Showing posts with label DreamPlan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DreamPlan. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

DreamPlan’s Newest Tool Allows for Unlimited Design Possibilities

DreamPlan’s Newest Tool Allows for Unlimited Design Possibilities

Header image with examples of the DreamPlan Block tool

We are pleased to announce the addition of a brand new tool to the DreamPlan Home Design Software menu. If you haven't already, check for an update to reveal this new feature in your version of DreamPlan. We are always trying to improve our software with new and exciting features. The Block Tool is a great addition to DreamPlan and will help you take your home design projects to the next level. Try it out today.


What is the DreamPlan Block Tool?

The Block Tool is a new tool available for DreamPlan Home Design Software. This powerful and versatile tool allows you to create your own shapes in DreamPlan and use them to make customized home design masterpieces. You can add colors and textures to your newly drawn objects and adjust them as you please. You can also stack and connect multiple Block Tool objects to make truly unique additions to your projects.

How to locate the DreamPlan Block tool
The DreamPlan Block Tool


How do I use the Block Tool?

The block tool can be located under the Building tab where it is simply called “Block.” The tool works by drawing straight lines to create the outline of your shape. When you connect your shape's outline back to your starting point, the area of your shape will fill in. Once you have created your object, you can then adjust its shape even more by clicking and dragging the red and pink spherical touch points along the edges. The pink spheres allow you to make your shape convex or concave on any side of your drawing, while the red ones allow you to stretch and adjust corners. You can change the height of the shape and its elevation (distance off the ground) in the Platform Properties window.


Menu options for using the DreamPlan block tool
Using the DreamPlan Block Tool

What can I make with the Block tool?

The Block tool can be used to make a variety of new objects in DreamPlan. This tool puts the power in the hands of the user. If the content you want for your project doesn't already exist in DreamPlan, the Block Tool opens the door for you to create it yourself. Here are just a few examples of some of the great things that you can do with the new Block Tool.

Customized cabinets created in DreamPlan Home Design Software
Custom cabinets 

Build Custom Cabinets

The Block Tool can be used for creating your own custom cabinets. Use short walls for the cabinet sides and then use the block tool to make the top. You can adjust the texture and color to your liking and then add cabinet doors.



A modern floating staircase designed in DreamPlan
Floating staircase

Make a Floating Staircase

Make that floating staircase you've always wanted to give your home that modern feel. Use the Block Tool to create each step. Then adjust their elevation to your desired step height. Finally, move them onto the wall where you would like your stairs.

A brick fireplace hearth designed in DreamPlan
Fireplace hearth

Add a Fireplace Hearth

The brick area around a fireplace is called the "hearth." Not only do they make your home more fire safe, but they also look great. Use the Block Tool to make your own. Draw it the size you would like, select a brick texture, and adjust the height of the object.

A C-shaped minibar designed in DreamPlan
Mini bar 

Build A Stylish Mini Bar

You can adjust the shapes you have made with the Block Tool to be less block like if you would like. Try making a funky mini bar for your entertainment room.


A platform bed designed in DreamPlan
Platform bed

Make a Platform Bed

You can make a true platform bed with the new block tool. Combining blocks of different sizes allows you to build a platform and box in your bed. Then you can add the steps up to your new platform bed.






Retaining walls

Build a Retaining Wall

Use the Block Tool to build a retaining wall for your landscape projects. Make your retaining wall out of bricks and then fill it with plants and flowers from the content library.





Staircase landings

Make a Staircase Landing

With the Block Tool, you can now create a variety of different staircase landings. Decide if you want your stairs to switch back or make a right angle. You can place a staircase landing in the middle or at the bottom of your stairs.





Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Wedding Planning With DreamPlan

Be Your Own Professional Wedding Planner With DreamPlan


Planning your own wedding should be more fun than it is nerve-racking. A good wedding planning software is a great way to start exploring ideas and marking things off of your wedding planning checklist. With an easy to use 3D design software such as DreamPlan, you can create and visualize just about every important detail of your wedding. That way when your big day is finally here, you have nothing to worry about because you will have it all planned out. 


The DreamPlan Wedding Content Package

Add Content Tab
With DreamPlan, you have access to an entire online library of content to add to your models and plans. The wedding package is just one of many new additions to the online content library. The Wedding Content Package contains everything you need for wedding planning. Items such as wedding cakes, candles, floral arrangements, tables and wedding arches are included for planning your perfect wedding. To download the wedding content package, just click on the "Add Content" tab in the menu. Check the box that says "Wedding Package" and click download.

