries for Doors

There is an alternative to creating libraries and adding the doors other than described.

I found this method to be faster to create my new door libraries.

You may want to create interior door libraries for Privacy, Lockset, Ball Catches. This way Softlist can report on the knob hardware. You still need to create the formulas on a per hardware basis for Softlist to report correctly.
Maybe in Version 15 they will give us an attributes option for this so we can select on the fly on a door by door basis.
Until then, this is how it is done.

1) Go to System Libraries
2) Select Opening Library
3) Create Door libraries you want in respective library. Tthat is new interior door library under Interior Door Library.
4) Go to Windows Explorer (File Manager) and locate the openings library in Softplan on your hard drive most likely C:\SoftPlan\Openings
5) Copy the doors from the library you want to use to your new library.
6)You will notice that all the info copies including the sequence number which can be verified by going to Softlist Setup > Libraries > Change Library to your new one and Voila! all info is there.
7)Go back to your plan and select one the those doors you copied, insert in wall and do a 3D and you will see it works.

Once your libraries are created and you have your doors in them, create the formulas for calculation.

SoftList -Privacy Doors and Hardware

"How to have SoftList calculate for privacy, passage, locksets, etc..."


OK everybody, here is what we need to do.
It requires some minor work on our end, but it gives us great flexibility in reporting.

First: Softplan has no way of knowing which door requires which type of hardware due to all doors come from same library. That is all interior doors from interior library, all exterior door from exterior library. It has no way of knowing by room.

Create door librarie(s) for privacy locks, deadbolts, etc.
Go to File > system library, select opening library.
Choose interior for interior doors, ie passage, privacy type hardware.
Add new library use one step to add existing openings (use existing opening button).
Give library new name depicting hardware type, privacy, etc...
Give sequence number for each door, add all door sizes you need to new library. Select OK.
You can also add sequence numbers using Material List Setup.

If you have a drawing open, change doors to new library type, that is privacy doors from new privacy library. You get the idea.
Now you need to create some custom formulas to count the passage versus privacy hardware.
Go to Build > Material List Setup

User Defined Variables
Create(insert button) new variable called privacy_hw
Set Value=0
No Prompt
accumulates privacy hardware based on opening library
edit material
privacy hardware interior door > privacy lock

Custom Formula:
privacy_hw=privacy_hw + num_sections
num_sections is the number of door sections to get count for nummber of privacy locks.

Here is the code
before:
@passage_hw=0
process:
if not wall_exterior
if matches
@passage_hw = @passage_hw + num_sections
endif
endif
after:
list(@passage_hw - privacy_hw)

Sorry for being so long here but trying to describe so it makes sense.
Recap,
Create new opening libraires as need for passage set types, privacy, locksets, deadbolts.

taoist

SoftList -How to have stain / paint calculate automatically for decks

To calculate for quantity of stain needed for a deck and have it included in the material takeoff


Have plan open
If you do not have a deck drawn create one

1) Edit the deck
2) Choose Softlist Tab
3) Click List Materials button
4) Notice that the deck material will list
5) Click Add Companion Material button
6) Material Setup window opens
7) In the Material Name box, type Deck Stain. You could enter Paint if you choose as well
8) In Cost box enter a cost, in this case $25.00
9) Click the Advanced button
10) The Material Setup Deck Group opens
11) In Units Box change to gal for gallons
12) Under Decking Component change to Decking Board
13) Under Calculate Quantity type length in the first box
14) To the left and just below click on the small square box
15) Select *
16) In second box type width. These 3 items tell Softlist length x width to calculate area
17) In Coverage box enter 400. This means that every gallon covers 400sf
18) Click OK. SoftList will recalculate the materials including stain
19) Notice the stain has been added to the material list

What other uses could one use this for?

