1

Contents
1. Functionality questions and answers.................................................................................... 4
1.1. How to modify SNAP settings ..................................................................................................................4
1.2. How to set shortcut commands ...............................................................................................................4
1.3. How to bound the designed interior entities to the building ...................................................................5
1.4. How to modify the Sloped Roof ...............................................................................................................5
1.5. How to draw lines along Z axis.................................................................................................................6
1.6. How to align 3D entities quickly ..............................................................................................................7
1.7. How to add human entity that can walk along the specified animation path. .........................................7
1.8. How to make all the added entities displayed, such as adding street lights but not be displayed after
zooming out......................................................................................................................................................81.9. How to Plant Trees Along the Road by one click .....................................................................................8
1.10. How to add multiple video paths in a scene..........................................................................................91.11. Does Houseplan 1.0 has ability to draw an inclined wall or object .................................................. 10
1.12. Does Houseplan 1.0 has ability to draw a flue/chimney ................................................................... 10
1.13. Does Houseplan 1.0 has ability to draw a stair to a pre-determined landing height with ceiling cutout .................................................................................................................................................................. 10
1.14. Can Houseplan 1.0 draw a boundary line(s) around a block of land ................................................. 11
1.15. Can Houseplan 1.0 draw (basic or minimal) contour lines on said block ........................................ 11
1.16. Does Houseplan 1.0 includes some landscapes tools - paths, driveways, road, garden-beds & plants....................................................................................................................................................................... 12
1.17. How to draw a 2D plan in Houseplan 1.0 and 3D .............................................................................. 12
1.18. 3D landscape tools in Architecture in 3D ........................................................................................... 12
1.19. Can Houseplan 1.0 allow setting sunshine location coordinates and desired time .......................... 12
1.20. How to export videos? ......................................................................................................................... 13
1.21. Rendering process of Houseplan 1.0.................................................................................................. 13
1.22. How to edit materials in Houseplan 1.0?............................................................................................ 14
1.23. When the chamfer is small, will there be a straight chamfer instead of a circular chamfer ............. 15
1.24. Does Houseplan 1.0 allow outputting 2D layout with annotations .................................................... 15
1.25. Does Houseplan 1.0 support section view ......................................................................................... 15
1.26. Is it possible to build on slopes (hillsides) ........................................................................................ 16
1.27. How to adjust rendering parameters ................................................................................................... 16
1.28. How to adjust the height and position of the sun ............................................................................... 17
1.29. How to add and modify the light ......................................................................................................... 18
1.30. How to use VR to view the models ..................................................................................................... 19
1.31. Why the materials of windows are automatically changed when I switch the environment to night
mode.............................................................................................................................................................. 20

2. Compatibility questions and answers ................................................................................. 21
2.1. How to import models made by other formats to Houseplan 1.0 ........................................................ 21
2.2. How to export the model made by Houseplan 1.0 to Lumion and display the rendering results correctlyin Lumion....................................................................................................................................................... 222.3. How to import DWG underlay ............................................................................................................... 222

2.4. Can I export models to DWG format? And what is the result of exporting the 3D model to DWG drawing
with Houseplan 1.0 ....................................................................................................................................... 24
2.5. How to import textures .......................................................................................................................... 24
2.6. How to import models into the Entities Gallery .................................................................................... 25
2.7. Why after importing data with the original coordinates, the model is displayed in mid-air, and the scene
is gray. ........................................................................................................................................................... 26
2.8. Does Houseplan 1.0 support uploading personal work like models and textures, and be available toshare them with users around the world ....................................................................................................... 26
2.9. Is their animation available as 3ds Max of water etc? .......................................................................... 26
2.10. Does Houseplan 1.0 support import animation objects .................................................................... 27
2.11. Does Houseplan 1.0 support BIM information ................................................................................... 27
2.12. Does Houseplan 1.0 support IFC format ............................................................................................ 27
2.13. Does Houseplan 1.0 support Importing .rvt files ............................................................................... 28
2.14. Does Houseplan 1.0 support importing Point Cloud data ................................................................. 28
2.15. Can Houseplan 1.0 import a PNG with a transparent background, and can adjust the background color,transparency, etc. after painting the PNG to the entity ................................................................................. 28
2.16. Can Houseplan 1.0 import high-resolution materials, the texture will not be repeated after importing....................................................................................................................................................................... 29
2.17. What is the maximum supported pixel texture image import ............................................................ 30
2.18. Whether the imported 3D model can be zoomed in or out, if zoomed in and out and exploded, thesurface will return to the original size........................................................................................................... 30
2.19. Does Houseplan 1.0 support import Google map or other map data................................................ 30
2.20. Is it available to import PDF files ........................................................................................................ 30
2.21. Why the .fbx model that I exported from 3Ds MAX can’t display the material .................................. 30

