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Rob Nykolaishen

Vectorworks, Inc Employee
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  1. In Vectorworks 2024, the Cabinet tool has changed to allow for more customization. After placing a Cabinet on the design layer, you can choose whether it is a Base Cabinet, a Wall Cabinet, or a Tall Cabinet. In this example, a Base Cabinet will be used. With the base cabinet selected on the design layer, looking in the Object Info Palette, there is the Cabinet Settings button. Clicking on this button will bring up the Cabinet Settings Dialog box. To get to the parts we wish to adjust in this example, we will click on the General tab. In this example we want to add a drawer to this cabinet. Click on Add New in the Configuration section of the dialog. By default this will create an opening. Select that Opening to be able to configure what the new item will be. In this example, we are choosing a drawer. By default, the Add New will place the new item at the bottom of the list. With the newly created drawer selected, choose Move Up to bump this to the top of the configuration. This now places the drawer above the Doors. Now that the drawer and doors are now located where we want them, we now wish to adjust the size. By default, the Add New will split the face into equal number of parts, but we want the drawer to be not as tall as the doors. Click on the Calculator icon to change it to a ruler. This will allow you to customize the size of the drawer. You will notice that the Define Item Height is no longer locked out, and you can now type in the height of the drawer. In this example, 6". The Doors will then adjust to fit this new drawer height. You can add more new items to the cabinet and tweak each item's size independently using the above steps.
  2. “I've created a Site Model, but now Vectorworks is running slowly?” When importing a DWG or a Survey, it's possible that there could be more points than needed for most site models. This can result in some slowness, especially if we're placing in a lot of Site Modifiers. One thing worth checking is the Source Data of the Site Model; we can get into that by right clicking on the Site Model and then choosing to "Recreate from Source Data". Going into a Top/Plan view and selecting the Reshape tool will give you a better view on how many points the Site Model is calculating. For example, this Site Model is calculating the site with 1,545 points; this can start to get even larger with additional Site Modifiers and other changes. We can trim down the amount of points with Modify > Drafting Aids > Simplify Polys. You can see more information on the entire command and details here: https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2024/eng/VW2024_Guide/Objects_edit1/Simplifying polygons_and_polylines.htm But for this example I'm just going to use a Minimum Distance of 2', which will only allow a point along those source lines every 2'. This site model now only has 149 points, which is less than 10% the amount of data the previous Site Model had to process. You can see the differences in the contours and 3D models below (left is original, right is updated): It's still keeping all the key points of the previous contours, so your calculations will be mostly the same. You can always experiment with this and reduce the Minimum Distance farther if you're trying to stay more true to the original source, but it's up to you to determine the best simplification for your Site Model.
  3. “I've imported a DWG/Mesh object and now my file is slow?” When working with meshes or imported files (DWG, Sketchup, OBJ, etc) that are too big or have too much geometry, you can sometimes run into slower performance in Vectorworks. For example, here's a guitar that we're trying to add into our document (this model was downloaded on Turbosquid). It looks good but the file’s running pretty slowly after doing so! To simplify the model in Vectorworks is using the Model > Simplify Mesh menu command. You'll be able to cut down on file size by quite a lot while keeping the original shape intact! For example, this is about 2% of the previous model's size. If you're doing a close up render of it, you may need to set the mesh quality higher, but if this isn't taking up too much space in the final render it's a good call to trim it down to this size. It's also possible to go to too far down, so make sure to select something that works best for you and your models! You can also see more information on the Vectorworks Help Articles: https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2024/eng/VW2024_Guide/Objects_edit2/Simplifying_mesh_objects.htm
  4. @Dan Menitoff I just replied to your ticket in tech support. I sent you a screen shot of the Cabinets folder you have in your Drawing Label Styles folder. Rename that folder and your objects will copy and paste without issue.
  5. Project Sharing is a multiuser environment that streamlines project management and execution. It was developed to help Vectorworks users manage projects involving multiple users, fostering effective collaboration and communication within a project team. Project Sharing is a single-file structure providing a mechanism that allows multiple users to work within - and access parts of - a file, simultaneously. In this article, we will show you how to set up a project sharing file and the do’s and don’ts of the project sharing workflow. To make a Project Sharing file: First, start by going to File > Project Sharing within the document you wish to make the .vwxp or Project Sharing File. We recommend having the file already saved in the proper shared location before making it into a project sharing file. (Example: A unique folder in the desired cloud or server. This folder will exist to host the project sharing master file and nothing else) The Project File (the .vwxp file) should be placed on a server or a shared network location that is accessible by all team members. This means that all team members must have full access to the server. They must be able to read, write, rename, delete, create, etc. to the folder on the server or shared network location in which the Project File is kept. This is necessary for when check outs, releases, commits, and refreshes occur. Once you have confirmed this file is saved in its own folder on the cloud or server, you can begin. The first step in the process is to determine which network protocol this file will be shared with. You can choose SMB or AFP, (Do NOT use a mixture of SMB and AFP structures.) We recommend keeping the option “Automatically open a Working File after setup is complete” checked. This will automatically create a working file after completion. A working file is a local copy of a Project File specific to the user who has created it. The Working File is used to add to, subtract from, or modify the Project File. In essence, all modeling and drawing creation is done in a Working File and then is committed back to the Project File. A Working File is designated with the file extension .vwxw. When a Working File is open, the title bar on the file will include WORKING FILE to indicate that you are currently in a Working File (FIGURE 2). The Working File is kept on the hard drive of your local computer. Select “Next >” to proceed to the next step: Here, you will