SoftList - How to Add Companion Material

Add Companion Material


Example: You have an item (appliance, gas fireplace) that needs to have installation costs associated with it.
Toilet needs a wax ring, Johnnie bolts and a supply line
Gas fireplace needs metal flue to vent and to have the unit installed

In Softlist the cost is for the items themselves, not what is needed to install them
You could include these costs as part of the symbols, but for clarity, associate these costs with the respective symbol

For this example we are going to add the costs for the metal flue pipe for a gas fireplace
1) Edit the gas fireplace
2) Click on List Materials button
3) Nothing shows because there are no formulas for this symbol
4) Click Add Companion Material button
5) In name field type Metal Flue Pipe
6) Qty. =1
7) Cost = 50.00
8) Click OK
9) When complete it will show the cost for the material we just added
10) Generate a Material Report and notice the changes to the gas firplace

The Library Pricing Table contains the costs and listing information for symbols, openings, speed notes, cabinets, shutters, electrical and posts, not the Material Definitions Table

SoftList - To report stair parts

To report for stringers, treads, risers


1) Select Build > Material List > setup > material definition > edit material
2) Find the stairs in the list (use edit > find)
3) Under the Main Stairs heading, select the stairs row
4) Change the setting for this row in the include column to No

We need to create formulas for stringers, treads, risers
This is for an interior straight stair

First the Stringer:
5) Click on the Insert button at the bottom
6) Select Stair from the New Material pop up window
7) The Material Setup Group Stair Window opens
8) In the Material Name box, type Stair Stringer
9) Set include box to Yes and Units box to each
10) Set Stair Type as Straight, Material as regular stair
11) Under Calculation Method, Select Lumber Format
12) Under Quantity select single piece
13) Under Value click the ? to the right of the Total Length Box
14) Select Functions > hypot
15) Click Add to Formula button. Format is hypot(x,y)
16) Notice the ( ). Add the rise, run between the parens
17) Should read hypot(rise,run)
18) Type 2" in the Thickness box
19) Type stringer_depth in the Depth Box. Set unit to inches
20) Select Spruce in the Lumber Table box
21) Click the Accounting tab.
22) Under Tracking area > sequence, enter 3100
23) Click OK to close
24) Change Calculation Method to Custom Formula, click Yes
25) Formula window opens
26) Locate the row headed by Lumber
27) Change the number 1 at the start of the formula to num_stringers

Formula should read
if matches (type, straight)
if matches (stair_material, regular)
lumber ( num_stringers,2",stringer_depth,hypot(rise,run),spruce)
endif
endif
28) Click OK > Save Changes > Click Yes

Second the Tread:
29) Locate the Stringer item we just created in the report
30) Click on the Insert button at the bottom
31) Choose Stair from the new Material Menu
32) Click OK
33) Material Setup Window Opens
34) In Material Name box type Stair Treads
35) Change Units box to feet
36) Under Stair Type select straight
37) Under Material select regular stair
38) Under Calculation Method select Lumber Format
39) Under Quantity select Lineal Feet
40) Under Price Lumber As, type 16'
41) Under Value in Total Length box enter width*tread_count
42) In Thickness box type 1"
43) In Depth box type roundup(tread_depth,1")
44) Set Units box to inches for the Depth
45) Lumber Table box set to Spruce
46) Click Accounting button
47) In sequence box type 3100
48) Click Ok > Save Changes

Third the Risers:
49) Insert new formula beneath treads formula
50) Material Name > Stair Riser
52) Units to feet
53) Stair Type > straight, Material > regular stair
54) Calculation Method > Lumber Format
55) Quantity > Lineal Length
56) Price Lumber As 16’
57)Under Value set Total Length to width*riser_count
58) Set Thickness to 1”
59) In Depth box roundup(riser_height,1”) set Units > inches
60) Lumber Table > Spruce
61) Accounting > Sequence > 3100
62) Click OK twice > Save Changes
63) Click OK in Material List Window
64) Generate Report > Find Stairs
65) Notice Stringer, Tread, Riser counts

Sorry for the length but wanted to have it clear, Change the dimensions for the treads and risers to suit your material size. 1” treads, 1” risers. ¾” treads, ¾” risers, etc…

SoftList -Multiple Drywall Sheet Lengths

Here is modified sheetrock formula to include 54" sheetrock.