Download The Wedding Package From The Online Content Library 

Planning A Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony is perhaps the most important preparation for your wedding. You can quickly plan out the ceremony layout for your wedding venue with this easy-to-use software. Add and arrange benches and then decorate the isle with flowers. Decide if you want to have wedding arches or a gazebo. Then paint it all exactly the way it will be on your special day.

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony

Planning A Wedding Reception

The wedding reception oftentimes takes more preparation than the wedding ceremony. A wedding reception needs catering, entertainment, table settings, a dance floor and much much more. Create your ideal wedding reception layout in DreamPlan to make a reception that you and your guests will never forget. Plan a stage or booth for your wedding band or DJ. Create a dance floor for the bride and groom's first dance. Arrange your tables and then make a seating chart. Create the reception that is perfect for your wedding venue.

Outdoor Wedding Reception

Making Wedding Seating Arrangements 

Wedding Table Arrangements
Create the perfect seating arrangement for your wedding ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner and after party. Whether you are having an indoor wedding or an outdoor wedding, you can arrange your tables and chairs to fit any accommodation and layout.

Wedding Seating Chart



Be as detailed as you want with the Text Label Tool. With this tool you can make the perfect wedding seating chart, so that there is no confusion on the big day.










Choosing Wedding Colors

Wedding Color Schemes
The colors you choose for your wedding will set the mood for the entire day. DreamPlan has a full palette of colors for experimenting with your wedding color scheme. Use the color sampler tool to match exact colors and then try them out on your wedding decorations. You can change the color of any object in DreamPlan!


Set the Tables

Wedding Table Settings 
Create the perfect table arrangements for your wedding with a wide variety of table decorations. Add wine bottles, salt and pepper, candles and flowers to every table. You can adjust the size of your tables to fit more people as needed and add as many chairs for your guests as you would like.




Plan Every Detail

Wedding Guest Book 
Planning your wedding with a 3D software like DreamPlan will help you make sure that you have thought of everything. Cakes, flowers and even a wedding guestbook, are just some of the items that you can add to your virtual wedding. This software will quickly have you checking items off of your wedding planning guide so that you can focus on enjoying your celebration.




Tuesday, August 1, 2017

DreamPlan Home Design Contest - Win a FREE Limited Edition T-Shirt

DreamPlan Home Design Contest


Enter to Win a Limited Edition DreamPlan T-Shirt

To enter, share a screenshot of your DreamPlan home design project by posting the image and tagging @nchsoftware in your Facebook post or tweet. All entries must be submitted before September 1, 2017. Winners will be chosen and notified September 8th, 2017. 

Multiple entries are accepted! Likes, shares, retweets and favorites will be factored into the community voting process, so be sure to share your project with your friends and family!





Do you need ideas or help getting started? 







