Expand the "Floor Levels" subcategory as well. You can also open the defaults dialog by double-clicking on a line item.Floor DefaultsThe Floor Defaults dialogs let you set the default floor and ceiling heights and room moldings for each floor.For more information, see “Floor Defaults Dialog” on page 259 of the Reference Manual.To set the Floor Defaults1.2.3.In the Default Settings dialog: Click the arrow to the left of "Floors and Rooms" to expand the category. Click on the arrow again to collapse the category.Select a defaults dialog that you would like to open and click the Edit button. Setting DefaultsTo access a file’s default settings1.Select Edit Default Settingsto open the Default Settings dialog.2.Click on the arrow next to a category to expand it and show its contents.3. For moreinformation about defaults, see “Preferences and Default Settings” on page 49 of the Reference Manual.While all defaults are important, there are several that are particularly helpful to be aware of because they helpdetermine the size and structure of the building.2 Before you draw walls and create rooms,therefore, you should always make sure the defaults will meet your needs for the current project.
When set up inadvance, they can help you both save time and avoid mistakes. Type Ctrl S on your keyboard.For more information about saving files, see “Saving, Exporting, and Backing Up Files” on page 34 of theReference Manual.Setting DefaultsDefault settings determine the initial characteristics of objects when they are first drawn. To do this, you can: Select File Savefrom the menu to open the Save Plan File dialog. Click Save.It is a good idea to save your work on a regular basis as you proceed. Specify the location on your computer where you would like to save the plan. Select File Savefrom the menu to open the Save Plan File dialog. The floor plan view window opens, ready for you tobegin drawing.4.You should begin work on any new file by giving it a name. For more information, see “File Management” on page 31 of the Reference Manual.The Create New Plan dialog displays next.3.Home Designer Architectural includes a selection of Home Style template plans, each with differentdefault settings that allow you to begin working in a particular plan style quickly. You can also select File New Planto open a new, blank plan. Select New Plan2.to open a new, blank plan. For more information,see “Startup Options” on page 17 of the Reference Manual. Home Designer Architectural 2021 User’s GuideTo begin a new plan1.When Home Designer Architectural launches, the Getting Started dialog displays. Depending on your operating system and system settings, dialogs and toolbars may appear differently thanthey do in the tutorials.Getting StartedBegin by opening a new, blank plan.1 For more information, see “Program Updates” on page 14.
If you are using the latest version of HomeDesigner Architectural, you may see buttons and/or menu items that have been added or removed since thistutorial was written. As the program is updated, features may be added or removed. For more information, see “General Plan Defaults Dialog” on page 51 of the Reference Manual. Some features, such as the Reference Grid, have been turned off to optimize image quality. Screen captures are taken from a smaller window to optimize image quality, so the size and proportion ofyour interface may be different. When you are finished, you will have created a sample plan named “Stucco Beach House.”You can then apply the tools and techniques learned to your own plans.In this tutorial you will learn about: Before You BeginGetting StartedSetting DefaultsDrawing WallsCreating Dimension LinesAdjusting Wall Positions Creating RoomsCreating a 3D ViewAdding FloorsAdding StairsPlacing Doors and WindowsBefore You BeginHome Designer Architectural may look differently on your screen than it does in the following tutorials. The tutorials that follow continuewith the same plan.
House Design TutorialThis House Design Tutorial shows you how to get started on a design project.