Kizza

Both issues solved, thank you. I'm using a 2010 trial version of Vectorworks 2010 in my spare time waiting for 2011! So technically I'm not a VW user yet.

Wondering what the workflow should be for dimensioning (ex revit user) As per the attached pic I created my own dimension style with fixed witness line lengths. I then create the dimension string and position it where I want. I then want to create a second line of dimensioning at the same spacing between them. Subsequently I want to add a third...is there a way to be able to automatically snap to the set distance in order to get a uniform look? Feels a bit tedious to manually move them into position each time. And can the hatching in the corners be fixed so that its all going the same way? thanks

Peter, Generally, applications rely more on CPU and games rely more on the GPU. Having said that, the GPU is becoming increasingly utilised in taking load off the CPU but is dependent on many things - hardware drivers, OS etc. Rendering I understand uses the CPU - the new version of renderworks will use the Cinema4D engine which should be a huge improvement. I would go with the 2.8Ghz i5 with the 5750 at 1Gb for future proofing. Processors become quickly out of date whereas the Dram for the card will be current for longer. Best bang for buck. (alternatively wait until USB3 gets included in the imac) I also read somewhere of VW users having trouble with i7 processors but can't find where I read it. I agree with you that the 27" seems a bit big. I have a 24" imac and its perfect as far as size goes. More of a concern for me though - What about the gloss screen, is it a problem for those that have the 27"?

The dimensioning works fine with windows and doors, its repositioning a wall once its been inserted as per my example that I want to find out.

Sorry didn't work

Nice, set position for a door or window allows a similar functionality as temp dims. Can it be done with walls though? Say I want to move the wall in attached pic to 2500mm? I double click on the dimension which allows me to change the dimension but wall doesn't move with it. Obviously the wall is constrained somehow....

Wow, what a response, thank you!! Yep I understand that. So if I understand correctly in VW the material (in Revit a material is a set of fill and texture attributes which you can apply to an object) is actually an attribute of the class. I have Renderworks as part of my trial. I understand. Yes thats exactly what I mean. Hopefully in 2011 Reference planes are essentially guidelines that you can snap to, copy, offset. Forgot to ask this in my previous post. I understand Archicad is probably a more appropriate competitor to Revit than VW. I understand that Vectorworks may not have the same level of functionality as Archicad. Those like me consider Vectorworks based on our needs. Where does Allplan fit into the product line? I mean it looks to me that VW and AllPlan are competitors to each other under the same company. Which leads me to wonder: if thats the case which one will get the most development from Nemetschek?

I'm into my final week with my Vectorworks fully functional trial period. I'm struggling a bit trying to get my head around layers, classes and a few other minor issues im having. I get that Levels = Layers I get Model Categories = Classes Materials = ???? In Revit I can create a material, assign a cut and fill pattern as well as line weights to it and apply that material to any object I create. In VW I create a extruded polygon (kitchen), assign it Z height as well as an extrusion height. How can I apply a material to this extrusion, say I want to give it a timber finish? Or does vectorworks control this attribute as a fill? Maybe VW Fill = Revit Material? Also, using the above example, is it possible to change or edit the extrusion height? This doesn't appear to be possible in the OIP. Also, two features I immediately miss and maybe there are workarounds from experienced VW users: Temporary Dimensions ( i really miss this) Reference Planes Maybe I should start a new thread for this but I'm getting close now to making my eval of VW. i appreciate all assistance to date.

Anyone specialise in kitchen/bathroom renovations using VW? How do you go about creating a library of kitchen cabinetry (casework)? Or should I say whats the best way to go about it? The base cabinet option under furnishings allows a fair bit of flexibility in creating a cabinet quickly but can the resulting cabinet be saved as a preset/object/symbol so that I can quickly reuse it?

So maybe I should also ask: In a modern architectural office of today that uses Vectorworks are there many issues that arise when collaborating with other consultants and how often do these issues arise? When I worked at a signage design firm we constantly received files from others and we needed to have the ability to open these files which meant that we had to keep up to date with our Adobe software. Do architectural practices using VW face similar issues?

