Marc Davies

I would like to use data tags to create a sequenced numbering for desk layouts which I know I can do with the number stamp tool. BUT... I want to number desks AND have the number write itself into a record "location" field for each desk so that the location number is given in a schedule. (Really useful for furniture move scheduling, identifying where items are coming from). I can create linked text to do this within each symbol, but cannot figure out how to create a plug-in parameter where the stamp tool (or similar data tag) works with the record data for a linked object, although my reading suggests this should be possible. I want to add the number automatically to a worksheet/record AND/OR pick up any existing number data from such. Anyone got similar experience?

Would also love to be able to import layers (preferably with an assigned colour number for both pen and fill) from a spreadsheet including some outline/folder hierarchy. Sooo much easier than creating all from scratch. - I know a template might help, but there are so many differences between each project in my humble experience.

Hi JMR, Thanks I will have a look at how this works with symbol objects, and sorry for the late appreciation - only just spotted your post.

Is there a method anyone has used for hybrid symbols or objects to inherit space properties? I would like to shortcut the lengthy and error prone effort of manually assigning room numbers or names to furniture records (which is my current method) to enable worksheets with room-by-room (i.e. space-by-space) take off. I hope I am not alone in this requirement?

I have noticed this, but a colleague who is much more patient than I am, waited longer before trying to move in First Person. It probably depends on how many polygons are included and how long it takes to pre-cash before the arrows work or before the auto walk-through move feature loads. Not getting stuck behind objects such as furniture also helps as indicated in previous post. Once working it seems to be smooth (at least for relatively simple geometries). TIP: look down at the floor in 360 view and aim the blue dot at the control options... and maybe take some sea-sickness tablets if you set the speed too high.

I have noticed that while data visualisation (UK spelling) is a wonderful thing for adjusting colours keyed to record data, it only currently works to override 2D fills. Because it works on over writing classes I thought it might work on class fills for 3D items also (which would be even more useful for me just at the moment). Am I correct in assuming that it is only 2D items or have I missed something along the way?

I have noticed that while data visualisation (UK spelling) is a wonderful thing for adjusting colours keyed to record data, it only currently works to override 2D fills. Because it works on over writing classes I thought it might work on class fills for 3D items also (which would be even more useful for me just at the moment). Am I correct in assuming that it is only 2D items or have I missed something along the way?

That video was interesting, but all done by parametric object creation. I would have to learn all about parametric to make that work for me - alas no time for that.

I am looking for a method of creating NEGATIVE objects such as a sink which punches into work surfaces automatically (similar to doors in walls). Is there a way to create negative space which does an automatic object subtraction e.g by symbol

Olly, I'm really interested in this topic also. Our team has looked at importing ODBC data from Filemaker Databases to attach data to Symbols - which seems to work, but we have not worked out how to import and attach IFC data to over 1000 symbols, and frankly non of us fancy manually inputting the data. As everything works from databases at either end of the process it follows that getting to the data should be a lot easier, whether it is for import or export. With Government edict that interchangeable BIM is a business requirement for publicly funded projects we definitely need more VWks help on this now mission-critical need, or VWks will lose its customer base.

I have an interesting problem. I am using classes to define exports from VWks to Cinema4D so I need to set up a number of classes against a series of symbols in different files. Due to the large number of objects I have in my library - over a thousand, I would like to set up a text list of default classes of about 50 materials to import. Any suggestions other than typing them into a default drawing and importing?

I have to agree with Kevin. With leapfrogging upgrade cycles and OS versions (Leopard), it means that we struggle to ever have an exchange plugin working between VWks and C4d or any other industry-wide software. As professionals, who don't work for a software company, we need to use the best tools from across the industry to earn a living. It isn't the product we buy, it's the experience. Please help to make it a good one. (seeking VWks 2008, Cinema 4D 10.5 and Leopard harmony)

I have many symbols with records attached - mostly catalogue references for furniture items. Is there any way of importing additional text description data for each matching catref from an external source and attaching it to the record (automatically). I'm not keen on typing all the data in by hand and even importing text for manual copy and paste into the records isn't very appealing. Thanks in advance, Marc

Seeing as there are so many of you experts at Vectorscripting, would anyone be prepared to post the vectorscript text for this really useful function, or email me a successful VW9 (for Mac) working script? Seems like Nemetschek could usefully develop this as a default script. Thanks in eager anticipation DaviesTheChair ------------------

I'm not sure if this helps as I'm using filemaker Pro on a Mac, but the principles apply Xplatform. If you build your worksheets to calculate records attached to items in your drawing (Symbols or plain objects with attached records) as long as you recalculate your worksheet when you add symbols, you can export the latest information as tabbed text and then import into your database. As for marking items in the file, check out creating records in your help file. We use this process to define and output furniture items with identifying catalogue ID numbers with a count of items in a given room. The info is subsequently manipulated in the database rather than in Vectorworks worksheets as more data options are provided in the database.

Worksheets have become more useful through the various revisions of MC/VW but the instructions on counting items in records remain esoteric at best, and were better explained in previous versions than VW9. Placing 1 in the relavent database header needs some explaining to the uninitiated and is only referenced in VW8.x files. I do not have the instructions to work out VectorScript to provide a recalculate worksheet script, but it would be very useful if this was available somewhere in the drawing environment. Any takers?

I'm having difficulty in setting the callout marker styles, except for no marker, solid arrow and lasso, all other styles default to solid arrow. Any suggestions? I wondered is class styles were over-riding the settings, but I cannot find a way to overcome this. (UK mac user).