3. Market questions and answers........................................................................................... 31
3.1. What’s the difference between Houseplan 1.0 and other Architecture software .................................. 31
3.2. Is Houseplan 1.0 an alternative to SketchUp ........................................................................................ 32

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1. Functionality questions and answers
1.1. How to modify SNAP settings
ANSWER： Click on the Snap button at the right bottom of the workspace to enable/disable snap, and rightclick on the button and select the ‘setting’ option to modify settings of the Snap feature.

Here you can set the snap type, cursor size and the size of the snap frame.

1.2. How to set shortcut commands
ANSWER： Go to Home – Manage – Settings, click the ‘Simplify Command’ button, and set command
shortcut.

41.3. How to bound the designed interior entities to the building
Note: if you don’t bind the entities to the building floor， the entities can't be selected or hidden together withthe building, and the entities may appear at the height you showed before if you use the Show Floor command
to open another floor.
ANSWER： Click the

button next to the "Floor properties" option in the Properties window, select thefloor to be bound in the pop-up "Floor Properties" dialog box, and click "Define floor" button to bind all theinterior entities (don’t need to select all of them) to the corresponding floor.
If press the SHIFT key, you can bind the interior entities to the multiple floors you select.

1.4. How to modify the Sloped RoofANSWER： Select the sloping roof that needs to be modified, double-click on the sloped roof, or click the
button beside the "Detailed parameter" in the Properties window to modify the slope gradient and eaves.

5If you need to modify chute length, chute gradient, chute ratio of a double slope roof, click the

buttonbeside the "Turn rooftop into arc" in the Properties window.

1.5. How to draw lines along Z axis
ANSWER： If you only need to draw lines in the direction of the Z axis, you can select the Vercital line commandby click on Home – Draw – Line button and draw it directly.

If you draw with the Polyline command, you can input S in the command line prompt and draw along the bluereference line.

61.6. How to align 3D entities quickly
ANSWER： Use the Align Entities command in the Edit – Positioning panel, follow the command prompt
instructions by first selecting a face or edge of entity 1 as a reference. Then, choose a face or edge of entity 2 toalign it with entity 1.

1.7. How to add human entity that can walk along the specified animation path.
ANSWER: Click the Skeletal Animation tool in Scene – Animation panel, and select the person item in the drop
down list, and select the human entity at the proper place in your scene.
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To enable or disable the motion state of an entity, simply click on 'Play Animation'. The 'Wavy path' function
allows you to define the movement path for the entity.
Please note that only entities with a skeleton can undergo changes in body movement. Such skeletons are
typically created using software like 3ds Max or Maya.

1.8. How to make all the added entities displayed, such as adding street lights but not be displayed after
zooming out
ANSWER: Adjust the Visual balance value in "Scene/Optimization" to the maximum.

1.9. How to Plant Trees Along the Road by one click
ANSWER: Select the Vegetation Entity tool in the Scene - Environment panel, select the tree to be planted, andthen click the "Place along objects" button, select the road, and quickly plant trees along both sides of the road.

8Or click the "Select arrangement" button and follow the command line prompts to select a road or enter Z andselect a residential street to add trees.

