mmiles

thanks for the input. I was drawing lines and offsetting....but the draw grid command is a faster technique. Thanks! I was hoping I could just move the reference grid around as needed. How about using two origins - how is that done? The help menu mentions it, but does not explain it, which of course is not very helpful.

Turns out there was a 3rd reference file attached to the drawing file. That file also contained the class and attributes I was trying to change. In fact, I believe the classes in question originated from this reference. Once I changed it there, the other files behaved as desired.

I am working out the layout pattern for a series of small (detail) using 2 1/4" and 1-1/8" modules in a large room. The room will be adjusted based on this small module; and also the locations of critical doors and openings. This is all drafted line work, BTW. I would like to use the reference and snapping grids to help adjust how I position the start points of the pattern. However, the grid, when displayed, is not in the right spot according to the floor plan that I am using. Is there a way to select the grid and relocate one of the axis to a start point of my choosing? If not, what options do I have? thanks!

Hi all, I would like to make a symbol similar to the receptacle, communication tools where I draw a shape that then is attached to a record which describes what the symbol is: in my case I have a drafted symbol to represent window treatments being control by motors (i.e. motorized blinds). I want to place this symbol and have control over the following: 1. display a label which indicates the type of motor and window treatment. This is an abbreviation which is used on a specification and notes sheet. I.e. E-01 2. Have a list of types from which to select, i.e. E-01, E-02...E-08, or a data field where I can enter the number for each instance of the symbol. 3. ability to toggle the label on or off; i.e visibility control via a boolean command, or something; NOT by turning off a class. 4. Possibly be able to have different symbols depending on which label is selected; similar to how I choose between different receptacle types. I do not know or understand vector script, nor do I have time to learn programming. PIO is a mystery to me - like much of the program - but I have extensive parametric model experience using other programs where creating these types of items is GUI based. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Or better yet, tell me how to find the VW receptacles symbol so that I can cannibalize it, and make what I need from it?

Hi All, I have a puzzle that is driving me MAD. I have a class that is being used to indicate hatch patterns for (drafted) walls on my floor plans. I have a 2nd file referenced into this file which also contains the same class, with the same attributes. When I attempt to edit the hatch - to change it from one hatch pattern to another - the edit does not stay as I edit it. When I save, close, and then re-open the file, the hatch pattern used for the class has reverted back to the original hatch pattern. I have even created a new class with the hatch pattern I want, and then deleted the first class (moving the objects on to the new class) and when I close and reopen, the new class is now using the previous hatch setting. What is going on?!?

Can anyone tell me why my screen jumps to blank space when I exit a viewport? I thought there was a setting for this but I do not know where I find that. The same thing happens when I opt to edit a design layer from within a viewport. But, in each case, this does not seem to be a workspace setting, since it happens almost randomly. T.I.A. !

Hi all, One of our users has run into a problem with a few files. An error stating that a file is in use appears while trying to open files. This message indicated that the computer being used was the one that had the file open. That the file was open was not true. No one else was in the office at the time, nor were there any other computers running, let alone using VW or the file in question. Additional info: All of the files that are generating these messages are in the same project file folder, although several VW files for the project are in sub-folders of the project file folder. We are recent upgrades to VW2013 Architect, from VW 2008 Architect. Thanks in advance for your input.

Thanks, Peter. So, you do not think there is a setting somewhere that is contributing to this - like a tolerances, or dimensions setting?

Hi all, We have a problem on one of our workstations, where the user will modify an object (for example: a rectangle) using the object info palette, and the object will shift its location, very slightly (i.e. a small fraction of an inch). The object(s) shift no matter what vertex (or, points on the rectangle diagram) on the shape tab is selected. And, as far as we can tell, it is always shifting in the negative X direction. Any thoughts on what is controlling this? Is it a feature, or a bug? thanks.

ahh...I will look into that. thanks.

I was thinking there would be two files: two plan files, with one plan xref'd into the other. The plan containing the xref would also contain the sheets (which are for reference only; each contains relevant annotations). If I were using ACAD, I would simply send the two files to my consultant, and the reference file could be easily re-attached (if needed) since the file would recognize that I referenced an external file. As it appears, my consultants have to explode my files in order to work with them - which I believe is a BAD idea, generally speaking. But what about the fill patterns? Some objects, but not all, which have no fills, export with them. It seems random to me, as I have not discerned a pattern.

Maybe I am just feeling cranky, but VW seems severely limited when it comes to exporting files to DWG format. I export my file which has a file referenced to it. I export selected sheet layers and design layers. I open a new file to import the DWG to see what it looks like. The import now has two symbols in it - one the plan file, and one the referenced plan file. Why? How is this helpful to my consultants? And, objects that had no fill now have fill, and text that is part of a group is not displaying; and, generally it looks like a big messy file. Here is my setup: two plan files; plan 1 has plan 2 referenced into it (there is a match line drawn in each. Plan 1 contains all the (plan) sheets for this project. I want to export the design layers for each file, and the sheet layers. What is the best way to do this, and does this method require much extra work after the fact? thanks....

Oh, I understand how that works. The thing is, the plug-in object does not respond to attribute changes in that manner. The text block still maintains the fill. I was hoping to be able to toggle that off. Thanks, though...

