Model on a temporary plane (Temporary plane)
Create a temporary plane for modeling operations.
1. Purpose
Builds a temporary working plane at any elevation, framed on the project's grid intersections — place families or sketch details where no plan exists. The plane goes away when done; the model stays clean.
2. Quick video (≤ 2 minutes)
[Video in production — follow the steps below for now.]
3. Steps
- Open a project with at least 2 straight grid lines intersecting (the tool frames the plane from grid intersections). [image 01: grids framing the plane]
- Click Temporary plane in the VP_MEP tab, View panel.
- Pick 1 point on a face as datum when asked.
- In the dialog, type the offset (mm) above the datum elevation, then OK — the temporary plane builds at datum + offset across the project grid frame. [image 02: offset dialog and the built plane]
- Place families/sketch on this plane, then delete the temporary plane when finished.
4. Real-world example
A row of valves must sit at +2,500 between two floors with no plan there. Run the command, pick the lower slab as datum, type offset 2500 — the plane appears on the grid frame, place the valves in bulk, delete the plane.
5. Common errors
| Symptom | Fix |
|---|---|
| "Không đủ lưới thẳng để tạo mặt phẳng tạm." | The project needs at least 2 straight grids — draw grids first |
| "Không tìm được đủ giao điểm để tạo hình chữ nhật." | Grids must intersect into a rectangular frame — recheck the grids |
| "Giá trị offset không hợp lệ." | Re-type a valid mm number in the dialog |
| Temporary plane left behind afterwards | Delete it by hand — it doesn't remove itself |
6. See also
- Set the active workset from an element — switch worksets, then model on the plane.
- Set the section box by two levels — cut the 3D to the elevation being built.
- Align 2 elements in 3D — align work just placed on the plane.