PlansPlus - A TKE PowerTool for Punch!

Version 3.1.2 - Introducing PlansPlus and MicroTools

PlansPlus is a multi-purpose enhancement to Punch! software. It is a powerful tool in it's own right: it enhances Punch!'s printing and export options, adds print scaling flexibility, and adds a bevy of optional enhancements to Punch! plans at the object level. However, a great amount of PlansPlus's power is expressed in its ability to host MicroTools, which further enhance Punch! plans in very specific ways. These MicroTools are separate and individually purchasable, so you don't have to pay for those you don't need. This MicroTools currently available are explained in this document in more detail, and in their own Help documentation, which is available for reading on the ThistleKeep Engineering website.

The new functionality afforded by PlansPlus allows multiple, small MicroTools to operate simultaneously, in conjunction with each other. They may each be purchased and used separately or altogether, in any combination you wish to have (except that you must have PlansPlus to use any of them). They all require PlansPlus as their basic PowerTool interface. PlansPlus and it's MicroTools will each be capable of being updated, so they will stay up with the "state of the art". You will need to upgrade PlansPlus to a version that recognizes particular MicroTools you want to use, but the updates will be freely available on this page, so that will not be an additional cost burden in order to purchase and add on a MicroTool in the future. See that page for directions on how to insure you have the right versions, and how to update and install.

MicroTools, once installed, will not require further thought. They will automatically be loaded when the PlansPlus PowerTool is invoked, acting as enhancements to the basic capabilities of PlansPlus. MicroTools will be available for purchase directly from ThistleKeep's website.

A quick summary of the other capabilities that PlansPlus can add to your drawings:

• Any objects can be rendered in any color on the plan.
• Objects may also be filled; floors and walls can be filled with hatching, and walls can be displayed as hollow.
• Set color and fill on individual walls, as well as in wallsets.
• The verbage accompanying plan items ("callouts") can be suppressed on a per-object basis.
• Wall autodimensions can be moved away from or closer to walls on a per-wall basis.
• Set any scale factor desireable; fixed scales for hobbiests (like HO and N scale) and a custom, set-to-anything setting.
• Turn all wall autodimensions to wall centers or edges in a single command, and return those settings to Punch!.
• Allows correct measurements for walls that are not joined as well as for those that are.
• Allow for wall thickness differences within individual walls in a wallset.
• Highlight exterior walls so one can see at a glance if they are properly used.
• Set the font for all the non-dimensional text on a plan.
• Correct the dimensions and geometric representation of roof dimensions, roof holes and skylights.
• With the MicroTool "Dimensions in Detail", allow for setting exact wall lengths.
• Widen printed lines so they can be rendered more visible than the normal "hairline" (single pixel) thickness.
• Edit the direction of a roof panel downslope arrow, including setting to exact perpendicularity with any edge.
• Change the base/peak elevation reference for a roof panel without physically moving the panel.
• For printing to scale, display a frame within which all data will fit on a single page of printing.
• ...and more to come!

Compatibility

PlansPlus, as of version 3.1.0, is fully compatible with all Punch! PowerTool-enabled versions through level 12.x, including AS5000-12 and Master Landscape Pro-12. See the Compatibility page for more details.

PlansPlus's MicroTools are compatible as noted on this webpage.

PlansPlus and the contents of this help file are
Copyright©2006 by ThistleKeep Engineering; all rights are reserved.
Comments and suggestions, as well as support, are entertained at Lmc@ThistleKeep.com.
"Punch!" and other titles of Punch! operations are trademarks of Punch! Software L.L.C.
"ST" is a trademark of Microsoft Inc.