Thanks. I always forget about the pull-down menu for selected text! How can I turn off the fill for the whole project? Is this specific to text? I think re-writing the plug-in is what I am interested in knowing more about. I have modified a title block, following a tutorial, but that is the extent of my customization experience (in VW). Any suggestions?

I would like to use the "Room Name Simple" tool found in the Dim/Notes tool palette, but I would like to modify is somewhat. I.e. remove the fill pattern on the room number text; or change the font; and modify the box drawn around the room number. Can someone tell me: Is it possible to modify, or copy and modify this tool? If so, how do I go about it? (I am using VW 2008 Architect). thanks!

in VW 2008 Architect: when on sheet, and double clicking on viewport, to edit the Design Layer, the "view" does not center on the area of the viewport. In other words, when I click to edit the design layer, the screen moves into the design layer, but to an area of the layer that is not where all my line work is located. Why is this? It seems to be related to the computer, not the file, but I am not completely sure of this. Can anyone offer a suggestion? thanks.

By default, our office likes to have all classes set to visible for our sheet layers. In many cases, we have notations (i.e. Legends) placed directly onto the sheet layer. Lately, we have had a problem with this. Can anyone tell me why our class visibilities -established for the sheets- keep changing? In other words, on a regular basis, classes revert to not visible, and unless we go to each sheet before printing, we have prints without legends, and general notes. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Revit can import DWGs, but you are right, one cannot then edit that imported file. But my question is why would you do that? Do you get consultants' files and then modify them? I am not sure what the costs are today, but initially when Autodesk bought revit it was packaged all by itself for a price. Then Autodesk bundled it with AutoCAD for a small markup

I have fairly extensive Revit experience and now work for a very small firm that uses VW. And, I have to say, initially I was hopeful...but have determined that the appeal of VW is very clearly related to "thinking small" (i.e. small firm with little enthusiasm to invest in software). I think Revit blows VW out of the water primarily because it was developed specifically for designing and documenting buildings. Like AutoCAD, VW has cast a wide net hoping to appeal to lots of different designer types, and like ACAD, VW comes up short in the built for architects department. Revit is very robust and quite impressive as an all in one kind of program (i.e. model, schedule, draft, walk-thru, render, document for construction, potential for sending files direct to fabrication) That being said, it will take time to learn the nuances and work arounds for Revit, so good luck. I wish I could convince my firm to switch from using free sketch-up and then recreating drawings with old style process in VW!

woo hoo! More limitations, yeah! Thanks for the input, I appreciate the tip.

setup: VW 2008 (architect; although we always only draft) File 1: Floor plan in one file; referenced into design layer of File 2. File 2: Interior elevations drafted old-school style with floor plan in middle and all elevations drawn on all four sides of plan. (it's messy....). Sheets set up in File 2 with viewports created on the sheet layers. Example with problems: One sheet has a viewport with the referenced Floor Plan (file 1) displaying in it. I select the VP and in the OIP I select the "classes" button to make some changes to attributes in one or more of the classes. Problem One: some classes from the referenced file do not appear on the classes list. however, if I go into the design layer to edit classes, the missing classes do appear in the list. What's up with that? Problem Two: (still working in classes for the VP on the sheet layer) edits to class attributes have no effect whatsoever. The dialogue shows the changes, but the Referenced file does not change in display. However, if I make the changes in the design layer, the file display does change, though it appears to do so globally, and is therefore not specific to a sheet viewport. I feel like the problems lay with how we set up the files. But, I am not sure what the proper way to do this really is, and I am nervous about making one change for my own sake and messing up all other sheets somehow. I believe that I have already done this in the past while attempting to experiment with how various incarnations of VPS work when I changed a setting that inadvertently ended up turning off several classes on all Sheets. Any pointers, or tips? Thanks.

got it. Is the idea that you input the number in the Data tab of the Object Info Palette?

Thanks Christiaan, I would like to take a look at it, but I am on VW2008. Would it be too much trouble for you to export it to that version? On a similar note, I would like to modify an out of the box plug-in (Room Name) but it is locked. I am new to MAC and VW, and cannot figure out how to unlock it. Do you have any advice?

Our office only uses VW for drafting (i.e. 2D). The building shell tools are never used. We draw everything (old school). So given that, i am looking for a symbol, or plug-in to use for door tags, and window tags. Is there an out-of the-box one to use? And, if so, where can I find it? I am thinking along the lines of the drawing reference tool, but for windows and doors (i.e. place a shape with text in it, and with a dialogue box (PIO)). If not, what does everyone do in this case? We have a group made up of a shape and a piece of text that we copy and edit, but the geometry is on one class, while the text is on the None class; as is the group. There must be a better way. thanks.

Thanks Vincent, I was attempting to use the elevation section marker tool, but ran into problems with orientation of text and orientation of extension line. So, I resorted to using the reference marker, and selecting "Detail", and then I manually added the line to point to the object that I referencing. However, I want to change the default location of the text for that symbol - but, I cannot find where the symbol is located. Using the elevation section markers file as a reference, I see that I cannot change the default location of those annotations, so I assume the same is true for the Detail reference marker. I am just wondering how it can be done, so if I can find the symbol used for the detail reference marker then I can change that one.