Guide: How to Change the Category, Name, and Material of an Already Drawn Object

In the process of landscape planning for a plot, it often becomes necessary to adjust details of already created objects. This could be due to a change in design concept, refinement of functionality, or a desire to try different materials. Flexibility in editing allows you to avoid redrawing everything from scratch, saving time and effort, and ensuring the accuracy and relevance of your project at every stage.

Why Change Object Parameters: Flexibility and Accuracy

The ability to change the category, name, and material of already drawn objects is a key aspect of effective planning. This is not just a technical function, but a tool that allows you to experiment with design, adapt the project to new ideas or budget constraints without significant rework. For example, you might draw a path and then decide it should be not just an "object," but a specific "pedestrian pathway" made of pavers rather than gravel. Accurate categorization and naming improve project organization, facilitate analysis, and aid communication with specialists. Properly selected materials and categories also influence volume calculations and implementation costs, making the estimate more realistic.

Understanding Object Categories: Functionality and Impact

Object categories in the planner serve not only a descriptive function but also influence the project's logic. For example, objects assigned to the "Pathways" category might have their own width standards (a typical pedestrian path width is 80-100 cm) or offer a specific set of materials different from the "Patios" category. Category selection can also affect AI recommendations when generating concepts or object filtering during searches. If you drew a recreation area as a "General Object" and then reclassified it as "Patio," the system might suggest relevant ideas for improving this area, such as outdoor furniture arrangements or lighting options. It's important to understand that each category has its own set of characteristics and potential interactions with other plan elements.

Changing an Object's Category: Step-by-Step Instructions

The process of changing an object's category is usually intuitive and consists of several steps:

1. Select the object: Click on the object on your plan that you want to change. It should highlight or be outlined, indicating it is selected.
2. Open properties: In the appearing sidebar menu or toolbar, find the "Object Properties" or "Edit" section.
3. Choose a new category: In the "Category" dropdown list, find and select the most suitable category for your object. For example, if you initially drew a gazebo as a "Structure" but now want to detail it as a "Gazebo," select the corresponding option.
4. Confirm changes: After selecting the new category, ensure the changes are applied. Sometimes, this requires clicking an "Apply" or "Save" button.

This process takes only a few seconds but significantly enhances the detail and functionality of your plan.

Renaming Objects: Clarity and Organization

When working with large plots (e.g., over 20 ares) or complex projects with many similar elements, proper object naming becomes critically important. "Tree 1," "Tree 2" is quick but uninformative. It's much better to use names like "Apple tree by the house," "Maple near the pond," "Breakfast patio," or "Path to the shed." Clear and descriptive names help to:

• Quickly identify objects: You'll immediately understand which specific element is being referred to, without wasting time searching.
• Organize a complex plan: It's easy to navigate through lists of objects or explanations.
• Improve communication: When discussing the project with a designer or builders, confusion will not arise.

To rename an object, it is usually sufficient to select it, open its properties, and edit the "Name" or "Object Name" field.

Selecting and Applying Materials: Aesthetics and Functionality

Material selection is not only a matter of aesthetics but also functionality, durability, and budget. For example, for a 15-20 m² barbecue area, fire-resistant tiles might be chosen, while for a children's playground, soft rubber surfacing or sand could be used. For high-traffic pathways, durable pavers or concrete are better, while for decorative paths, gravel or mulch might be preferred. The process of changing material is similar to changing a category:

1. Select the object: Choose the desired element on the plan.
2. Open properties: Find the tab or section related to materials or textures.
3. Choose a new material: Browse the available options (wood, stone, tile, lawn, asphalt, etc.) and select the one that best matches your vision. Consider color schemes and textures to ensure they harmonize with the overall style of the plot.
4. Visually assess: Some planners allow you to immediately see how the object's appearance will change with the new material. This helps in making an informed decision.

Remember that materials should not only be beautiful but also suitable for the climate, load, and maintenance you are willing to provide. You can read more about how to choose materials in our article "10 Small Architectural Solutions That Transform a Plot".

