leecalisti

@Nina Ivanova I'd be happy to share the file, but not publicly. I've used VW since 1995, so my experience goes far back. My typical workflow is to turn off as many classes as possible and export them to DWG. My settings were close to the settings, but I may have had boxes checked under the 3D category. I've been exporting from a design layer, NOT a sheet layer. Is that not the intended workflow? My desired result is a simple 2D (flat CAD) drawing as small as possible to share with whomever. I want all 3D information to be removed. For years, that was my workflow, but it seemed that either VW or I changed something this week. When I imported the DWG file (which I do to check it), much information was missing, and at times, the "arcs" in a furniture symbol were enlarged many times over, making the drawing look confusing. (No, I didn't take a screenshot). Ultimately, I'd love to export to Revit (or IFC), but when I did recently, my engineers were able to open an IFC model, but it had no 2D representation for walls, doors, and other elements. It doesn't have the proper 2D appearance, so I'd instead have my engineers work on a flat 2D file so their drawings would have the same graphic quality as mine. Ugh...this is the real day-to-day experience of this architect. Would you prefer I send you a private link to the file?

@Jonathan Pickup Do you recommend exporting from a Sheet Layer or Design Layer when the desired output is a flat, 2D drawing? I've been exporting from the Design Layer all these years. Using your settings from a Sheet Layer was more successful.

I thought it was just me @zoomer. I've been exporting to DWG since the beginning, and today, I was asked to send a DWG file of a floor plan of a VW BIM model. I even had my settings saved. I always check my DWG export by importing it into a blank file. Most of it was missing because I was not getting what I expected. I had to rely on an older DWG file to solve today's crisis, but the problem still exists. What changed @JuanP? Why did someone mess with something that was working? I need to try @Jonathan Pickup settings, but I think this is headed in the wrong direction. Why can't it simply flatten everything to 2D without weird stuff happening? My clients and engineers merely want a 2D CAD file similar to how we would have created it in the 2D-only days. Any ideas or links are appreciated

If I can hop on a stream that asks the same question, I am not following why the Data Visualization Tag defaults in a Sheet Layer VP when the Data Visualization (DV) is toggled off and on. Can I find the data tag style in VW and edit it? I may be missing something here. See the attached screenshot video. My sequence: 1. Start with Sheet Layer VP - Turn ON DV 2. Enter annotations and edit DV label text 3. Exit SLVP, turn off DV 4. Data tag defaults to original text and text style I omitted the OIP in the field of view but wanted to focus on the tag detail. Thanks to anyone who can help. @Pat Stanford Data Visualization Tag - On and Off.mp4

It's taking me a while to get used to the newer cabinet tool, but once I had something close to what I often use, I made it into a 'style.' That helps going forward, as I rarely get that crazy with cabinets (primarily commercial or multi-family work). I'm still working to understand it better, hoping it becomes more intuitive in later versions. For now, I have what I need.

Ugh - I am having a horrible time with this on a PC. I upgraded to VW 2025 and after a long frustrating series of guesses, I finally got logged into it. Now, I am logged out again, and I can't remember what I did before. Enscape - FIX THIS!

Yes, I am having that problem now. Can anyone please help? It seems like a bug, and I have editing to do. I've tried in multiple files with no success. @Matt Panzer - anyone?

Fast-forward to 2024, and I must clarify that my attitude has pivoted toward the Notes Database. With continued use since then, I depend on it now. My database could use more organization and maintenance, but I like it and have used it on most projects (if not all) since this post more than four years ago. The user interface could use some updates, and it could be more easily searched. I won't stop using it, but I hope VW continues to improve it.

bummer - I have had this same question since I can remember

@Kevin McAllister Years later, your note helped. But after reading it, it seemed so obvious. Thanks.

It seems we're getting off course regarding VW vs Revit vs others. As others have stated, pick what you like, as someone will always root for one over the other. I like VW, but I've never used Revit. My experience with others using it doesn't tempt me at all. My point in this conversation is that it's hard to absorb added fees of 30% to 50%. We prefer the 5% per year and fool me. Does the higher SS fee for VW sway me to look elsewhere? Never - not interested. We're just complaining to complain in my book, and that's what forums are for, right?

@Archistyles - Oh no, sorry - thumbs down to Vectorworks. I'm so sorry that happened to you. It's hard to know how like or dislike buttons translate. A few years ago my VW SS membership went up twice. However, it is now about 50% more than it had been for years. What's frustrating is there is no reasonable other option. Rarely do Revit users say good things and that program is harder to learn or use (I presume) than Vectorworks - and it costs much more than VW.

I just had this happen, but it was a class issue so far. I'll keep monitoring it.

I had this problem before - used a polygon with a different hatch as a workaround. The local mapping could also work, but watch that it doesn't change when you create PDFs. I have a long story about how this made a small mess with a tile installer on a construction site, but when I fixed it, I didn't even try to tell the story about Vectorworks hatch directions. We wonder why we like rectangular buildings following the x and y axes.

@zoomer I hear you, as I've had a SS perpetual license since 2010 or whenever they started them. Mine went up from $550 or so to $750 or so - I don't like it. What are my options? Monthly subscription - $150/month? Check Revit, and you might as well hand them your bank balance. The subscription mode is where all software companies are or are headed. What I can never do is let my SS perpetual license lapse. That would be tragic. Remember the old days when one could buy the CDs and stop there if you wanted (barring needing updates)? I'm dating myself.