Are you looking for a highly accurate method to place windows and doors precisely where you need them within your professional floor plans? In this comprehensive tutorial, we will show you step-by-step how to effortlessly enter and position windows using various construction aids in cadvilla. First, we will thoroughly cover the proper usage of helpful tools such as the center point and specific distance functions. Consequently, you will be able to drastically speed up your overall drafting workflow while reliably avoiding common placement errors in your architectural models.

Please also note our related article for the quick and precise positioning of windows and doors starting from cadvilla version 10.

Here is an summarized overview of the fundamental steps shown in the video:

1. Preparations and Selection of Windows

[00:44] Selection and Setup: For a significantly better overview, we highly recommend deactivating the grid and the line widths perfectly before starting the input.

Subsequently, the selection of predefined window constructions is done via the menu Building > Window > Window construction > Free positioning.

[03:47] Defining Properties: To explicitly define the window properties, simply click the right mouse button in the 2D view and select Properties. For the detailed definition of these settings, we strongly recommend watching the video tutorial “Definition of settings for predefined window constructions“.

2. Placing Windows Exactly with Construction Aids

[01:27] Placing a Window in the Middle (Centre point Construction Aid): If a window needs to be placed exactly in the middle of a room, the center point function will greatly assist you. Simply proceed as follows:

• During the active input, press the right mouse button and specifically select Constructional support > Centre point. Alternatively, you can quickly use the shortcut M.
• Click sequentially on the starting point and the end point of the desired wall section to firmly establish the exact center of that wall segment.
• As a result, the window is now automatically placed exactly in the center of the defined area.

[02:12] Placing a Window at an Exact Distance (Point with distance from): Another excellent option is placing a window at a clearly defined distance to a specific corner.

• Press the right mouse button and select Constructional support > Point with distance from (or use the shortcut A).
• First of all, choose an exact reference point (for example, a distinct room corner).
• Afterwards, clearly define the direction and finally enter the numerical distance.
• Keep in mind that it is absolutely crucial to perfectly choose the correct insertion reference point of the window! Consequently, this reference point can easily be changed by using the key combination CTRL + W [02:37].

3. Adjusting Properties and Important Notes

[03:42] Checking and Changing Properties Afterwards: In order to change the properties of a window after it has been entered (e.g., width, height, sill height), first properly exit the previous tool by pressing the ESC key.

• Intentionally select the affected window.
• Click the right mouse button and immediately select Properties.
• Modify your desired values and finally confirm your changes by clicking OK.

Important Notes for Window Placement:

• Opening Direction: During the standard placement, the opening direction is graphically represented in the form of a small arrow. By default, the opening direction is inwards. However, you can select the window after input > right mouse click > change opening direction.
• Changing the Reference Point: To deliberately change the reference point of the window, simply press the key combination CTRL + W. The ongoing reference point is displayed as a blue circle and smoothly switches between the right edge, the left edge, and the exact center of the window.
• Sill Height Display: The textual labeling of the sill height is displayed by default directly opposite the opening direction.

4. Alternative Placement Methods and Special Windows

[05:54]Free Input of Windows: Generally, the window can be positioned freely anywhere inside the wall. The attached arrow always safely indicates the opening direction of the window.

[06:23] Positioning Windows with Gridlines: Naturally, a window can securely be placed very precisely with the excellent support of gridlines. Create these via the menu 2D & Layout > 2D gridlines. Afterwards, select the window, adjust the reference point with CTRL + W, and precisely snap the window directly to the intersection of the gridlines.

[07:37] Entering a Window with Advanced Construction Aids:

• Verify the window is already visibly attached to your cursor.
• Set the exact reference point of the window using CTRL + W.
• Press the right mouse button and click on Constructional support.
• Start the function Point with distance from (or utilize shortcut A).
• Start by defining the initial reference point for the function.
• Next, visibly specify the direction and firmly click the left mouse button.
• In the newly appearing dialog window, input the numerical value representing the distance from the reference point.
• Finally, confirm your precise input with OK.

5. Two-Casement Windows and Patio Doors

[17:12] Entering Patio Doors: The fundamental principle of the input remains absolutely identical for all window types. Via the properties dialog, you can easily change the type to a two-casement window or a standard patio door (which usually requires a sill height of 0.00 m). Adjust the given dimensions accordingly and place the element as usual utilizing your construction aids.

• [17:23] Defining the exact dimensions and window bars for the patio door.
• [18:32] Deactivating the inner window sill of the patio door (Window sill > None).
• [18:57] Positioning the window perfectly centered between 2 points (via construction aids).
• [19:33] Positioning two additional, seamlessly adjacent patio doors using the construction aids.

6. Error Prevention and Subsequent Adjustments

[21:46] Crucial Rule: Avoid Fragmented Walls. In order to smoothly place windows in your project without any structural complications, please strictly avoid continuous walls consisting of multiple segmented wall parts of the identical wall thickness. Instead, decisively continuously delete walls that consist of several small segments and insert a single, cohesive, and continuous wall.

Moving Already Placed Windows: If you accidentally need to relocate a window retrospectively, you successfully have two primary options:

• [23:34] Move with Reference Point: Select the desired window and directly choose the function Move with reference point from the selection menu (or comfortably press the shortcut R). Choose a distinct reference point on the window itself and accurately move it directly to its new position.
• [26:25] Moving via dx / dy: Select the window and straightforwardly click the Move function natively within the selection menu. Following this, press the Space bar to quickly access the tool options window where you can specifically define the respective numerical values for dx / dy. Eventually, simply clicking OK precisely moves the window.