Seeing as it is the season for giving, we have decided to give everybody a chance to try out Palette CAD for free. Below you can find links to a demo version of our design software, as well as, a guide to help you get started. The detailed step by step instructions will show you how to create a bathroom from start to finish. So what are you waiting for? Give it a go.
Before we start it is very import to notice a couple of small points. Aim of this guide is to create a room completely from scratch in under 20 minutes. The instructions below may seem daunting, and perhaps a lot to take in, but, in reality, with a little practice, it can be done in less than 3 minutes. The reason for such detail is to provide even a user that has NEVER worked with a CAD program, a chance to accomplish impressive results, as well as, learn the basics, and understand the Palette CAD philosophy (simple to use, close to reality and logical). By learning the steps below you will already have great knowledge foundations to plan on your own.
1. Download and install both Palette CAD 9 and demo data catalogue below.
Palette CAD 9 Demo ( Password: MWLTDPAHMTANL)
Demo data catalogue
2. Start Palette CAD 9.
3. From the pop-up menu select “Start Palette CAD in DEMO mode” and from the next screen select “OK”. Should a “Software Update” window pop up select “Cancel”.
5. To keep it simple let’s leave the room size and layout as standard. Select “OK”.
6. Now we will insert a window and a door. From the top ribbon go to the “Insert” tab and click on the “Window” icon. A pop up screen will appear with a large number of options. For the time being ignore them and select “OK”.
7. Next we will insert a door in the opposite wall. Procedure is almost the same, take an object and place it where you need it, very logical following real life situations. So, first click on the right hand side wall in “Plan” view to select it. This is where we want the door, you will also notice the “Front” view has now changed to show this wall. Now click on the “Door” icon and again just select “OK”.
Once again, with the door still hanging on your pointer, place it anywhere along the ground in “Front” view. Last center the door using “Center horiz”.
8. Floor tiles come next. From the top ribbon select “Design” and click on the “Material catalogues” icon. A new window will open, material browser. On the left hand side is the list of your available libraries with details/previews on the right, very similar to that of a windows based file explorer function. Idea here is to find the file you need and load it into the design. From the left side select “demo materials”, then “tiles”, then “fl6060”. On the right hand side you will see a preview of available materials. Simple drag and drop “fl6060_floor_tile_anthracite” completely out of the browser window and drop it onto the room floor (orange highlight shows the target area).
9. We will follow a similar path for walls. As we have four walls we will do them simultaneously by using the material list option. On the right hand side of the screen you can find your object and material lists, which show you all the objects or materials in your design that are selected. When nothing is selected all objects/materials will be shown. Next select “Material list”. If you have followed the above instructions only door materials should be visable, as it is still selected. Simply click anywhere outside of your room design (white space). Now all materials in the plan are listed. Scroll down until you find “Wall Covering”. As before now find the desired material and drag and drop it onto “Wall Covering”. So back to “Material catalogues” , “tiles”, “fl3060” and drag and drop “fl6030_decor_nacre” onto “Wall Covering”. EASY! If the Material/Object browser doesn’t close automatically click on the cross in the top right corner of this window (not the program) to close it.
10. Now for the bath elements. Under “Design” tab click on the “Object catalogues” icon. Next open “demo catalog”, “bath fitting sets” and double-click on “row 1 left corner shower with washbasin and WC”.
Under length type in 400 and select “OK”.
With object still hanging on your mouse pointer, place the set in the top left corner of the room using the “Plan” view. You know it is exactly in the corner when you see the black grip appear as you hover over the corner.
11. Next a bath in bottom left corner of the room. Back to “Object catalogues”, “demo catalog”, “bath elements” and select “corner bath left”. Position it as before.
12. Finishing touches time. Our room needs a ceiling. Add one by going to “Insert” tab and select “Ceiling”. Choose “In room” and simply click anywhere inside your room in “Plan” view.
13. Let’s add some sunlight. Go to “View” tab and click on “Daylight”. Tick the “Sunlight” box and close the window via the cross.
14. It’s almost picture making time. First step is to select the correct camera position and add a suitable background. Most of the visualisation is done using the “Perspective” view. For this design we will use “Camera 2” which is found in the dropdown menu next to “Birds view”, accessed by clicking on the little down arrow. Enlarge this view using the icon just right of the word “Perspective”.
To add the window background simply RIGHT click anywhere within the “Perspective” window. From the context menu that comes up select “Background”.
In the following window tick the “Background” box. Now click on the white box just below it to search for the desired graphic.
Now back in the material browser select “demo materials”, “Demo materials”, “D_HG_meadow_with_hedge”.
Drag the “Size” bar down to 78-82% and select “OK”.
15. Finally select the visualisation mode from the drop down menu you wish to see and render away. It is found just left of camera selection feature. Using the down arrow you can choose between Virtual Reality (fast), Ambient Light (photo realistic), Watercolor and Marker.
There it is, your first Palette CAD plan. Now that wasn't so difficult or scary, in fact, hopefully you had fun doing it. If you wish to get the advanced version of this guide to really test yourself or want to find out more about our products and services just send us an email at info@palettecad.com. We look forward to your feedback.
Wishing you all a magnificent 2017!
Your Palette CAD Blog Team