1.10. How to add multiple video paths in a scene
ANSWER: After setting the video path, save the path with the Roam Path List tool, execute the Delete Path tool todelete the path, then click the Draw Path tool to draw a new path, and then save it, and so on.

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1.11. Does Houseplan 1.0 has ability to draw an inclined wall or objectANSWER: Yes, Houseplan 1.0 supports drawing inclined wall or object.
It is convenient to draw an inclined plane with the Polygon command, rotate it and extrude it to a wall or box
and edit its shape. Or you can draw with tools in the Advanced Modeling window.

1.12. Does Houseplan 1.0 has ability to draw a flue/chimney
ANSWER: Usually we draw the flue/chimney with tools in the Advanced Modeling window, or we just insert a
3D flue model into the scene.
For more information about advanced modeling tools, please check the YouTube videos below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8mv_vlidik&t=54s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNs3fLGAfIM&t=13s

1.13. Does Houseplan 1.0 has ability to draw a stair to a pre-determined landing height with ceiling cutout
ANSWER: Yes, Houseplan 1.0 allows drawing stairs to a specific height. We use the Floor Hole command to
draw holes in ceilings.

And use the Stairs tool to add stairs with specific heights.

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1.14. Can Houseplan 1.0 draw a boundary line(s) around a block of land
ANSWER: Yes, Houseplan 1.0 supports drawing a boundary line around a block of land. You can use the 2D
Polyline or SPline tools to draw the boundary lines.

1.15. Can Houseplan 1.0 draw (basic or minimal) contour lines on said block
ANSWER: Houseplan 1.0 currently doesn't support drawing contour lines. However, Houseplan 1.0's technicalcapabilities are robust, and the development team is open to expanding the platform's functionality based onmarket feedback. After gathering sufficient user input, the team will assess the demand and make a decision onwhether to incorporate this feature into Houseplan 1.0 in the future.
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1.16. Does Houseplan 1.0 includes some landscapes tools - paths, driveways, road, garden-beds & plants
ANSWER: Most landscape tools are in the Scene menu. You can also import your own 3D models from yourequipment.

1.17. How to draw a 2D plan in Houseplan 1.0 and 3D
ANSWER: You can use the line, polyline, Spline and other 2D tools, as well as the 2D Edit tools under the Editmenu to draw a basic 2D drawing.

1.18. 3D landscape tools in Architecture in 3D
ANSWER: You can insert oblique photography and flatten part of it with the Flatten oblique image tool. You canalso import the .dem file, but currently, it cannot be edited.

1.19. Can Houseplan 1.0 allow setting sunshine location coordinates and desired time
ANSWER: No, Houseplan 1.0 does not currently support setting the sunshine location coordinates and desired
time. As a newly released product in the global market, this feature is not yet available. However, Houseplan 1.0's
technical capabilities are robust, and the development team is open to expanding the platform's functionality
based on market feedback. After gathering sufficient user input, the team will assess the demand and make adecision on whether to incorporate this feature into Houseplan 1.0 in the future.
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1.20. How to export videos?
ANSWER: To export videos, click on the Roam Path List tool, click the Export Video button.

You can make settings to the video export by clicking on the Parameter Setting button.

Click the blue “Detailed parameters” option to make adjustments to the target point. In the resulting Edit Pathdialog box, you can double-click on the blue title, which will automatically apply the changes you made to all
the values within the column.

At the bottom of the Path Roaming Settings dialog box, you can modify temporary moving speed, view height,
view direction of the video, and choose video size and quality.

1.21. Rendering process of Houseplan 1.0
ANSWER: Houseplan 1.0 does not involve a separate rendering process since it operates as a real-time rendering
software. This means that the elements we add to the scene are immediately visible as outputs without the needfor any additional rendering steps.
131.22. How to edit materials in Houseplan 1.0?
ANSWER: To modify the materials in the scene, we can access the material panel and make adjustments to thehighlight color, glossiness, and highlight level using the parameter panel located on the right.

