Ariel

Actually, that's exactly what I had in mind. No importing necessary --- just display the Autocad file in one layer.

Just thought this feature would allow us to exchange files more effectively with other consultants. Any comments on how this would or wouldn't work? Ariel

The exchange plugin CD is labelled CD version #3.1. I'm guessing it's the 12.5 plugin since we purchased all the software less than a month ago. I'm using the windows version. I checked inside the VW plugins folder and the two plugin files have modification dates of 9/14/2006. One of them is 472kb. hth. Ariel

Bad news. VW 2008 crashes when I try exporting a viewport (formerly layerlinked model). Oh well, back to VW 12.5 for me. With viewports being the culprit, one workaround is to convert everything to 3d polygons (via the cut 3d section command) before running the plugin. Ariel

I was able to install the plugin in VW 2008. I did some quick test exports to C4D 10.5 which seems to work fine. I was able to crash VW though when I used an old VW file but I'm not yet sure what would happen if I export a new VW project. Have to do some more tests. Anyone else care to share their problems using the plugin in VW 2008? Ariel

I'm hoping that the move by points allows you to move an object by clicking anywhere on screen (not necessarily on the object selected). Can anyone confirm this since nowhere in the video did they show it?

I'm not sure if you answered your own question, Michael, but if you're asking if VW can do both, I would have to say yes. Actually as a conceptual modeller, Sketchup may be a better tool but once you put accuracy into the equation, I would still recommend that you use VW --- even at the schematic stage of the project. I do a lot of visualization services for other architects and I use both software in my work. But from my own experience, I've rarely found the need in doing any modelling in Sketchup. I simply find it easier and faster doing it in VW. My typical workflow for one client usually involves the following: 1) do the initial model in VW 2) export the model to Sketchup 3) email the sketchup model to client to finalize the camera view/s 4) develop the model in VW and render in Cinema 4D. So as you can see, I can make do without steps 2 and 3 in most of my other rendering jobs. Take note as well that this architect client owns a copy of Sketchup but still couldn't use it to model his own design. Go figure. ariel

I've experienced corrupted or bloated VW files by importing dwg so I make it a rule to import acad files to a separate document. This is where I clean up the class assignments and simply 'cut and paste' to the actual project file. ariel

>If NNA can make it work in Allplan why not in VW? Is this really a valid question? Just because Nemetschek bought Graphsoft, should we really expect some shared features between the two software packages? Following the same logic, does the latest version of Autocad have any Revit-like features as well? Ariel

Btw, is it possible to 'freeze' the section viewport into a 2d only drawing?

Thanks for the link, Sean. All I can say is "woohoo!". Hope sectional perspectives aren't far behind. Ariel

Will the current C4d/VW exchange plugin work in VW12?

>What ArchiCAD does (or is supposed to do - it does make mistakes, for instance if you have an intersection of a brick interior wall and a concrete slab - Allplan does a better job at that), is draw the whole set of data not only in 2D, but also completely in 3D. VectorWorks 12 doesn't do that (yet?). BaRa, Can you please explain this again? Are you saying that live sections are only in 2d? Can VW12 do sectional perspectives? Ariel

>I think this is quite clear as to what i mean. Saying that 'There is no need for a rotate view command' maybe fair enough for you Shaun but for some of us it is a necessary and a sorely missed time-saving tool. Accuracy is not my problem with not being able to roate a view. Speed and efficiency of drafting are....! Especially on multi million euro jobs such as the ones we are comissioned to design. Thank you for the post, Richie. You explained it very clearly for me. I do very similar projects all the time. But I'm still not convinced that this would make my work any faster. I prefer to view my plans in one direction. I'm also particularly concerned how much this would affect the VW interface (ie. OI palette, data display bar). Perhaps an "editing a layerlink in place" feature would make everyone happy instead. What do you think? Ariel

Sorry I confused you, Michael. I meant I'm not convinced that we need the rotate 2d view feature. Ariel

>Coming back to the "live sections". I don't think it's really live. From the images in the PDF it covers the "cut" part with a red polygon. It does not deferentiate between concrete slabs, brickwork, glass, etc, etc. This does not represent true Live Sections like archicad. Call it whatever you like, Michael. As long as the section view updates when I revise my model, I'm not complaining. I've been asking for this feature for years. Thanks, NNA! Katie, when can we expect the demo software? Ariel

>Ariel -> Is it possible to offset walls? I never found this in my VW Basic version? Oops, sorry my bad. You can only offset walls using the control-drag method. Would have a been a nice feature though. Ariel

Sorry to repeat myself but could someone please post a sample project. I want to understand why I can't be just as accurate/efficient/fast by using the current tools VW already offers. Personally, I seldom go through the layerlink route. I usually draw all the walls as is. What's so wrong in using the offset tool or just hitting ctrl-L to rotate an angled wall by 90 degrees? Ariel

>Back in the days of manual drafting, if a building was at 11 degrees off of normal- we would pick up the paper, rotate it to align the building to the parallel rule and tape the sheet back down! Why does this concept seem so foriegn to NNA- its BASIC DRAFTING!! Actually, Haich, you didn't have to do that if you used those drafting machines with the "rotatable" rulers attached to mechanical arms. Ariel

The reason why I think this would complicate matters refers to what angles would I see in the info palette if ever this feature is implemented. Which coordinate system would a 30 degree angled line associate with? This may be easier to grasp for an Autocad user but still another concept to hurdle. I'm still not convinced. Can you guys please post a sample project? Ariel

Having little Autocad experience, would you guys please enlighten me on the advantages of the ability to rotate the 2d view. Wouldn't this complicate matters than solve them? I encounter angled walls all the time and I haven't had any problems drawing them. Layerlinks seem to be the best solution (not workaround) if you ask me. Ariel

When I set the distance falloff of a point or spot to smooth (or sharp), how do I know exactly how far does the light reach?

quote: Originally posted by Dave Donley: Ariel: Sorry, we are concentrating more on the interactivity you get with OpenGL rather than trying to improve fidelity with it. It is nice that there are more unified extensions for it now. We will keep your wish in mind for future upgrades. Thanks for the reply, Dave. I'm praying that you finally have OpenGL shadows in the next upgrade. I really need shadows in all my model studies. I don't think it would be problem to have an option to turn it off if one wants better interactivity. It doesn't have to be highly accurate --- just decent enough for visualization. I want this even more than realtime sectioning. What do you mean by "more unified extensions"? ariel

Still disappointed that OpenGL mode can't render shadows. ariel

How come an extrude along path object can be inserted in a wall? Is this a bug or am I missing the purpose for such a feature? ariel