{"id":15569,"date":"2026-03-26T12:35:33","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T10:35:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cadvilla.com\/?p=15569"},"modified":"2026-04-14T14:36:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T12:36:09","slug":"how-to-enter-a-foundation-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cadvilla.com\/en\/support\/how-to-enter-a-foundation-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Tutorial: How to Enter a Foundation (from Version 8)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Do you want to build a solid and structurally accurate base for your architectural project? In this tutorial, you will learn step by step how to properly enter and define a foundation in cadvilla. First, we will show you how to create a new floor level specifically for the foundation<\/strong> below the ground floor. Furthermore, you will discover how to set up centered guidelines to position your strip foundations and bottom plate perfectly. As a result, you will be able to verify your complete lower structure using a clean section view.<\/p>\n

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Below is a detailed overview of the video’s content.<\/p>\n

1. Create a New Floor for the Foundation<\/h4>\n

[00:31] Prepare the View and Create the Floor<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  • First, deactivate the Grid<\/code> and the Line width<\/code> in the top menu to get a better overview and to make snapping easier.
    \n\"\"<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • Go to the Projects<\/code> window on the right side and make a right-mouse click on Building<\/code>.<\/li>\n
  • Select New Floor below<\/code> from the context menu.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    [00:59] Define the Floor Properties<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    • The Floor properties<\/code> window will open automatically. In the first step, change the Name<\/code> of the floor (for example, to “Foundation”).<\/li>\n
    • Next, define the Rough height<\/code> (in the video, this is set to 1.00<\/code> m).<\/li>\n
    • Click on Transfer<\/code>. In the subsequent window, under the Objects<\/code> section, it is absolutely essential that you select None<\/code>.<\/li>\n
    • Finally, confirm your settings by clicking OK<\/code>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      2. Set Guidelines for Orientation<\/h4>\n

      [01:50] Insert Centered Guidelines<\/strong><\/p>\n

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      • To ensure that you can precisely place the foundation in the center beneath your supporting walls later, we highly recommend using centered guidelines.<\/li>\n
      • In the top menu, select 2D Layout<\/code> > 2D guidelines<\/code> > Guideline<\/code> > Centered guideline<\/code>.<\/li>\n
      • Tip:<\/em> By right-clicking and selecting Properties<\/code>, you can open the Appearance<\/code> tab and change the Line color<\/code> of the guidelines (e.g., to Green). Consequently, they will stand out much better from the black floor plan lines.<\/li>\n
      • Now, click on the inner edge and the outer edge of a wall to place the guideline exactly in the middle. Hold down the CTRL<\/code> key while clicking to ensure the line is drawn 100% horizontal or vertical according to the angular grid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        3. Enter Strip Foundations<\/h4>\n

        Note: In older versions (up to 7.x), the input is done via “Beams”. From version 8.x onwards, you use the dedicated Foundation tool as described below.<\/em><\/p>\n

        [03:41] Select the Strip Foundation Tool<\/strong><\/p>\n

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        • Switch to the 2D view to get a good overview for the entry. In the Projects<\/code> panel, deselect the Ground floor<\/code> to hide its walls.<\/li>\n
        • Choose Building<\/code> > Foundations<\/code> > Strip foundations<\/code> > Between two points chain<\/code>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          [03:57] Adjust Foundation Properties<\/strong><\/p>\n

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          • Before drawing, press the right mouse button and select Properties<\/code>.<\/li>\n
          • Adjust the dimensions first. The Thickness<\/code> of a foundation is usually wider than the wall standing on it (e.g., Wall 0.30<\/code> m \u21fe Foundation 0.60<\/code> m). Also, check the Height<\/code> (e.g., 1.00<\/code> m) and leave the Level<\/code> at 0.00<\/code> m.<\/li>\n
          • Afterward, click on Layer construction<\/code>. Click the dropdown arrow next to Material<\/code> to open the Building materials<\/code> window.<\/li>\n
          • Go to 2D Display<\/code>, set the Fill style<\/code> to Monochrome<\/code>, and choose a Fill color<\/code> (e.g., Grey). Confirm all dialogs with OK<\/code>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            [05:10] Draw the Strip Foundations<\/strong><\/p>\n

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            • Now, draw the external strip foundations along your green guidelines. Simply click on the start point and the end point for each segment.<\/li>\n
            • Once the full perimeter is drawn, press the ESC<\/code> key.<\/li>\n
            • Repeat the exact same process for the internal supporting walls. Adjust the Thickness<\/code> in the properties if necessary (e.g., to 0.50<\/code> m) and click along the inner guidelines to place them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              4. Add the Bottom Plate (Floor Slab)<\/h4>\n

              [07:38] Select the Bottom Plate Tool<\/strong><\/p>\n

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              • After the strip foundations are created, the next step is to add a closed floor slab.<\/li>\n
              • Navigate to Building<\/code> > Foundation<\/code> > Bottom plate<\/code> > Insert with polygon<\/code>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                [07:56] Adjust the Bottom Plate Properties<\/strong><\/p>\n

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                • Press the right mouse button and select Properties<\/code> before placing it.<\/li>\n
                • Edit the dimensions in this window. For example, verify that the Level<\/code> is set to 0.00<\/code> m and enter 0.40<\/code> m for the Thickness<\/code>.<\/li>\n
                • You can also check the Layer construction<\/code> to ensure the correct material and color are selected. Confirm with OK<\/code>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  [08:34] Draw the Bottom Plate<\/strong><\/p>\n

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                  • Enter the bottom plate by clicking all the external corner points of your complete foundation outline in the 2D view.<\/li>\n
                  • After you have clicked the last point, press the right mouse button and select Complete<\/code>.<\/li>\n
                  • Tip for subsequent changes:<\/em> If you need to make changes later, simply select the bottom plate with a left mouse click, press the right mouse button, and select Properties<\/code>. Here, you can adjust the level or thickness at any time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    5. Create a Section View for Verification<\/h4>\n

                    [10:00] Generate a Section View<\/strong><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • To thoroughly check your work, we will now create a section view. Select View<\/code> > New section view<\/code> from the top menu.<\/li>\n
                    • Define the section line: Click the start point, hold CTRL<\/code> for a straight horizontal or vertical line, click the end point, and use a third click to define the viewing direction. The section view will automatically open in a maximized window.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      [11:00] Remove Hidden Lines for Clarity<\/strong><\/p>\n

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                      • First, press the shortcut Home<\/code> (or Pos 1<\/code>) to trigger the Show all<\/code> function, fitting the entire section into your screen.<\/li>\n
                      • To make the drawing much clearer, deactivate the Environment<\/code> layer in the right-hand Projects<\/code> panel.<\/li>\n
                      • Finally, perform a right mouse click directly inside the section view and select Properties<\/code>. Tick the checkbox next to Hidden line removal<\/code> and confirm with OK<\/code>. As a result, you will see a clean, professional section of your newly created foundation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n