For textured materials, in addition to adjusting their properties, we can apply a bump effect through the bump
map panel to enhance their realism.

Furthermore, the size of the material texture can be adjusted using functions like texture adjustment or freeadjustment to cater to different requirements and situations.

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1.23. When the chamfer is small, will there be a straight chamfer instead of a circular chamfer
ANSWER: No, the smallest chamfer size can be supported is 0.1mm.

1.24. Does Houseplan 1.0 allow outputting 2D layout with annotations
ANSWER: Houseplan 1.0 allows outputting 2D images and DWG drawings but doesn’t allow making
annotations in the scene, nor outputting 2D layout with annotations.

1.25. Does Houseplan 1.0 support section view
ANSWER: No, Houseplan 1.0 does not currently support section view. However, Houseplan 1.0's technicalcapabilities are robust, and the development team is open to expanding the platform's functionality based onmarket feedback. After gathering sufficient user input, the team will assess the demand and make a decision onwhether to incorporate this feature into Houseplan 1.0 in the future.
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1.26. Is it possible to build on slopes (hillsides)
ANSWER: Yes. You can use the Advanced Modeling feature. The Houseplan 1.0 Tutorials Video Create avilla with Advanced Modeling tools in our YouTube channel shows how to build a house on the hillside.

1.27. How to adjust rendering parameters
ANSWER: Houseplan 1.0 refers to "Hyperrealist Rendering," a cutting-edge technology that enables realtime rendering in a highly realistic manner. With Houseplan 1.0, users no longer need to manually configure
rendering parameters, as the system handles them automatically. However, for those seeking to customize
rendering values, adjustments to environment parameters are possible. The "Effect parameter list" within theEnvironment feature allows users to modify aspects such as weather and lighting. Additionally, the Material
tool presents an option to directly replace textures of the ground.

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1.28. How to adjust the height and position of the sun
ANSWER: Open the Environment window under the Scene menu. Click the Light button to adjust the direction
and height of the sun.

By clicking this image button, you can immediately
find the sun.

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1.29. How to add and modify the light
ANSWER: Enable the Label feature under the Scene menu. Click the Light Entity feature to open the gallery andadd the light you need.
If you want to modify it, you can click on the light icon in the scene and modify the parameters in the Properties
window.

Parameters For Floodlight:• Activate: light switch.
• Color: adjust the color of the light.
• Radius: Enter parameters to adjust the effective range of the light.
• Light intensity: adjust the light intensity. The larger the value, the brighter it is.
• Specular intensity: Adjust the highlight intensity of the object being illuminated. The higher the intensity,
the brighter it will be.
• Elevation: The height of the light from the ground.
Parameters For Spotlight:• Activate: light switch.
• Color: adjust the color of the light.
• Radius: Enter parameters to adjust the effective range of the light (the distance of the spotlight).
• Direction: The direction of the spotlight.
• The three values represent the values of the three coordinate axes. Positive and negative represent thepositive and negative directions on the axis. The values affect the quadrant angle of the light. For
example, 1,1,0. It is the first horizontal quadrant, 45° direction. -1,2,0. It is the second horizontal
quadrant, about 123°. You have to adjust the angle yourself.
• Light cone: Adjust the (conical) range angle of the spotlight. The smaller it is, the narrower it is, andthe larger it is, the wider it is.
• Attenuation: The effect of edge attenuation (softening) of the spotlight. The smaller the edge, the stiffer
it is, and the larger the edge, the softer it is.
• Light intensity: adjust the light intensity. The larger the value, the brighter it is.
• Specular intensity: Adjust the highlight intensity of the object being illuminated. The higher the intensity,
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the brighter it will be.
•

Elevation: The height of the light from the ground.

1.30. How to use VR to view the models
ANSWER: To connect the VR to the Houseplan 1.0, you need to install the SteamVR application and run it. If you
haven’t installed the Steam yet, you will have to install the Steam platform first.

Then, search and install the SteamVR application in Steam platform. And run the SteamVR.