I think it depends on what type of work you are doing. BIM can also get in the way of designing, for me at least. For example, try creating a 1200 high solid partition wall with glass panels to 2700 complete with mullions and then try and add a solid MDF door to the wall and see how the geometry is handled. And there is no way to "cheat" a door schedule, the info contained within the component is what will appear in the schedule, without the ability to overide it. The model needs to be accurate. VW's simpler approach has its appeal. I think of how I use Revit and I really only scratch the surface of its capability. And then there is cost.....

Do you mean that in the context of a larger organisation? I mean as a single man operation working on primarily alterations, additions and the like VW seems more than capable of producing the goods.

Just got back from a short break, reading through this thread (and others) it appears that a lot of VectorWorks users like the software but are also aware of its limitations. Looking at the pics on the gallery VW certainly seems to be capable in doing what I want it to do, bearing in mind that I'm just starting out. And yes, I will find a lack of certain features frustrating at first but will get used to it I guess. Another factor is that since I'm primarily running a mac VW has a distinct advantage in having a mac version commercially available. That essentially leaves me with two options, VW and Archicad. Yes I can run windows software on a mac and I am aware of the options there but I feel less inclined now to support two platforms, antivirus, backup of files, updating software etc. Too much time and money IMO. So not only am I facing an architectural software choice but also a platform choice. Since I'm of the opinion that Mac OSX is superior to Windows XP and Vista (in fairness I haven't tried Windows 7) I prefer to stick with OSX. I don't intend starting any PC vs Mac wars here or VW vs Revit for that matter, just want honest down to earth, at the coal face advice. At 39 I don't want to get it wrong with my software of choice. If Revit was available in a mac version though I think it would be a no-brainer for me.

Thanks for your response, there's a lot I'll miss by the looks of it.

That makes sense, I have a flyout menu available under the Windoor Icon which allows me to chose either the standard window, door or windoor icon. It appears I can use both i.e windows/doors and windoor.

Didn't know that Windoor is a third party plug-in. Without this plug-in doors and windows are symbols or components right? Do you model them yourself with parametric capability or is there a source whereby I can download them to try out?

I'm just starting out in my new career as a building designer, I come from a trade background. I trained on Revit and a little AutoCad. I personally didn't like the AutoCad way of working. I'm fairly proficient with Revit but have found the interface can get in the way and I don't want modelling to hinder the design process. So i'm looking at Vectorworks Architect as a possible option and have downloaded a demo version along with a training manual that I purchased that runs through a project. I'm undertaking this exercise presently in my spare time. I would be very interested in feedback from experienced users who have used both Revit and Vectorworks and what they've liked and disliked about VW. I actually prefer the Revit way of working with levels rather than layers. Was adjusting to layers much of an issue? I like the feel of VW's interface, it reminds me of my graphics days when working with Illustrator and Photoshop with the floating toolbars. I like the WinDoor tool as it allows you to create windows and doors with various features quickly and easily without having to model everything, my concern though is if this tool is too limiting? i.e. can you create your own profiles such as door frames which WinDoor can utilise? Can VW create pictorial door and window schedules? Does VW have a "live dimension" feature similar to Revit, making it easy to move various elements such as walls, windows and doors interactively? Seeing that Revit has changed the interface with 2010 (I used 2009) I expect a learning curve if I purchased Revit 2010. Obviously Vectorworks would also involve a learning curve but seeing that I'm starting out and essentially am choosing a platform for not only now but for the future I'm willing to invest time into training. I also have the advantage of having no history with architectural software such as AutoCad other than my exposure to AutoCad and Revit in my training. My target market initially would be alterations and additions, single and double storey homes. I would also like to break into the commercial market as I've recently completed some projects in this space. I plan to stay as a single man operation working from my purpose built studio at home. Cost is important, Revit is too much software for my needs as is Archicad. Important also is the ability of the software to create realistic renderings as well as solar studies including animated solar studies as well as having the ability to create nice 2D presentation drawings. As a potential VW user do I have access to online library objects similar to RevitCity? Thanks in advance for any advice!