Common Editing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even in a seemingly simple process like object editing, mistakes can occur that might affect the final outcome:

• Forgetting to save changes: The most common mistake. Always ensure your adjustments have been saved before closing the program or moving to another project.
• Choosing incompatible material: For example, using wooden decking for a driveway or too thin tiles for a high-traffic area. Always match the material to the object's function and operating conditions.
• Ignoring scale and proportions: Changing the material or category can alter the visual perception of an object. Ensure the new look harmonizes with the overall design of the plot. For instance, overly large pavers on a narrow path (less than 1 meter) will look disproportionate.
• Lack of a clear naming system: With a large number of objects, this will quickly lead to chaos. Develop a system for yourself: "Object Name + Location + Function."
• Not considering the impact on adjacent areas: Changing the category or material of one object might require adjustments to neighboring elements. For example, changing a path's material from gravel to pavers might necessitate altering the curb or drainage system.

How to Plan Changes in FormSpace

FormSpace offers convenient tools for working with objects on your plot, allowing you to flexibly change their parameters at any stage of planning. You can start with basic zoning in module 1.1 "Zones," then move on to detailed object drawing in modules 1.2 "Objects" and 1.3 "Free Drawing." For example, if you drew the outline of a future terrace in module 1.3 and initially assigned it to the general "Patios" category, by selecting this object, you can easily change its category to "Terrace" or "Patio" and choose the desired material from the library.

Suppose you want to visualize how your recreation area will look with different coverings. You drew a platform and assigned it the material "Wooden decking." Then, to evaluate an alternative, simply select this object, go to its properties, and change the material to "Paving slabs" or "Natural stone." Module 3.1 "Design by Photo" will help you see these changes in the context of a real photo of your plot, which is especially useful for assessing aesthetic suitability. Also, you can use module 2.1 "AI Concept" to get new ideas for an area already adjusted by category and material, for example, by requesting "ideas for a modern style paver patio" so that the AI suggests options that consider your latest changes. This allows for iterative design improvement until you achieve the ideal result. And for checking the overall concept, it's always useful to refer to the questions in the article "10 Questions Before Landscaping Your Plot: FAQ".

FAQ

Can the shape of an object be changed after its category is altered?

Yes, changing an object's category generally does not affect its geometric shape. You can freely edit the object's contour (drag vertices, add new points) regardless of its category or chosen material. This allows you to first create the desired shape and then detail its parameters.

Does changing the material affect the project budget?

Absolutely. Materials have different costs, and their selection directly impacts the overall project estimate. For example, natural stone is significantly more expensive than gravel, and decking made of valuable wood species will cost more than ordinary terrace boards. When changing materials, it's important to consider not only their price per square meter but also the cost of delivery, installation, and subsequent maintenance, which can significantly increase final expenses.

What if the desired material is not in the list?

If the standard planner library does not contain the specific material you wish to use, there are usually several options. You can choose a material that is as similar as possible in texture and color as a temporary substitute, or use a function to upload your own textures, if available. As a last resort, you can leave the object without a detailed material, specifying it in the project notes.

How does changing an object's category affect AI recommendations?

Changing an object's category can significantly influence the recommendations generated by artificial intelligence. For example, if you change the category from "Just a platform" to "Children's playground," the AI will start suggesting ideas related to play equipment, safe surfacing, and zoning for children. This allows you to receive more relevant and useful suggestions from the system, tailored to your specific needs.

Can changes be undone?

Most modern planners, including FormSpace, have an "Undo" function, which allows you to revert one or more steps. This is very useful when experimenting with different options. However, it is always recommended to periodically save your project to avoid losing significant changes, especially if you are making many adjustments consecutively.

Why is it important to name objects correctly?

Proper and meaningful naming of objects significantly simplifies project navigation, especially when there are many elements on the plot. It helps to quickly find desired objects in lists, facilitates the evaluation and budgeting process, and improves communication with contractors or other family members who may be involved in the implementation process. For example, "Bench by the pond" is more informative than "Bench 1."

Are there limits to the number of changes?

Generally, there are no limits to the number of changes you can make to objects. You can experiment with categories, names, and materials as many times as needed to achieve the desired result. The main limitation might only be related to your own fatigue or your computer's performance with a very large and detailed project.

When is it best to change parameters – at the beginning or end of a project?

It is best to change object parameters and experiment with them throughout the entire design process. In the initial stages, this helps to form the overall concept, and in later stages, to detail and refine the chosen solutions. Flexibility allows you to adapt to new ideas, budget constraints, or unexpected discoveries as the project develops, without waiting for the final stage.

Flexibility in working with objects on your plan is a powerful tool for achieving the ideal result. Don't be afraid to experiment with categories, names, and materials. Every adjustment brings you closer to realizing your dream plot, making the project more thoughtful, functional, and visually appealing.