Version 13 New Features: Cabinets

Auto Cabinet Automatically "Skips" Any Symbols Along the Run

With this method, Symbols would first be drawn (dishwasher, range, trash compactor, etc.) along the layout. Now the Auto Cabinet command is used, which places the cabinet run in an optimal arrangement to fit the space. Locations where a symbol already exists (such as range, refrigerator, etc.) will exclude the cabinet and counter top where it is not required. The other scenario that this command recognizes is to place just a counter top over required symbols that are defined with a base height (like the dishwasher, trash compactor) but still exclude the base cabinet.

Auto Cabinet Function Added

Auto Cabinet will allow all of the cabinets in a run to be placed by simply tracing the location with a single line in the plan. The upper and lower cabinets can be added at the same time with the selected style and finish. Items such as dishwashers that have been placed in the room are automatically incorporated into the cabinet run. Also openings and opening trim, depending on height and offset, are automatically added as well.

Cabinet Text Can Be Relocated with the Move Command

The Cabinet names that display can now be repositioned from the cabinet unit by using the Move command. Simply click on the text to move it elsewhere on the plan.

Cabinets Can Be Changed to Symbols

This method can be used when the run of Cabinets is placed first and a certain cabinet needs to be replaced with a symbol, such as a dishwasher, range, etc. By editing the cabinet, it can be changed into any available library symbol. If there is additional space where the width of the symbol is more narrow than the original cabinet, it will be filled in by filler cabinets.

Corner Cabinets Can Have Unequal Legs

When drawing a Blind Corner Cabinet shape there is an option available to select “Unequal Legs”. This will allow the input of two different dimensions for the rear widths of the corner cabinet. This will provide a cabinet that has one side longer than the other as specified by some manufacturers. This can be selected for any Cabinet type.

Countertop Command Added

Where SoftPlan does not allow adding a specialized counter shape by using the basic cabinet shapes, the Countertop command can be used. This “freeform” method gives the flexibility of tracing a polygon to attain a custom shape. The Countertop can also be modified with such Tools as Chamfer (cuts corners at an angle) and Curved Fillet (rounds corners) to more easily change the initial shape into the desired result.

Crown Molding Can Be Added to the Top of Cabinets

The Crown Mold option found in Interior mode can now be applied to the tops of cabinets in addition to walls. A Manual Trace is suggested for positioning the Crown Mold along the front edges of the Wall or Tall cabinets. The Crown Mold will be reflected in SoftView and SoftList.

.DXF Symbols Can Be Linked to Cabinet Faces

Cabinet Faces can be generated in 3D models with a more realistic, dimensional .DXF symbol. This symbol is used to represent the front face of the Cabinet and can include more life-like indentations of panels and rails. The option for “Link to 3D Symbol” is set within the System Library in editing the individual Cabinet Face. Many different styles and libraries of .DXF symbols are provided. They are applied in generating the actual model for Cabinets.

Face Libraries Allow the Style of All the Cabinets in a Run to Be Changed At Once (ex: Cathedral to Shaker)

With a simple edit of a Cabinet run, the Cabinet face style can be changed for the entire run of cabinets. This saves valuable time in having to change the style for each individual cabinet if the customer should decide on a different preference.

Finish Options Allow the Finish of All the Cabinets in a Run to Be Changed At Once (ex: Cherry to Oak)

With a simple edit of a Cabinet run, the Cabinet Finish can be changed for the entire run of cabinets. This saves valuable time in having to change the finish for each individual cabinet if the customer should change their preference.

Glass Doors Can Be Added to Cabinets

SoftPlan now provides a Glass Door Cabinet within the many different styles of cabinets. These door types will display glass inserts in place of the regular door panels and will display in Interior 3D models.

Hardware Can Be Added to Cabinets

Cabinet Hardware Points have been added to the Cabinet Faces. These are shown in the Cabinet Face Previews. The points are linked to a .DXF 3D symbol for Cabinet Hardware. These will display in Interior Elevations and 3D when the Cabinet Hardware is set to extract.

Improved Cabinet Textures

SoftPlan has included more realistic wood textures that are applied to Cabinet Face Symbols for Interior 3D modeling. You can make a selection from different shades from species such as Cherry, Oak, Maple and Hickory. These are applied when generating the Actual 3D model of Cabinets.

SoftView Images of Cabinets Improved

SoftPlan has included a multitude of images that can be applied to the Cabinet faces when generating Interior 3D models. The benefit of using these is to save time generating simplified surface images instead of entire Cabinet Face symbols.

These single images include the structure of the Cabinet front, which can include varying arrangements of doors and drawers, as well as, different styles of panels. Texture Libraries include many variations of Cabinet fronts. These are used in the Simple or Enhanced 3D models of Cabinets.

Styles Added: Arch Flat, Arch Raised, Cathedral Flat, Cathedral Raised, Shaker, Flat, Square Flat, Square Raised

These new Cabinet styles are straightforward to select as a Cabinet Face when drawing cabinets. Even later in the design stage, the styles can easily be changed to suit the preference of your customer in one simple Edit of the Cabinet run.

Symbols Automatically Incorporated into the Layout by the Auto Cabinet Command

SoftPlan will automatically size Cabinets to suit related Symbols. When using the Auto Cabinet command, SoftPlan recognizes existing Symbols within the same layout. For example, when a run of cabinets is drawn along the layout that includes a double sink, the base cabinets in this location will be sized according to the width of the double sink. The same can also be achieved with other types of Bathroom and Kitchen symbols. This method saves time from having to move and edit individual cabinets to better fit the overall layout.

Top Height Property Added

The Cabinet menu now includes the option to set the “Top Height” property. This value gives the Offset where the top of the cabinet is to be placed. This is useful for placing the tops of Wall Cabinets in alignment that may have different heights.