CONTEST RULES


NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING.
1. Eligibility: This Campaign is open only to those who submit a screenshot of an original project created with DreamPlan Home Design Software through a public Twitter or Facebook post tagging @NCHSoftware and who are 18 years or older as of the date of entry. The Campaign is only open to legal residents of the United States of America and is void where prohibited by law. Employees of NCH Software, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, and suppliers, (collectively the “Employees”), and immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of Employees are not eligible to participate in the Campaign. The Campaign is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited.
2. Agreement to Rules: By participating, the Contestant (“You”) agree to be fully unconditionally bound by these Rules, and You represent and warrant that You meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, You agree to accept the decisions of NCH Software as final and binding as it relates to the content of this Campaign.
3. Campaign Period: Entries will be accepted online starting on August 1, 2017 at 12:00am Pacific Time and ending August 31, 2017 at 11:59PM Pacific Time. All online entries must be received by August 31, 2017 at 11:59PM Pacific Time.
4. How to Enter: The Campaign must be entered by submitting an entry on Twitter or Facebook with a screenshot of a DreamPlan Home Design project in a public post or tweet tagging @NCHSoftware. The entry must fulfill all Campaign requirements, as specified, to be eligible to win a prize. Entries that are incomplete or do not adhere to the rules or specifications may be disqualified at the sole discretion of NCH Software. If You use fraudulent methods or otherwise attempt to circumvent the rules, your submission may be removed from eligibility at the sole discretion of NCH Software.
5. Prizes: The Winner(s) of the Campaign (the “Winner”) will receive one T-Shirt valued at approximately USD$20.00. Actual/appraised value may differ at time of prize award. The specifics of the prize shall be solely determined by NCH Software. No cash or other prize substitution shall be permitted except at NCH Software’s discretion. The prize is nontransferable. Any and all prize-related expenses, including without limitation any and all federal, state, and/or local taxes, shall be the sole responsibility of Winner. No substitution of prize or transfer/assignment of prize to others or request for the cash equivalent by Winner is permitted. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission for NCH Software to use Winner’s name, likeness, and entry for purposes of advertising and trade without further compensation, unless prohibited by law.
6. Odds: The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.
7. Winner Selection and Notification: Winner will be selected by community vote under the supervision of NCH Software. Winner will be notified by direct message on the social network where the entry was submitted within five (5) days following selection of Winner. NCH Software shall have no liability for Winner’s failure to receive notices due to spam, junk e-mail or other security settings or for Winner’s provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information. If Winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim the prize within 90 days from the time award notification was sent, or fails to timely return a completed and executed declaration and release as required, the prize may be forfeited and an alternate Winner selected. Receipt by Winner of the prize offered in this Campaign is conditioned upon compliance with any and all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. ANY VIOLATION OF THESE OFFICIAL RULES BY WINNER (AT NCH SOFTWARE’S SOLE DISCRETION) WILL RESULT IN WINNER’S DISQUALIFICATION AS WINNER OF THE CAMPAIGN, AND ALL PRIVILEGES AS WINNER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED.
8. Rights Granted by You: By entering this content (e.g., photo, video, text, etc.), You understand and agree that NCH Software, anyone acting on behalf of NCH Software, and NCH Software’s licensees, successors, and assigns, shall have the right, where permitted by law, to print, publish, broadcast, distribute, and use in any media now known or hereafter developed, in perpetuity and throughout the World, without limitation, your entry, name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness, image, statements about the Campaign, and biographical information for news, publicity, information, trade, advertising, public relations, and promotional purposes, without any further compensation, notice, review, or consent. By entering this content, You represent and warrant that your entry is an original work of authorship, and does not violate any third party’s proprietary or intellectual property rights. If your entry infringes upon the intellectual property right of another, You will be disqualified at the sole discretion of NCH Software. If the content of your entry is claimed to constitute infringement of any proprietary or intellectual proprietary rights of any third party, You shall, at your sole expense, defend or settle against such claims. You shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless NCH Software from and against any suit, proceeding, claims, liability, loss, damage, costs or expense, which NCH Software may incur, suffer, or be required to pay arising out of such infringement or suspected infringement of any third party’s right.
9. Terms & Conditions: NCH Software reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Campaign should virus, bug, non-authorized human intervention, fraud, or other cause beyond NCH Software’s control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or proper conduct of the Campaign. In such case, NCH Software may select the Winner from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by NCH Software. NCH Software reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers or attempts to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Campaign or website or violates these Terms & Conditions. NCH Software has the right, in its sole discretion, to maintain the integrity of the Campaign, to void votes for any reason, including, but not limited to: duplicate entries, or the use of bots, macros, scripts, or other technical means for entering. Any attempt by an entrant to deliberately damage any website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Campaign may be a violation of criminal and civil laws. Should such attempt be made, NCH Software reserves the right to seek damages to the fullest extent permitted by law.
10. Limitation of Liability: By entering, You agree to release and hold harmless NCH Software and its subsidiaries, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers, and directors from any liability, illness, injury, death, loss, litigation, claim, or damage that may occur, directly or indirectly, whether caused by negligence or not, from: (i) such entrant’s participation in the Campaign and/or his/her acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of any prize or any portion thereof; (ii) technical failures of any kind, including but not limited to the malfunction of any computer, cable, network, hardware, or software, or other mechanical equipment; (iii) the unavailability or inaccessibility of any transmissions, telephone, or Internet service; (iv) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Promotion; (v) electronic or human error in the administration of the Promotion or the processing of entries.
11. Disputes: THIS Campaign IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES AND COLORADO, WITHOUT RESPECT TO CONFLICT OF LAW DOCTRINES. As a condition of participating in this Campaign, participant agrees that any and all disputes that cannot be resolved between the parties, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Campaign, shall be resolved individually through mediation, without resort to any form of class action. Further, in any such dispute, under no circumstances shall participant be permitted to obtain awards for, and hereby waives all rights to, punitive, incidental, or consequential damages, including reasonable attorney’s fees, other than participant’s actual out-of-pocket expenses (i.e. costs associated with entering this Campaign). Participant further waives all rights to have damages multiplied or increased.
12. Privacy Policy: Information submitted with an entry is subject to the Privacy Policy stated on the NCH Software website. To read the Privacy Policy, visit http://www.nch.com.au/general/privacy.html 
13. Winners List: To obtain a copy of the Winner’s name or a copy of these Official Rules, mail your request along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: NCH Software NCH Software, Inc. 6120 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village CO, 80111 USA. Requests must be received no later than September 31, 2017 at 11:59PM Pacific Time.
14. Sponsor: The Sponsor of the Campaign is NCH Software, Inc. 6120 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village CO, 80111 USA
15. The Campaign hosted by NCH Software is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook.
16. By entering the Campaign, You, the Contestant, have affirmatively reviewed, accepted, and agreed to all of the Official Rules.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Design Backyard Chicken Coops with DreamPlan

