Control View Range and Cut Plane

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1. Open the plan view that isn’t showing the expected geometry (e.g. Level 2).
2. In the Properties of that view, scroll to View Range and click Edit….
3. Understand the parameters:
   • Top and Cut Plane: where the section plane is located.
   • Bottom: lower boundary of primary view.
   • View Depth: extra depth below the bottom, for additional visibility.
4. Typical architectural floor plan:
   • Cut Plane ≈ 1.20 m above the level.
   • This height is used so windows, doors, and openings are cut and visible.
5. Adjusting to see lower geometry (e.g. context below a high roof level):
   1. Set View Depth → Unlimited or to Level 0.
   2. Click OK.
   3. The geometry from lower levels should now be visible when looking down from your high roof level plan.
6. Understand missed windows:
   • If a window’s sill is above the cut plane (e.g. sill at 2.00 m while cut plane is 1.20 m), the window won’t be cut, and may show only as an overhead symbol or not at all.
   • Adjust the Cut Plane or the window height to show it correctly.

Tip: If a plan looks empty, always check View Range and Crop Region before assuming something is wrong with your model.

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Taught in

• BIM + Computational Workflow · 2023 — original class recording lives there.