Jeff Bonny
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Posts posted by Jeff Bonny
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Edit. Request retracted.
Pat's workaround posted below is 100% sufficient. The development people have better things to do than write code for a new way to do something VW already does perfectly well.
To be able to use any field that accepts editing of a number by adding or subtracting to it by typing in a +/- number to also accept editing by +/- percentage.
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I've been looking at this issue for several days. I started typing my first post without thinking about what I know VW can already do and where the real workflow bottleneck is for me regarding classes. My needs for overriding pre-designation of classes only extends to symbols which as you point out VW already does. And even there it's only marginally useful as I often end up putting them in other classes. For example if there are several hundred shackles distributed throughout different parts of rig it's very likely that at some point I'd want to turn off some while leaving others visible.
The question here is controlling visibility. After a couple of decades of using VW I've found that while grouping is very useful simply creating in the intended class is often the more efficient strategy. I've just designated a keyboard command to open the Organization window which gives access to activating a class (and much other useful stuff). My only request would be to have it (and all keyboard activated menus) pop up under the mouse cursor as does a right click menu. It's a small thing but having gone to the increased real estate of a 32" screen my aging eyes find swinging the mouse around to hit a target more inconvenient than ever even with the mouse accelerated.
It's easy to settle into what you know even if it's not working as well as you'd like. My big takeaway from examining this aspect of my workflow is to remember that VW is a massive playground that very often offers multiple ways to get a result. Then to look for methods outside my comfortable habits, try some different things and really zero in on what changes to ask the devs for.
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Being able to easily have a symbol be automatically created in a specific class something I'd use extensively.
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I'm in Vancouver and can help you get going.
Text or call if you're still looking.
Jeff Bonny
cell 604-817-1753
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Is your 2025 Resource Manager completely empty or are the folders are there and you simply can't access anything in them?
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1 minute ago, User-B said:
UE is playing a big part in virtual production for film and video. As virtual production becomes more of an out of the box solution the technical knowledge is becoming less of a hurdle. I suspect that DMX controlled lighting inside UE will play a bigger part moving forward as well. Software like VW is a natural part in the process as UE is not purpose built for set design. Bringing in VW sets with full lighting designs and DMX patching seamlessly will be a leap forward.
I wonder if Unreal Engine will ever include .vwx imports? While AutoCAD and Solidworks are the standard in most industries VW has been the entertainment biz benchmark for set and lighting design.
What settings did you guys use exporting to Unreal Datasmith? Did you set up your builds in VW any differently to accommodate Unreal Engine?
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With the film biz going through major changes Unreal Engine has been a consideration. I'm all ears for this conversation.
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Thanks for all your videos Jonathan.
After watching the Custom Units on Dims vid I created custom units of millimeters in a document where the default units are inches. But in the Object Info Palette the length of a dimension changed to mm is still displayed in the doc default inches which seemed counterintuitive. Then I discovered that any dimension length regardless of the chosen units can be edited in the Object Info Palette in either metric or SAE simply by noting the particular unit in the edit (',", m, cm, mm etc.). After entering the edit it will still display in the doc default units in the palette and onscreen in whatever unit you've chosen for it. By selecting the dim you have at a glance the measurement in both the default and selected custom units. Very useful when dealing with industries that regularly mix metric and SAE.
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A way to better use Vectorworks with an iPad is long overdue. It could be a wholesale reworking of Nomad to streamline workflow but I'd favour a new app that can expand to comply with the rapidly improving hardware. iPad Pros are almost Macbook Airs now and in the future could run a well managed full version of Vectorworks. But that is at the very least a couple of generations off and shouldn't be in anyone's immediate plans. In any case something that will run on lesser iPad models is necessary anyway. I use an iPad Mini because the smaller size fits in a coat pocket and it's light and easy to use walking around a site making notes.
An iOS version of Vectorworks does not need full functionality to be useful.
What it does need is basic 2D editing functions, the ability to create new basic 2D drawings, easy to navigate 3D viewing, stellar annotation capabilities in 2D and 3D and highly functional import/export/file management to and from the full version of Vectorworks. I'm exporting multiple PDFs to the iPad, opening them in a PDF app (which all kinda suck) annotating the revisions onsite and exporting back to Vectorworks. This is clunky, inefficient workflow that clutter folders. I'd describe it as stopgap.
Tablets are improving rapidly. People are relying on them more. The software needs to keep up. Period.
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1. It would be useful to expand the Truss Tool to include the pin ans spigot connection used by Christie Lites and Arcofab. See attached drawing.
2. tt would also be useful very to be able to choose ladder or V bracing for any given side. The ladders on this type of mixed bracing truss are used for climbing access and as lighting points both of which need to be shown on drawings.
3. For the sake of accuracy internal diagonal bracing would be nice to add but that's a lesser concern.
Also is there a way to create specific truss configurations and save them as symbols?