Design Backyard Chicken Coops with DreamPlan

Create a Chicken Coop Design Plan with DreamPlan

Raising backyard chickens brings joy and bountiful egg harvests to urban farmers across the world. When first adopting chickens, one of the first orders of business will be to build a chicken coop to home your chickens so that they will be safe and sheltered. DreamPlan offers an easy way to design a 3D chicken coop plan.


Planning a Chicken Coop Design

Chicken coops provide chickens with protection from both inclement weather and local predators. A chicken coop will generally contain both areas with open wire as well as covered roosting areas for the chickens to sleep and lay eggs. When planning a chicken coop design, you will want to keep in mind the number of chickens that you plan on raising, the space in which you can build the coop, and the utility that you would like the coop to provide. You will want to supply both a covered roosting space and a safe, fenced-in outdoor space for your chickens.


Create a 3D Chicken Coop Plan

3D modeling software can make chicken coop design simple, and chicken coops can be designed to scale. You can also use DreamPlan build a 3D model of your backyard in order to see how your chicken coop will fit in your current space.

Design the Roost

To create a chicken coop with DreamPlan, you will want to begin by sketching up the roost for your chickens. You can use multiple stories to build an elevated roost or a roost with a pitched roof.  You can change the wall height for each story in your project in the lower left hand corner of the screen.



To draw the walls for the roost, simply select the wall tool and draw walls to match your size specifications. To build a chicken coop design plan that is elevated off the ground on risers, use stories and footings. When you are finished designing the walls for your chicken roost, finish your design with a roof and add a ramp to your design for chickens to access the roost.


Design a Fenced Area

To fence in the area around your chicken coop roost, use the railing tool to draw your chicken yard. You can edit the railing properties in the left hand program menu to create fencing. You can increase the railing height to create a tall fence, and then change the "Infill Type" to mesh to simulate chicken wire. You can also change the color, spacing, style, size and design of your fence posts in the railing options.


Finish your Chicken Coop Design

To finalize your chicken coop design, you can import 3D models of chickens into DreamPlan. You can download the chickens and rooster that we used in our projects from archive3d.net here:
We used the chicken model above to create three different chicken species by changing the size and color of the chicken models as we added them to our project. 






Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Add 3D Models to DreamPlan Home Design Projects

Import 3D Models into Home Design Software


Add 3D Models to DreamPlan Home Design Projects

With DreamPlan home design software you can plan, create, style and decorate your dream home. DreamPlan is very useful for planning remodeling projects, testing home design choices before purchasing paint or furniture, and landscaping. As 3D home design software, DreamPlan includes basic cabinetry, furniture and other home design pieces, however, these pieces may not fit into the design scheme that you had imagined for your dream home. To augment the included content and add-on content packages, you can import 3D models of couches, cabinets, kitchen islands, statues, and many more objects.  


Download New 3D Content for DreamPlan

You can download 3D objects for your home design projects from websites such as archive3d.net online. You can select from hundreds of furniture, decor, appliances, building supplies to match your decor concepts. DreamPlan will support the majority of the 3D models that are available for download on archive3d.net in addition to 3D models in 3DS, STL and PLY formats. 3D model files may need to be unzipped before you can import them into DreamPlan.

Choose a 3D model to import into your home design project



How to Import a 3D Model 

After you have downloaded and unzipped a 3D model that you would like to add to your home design project, you will need to import it into DreamPlan. To import a 3D model, click on the button that says "Add Content" in the top menu bar. 

Click on "Add Content" to import a 3D Model

To select a 3D model from your computer to import into DreamPlan, click on the "Import 3D Model..." option from the drop down menu. 

Import 3d models into home design software
Import a 3D Model

3D Model Preview and Properties

After you have selected a 3D file to import from your computer, the Import Model dialogue will open. This window will display the 3D model that you are importing in the model preview on the left hand side of the window. Properties of the 3D model can be set on the right hand side of the window. You can change the display name of the 3D model you are importing, select an object category, and set the object type, size, and display measurements in this window. The properties that you select in the Import Model dialogue will set the default properties for the object when it is added to a home design project.


Object Category

To set the Object Category, select an option from the drop down list. This will determine where your 3D model will show up in the DreamPlan Object Categories.

