matto

You can use the "Modify layers and classes... " command. the first time you do it, once you have class mapping all organised, there is a save file button that will save the set up. This file can be called every time you import a file from that consultant. Maybe not as automated as you would like but will speed you up a fair bit.

Also check out AnimationWorks www.ozcad.com.au may not be quiet what you are after but may do the job. I guess what you want is a series of Plug in objects that react to line pressure either producing motion or effecting that pressure.

the option key will give you these characters on OS X. option o = ? (diameter) that is the letter o option 0 = ? (degrees) that is the number 0

Yep every Mac but the mini can do dual monitors these days. Oh also found out recently if you buy it bulk you can get a really good discount, the magic number changes, and discount may come in the form of free applecare or memory upgrade. But worth asking your dealer what they can do, 4 or 5 iMacs should put you into negotiation range.

I too thought flashing was that thin folder metal stuff (we tend to use zinc, it lasts longer than gal.) I've been seeing Flashing as well, like the drawn lines all just disappear for just a small fraction of a second. But only since I upgraded to an Intel Mac.

We have a different model in canons iR C range and have had a mixture of issues with it including one similar to yours. See if you can get your hands on the PPD's files for the printer. I've found this driver works better on both PPC and intel Macs. The print driver should just have the model number and not have "canon PS" after the name.

Have to agree, i use a Macbook with 2GB of ram for Vectorworks 12.5 to take work home, presentation and working mobile. It's a very capable machine. Even handles Radiosty rendering as fast as i ever need it. The Mini is much the same machine. As always buy when you need, but if the MacBook has gone Core 2 Duo then the Mini should jump as well soon. Have you considered using iMacs then use your current screens so you have dual screen set ups? That way you get better Video Processor with dedicated ram, sure it's a bit more than the Mini's but not as much as the Mac Pro's. You also get the Core 2 Duo chips now. Either way there is really no reason to stick with just Mac Pro's you can mix and match the full range of machine to suit the use.

It might be help if you could provide a link that describes the projection method, an example would be great.

If you click select an object and look at the render tab of object info, you'll see at the top you set an overriding sketch style per object. In your case i'd make a more wavy style for and set the bamboo to that, then have everything else render to your other sketch style.

You could always work Laterailly. draw the plane like it's going nose in to the draw plane. use a very tall curved wall for the fusalage. just remember that the symbols will need to be made to take account the flipping.

Have to Agree that this would be a great thing as well. Keeps file servers and backup tapes cleaner. The added benefit would be backup by user, it that if someone opens a file to work on it (or just to cut and paste something out of it), does something they shouldn't that gets written over the common backup as well as the file. With local backups each user would have a copy of the file as it stood last time they worked on it. Also on the backup file it would be great to have both an auto back up on a short schedule, and save file prompt at a longer interval.

Have you had a look at the loft tool? Another option would be a curve extruded along the path of the outside of the tent.

I have to say I find it odd your file size is so large. For the most i've always found that VW files are smaller than DWG for the same information. as a rule of thumb I expect VW file to be same size as a compressed DWG. The file size hasn't blown out by that much in recent versions has it?

Is there a units setting for Sketch up import? it sounds like the import is picking up the wrong import units info. 192mm is 7.559inch, would seem to be the closest unit mismatch

My only suggestion would be... "When you know how to built it, you'll know how to draw it" As well as solid modeling, have a look at Multiple Extrudes and maybe Loft tools from the 3D power pack.

THe other benefit of Hatches is you can define them as World or Page. Use Page for the hatches you want to look the same way regardless of the drawing scale, notablely the ones that are slowing down your drawing. Use World for hatches that repersent real objects like tile layouts.

This improvement would be great. i don't see the downside as any reason not to do it. It's not like we can't work arround the problem. a Smart folder searching for folders named VWBackup would the trick, and let you know a machines needs some repair. Also would be good to have Backup and Autosave as seperate options each with the own schedule.

Yep that's right for all version up to 11. In 12 it changed to cleaner and multi user set up.

Didn't the Prophecy of Intel Native support speak of "during the summer" and arround the time for Apples release of Pro Towers . Yes Patients, the signs have not yet past. Sorry couldn't resist... But do wonder if we may see NNA up on stage at WWDC as part of the transistion update during the keynote.

so you probably worked out that classlist(2) will give you the dimension class as well?

In Automator in the xCode actions there is a group of Actions for CVS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concurrent_Versions_System), although may still need a bit of unix on the server to setup up the CVS server folder. You should be able to do all the client side stuff with the Automator Actions. Well in theory at least i haven't set up it up here yet but keep trying to find the time to get it working.

Apparently the new Aero Engine in Windows Vista will handle transparency. Then Vectorworks on Windows can be upgraded to have it too. You shouldn't have to wait too much longer.

My first first thought was:- 1) export to DWG with layers as layers. 2) import DWG with layers as classes. but Bensons method sounds better.

And I thought moving away from the drawing board was going to help Architects with all the issues of bad backs, tennis elbow,..., and the like? Cad just opens a new world of pain. Oh well,... Lots of good tips here already As always Balance is the key, althought it would be good to have the option to work standing up like we had with the drawing board.

You could make a Menu Command called say "super Save" have it update the date stamps then call the standard save command. Assign the Command S hot key to super save instead of save. i Don't think it would help with autosave operations but takes care of anytime you hit the Key.