Next, you need to turn on the VR device and connect to the same WIFI with the PC that runs the Houseplan 1.0
and SteamVR.
In the end, click the VR tool under the Insert menu of Houseplan 1.0 software, and wear the VR headset to view19the models.

1.31. Why the materials of windows are automatically changed when I switch the environment to night mode
ANSWER: In order to make the building look better in night mode, Houseplan was designed to automaticallymodify the material to make the windows look like they are lit. If you don't want the material to change, you canclick the Environment tool under the Scene menu, then click the Night version setting button to open theadjustment menu, and then uncheck the corresponding object.

202. Compatibility questions and answers
2.1. How to import models made by other formats to Houseplan 1.0
ANSWER: Houseplan 1.0 supports importing oblique photography and point cloud data. As well as importingand exporting commonly used formats such as fbx, obj, tif, dem, osg, bmp, jpg, png. You can also import andedit dwg, skp, rvt, 3ds format
designs.

To impot other format models,just click the Other Formats
command at Insert – Importpanel, and select the modelfrom the folder

Then you can edit the model by converting them to editable objects by "Advanced Modeling" tool under the
Modeling menu.

212.2. How to export the model made by Houseplan 1.0 to Lumion and display the rendering results correctlyin LumionANSWER: You can use the Export function under the Insert menu to export the model to FBX format, and thenimport it into Lumion.

2.3. How to import DWG underlay
ANSWER: Houseplan 1.0 supports AutoCAD versions 2007 to 2021 of DWG files.
2.3.1 What to do before importing DWG drawing
1. Remove or delete any irrelevant content such as lines, blocks, layers, and text that are not needed for future
modeling.
2. Explored or Delete the Block reference to ensure successful import.
4. Note that imported lines may not display their original line width.
5. In the absence of a corresponding text style, the text will be displayed using the default style.
6. If the imported lines are intended to form a plane or 3D object in Houseplan 1.0, you should connect theminto a closed polyline. And ensure there are no self-intersecting or overlapping lines. And remove approximately
straight adjacent lines to avoid any misconceptions after generating the 3D solid.
9. Place lines representing the same type of entities on the same layer.
10. Verify that the height of all entities in the drawing is set to zero and remove any invisible debris.
11. Conduct a thorough check to zoom in the drawing and delete any objects that fall outside the target range.
Please note that these guidelines are crucial for a successful import and smooth usage of the drawings inHouseplan 1.0.
2.3.2 What to do when importing the DWG drawing

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1.

The drawing unit of the imported DWG drawing usually will be
automatically recognized and cannot be changed. But, after
checking the Rescale option, you can adjust the size of thespace occupied by the imported drawings in the Houseplan
1.0 workspace by adjusting the units of the DWG drawing.

2.

Check the layer: the checked layer entity can be edited after
importing (constituting a plane and 3D object), and theunchecked layer cannot be edited after being imported andcan only be used as a reference background.

3.

Select the surface type: the closed line in the selected layer
will automatically be converted to a plane that can be
extruded. If it is not clicked and turn blue, the closed line in
the selected layer will keep the closed polyline.

2.3.3 After importing DWG underlay
The imported drawings can be divided into four types of entities: background, line, wireframe (closed polyline),and plane. In Houseplan 1.0, there are corresponding functions that follow the evolution rule of "wire-wireframeplane-3D object."23

1. Line: This entity represents straight lines or curves and is primarily used for defining or converting various
linear entities. It can also be further edited and evolved into a wireframe.
2. Wireframe: Reserved as a closed polyline, the wireframe entity serves as the prepare of a plane. It is generally
not directly converted into a plane to avoid confusion caused by overlapping multiple planes.
3. Plane: The plane entity is a two-dimensional surface that can be directly converted into various professional
entities or undefined 3D objects using appropriate tools.
4. Background management: This function enables the conversion of imported background entities into editableentities within Houseplan 1.0.
If errors are detected in the imported lines, wireframes, or planes that are difficult to resolve, or to prevent potential
errors during the importing process, it is recommended to use tools provided in Houseplan 1.0 to refine theimported underlay.