; wall height calculation for 48" or 54" sheets
if height<=8' or height>9'
@width=48"
else
@width=54"
endif
; get count of 8' sheets if 8' or less
if length<=8'
list(area/(8*@width),thickness,@width,8')
; how many 10' sheets
else
if between(length,8',10') or length=10'
list(height/@width,thickness,@width,10')
; how many 12' sheets
else
if between(length,10',12') or length=12'
list(height/@width,thickness,@width,12')
; how many 14' sheets
else
if between(length,12',14') or length=14'
list(height/@width,thickness,@width,14')
; how many 16' sheets
else
if between(length,14',16') or length=16'
list(height/@width,thickness,@width,16')
; if walls over 16', how many 16' sheets and length of sheet left over.
else
list((height/@width) *trunc (length/16),thickness,@width,16')
@remainder=length - (16*trunc(length/16))
if @remainder <=8'
list(area/(8*@width),thickness,@width,8')
else
if between(@remainder,8',10') or @remainder=10'
list(height/@width,thickness,@width,10')
else
if between(@remainder,10',12') or @remainder=12'
list(height/@width,thickness,@width,12')
else
if between(@remainder,12',14') or @remainder=14'
list(height/@width,thickness,@width,14')
else
if between(@remainder,14',16') or @remainder=16'
list(height/@width,thickness,@width,16')
endif
endif
endif
endif
endif
endif
endif
endif
endif
endif

SoftList- Multiple Plate Lengths Formula

"SoftList Formulas for multiple lengths"

Here is a formula that works for wall multiple plate lengths. It will calculate and report how many 16', 14', 12', 10', 8' plates for walls.

This is a custom formula type.

if length <8'
lumber (length / 16', thickness, height, 16', spruce)
else
if between (length, 8', 16') or length = 8'
lumber (1, thickness, height, length, spruce)
else
lumber (trunc (length / 16), thickness, height, 16', spruce)
@remainder = length - (16 * trunc (length / 16))
if @remainder < 8'
lumber (@remainder / 8', thickness, height, 8', spruce)
else
lumber (1, thickness, height, @remainder,spruce)
endif
endif
endif

Enjoy!

taoist

SoftList-Boardfeet Formulas for lumber 2x4 to 2x12

"Board Feet Formula for Wall Plates - 2x4 to 2x12"

Here is the board feet formula for wall plates. 2x4 through 2x12
Price is based on spruce table using 16' stock.
Of course you can change this.
thickness = plate width.
height = plate thickness.

This is standard SoftList nomenclature.
This is a custom formula.
Calculations are based on board feet per lineal foot of wall plate.

set_dimens (inches,inches )
;for 2x4 plates
if between (thickness,3",5")
lumber ( length*.67,height,thickness,16',spruce,lineal)
else
;for 2x6 plates
if between (thickness,5",6")
lumber ( length*1,height,thickness,16',spruce,lineal)
else
;for 2x8 plates
if between (thickness,6",8")
lumber ( length,*1.33,height,thickness,16',spruce,lineal)
else
;for2x10 plates
if between (thickness,8",10")
lumber ( length*1.67,height,thickness,16',spruce,lineal)
else
;for2x12 plates
if between (thickness,10",12")
lumber ( length*2,height,thickness,16',spruce,lineal)
endif
endif
endif
endif
endif

taoist

SoftList Stairs Formula

For Treads: Formula should read

if matches (type, straight)
if matches (stair_material, regular)
set_dimens (feet_inches,inches,feet_inches )
lumber ( tread_count,1",roundup(tread_depth,1"),width,SYP)
endif
endif

For Risers: Make changes to Units = each and Quantity = 1
Change to Custom Formula

Formula should read
if matches (type, straight)
if matches (stair_material, regular)
set_dimens (feet_inches,inches,feet_inches )
lumber ( riser_count,1",roundup(riser_height,1"),width,SYP)
endif
endif

Trick- Countertop edge profiles

You can use profiles for edges for your countertops
Use Draw Countertop or create a 3d Polygon
You will have to adjust the width of the countertop to account for the edge of the profile moulding.
Also adjust the thickness of the profile and set offsets for correct height
Example: 24" wide x 1 1/2" thick countertop. 1" thick x 1 1/2" edge profile moulding.
Adjust countertop to 23". Change offsets of profile so moulding lines up with edge of countertop.



taoist

Techniques- Cabinet & Countertop

Technique #1
Lets say you wanted to apply a raised panel to the end of a base cabinet.
You have a couple of ways to do this.
In plan view in Drawing Mode