I'm asking for these updates because I regularly use 12" medium duty Arcofab truss from a local rental house that there are no symbols for. It would be nice if Therio Innovations would provide symbols with structural data for the entire Arcofab catalog instead of the minimal pieces they've made available thus far. Last time I spoke to them they would still build anything from that catalog and there is a great deal of it still in use.
Thanks.
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I'm working with someone who wants to start using DEVONthink to database the files we've created though multiple seasons on a TV series. The current season is wrapping soon and over the hiatus I want to set this up for next season. Does anyone using this software have any thoughts on using it?
Thanks
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On 1/17/2016 at 4:54 AM, PVA - Jim said:
Adding this to the existing request. This one is dependent on some of our text/character handling tech being replaced but it's pretty much considered a "this has to happen" feature.
Seeing that Jim^^^ hasn't logged in for two years I'm kickstarting this thread hoping that someone will charge the batteries in the company give-a-**** meter and finally resolve this problem.
It's been seven years less a week since this was posted and there's still no font preview in the dropdown menu. I'm working on a freelance job this morning part of which is building a company logo title block. The client has been vague on the topic of fonts and has asked me create several different samples to show. I was just about to start the utterly craptacular process of using Word to preview fonts and realized I've freakin' had enough of it. The absence of font preview has been a source of frustration for years and I'm completely fed up with the serpentine workflow it imposes. Annotation is a core part of drafting and the attention given to crafting its workflow should reflect that.
Please add font preview.
Please also add the ability to edit the fonts list down to a Favorites list as @Grethe Connerth suggested.
Her request to be able to highlight text being edited and have it change while scrolling through available font options would be incredibly useful too.
Requesting a fix for a horribly convoluted workflow is not lazy or frivolous. It's essential and long overdue.
The absence of these features is wasting people's time and costing them real money.
Read through other threads with ideas like improvements to font mapping, adding
strikethrough, streamlined editing of dimension fonts, the ability to toggle box bordering text from the Object Info palette and it becomes obvious there's some work to be done. Development of efficient annotation in Vectorworks has lagged compared to other aspects of the software. It doesn't need to be perfect but it needs to be a lot better than it is right now.THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING THIS AND DOING WHAT YOU CAN TO ADDRESS IT.
/rant
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@jeff prince that's a very generous offer! I'm waiting for the complete land survey info from the landowner and I'll get back to you in the next few days. Thank you!
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I mainly design lighting, staging and rigging systems with Spotlight and have been asked to create a site plan for an event on a 23 acre rural site. Looking for ideas on how best to create accurate 3D landscape topography without the Survey Input function contained in Architect and Landmark. Given the current world situation this kind of event is even more speculative than usual and buying Architect or Landmark is not feasible right now.
I am experienced with using topo maps for navigation but creating 3D landscape topography is outside my wheelhouse. It is however essential to the design of this event. The only way I see to achieve a 3D model with the tools available in Spotlight is to use topo lines to create something like this physical model (see pic). This seems clunky, time consuming and unlikely to give the photo-realistic presentation results I'd like. Any suggestions?
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You're comparing modelling software to drafting software...apples and oranges in a lot of ways. I don't know Fusion 360 but have some experience with Solidworks. For pure 3D object design it's amazing but compared to Vectorworks it's incredibly clunky for creating the sets of BIM type drawings for theaters and sound stages that Vectorworks excels at. Vectorworks will do excellent 3D drawings once you learn it better.
I remember going from the Whole Hog lighting console to the MA. My biggest problem (besides the fact the original MA manuals sucked beyond belief) was continuing to think in Whole Hog terms and function while trying to use the MA. Eventually I learned what the MA did the same only with another name, what the MA would the do the same but in a different way and what the MA would do the Whole Hog could not.
You just have to accept the learning curve and put in the time. It's worth it. Vectorworks is by far the best software for general theatre/film/event design.
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On 4/11/2020 at 2:33 PM, Geddy said:
Love this symbols... Any way of getting a copy of the VWX file???
thanks
email me at jeffbonny@gmail.com
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The current Layher library is very good. When I started building my scaff library no such thing existed. A year and a half after posting this thread I suspect that despite technical difficulties it is only a matter of time before Braceworks technology allows creating complex ground structures with load capacity information and this will be much faster to do with an existing VW library than with a library created from scratch. I have not drawn any significant scaffolding for several months (and being shut down for the Covid duration probably won't for several more) but an issue I've had in the past has been the Canadian dimensions commonly available from my local suppliers haven't been adequately represented. Stairs have also not been easy to add and are very time consuming to create from scratch. And since much scaffold is supplemented with 1.5" pipe and stage truss accurately dimensioned libraries of pipe hardware like burtons, cheeseboroughs and Kee Klamp fittings would be incredibly useful too. I have built these things as I've needed to but my library is far from complete.
