VincentCuclair

Just to end on a positive note for today, i think that in the 'future' we (architects, engineers, builders, product manufacturers etc.) will be working on the same 'virtual' file in a project, adding our elements simultaneously, while being able to see all other parts(construction, ventilation etc.) being edited/drafted in real time, everybody in different programs that fit their taste, all information available in every product ie windows/doors from Velux or Velfac with the manufacturer editing as soon as you have added their product.....etc. Utopia, i think not. What do you think Virtual Teamwork BIM! So sure just now it's a hot debate, then, piece of cake - A virtual single file setup with Teamwork capabilities and background reference layout.

What i meant Christiaan was the exact opposite, that that suggestion essentially doesn't have to be interpreted with any ill intent, you might find out that another App actually is developing into one that fits your purposes/taste better.

What part?

Looking forward to your next post with new suggestions Christiaan .......got to get back to work...

....anyway back to the issue at hand, some of the issues you put forward suggest a radical change to the way VW works....of-course this creates strong reactions from 'normal' users......and people saying "if you like AC so much why don't you change to that app instead" perhaps have more validity than you give credit for, because thats the beauty of it, that there actually are several apps that are fundamentally different and that there is a choice , the discussions of which is more or less superior are essentially uninteresting.

That's not a reason for letting the past trump the future. That's just a statement of why the current user base exists. If the needs of the past trump the future than that's where we'll stay, in the past. I don't happen to think the needs of the past do actually trump those of the future when it comes to NNA and VW, but there are certainly users or would like to see it that way. No doubt about that. Nope, I've worked with Bentley, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD and VW and i choose VW for the way it works, not because it is better (or cheaper) than the others, in my experience they are all fairly similar.....VW has developed into what it is because of the past! I've also posted wishes that are helpful tools that i currently use/used in other apps, however some of the suggestions you come with ie. single file workgroup as opposed to multi-file reference setups are major implications that radically 'change' the way we(current user base) and VW works, it's (probably) not a simple add-on. I for one see the advantages of both but personally prefer Reference file setups.

Good for you! That must probably be the worst program in the history of the world! I prefer doing word processing in AutoCAD than in MSWord (and i hate AutoCAD)

Most of the naysayers i have come across have valid arguments though for their naying.... Because the past has created the current user base...... That's not my experience. NNA engineers are far more adult when it comes to taking criticism than other users I find. I don't know who the engineers are or if they participate in this forum, but (i'm guessing they don't) most of us are users and our views are as important as those of the engineers so we basically can only discuss it from our perspective however, it would be great if the engineers (again assuming they are not) would take part in these discussions explaining the technical difficulties of (certain) issues.

Interesting Christiaan but what's the point...you think we are hypercritical? Not so, personally my 'irritation' (if it is that at all) derives not from your criticism of VW but more from the way you do it, often you (try to) show the deficiencies of VW by using examples from other apps. without (seemingly) considering what consequences this would have on VW and its current user base if implemented. Of-course you tick people off when you say that other apps can do certain things that VW can't and then don't come with your views on how to implement it in VW. To make a long story short, i think your posts are great, you seem to do a lot of evaluating over a wide range (most of which i think is valid with regards to VW), i just think you don't apply constructive criticism in such a way that it opens to discussions that can actually lead to solutions/implementation of said functions in VW, instead it often leads to a defensive attitude.

Sorry you're right don't know how i could have missed it?! My faith is restored

It would be a nice feature to add though: use the tool to move and the added feature would be copy with the ctrl key depressed!.....to be honest i'm a little surprised it's not already incorporated.

OK, then i understand . I've always liked the OIP function in VW and seeing Reshaper basically builds on this, it is indeed a usefull add-on, I'll practice with the demo and get a better understanding of it and its capabilities. Thanks for the tip anyway Andi, any plug-ins that make the job easier, faster and more flexible are always interesting. The advantage of a stretch function that stretches multiple objects including PIOs (i'm sure you'll agree ) is that it saves an incredible amount of time, especially when PIOs are involved. Unfortunately the VectorBits tool doesn't do this (yet) and that is mainly what i'm looking for. Perhaps an enlightened soul will come up with a solution soon.

I just received the Reshaper 14 demo, installed it and ...... don't understand very much Am i missing something? All it 'seems' to be is an extended OIP?! I'm not sure how it compares to the 'extended' Stretch tool ie: http://www.vectorbits.com/VectorBits/vectorbits/Entradas/2008/4/24_Strech.html i described earlier? All i can get it to do is manipulate one selected object? Please help, what am i missing?

Nope (at least i don't think so), however you can use a DLVP and opacity to achieve the same effect but with better graphics.....that's how i work now.....using DLVPs as backgrounds with 15% opacity. (The advantage is that you can manipulate ie rotate etc. the DLVP but not a grayed layer) If the background is an external VW file you can also use the colors and line thickness effectively in combination with opacity. PS! I can't remember if 2008 has opacity capabilities?!

Thanks guys that's very informative, however i was hoping for a way to get the sheet layer name to appear automatically when a sheet layer is created preferably in a(my) custom title block or in a specific designated place on the sheet layer (ie superimposed on the title block) . You see, if i have 50+ sheet layers (layouts) it saves a hell of a lot of time if i don't have to fill in each and every one (of what i can tell you still have to do this even when using the issue manager, right?)

Does anyone know a way to make the Sheet Layer name appear in a title block (or as text) in the actual Sheet. Is there a way to link them as text or as a data field? Perhaps a script?

I've been trying to setup a Template file but have run into a problem. When i go to Document Settings>Document Setup>Layer Scale and press Change i get this error message: Error: _2495 _118 - Menu cannot be found. Layer Scale When i close the window and try opening it again they don't open at all?! I have to restart VW to be able to open it again. This is only a problem in Layers not in Sheets and happens even when i create a new file with all the other template files. Any ideas?

Sounds good to me Imagine this opens possibilities for editing settings for a whole tree.....

I think he means a way to order the class/sheet lists with a certain hierarchy. If he does mean this I agree, when i open my class-navigation-dialog it takes forever to scroll to the classes at the bottom. I've always liked the way the list is ordered (hierarchy) in the View Bar and OIP, it's just a pity you can't edit for example class visibility from these dialogs.

Thanks Ion! That was what i was after. It is indeed an EXCELLENT tool!

.....your so call 'ineptitude' only amplifies mine , i was not aware of it and am VERY grateful now that i am! For anybody else unaware of this: http://www.siriussolutions.net/ ps is there a demo(film) showing its capabilities somewhere? I'm assuming it works in 2009?!

Don't know if this helps any, i haven't used it yet myself so i don't really know its capabilities, but it came up a few days ago and you never know.... http://www.dworks.be/English/Products/Commands/DUpdateTitleBlocks.html

And another....print Fence Area....

Another function to add to this list would be Custom Selection, select all objects of a certain type/class/shape/etc within the Fence.

When i press Ctrl + Alt i get a little pipette with a star over it. (It's a pick up attributes and activate tool in one function) is this native VW or is it a 3rd party plug-in i installed at one time and forgot about? Anyone know?