Two options/improvements for 3D modelling tools: A Pen and "Magnetic Measure Mode"

[Caio Almeida]

1 - Model Pen (Building Pen)

The idea is to have a free-draw mode for creating complex or unusual building shapes, with the ability to adjust the height, length, and—if possible—the curve “resolution” (i.e., the number of lines used to form curves, similar to a cylinder’s segmentation).

 

Ideally, this tool could be integrated into the Building / Composed Object section. Personally, I’ve found it difficult to create certain shapes and structures that could be done much faster with this improvement, especially roofs.

Design Suggestion:
              

Using software like SketchUp or SolarEdge makes this process easier because they include a pen tool and are not limited to predefined models, allowing for more flexible scene composition. If this feature were implemented—considering any software limitations—it would be extremely useful to combine it with the ability to configure any roof shape based on a drawn outline, merging the best features from other tools in one place.

Design Example:


This tool could work in two alternative ways:

 Building/Object Pen – Functions like a freehand pen to draw custom shapes.
  Building/Object Cropper – Used only to cut or reshape predefined objects/buildings into the desired form (simpler from a general perspective).

 

2 - Magnetic Measure Mode

This idea is much simpler than the previous one 😄. The goal is to customize the measurement tool to work faster and more accurately in determining dimensions.

It could have three modes:

1. Full Magnetic Measure (Grid-Based) – Snaps measurements to whole number values (e.g., 1m, 24m, 87m).

2. No Magnetic Measure (Standard) – Works as the current free measurement tool.

3. Full Magnetic Measure (Object-Based) – Click any object edge/line to automatically display its length.

That’s all for now. I’ll be back with more ideas and suggestions. I really enjoy using this software and wish the best to its developers. Thanks for your attention!

[Muhammed Sarikaya]

Dear Caio,

 

Thank you for your suggestion to improve the 3D feature in PVsyst.

For your first suggestion, I recommend trying the “Pen – Extruded polygon” tool (see below). 

It lets you draw a complex shape on the ground plane and extrude it to whatever height you need.

Let me know if this helps.

Regards,

Muhammed Sarikaya

[Caio Almeida]

Hi! Thanks for the feedback!

In fact, PVSyst already has a free drawing tool. However, even in line with my feature suggestion, I believe an upgrade to this function is still needed. Currently, the standard tool in the software can only be activated in the standard Shading Scene Construction mode. In the Building Object mode, the “Pen – Extruded Polygon” option is not available.