Another step in the evolution could be tools that allow easy creation and modification of stair configuration and of base height adjustment with parameters determined by specific screw jack specs. I'd also like to see libraries of other manufacturers equipment as has been done with stage truss. The basic components are often consistent between manufacturers but not always and the specialty pieces unique to individual companies that designers may be using by choice or by availability can differ widely. TSS from Etobicoke Iron Works is typical of rental houses have here in Vancouver, BC.
Things are definitely moving in the right direction. In 2017 when I showed Geoff McBeath my early system scaff drawings he didn't really understand how widely used scaffolding is in the entertainment industry and why I'd spend so much time building these symbols. But doing an image search for "live entertainment scaffold" and scrolling though page after page of images he got it instantly. One thing I appreciate about VW is how quickly and competently customer needs drive change.
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Ok then what I am assuming is I've already spent too much time ****ing around with this release and I need to get back to work. For several years from release to release I haven't had a single issue with cover flow or any other system view options becoming unavailable or needing to be turned back on.
The company needs to pause and take stock. I don't care how fast a sports car goes and how many slick features it has if I can't find the headlight controls without taking my eyes off the road. Sorry if I'm being somewhat curt but this release has cost me a lot of work time I didn't get paid for and I'm frustrated. Looking for a file this morning and not having a view option that's been there seamlessly through several versions kinda put me over the top. I'll be ok. The cure for cancer isn't hanging on this.
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With 2019 Vectorworks is no longer integrated with the Mac OS cover flow view in Finder? WTF? It's one of the two Finder views I use and now it's now gone. Great.
One more cluster**** release like this and I'm not sure I'll bother upgrading again. I don't care about more cool features if basic workflow components aren't there.
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On 11/27/2018 at 6:19 AM, Jim Wilson said:
Used licenses are normally sold at a discount compared to the brand new ones. It's perfectly fine to buy one from another user here, the only extra step is contacting sales@vectorworks.net just before the purchase so that they can confirm the previous owner and transfer ownership of the license to you.And come renewal time you're only paying the regular renewal fee for that license correct?
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Here are the stairs and a wireframe screen capture showing snap point loci in the rosette and ledger head. Also built into all ledgers and standards are centre lines to snap deck hooks and various clamps common to scaff builds to.
SYSTEM SCAFF STAIRS_180402.pdf
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2 hours ago, Rob Books said:
At this time, Braceworks can not calculate a ground based system. so, scaffolding will not really work in Braceworks. we just released a library of Layher scaffolding Allround and will be talking with the engineers about the possibility of making it connect in Braceworks. Not sure if that will happen or not.
Given the large amount of scaffold that gets used in the entertainment industry it would be very useful to be able to make these calculations with Braceworks.
I just opened the Layer scaffolding file. I'm having software/hardware issues and can't do much but this library looks like it will be of limited use. Maybe there are additional files I did not download but Scaffolding Layher Allround Event.vwx is not a complete set of common system scaffold symbols and there are no loci to make snapping the components together easy. You won't be able to build very much or build it very quickly.
Here are three PDF's of the scaff symbol library I've built so far. I intend to add more components as time permits or circumstance demands. The hidden line rendering does not show the snap points. If I can find the time and my computer doesn't freeze I'll do a wireframe version that shows how I've used 3d loci to make assembling structures simple and logical. I also have stair treads and stair stringers built but haven't exported a PDF. I've also got screw jacks, wheels and some other misc parts.
SYSTEM SCAFFOLD SYMBOLS_BAY BRACES & STANDARDS_JB_REV 3_180213.pdf
SYSTEM SCAFFOLD SYMBOLS_LEDGERS_JB_REV 3_180213.pdf
SYSTEM SCAFFOLD SYMBOLS_WOOD DECKS 19" & 24"_JB_REV 3_180213.pdf
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Has anyone tried getting structural analysis of system scaff by asking Braceworks to see it as custom truss? I've built a library of system scaffold component symbols based on the Etobicoke Ironworks TSS catalog and next week when I've got the new iMac and undone the Mojave install I'll be trying to make scaff work accurately as truss. I would welcome any thoughts on the subject.
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2018 had been working fine on a late 2013 iMac running Sierra. 2019 on the same machine running Mojave is not usable. With Mojave 2018 is also now too slow to be practical. I wish Apple would let you roll back without wiping your hard drive but with jobs to finish asap I guess a fresh start is where I'm at. Simple 2D drawing works well to get the immediate work done but text entry on design layers and in viewports is beyond painfully....20-30 seconds per character. Drawings aren't much good if they aren't annotated. I won't even bother trying to render anything or use Braceworks with this setup.
It did kick my butt to order the iMac Pro I've been hemming and hawing on. While I'm sure ultimately it will be a good machine some of my problems must lie with 2019 bugs and/or compatibility problems with Mojave. Like many others I'm of the strong opinion that new versions and updates should come when they're ready not when a page falls off the calendar. That said a bug fix/Mojave compatibility update can't come quickly enough.
Editing Objects By +/- Percentage
in Wishlist - Feature and Content Requests
Posted
Of course. Thanks.