Moving Objects Without Restrictions

The information in this article applies to:

QUESTION

I've come across a number of situations where I would like to move an object such as furniture, a decorative accessory, or a door or window to a new location but can't because other objects are in the way. How can I avoid this?

ANSWER

Many objects can be moved from one location to another without restrictions by holding down the Ctrl key on your keyboard if you are working on a Windows PC, or the Command key if you are working on a Mac.

Three examples are discussed in this article:

• To move a free-standing object through other objects.
• To arrange accessories on shelves, furniture, or in cabinets.
• To stack items such as books, plates or pillows.

Planning interior spaces can be done more efficiently when furniture, appliances, and cabinets can be moved around freely.

To move a free-standing object through other objects

1. Using the Select Objects  tool, click once on an object such as a piece of furniture, a cabinet, or an appliance to select it and then release the mouse, leaving the  selected item highlighted.
   
   
   
   
   
2. With the object selected, hold down the Ctrl/Command key on your keyboard and place your cursor over the Move  edit handle at the center of the selected object.
   
   
   
3. Click and drag the object to a new location.
   
   
   
   Notice that you are able to move furniture and cabinets in any direction, as well as through other objects.
   
   
   
4. You can move multiple objects in this manner by following these steps:
   
   
   • Using the Select Objects tool, click on an object to select it;
     
     
   • Hold down the Shift key and click additional objects to add them to the selection group.
     
     
   • When the selection group is complete, release your mouse button and the shift key.
     
     
   • Now, press the Ctrl/Command key and move the entire selection set using the Move  edit handle at the center of the group.

Kitchen accessories and other decorative items can be arranged inside glass-door cabinetry, in storage furniture such as hutches, or on shelves. 

To arrange accessories on shelves, furniture, or in cabinets

1. Begin by placing some accessories in floor plan view. For now, choose an empty space near the cabinetry, shelves or furniture where they will finally be arranged.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Click on an object to select it and then release the mouse, leaving the selected item highlighted. You can also Shift + Select a group of objects.
   
   
   
3. Hold down the Ctrl/Command key down on your keyboard and place your cursor over the Move edit handle at the center of the selected object.
   
   
   
4. Click and drag the object into the same space as the cabinet, furniture or shelves.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Select 3D> Create Camera View> Elevation  to create an elevation view that shows your accessories and the furniture that they will be placed in.
   
   
   
6. In the Elevation view, move each object to the desired height, using the steps described in #2-6, above.
   
   
   
   The positions of these items can also be adjusted left to right in this view.
   
   
   
7. Depending on the type of furniture that the objects are placed in or on, you may find it necessary to raise the heights above the floor of some objects -- either in an Elevation view or in the objects' specification dialogs before moving them into the furniture's space.

Items such as plates, bowls, books, or pillows can also be stacked on top of one another to create attractive arrangements. 

To stack items such as books, plates or pillows

1. From the Library Browser  , place pillows on chairs and couches, and then position them using the Ctrl/Command key so that they appear to rest against one another. Perform the same procedure for books or plates.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Adjust the heights of the objects as needed in an Elevation view. You can also hold down the Ctrl/Command key to move objects to be on top of one another while in an elevation.