2.4. Can I export models to DWG format? And what is the result of exporting the 3D model to DWG drawing
with Houseplan 1.0
ANSWER: Yes. The models can be saved as DWG format file, but only 3D polyline objects.

2.5. How to import textures
ANSWER: Open the Apply Textures dialog box, select a category, right click on it and click the Import option, andselect the material folder to import the material, or click the category and go to the right side of the dialog box,
and right click to select "Add material" to add a specific texture.

And you are able to create a new category by right click on the blank area of the left side in the dialog box.

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2.6. How to import models into the Entities Gallery
ANSWER: Open the Scene Entity dialog box, click a category and go to the right side of the dialog box, and rightclick to select the "Add filet" option to add a specific model from your PC, or select the “Add File” option to add
a model from the current scene in the Houseplan 1.0.

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And you are able to create a new category by right click on the blank area of the left side in the dialog box.

2.7. Why after importing data with the original coordinates, the model is displayed in mid-air, and the scene
is gray.
ANSWER: Because the data coordinates are too large, you can use View - Centering feature to recalculate andmatch the scene display effect.

2.8. Does Houseplan 1.0 support uploading personal work like models and textures, and be available toshare them with users around the world
ANSWER: No, we are currently utilizing the network library mode, which allows users to download and use ourlatest materials and models that we uploaded to the server simply by opening the library in Houseplan 1.0. It isavailable to add personal work like models and textures in your library, but other users cannot see them. We willcontinue to update models and materials on the server.
As a newly released product in the global market, this feature is not yet available. However, Houseplan 1.0's
technical capabilities are robust, and the development team is open to expanding the platform's functionality
based on market feedback. After gathering sufficient user input, the team will assess the demand and make adecision on whether to incorporate this feature into Houseplan 1.0 in the future.

2.9. Is their animation available as 3ds Max of water etc?
ANSWER: Houseplan 1.0 offers particle entity functions, including the ability to add water flow to the scene.

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By selecting the particle and adjusting the parameters in the properties window, we can also modify its position.

2.10. Does Houseplan 1.0 support import animation objects
ANSWER: FBX models with bones (skeletal animation) can be imported. Then you can set paths in Houseplan
1.0 to let them move. But it is not possible to modify the specific animation parameters (e.g. movement,
frequency, etc.) of the model's skeleton.

2.11. Does Houseplan 1.0 support BIM information
ANSWER: Houseplan 1.0 is a 3D modeling and rendering software primarily utilized during the conceptual designphase of architectural projects. Its primary function within the workflow is to efficiently and visually communicate
planning ideas to clients. However, it is important to note that Houseplan 1.0 does not currently support Building
Information Modeling (BIM). But users can conveniently access certain parameters such as floor height and area
to provide basic information.

2.12. Does Houseplan 1.0 support IFC format
ANSWER: No. At present, Houseplan 1.0 does not offer support for the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format.
However, since GstarCAD already includes IFC support, addressing this limitation is not inherently challenging.
Nevertheless, in order to make an informed decision, further feedback collection is essential to ascertain thenecessity of incorporating IFC support into Houseplan 1.0 during the concept design stage. This will enable thedevelopers to assess the demands and requirements of users, ensuring any potential addition aligns with their27

needs.

2.13. Does Houseplan 1.0 support Importing .rvt files
ANSWER: Yes. Houseplan 1.0 offers the capability to import .rvt format models, allowing users to bring their
Revit models into the software. However, it is important to note that Houseplan 1.0 does not have the ability toimport and read the Building Information Modeling (BIM) information associated with these models. While the3D geometry of the .rvt files can be imported into Houseplan 1.0, any BIM-specific data, such as parametric
relationships or construction details, will not be accessible within the software. Therefore, Houseplan 1.0
primarily focuses on visualizing and manipulating the 3D models rather than incorporating the comprehensive
BIM functionality found in dedicated BIM software like Revit.

