Welcome to our guide on navigating the cadvilla workspace. In this tutorial, you will learn how to switch your user interface between the modern Ribbon display and the classic Toolbar layout. Furthermore, we will show you how to define tool settings via context menus. Mastering these view management techniques will accelerate your daily architectural planning and overall workflow.

Note: This tutorial is highly beneficial for users switching from older home designer programs (e.g., ArCon) who want to get accustomed to the newer interface. The modern Ribbon user interface has been available since cadvilla version 4.0.1.26.

1. Switching the User Interface (Ribbons vs. Toolbars)

Generally, you can switch between the modern ribbon display and the classic toolbar representation at any given time.

[00:35] Switching from Ribbon to Toolbars

• First, navigate inside the top menu to Settings > User interface.
• Then, click on Toolbars to activate this older layout.

[01:00] Switching from Toolbars to Ribbons

• Conversely, to return to the modern layout, go back to the menu and select Settings > User interface.
• Subsequently, check the box for Ribbons.

Recommendation: We recommend using the Ribbons interface. Essentially, all of our current training videos and tutorials are based exclusively on this layout, which makes learning the software easier.

2. Defining Settings via Context Menus (Input in Viewport)

Inside the Ribbon interface, there are two distinct methods to access tool properties. First, let’s look at functions requiring graphical input directly inside your drawing plan.

[02:50] Changing Wall Properties

• First, select the target function by navigating to Building > Walls > External Wall > Between two points chain.
• [03:08] Before you begin drawing, move your mouse cursor into the 2D or 3D view and press the right mouse button. Next, select Properties from the context menu.
• [03:26] Inside the dialog, change your desired parameters, such as setting the Thickness to 0.50 m. Afterward, confirm with OK. Accordingly, these settings will remain active for your continuous input.

[03:52] Adjusting Guideline Colors

• Similarly, select a drafting tool like 2D & Layout > 2D guidelines > Guideline > Horizontal guideline.
• [04:02] Move into the 2D view, click the right mouse button, and select Properties.
• [04:08] Under the Line properties, click Color, choose Green, and validate with OK twice. These color modifications will apply to all subsequent guidelines.

[05:06] Modifying Polygon Input

• Additionally, the same logic applies to structural area elements. Go to 2D & Layout > 2D drawing functions > Polygon > Closed polygon.
• [05:20] Press the right mouse button in the active 2D view and select Properties.
• [05:30] Consequently, adjust the Fill style to monochrome, pick a Fill color like Brown, and validate with OK.

3. Defining Settings for Immediate-Effect Functions

Conversely, for functions that trigger an immediate visual calculation or action, you must call up the settings directly on the graphical symbol itself.

[07:48] Adjusting Raytracing Settings

• First, move your mouse pointer over the 3D Functions tab and locate the Raytrace icon.
• [08:07] Next, press the right mouse button directly on the Raytrace icon and select Properties 3D-View from the context menu.
• [08:14] Inside the window, adjust visual values like setting Anti-aliasing to Strong anti-aliasing and checking Smooth shadows. Finally, confirm your adjustments with OK.

[08:34] Configuring Internal Light Sources

• Similarly, press the right mouse button on the Internal light sources icon to open the Properties 3D-View options.
• [08:57] Here, you can check Calculate sun position. Furthermore, you can configure your preferred Light color, adjust the Date, set the Time, and modify the Light intensity before confirming with OK.

4. Switching and Efficiently Managing Views

When working on large building projects, switching between 2D floor plans and 3D views is important to maintain a clear overview.

[12:01] Toggling Views via Project Viewer

• Inside the Project Viewer sidebar, you can see all currently open views. To switch, right-click your desired view.
• Consequently, select Set as current element.
• [12:49] Expert Tip: For maximum efficiency, press and hold the CTRL key while performing a left-click directly on the specific view inside the Project Viewer. This is the fastest practical way to switch between layouts.

[13:35] Arranging View Windows

• To display multiple view windows side-by-side, utilize the graphical view alignment tools found in your top icon bar.
• For instance, select View > Vertical to arrange your layout windows parallel (e.g., displaying two 2D views and two 3D views stacked next to each other).

[15:59] Closing Unnecessary Views

• If you want to close an unnecessary viewport, click the red X located at the top right corner of the respective target window.
• [16:15] Alternatively, you can right-click the specific view item inside the Project Viewer panel and select Close view.