Do you want to create a clean and professional side view in cadvilla for presentation or construction planning? In this tutorial, you will learn how to generate a side view, add precise dimensions, insert labels, and apply textures step by step. In addition, you will see how to improve the visual quality of the elevation by hiding unwanted lines and using 2D graphic elements. As a result, you can create a clear and well-structured side view for your planning documents.

Creating a side view works similarly to creating a section view. However, the section axis is positioned outside the floor plan, while the section depth includes the entire building. Therefore, always pay attention to the North Star, because it determines the correct orientation of the side view.

Please note: Side views are available in cadvilla Basic Plus, Professional, and Professional Plus. The zoom functions demonstrated in the video are only valid up to version 5. In newer versions, you can zoom simply by scrolling the mouse wheel. For further details, please refer to our post on zooming in the 2D and 3D view.

1. Create and Clean Up the Side View

[01:25] Open the Section View

• Select View > New Section View.
• Click two points to define the section axis. Hold down the CTRL Key for exact alignment.
• Then click a third point to define the Depth of the Section-View.
• The side view opens automatically.

[02:37] Remove Hidden Lines

• Press ESC-Key if necessary.
• Right-click in the view and select Properties.
• Activate Hidden line removal in 2D-View - General.
• Confirm with OK.

2. Add Dimensions

[03:28] Insert Guidelines

• First, deactivate View > Grid and View > Line-width on/off.
  
• Then select 2D-Layout > 2D-guidelines > Guideline > Numeric parallel guideline.
• Enter the distance and confirm with OK.
• Place the guidelines accordingly.

[06:07] Insert Height Dimensions

• Select 2D-Layout > Dimensions > Height dimension (raw construction).
• Add the height dimensions and align them with the guidelines.

[08:49] Insert Single Dimensions

• Select 2D-Layout > Dimensions > Single dimension.
• Insert the required dimensions and position them properly.
• Press ESC-Key to finish.

3. Add Text

[09:35] Insert a Label

• Select 2D-Layout > Text > Labeling.
• Define the placement area.
• In Properties Text, activate Link to scale.
• Enter a value such as 0.6 for the size.
• Insert your text (e.g., View from South) and confirm with OK.
• Move the text if needed using the Move function.

4. Texture Roofs and Surfaces

[11:16] Create a single 3D Surface on the roof

• Right-click the floor with the roof (e.g., Upper Floor) and select New layer.
• Name it (e.g., Surface Roof) and confirm with OK.
• Switch to 3D view and activate the new layer via Set current element (CTRL + left mouseclick).
• Select Construction > Single 3D Surface > Insert in plane.
• Click the roof surface.
• Enter 0.001 for Thickness and confirm with OK.

[13:08] Assign a Texture in the side view

• Select the surface in the side view.
• Right-click → Properties.
• Go to Tiles (Material) > 2D-Display.
• Set Fill style to Texture and choose a texture via Path.
• Adjust size if necessary and confirm with OK.

5. Texture via 2D Polygon

[15:29] Draw and Fill a Polygon

• Select 2D-Layout > Polygon > Closed Polygon.
• Draw the shape.
• Right-click → Complete.
• Then Properties → Filling.
• Choose a fill style (e.g., 2D-Fill pattern) and confirm.

6. Hide the Storey Dividing Line

[19:00] Cover with White Line

• Select 2D-Layout > Line > Line between two points.
• Open Properties and set Color to White.
• Draw over the dividing line.
• Confirm with OK.
• Optional: Select the new line and choose in the Selection menu > Bring to front.

7. Create a 2D Graphics View (Optional)

[20:16] Create Independent View

• Select View > New 2D-Graphics view.
• This view is not linked to the model anymore.
• Therefore, changes are not synchronized.
• Use this only at the end of your project.

Final Tip

To achieve the best results, follow a structured workflow. First, create and clean the side view. Then, add dimensions and labels. Afterwards, apply textures and visual improvements. Finally, create a 2D graphics view only when your project is completed.