FloorPlan Software lets you import a digital photograph or a scanned image of your home and landscape around it. From cars to pets, windows to chimneys, doors to neighbors, you can customize your design to match your dreams. You can even place an imported image of your own backyard, so when you look out a window, your home.

Tips for Using PhotoView

FloorPlan Software’s PhotoView lets you take digital pictures and add them to your landscape design. Although this is a straightforward process, there are a few hints that will make the ultimate result much more satisfying.

1. Verify that the image is level and straight when taking a digital picture or scanning a photograph. If the initial photograph is not straight, use your graphics software to rotate it in half-degree increments, until it is.
2. Photograph the feature when the sun is shining. This ensures more color saturation and detail of the image.
3. Double-check the dimensions when importing PhotoView images.
4. Take your time masking the image; the better the mask, the better the end result.
5. Images are placed in the center of the lot. When importing multiple images, move each image, as it is placed, to avoid stacking them on top of each other.
6. Images should touch the bottom of the image area. If it is centered in the area, it will float above ground level.

Importing PhotoView Images

Whether you want to import an image of your home’s facade to landscape around or you want to add a custom door or window, FloorPlan PhotoView makes it easy. You can import any image you want, even your pet or your neighbor.

To import PhotoView images

1. Click Design menu > Launch PowerTool. The PowerTool Launcher is displayed.
2. Click to select PhotoView and click Launch. The Open dialog box is displayed.
3. In the Look In box, type the name of the directory where your file is located, or search for the file by browsing folders or drives.

Note: As you scroll through the available images, when one is highlighted, it will be displayed in the preview box.

1. When you find the file you want, click to select it.
2. Click Open. The Properties dialog box is displayed.
3. Type width and height, in inches, or feet and inches, separated by a hyphen, then click ok.

Note: PhotoView Images appear as lines in the 2D window.

Photo View Properties

Once you have imported your PhotoView image, you have the option of further customizing its appearance. This can be done at any time during the design process. You can resize, change elevation, rotate, flip it, and perform other editing tasks. To edit a PhotoView image, click to select it in the design window and the PhotoView Properties are displayed.

Note: Always press the ENTER to accept new values in a text box.

1. Size defines the Width and Height, in inches or feet and inches, for the image. You can also resize an image manually by dragging an end point until the image is the size you want.

Note: Dragging an end point only changes the width of the image; to keep proportions accurate, update the Height value manually.

1. Cast Shadows checkbox controls if the imported image generates a shadow or not. When selected, the image casts a shadow; when deselected no shadow us cast.
2. Transparent Black checkbox controls if black masking that has been added to an image is ignored to create a transparent area or if the black is displayed as part of the image.

Transparent Black Enabled Transparent Black Disabled

1. Flip button flips the image horizontally.
2. Set Image button allows you to set a different image in your drawing. You can search for a new image and add it to the design, replacing the existing image (the dimensions remain the same).
3. Image Info button open the PhotoView Info dialog box, which shows the path where the file is located on your hard drive.

Tip: You may find it useful to store PhotoView images in the Content folder (C:\Users\My Documents\IMSI Design\User Library\Content). The content folder is designed to be the first place searched for missing files, for instance, PhotoView files, custom materials, or custom trims.

Landscaping Using PhotoView Images

One way to get started landscaping your yard is to import a PhotoView image of your home. You can then embellish your design with landscaping and other elements.

Note: It’s very important to input the correct dimensions of your home. For more information, see “To import PhotoView images”.

To landscape using PhotoView images

1. Import the image of your home, as explained previously, and open a 3D view window.

Note: It’s very important to input the correct dimensions of your home. For more information, see “To import PhotoView images”.

1. Add landscaping (see “Landscape Plan Tab”) and plants (see “Plants Libraries”).

Note: PhotoView images appear in the 2D design window as lines, similar to interior walls.

Right in Your Own Backyard

In FloorPlan Software you can even look out the window of your new home design and see your own backyard. By taking a digital picture of your backyard, you can position it so when you view your design in 3D View, you’re home.

Note: In the example above, the PhotoView image is the line at the top of the design window.

To view your own backyard

1. Create your home design, using tools and techniques outlined in previous chapters and open a 3D view window.
2. Import the image of your own backyard using PhotoView and adjust the position and size of the image as needed.