2.14. Does Houseplan 1.0 support importing Point Cloud data
ANSWER: Yes. Houseplan 1.0 offers the capability to import point cloud data.

2.15. Can Houseplan 1.0 import a PNG with a transparent background, and can adjust the background color,transparency, etc. after painting the PNG to the entity
ANSWER: Yes. You can import a PNG with a transparent background and adjust the background color,transparency, etc. after painting the PNG to the entity.

First click the Material command in the Material menu to open the “Add Textures” dialog box, and select amaterial category or create a new one by right clicking in the category window, then right click on the rightto add materials.

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And if you want to adjust the opacity, you can go to the right bottom of the box.

2.16. Can Houseplan 1.0 import high-resolution materials, the texture will not be repeated after importing
ANSWER: Yes. You can use the Free Adjustment tool to adjust the texture. Select the Cube button and the Singleside option, click the object to be painted, and use the default LWH parameters.

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2.17. What is the maximum supported pixel texture image importANSWER: Maximum size of 3000*3000 pixels.

2.18. Whether the imported 3D model can be zoomed in or out, if zoomed in and out and exploded, thesurface will return to the original size
ANSWER: You can utilize the Scale or 3D Scale feature to resize the model, and the scaled size will be retainedeven after the model is exploded.

2.19. Does Houseplan 1.0 support import Google map or other map data
ANSWER: Yes. Maps can be imported through orthophotos, which are in 1:1 scale. And you can also import a
map image in formats we support, such as ipg, png.

2.20. Is it available to import PDF files
ANSWER: At present, Houseplan 1.0 does not offer support for PDF format. However, since GstarCAD alreadyincludes PDF support, addressing this limitation is not inherently challenging. Nevertheless, in order to make an
informed decision, further feedback collection is essential to ascertain the necessity of incorporating PDF support
into Houseplan 1.0 during the concept design stage. This will enable the developers to assess the demands andrequirements of users, ensuring any potential addition aligns with their needs.

2.21. Why the .fbx model that I exported from 3Ds MAX can’t display the material
ANSWER: Houseplan allows import FBX format models with material, but the exportation steps in anothersoftware should follow their settings. In Max, when you need to export FBX, you need to:30

1. Make sure the material is Standard material. Other materials such as vray materials cannot be exported. The
map type can only export bitmaps attached to Diffuse. Mixed maps and various map forms included with MAX
cannot be exported.
2. Use shift+T keys to call resource management and check whether the texture is lost. Check the status of the
map in the Status list.
•

File Missing: This shows that the texture is missing. If it is exported, there will be no texture. If it isimported into other software, the material will not be displayed.

• OK: OK is displayed, which means the texture is found and there is no problem in exporting.
3. Export FBX and check Embed Media in the Embed Media list. It must be checked, otherwise only the model
will be exported and the material map will not be brought out.

3. Market questions and answers
3.1. What’s the difference between Houseplan 1.0 and other Architecture software
ANSWER: Generally speaking, Houseplan 1.0 pays more attention to the external shape and overall positional
relationship of the building. And architecture, in the case of GstarCAD Architectural software, pays more
attention to high precision and takes into account the actual situation during construction, including internal
structures and annotations.
The design stage can be divided into conceptual design and engineering construction design.
•

In the conceptual design stage, modeling ability and rendering effect are more important, andsoftware such as Houseplan 1.0, SketchUp, and 3Ds MAX are more commonly used.

• In the construction design stage, software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and GstarCAD are often

preferred.

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3.2. Is Houseplan 1.0 an alternative to SketchUp
ANSWER: Not exactly. Houseplan 1.0 represents our latest entry into the 3D modeling and rendering landscape.
While both Houseplan and SketchUp are tailored to meet the needs of the conceptual design phase within theplanning and construction industry workflow, and are recognized for their user-friendly interfaces, Houseplan
distinguishes itself as a more all-encompassing platform. It seamlessly integrates the strengths of multiplecompeting products into one software, enabling faster house design while offering robust support for real-timerendering.

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