1.) Select a door style (Wall Cabinet) you want to use for your end panel
Note: If you used a base cabinet the toe kick would show
2.) Set width, height, and offset (vertical position)
3.) Set depth to 1" (shallowest you can set depth to)
4.) Place "cabinet" at desired location
5.) Use 3D or some other means to verify correct placement

This method also works for wall or any other cabinet.
Great for panels at the back side of a bar counter area or wainscoting

Panel Technique #2
Note: Need to draw in birds eye view
Use solids; cubes 3D polygons
Create a cube or 3D polygon of size of panel
Ex: 22" wide x 34"high x1"deep
Place panel at end of cabinet
Adjust Offset
Save solid and go to 3D view (SoftView)
Change material to one of the cabinet wood species and choose raised panel > single door
Rememeber to check scale or you will get multiple panels

Countertop Technique
1.) Use Draw > Cabinet > Plan View > Countertop
2.) Trace your countertop
3.) Using this method allows you to curve (radius) the edges
Note: Allows for cutouts of symbols.

Use of  Draw Countertop for tub decks:
Make sure symbol(s) has Cuts Countertop checked in configure symbol window
Ex: You have a whirlpooltub with a tile deck and you want the tub to show through (cut a hole) the deck.
Use method dscribe above for countertops
This a great example of how you can use SoftPlans tools to accomplish what you might otherwise not think possible

Have fun

taoist

Tip -Moving exact distances in SoftPlan

You can move items exact distances in SoftPlan.
Ex: You want to move a window 22".
1.) put mouse over window
2.) Press m key
3.) press home key
4.) Enter 22 at keypad or top rows
5.) press arrow key in direction you want to move.
6.) Press home key again and your move is know set
IF you forget to press the home key as the last step, you item will move freely.

This principle can also be used for copying items as well.
Only difference is press the c key.

This principle works with Adjust as well. Put mouse over item
Press A for adjust
Press Home key
Enter distance
Press arrow in direction of adjust
Press Home key

Done
 
toaist

Tip - Pen Color Settings

You can have your plans print the same colors you have on screen or leave them the way they are.

To have WYSIWYG you need to change your pen settings.
In Wall Definition change your pen colors to what you will see on screen.

To change print colors, go to;
File >System Options > Pen Setup. Click on Configure Print Pen Styles
Set your colors and line weights.

Version 14 to see line weights on screen go to;
Options > Visible Items
At bottom of window check the Display Print Pen Style

You can also print out what your line weights look like by drawing a line and change the pen for all 16 line weights. That is pen 1, pen 2, pen 3..

You won't see much if any difference on screen (when drawing) till you reach at least .40 pen weight.

I have set up different colors for my existing, new, remove walls

taoist

Have Fun

Tip- Keyboard Shortcuts

SoftPlan has many keyboard shortcuts.
To use them got to File > System Options
In the lower middle of the screen under Options, check Enable Keyboard Shortcuts

The advantage of keyboard shortcuts is you can keep one hand on the mouse and use the other hand to access the shortcuts.  This will greatly reduce the amount of mouse movement one does.

You can also create your own shortcuts.  To do this got to;
File > System Options
In the left side click on Keyboard Shortcuts and SoftTalk Commands
A window will pop up and you will see a a listing of SoftPlan, SoftList, SoftView commands
You can show all at once or by command

To view what is currently being used, go to the bottom of the screen under Command List and click on Keyboard button.  A list will now pop up.  You can print this list as well for reference by your computer.

OK back to the example.
If you go to Tools at the SoftPlan Mneu Bar you will see Trim and Extend with no Keyboard shortcut
To assign keyboard shortcuts to these commands/tools;
With the keyboard window still open
Go to the Common Tab and scroll to the right till you find Extend
Click on the box to the left of the Extend Command/Tool
In the Currently Selected Command area the Extend command will now be listed in the Description Box
In the Keyboard command box Press the key(s) you want to use for the shortcut.
In this example we will use shift + e key for extend and shift + t key for trim
Press and hold shift key while pressing e key for extend.  Same thing for trim except press t key.
You will see that when you pressed the shift key it automatically included the + sign.
Remember, you must use a key(s) that is not in use or you will receive an error message
Repeat the process for the trim tool.
Click OK when done
Click  Yes when done to system changes prompt
You now have shortcuts to these commands

Have fun with this!

taoist