Just looking for some building advice really.... does anyone know if it's possible to copy a selection of objects from one building and "paste" them into a different/new building? The reason I ask is that I'm planning a large build and I want to create several small buildings (Blueprints) first then merge them all together in one grand Blueprint afterwards without having to rebuild them from scratch.
Well, you have several of options that work better for some things than others, so it depends on what you're trying to do.
1. Combining Blueprints
This is the easiest method. Say you have 3 separate blueprints that are components of a single large modular building. So, you place each module down individually and line it up as you want with the others. Then use the group select tool (lower right corner of screen) to select all 3 modules simultaneously. You can then save this entire selection as a single blueprint.
When you later place this single blueprint, the 3 original blueprints will appear in the same positions relative to each other as they had when you created the combined blueprint. However, for game terms, each module will still be a separate building, which you can select, move, and edit individually. To move the entire combined thing as a unit, you have to use the group select tool again.
2. Pasting Stuff Between Buildings
This really only works for non-gridded parts. Let us assume you have Building A (which necessarily must contain at least 1 gridded part), which has a large assemblage of non-gridded parts that you want to be in Building B. So first you have to create Building B if it doesn't already exist, meaning you need to plunk down at least 1 gridded part somewhere. Then go back to Building A and select the wad of non-gridded parts you want to copy, and duplicate them. Then go to Building B, click on one of its parts, and the editor will change from Editing Building A to editing Building B. Then place the wad of duplicated non-gridded parts. As long as you have "add to building" checked (which it is by default), the duplicates are now part of Building B.
3. Duplicating Non-Gridded Parts in the Same Building
Suppose you've made a "building" that consists of a single, easily hidden gridded part (such as the 1m wooden column) and some large decorative wad of non-gridded parts. Let's say this wad is a table with a big umbrella and several chairs. Save all this as a blueprint. Then place it where you want it and edit this "building"., First off, move the 1m wooden column somewhere you can hide it and well away from the table and chairs. Then you can group-select the table and chairs, duplicate them, and put the duplicate somewhere. This way, you can fill an entire plaza with tables and chairs, all of which are part of the same "building", and you only had to build 1 set, all the others being copies.
