{"id":15445,"date":"2026-03-26T10:09:25","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T08:09:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cadvilla.com\/?p=15445"},"modified":"2026-04-21T16:45:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T14:45:45","slug":"set-and-change-units","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cadvilla.com\/en\/support\/set-and-change-units\/","title":{"rendered":"Tutorial: Define units and default values"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In cadvilla, you can easily customize the units of measurement for your architectural projects. This guide explains how to change units for lengths, areas, and volumes globally across the software. Furthermore, you will learn how to switch seamlessly between the metric and imperial measurement systems. Finally, we will show you how to save these settings permanently for all your future projects.<\/p>\n

1. Access the unit settings<\/h4>\n

First, open a new project<\/strong>. Then, click on the cadvilla logo in the top left corner and navigate through the main menu to: Settings<\/code> > General<\/code> > Units<\/code>.<\/p>\n

Here you define the specific unit in which numerical values are requested in the dialog windows. For example, you can easily switch from meters to centimeters or millimeters.<\/p>\n

2. Metric vs. Imperial measurement system<\/h4>\n

Depending on your specific project requirements, you can switch between the two main systems:<\/p>\n

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  • Metric:<\/strong> This is the standard setting for Europe (m, cm, mm).<\/li>\n
  • Imperial:<\/strong> For international projects, you can select units such as feet or inches.\n
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    • If necessary, activate the options Use fractional measurement<\/code><\/strong> and Combine feet \/ inch<\/code><\/strong> at the bottom of the window.<\/li>\n
    • Important:<\/strong> When working in the metric system, you must keep these imperial options deactivated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      3. Save settings permanently<\/h4>\n

      To ensure that your adjustments are retained even after restarting the software, you must save them as the default setting:<\/p>\n

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      1. Click the Save as default<\/code><\/strong> button (the icon near the OK button) in the settings dialog window.<\/li>\n
      2. The software now saves the values in the userconfig.xml<\/code> file located in your personal cadvilla user directory (under Documents<\/em>).<\/li>\n
      3. Finally, confirm your changes by clicking OK<\/code><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n