Object Type

The Object Type is an important property for the imported 3D model. This property will determine how the 3D object is placed in a home design project. Object type can be standard, surface, floating, ceiling, or wall.
  • Standard - "The object has no special rules and will always be placed on the ground" Examples include couches, statues, and floor lamps.
  • Surface - "The object, e.g. a table or counter, can have other objects placed on top of it. The object will be placed on the floor or ground." Examples include tables, counters, kitchen islands, tv stands and other objects that include a surface where other objects can be placed.
  • Floating - "The object can be placed on top of Surface objects, e.g. a table. Otherwise, it will be placed on the floor or ground" Examples include table lamps, small plants, televisions, and other decor objects that sit on top of tables, counter tops and other surfaces in the home.
  • Ceiling - "The object will always be attached to the ceiling." Examples include ceiling fans and ceiling lights.
  • Wall - "The object will always be attached to a wall" Examples include paintings, wall shelving, wall mounted televisions and other wall decor. 

X - Y - Z Axis Rotation

If you would like to change the default axis orientation of the 3D model that you are importing, you can use the X, Y and Z Axis rotation options to change the default orientation of the object in home design projects. As you change the rotation on the right hand side of the Import Model screen, the Model preview will move to reflect the changes as you make them. The blue line in the preview (Z-Axis) will show the front face of the model. 



Set the Display Measurements

The Display Measurements will determine the real size of your model in your home design project. Simply enter any known measurement- width, height, or depth, and DreamPlan will automatically calculate the remaining values. If you are importing a large object such as a couch or dresser, you can select Feet (or Meters) instead of Inches (or Centimeters) as the display measurement to make it easier to set the display measurements. For smaller objects, such a plants or table lamps, it may be easier to enter a known measurement in inches or centimeters.  This feature can be very useful to set exact specifications for furniture pieces in order to be sure that they will fit perfectly in your home design or remodeling project.


 Import the 3D Model

When you are finished setting the model properties and display measurements, click on the "Import Model" button to import the model into DreamPlan. 


 Adding a 3D Model to a Home Design Project

After you have imported the 3D model, you can add the 3D model to your house design project by navigating to the category you selected while importing your 3D model. Your 3D model will be named the Display Name that you selected during the import process. You can add your 3D model to your home design project by selecting the object and then moving the object to your desired placement in your 3D home design.


You can rotate or resize objects before or after moving them in your home design project. You can also change the color of the 3D models that you have imported when you add them to your design project, which can be very useful when testing color schemes on specific rooms or home exteriors. 3D models can be used to add all sorts of new design elements to DreamPlan, including furniture, decor, gardening items, statues, and even buildings.







Monday, May 1, 2017

Choose the Color Palette for your Home with DreamPlan Home Designer

Change Colors and Materials in DreamPlan Home Design Software



















How to Pick Colors and Materials for Your Walls and Furniture with DreamPlan

DreamPlan is an easy to use home design software that can create beautiful home and landscape designs. Decorate the interior and exterior of your home design to test out design concepts, colors and materials before purchasing materials or paint. DreamPlan allows users to see how remodeling projects will look before materials have been purchased and physical labor has been put into the home remodeling project. To allow for the best customization options possible, we have recently added new features to DreamPlan to make changing materials, colors, and textures easier than ever. 

Select an Object to Edit

To select an object, such as a wall, piece of furniture, window, floor, planter, tree, door or deck, enable the select tool by clicking on the hand icon in the right hand menu. If the background of the hand icon is green, the selection tool is enabled.











When you hover your mouse over any object in DreamPlan while the selection tool is enabled, an outline will appear. You can click on any object to select it. Once an object has been selected, you can easily change the object's color, texture and other optional aspects. 


Edit an Object's Properties

When you select an object in your DreamPlan project, a properties panel will open on the left hand side of the program window. This panel will display optional properties that can be edited to customize the object that is selected. These properties can include values such as height, width, rotation, color and texture. You can use the properties panel to customize every aspect of your home design project. 



Change the Color of Furniture and Building Materials

To change the color of an object, click on the icon to the right of the material that you would like to edit. This will open a color selection box where you can select a preset color, or create and save custom colors.


You can change the color of most objects, including furniture, plants, flooring, walls, windows and more. Choose your own color combinations to customize your home design project interior, exterior, backyard, and pool. 



Try Out Different Building Materials

Some objects, such as flooring, walls and decks, will include a style as well as a color. For these objects, you can select from different materials. Choose from various brick, wood, and tile designs for interior and exterior floors, walls, decks and more. 




For more DreamPlan tips and tricks, visit our DreamPlan video tutorial page.