Topic: Move an object in staright line? Type distance Drop a plant at intersection?

[bcafer]

 Hi there, How do I copy and move an object in straight line (just like in Sketchup, where you can copy and move in a straight line by locking in the red, green or blue axis)? I want to keep the object in a straight line when the terrain changes. Also, is it possible type distance and type (number)X to move an object, just like in Sketchup? If the placement point is on a slope, how do you drop an object (plant, in my case) at the intersection? Thanks for your help.

[bcafer]

I just tested 'place on ground' option. I placed a planter above my patio and selected 'place on ground' option and it put the planter under my patio where the ground level is. Is there a way to place it at the first intersection. Thanks.

[peterm]

Hi

.. How do I copy and move an object in straight line ..

There is no constrained axis for positioning in Lumion like there is in Sketchup. 
You can also copy an object and align the first and copy/copies using (CTRL) + "Space" command, but that's not an axis constrained thing. (LUMION 4: Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts ).

If you need 'perfect' alignment you can use your own (as imported) guides or grids to assist.  To also achieve you can use the Position input re my reply your next question.

Also, is it possible type distance and type (number)X to move an object, just like in Sketchup?

Yes, you can type in position values, and v4.5.1 introduced new ways to control rotation and scaling.  For position values, simply select an object or objects and click on the Move object tool icon to open the Position dialogue (top right of screen).

See: Lumion Pro 4.5 - edit properties button

.. If the placement point is on a slope, how do you drop an object (plant, in my case) at the intersection? Thanks for your help.

All objects are placed automatically to the surface or terrain underneath the mouse, so it's easy to place a plant anywhere automatically without having to worry about height (excluding 1 exception).  When you drag the object over the terrain (for example) it will conform to that terrain height.  Plants do not conform to the slope, but are upright (limitation of the SpeedTree plants used), which in majority of cases works fine.

For other slope conforming requirements see Tips eg key F.


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Suggest also going through the video tutorials, and referring to LUMION 4: Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts as your (sort of) Lumion bible.

In Tips you will see there is quite a few different combinations of using fast keys and the Context Menu to do placement and positioning. 

[peterm]

Hi

I just tested 'place on ground' option. I placed a planter above my patio and selected 'place on ground' option and it put the planter under my patio where the ground level is. Is there a way to place it at the first intersection. Thanks.

Yes, (as in earlier reply) just move your mouse to the location, and it will height conform to the surface underneath.

Note you can also lock positions, useful if you amend the Lumion terrain after placing objects, and you don't want them to change height.

You will see when placing objects that the height value displayed with the gizmo is relative to the Lumion terrain.

[bcafer]

I have a curved patio edge and I want to place a boxwood edge. Is there an option to place the first boxwood, then copy and paste the second one next to it and type 20x just like in sketchup? I know you can space in straight line, is it possible to space in curved line? numberX option like in sketchup isn't available? if not, what do you recommend? Thanks.

[peterm]

I have a curved patio edge and I want to place a boxwood edge. Is there an option to place the first boxwood, then copy and paste the second one next to it and type 20x just like in sketchup?

No.

.. I know you can space in straight line, is it possible to space in curved line?

No.

.. numberX option like in sketchup isn't available? if not, what do you recommend? Thanks.

Just place.  If the patio edge provides the curved visual reference point then place to that. 

Or you could use some edge as reference, place each along curve then select and move away from curve to a distance as needed.  Option would be to take/make a curved line from the model, import and use that as a reference/trace line, then remove or make material invisible.

You are welcome to add these types of SketchUp tool options to the Wishlist for possible future changes in Lumion.