be given the chance to add users to the project file and determine permissions. Management in Project Sharing is done through a robust, permission-based system with options to control access and rights among the design team. Team members are granted specific types of access to either layers (design and sheet layers), or to an object or groups of objects. They can check out those layers or objects, work on them, and then check them back in. Vectorworks communicates the status of the changes being made by project members along the way, keeping the entire team informed during the project. Users can be added by selecting the “Add” button. When you add a user, it will take you to the new user dialog: Here is where you can put in the username (typically resembles the username of the machine being used) and the user’s full name. Choose a color to uniquely identify the user and then choose their permission clearance. Here are the following permission levels: ADMINISTRATIVE The Administrative permission level essentially has no restrictions. This permission is automatically assigned to the person who first creates the Project File. Exclusive to this permission level is the ability to manage the project sharing settings (such as Project File backup policies) and the ability to add, delete, and edit the users on the project. The administrator will also have the ability to do an administrative release if needed. It is highly recommended that there be more than one Administrative user on each project as a backup policy. This can be an office-wide BIM or CAD manager along with the project’s model manager PROJECT The Project permission level is the least restrictive level in the project (aside from Administrative). This includes the ability to change and commit document preferences and settings. Project permission is also required to create, edit, and delete references that are being used. This permission level is also necessary to create and delete classes. LAYERS AND RESOURCES The Layers and Resources permission level is needed to create, edit, and delete resources. This includes, symbols, textures, wall styles, slab styles, etc. Resources that do not require this permission level to create and edit include worksheets, records, scripts, and script palettes. A person with this permission level can also create, edit, and delete dimension standards within the document preferences. LAYERS-UNRESTRICTED Aside from the ability to create, edit, and delete layers, this permission level also allows you to commit saved views back to the Project File allowing others to access these views. This permission level or a higher permission is needed to create, edit, delete, and commit publish sets and batch render jobs. Lower permission levels can access publish sets and batch render jobs but cannot create them or commit them to the Project File. LAYERS-RESTRICTED The Layers-Restricted permission level allows you to create, edit, and delete objects and information on layers that already exist in the Project File. Resources that can be created, edited, and deleted with this permission level include worksheets, scripts, and script palettes. It is important to note that this permission level allows you to create saved views, working planes, and edit any unrestricted document preferences so that you can continue to work in your Working File as you like. These types of changes or additions, however, will not be committed to the Project File. READ ONLY As indicted by the name, the Read Only permission level only allows you to navigate through the file. You can access and view all objects, layers, and information, as well as update out-of-date viewports. You can change layer and class visibility in your Working File but cannot commit these changes. This permission level does allow you to publish drawings and run export commands. If a team member is attempting to complete an operation for which they do not have the proper permission level, a dialog box will appear. This dialog box will inform them of what permission level is required to complete the operation. Select “Next >” to proceed to the next step: In this window, you will be given the chance to determine which layers will be considered “Master layers”. MASTER LAYER A designated, special layer that changes infrequently over the life of a project. A master layer may contain critical information that should not be changed or overwritten. An example of such a layer may be a design layer that holds a project’s structural grid. You can have multiple master layers in a project. Select “Next >” to proceed to the next step: The next window will allow you to determine how the project sharing file will be backed up. Chose the default option to create an automatic backup folder in the same location as the Project File or choose a custom location and save the backup folder in an easy to remember location. Once you have determined the frequency and the number of backups you need, select “Finish”. This will automatically take you to your new “Working File”. You can read any additional information regarding project sharing at the following link: https://university.vectorworks.net/mod/scorm/player.php?a=20&currentorg=articulate_rise&scoid=40 Do’s and Don’ts of Project Sharing: When Creating the Project File Do NOT use a mixture of SMB and AFP structures. You must have full read/write/delete/rename access permissions to the project folder, subfolders, and Project Files. Everyone working on the project must be using the same version of Vectorworks. If your VPN is slow, it will take time for Working Files to Update to Project Files and visa versa. Important Note: Vectorworks does not support using a virtual machine with Project Sharing. Vectorworks Cloud Services If using Cloud Services you must at least be running 2021 Service Pack 4. If using Cloud Services the desktop Cloud app must be running. Access your files through the local folder or the Cloud App. Share files using the correct permissions. Save your Working File to your local hard drive. Dropbox If using Dropbox, the Dropbox app must be up-to-date. Do NOT save your Working File on Dropbox. RULES Do NOT rename the Project File Do NOT move your Project File or rename folders that contain your Project File. Do NOT save your Working file on a server. Do NOT duplicate Project Files or your Working File. Only use one Working File per user. You must remember where you saved you last working file. GENERAL NOTES Nobody can open a Project File after it has been created. A Working File is different than a Project File. File>Save only saves to your Working file. Save and Commit saves changes from your Working File to the Project File. Close and Release releases anything you’ve checked out to your Working File from the Project File. Save and Commit, and Close and Release will take more time to complete over a wireless connection. If a Project Administrator releases someone’s exclusive lock, that user will be unable to commit their changes from their working file. The user will need to create a new Working File, then copy and paste changes from their old ‘unlocked’ Working File to the new Working File. Vectorworks provides an alert when the Administrator tries to release a user’s Working File. Visit the following links to watch video tutorials and learn even more about Project Sharing: COFFEE BREAK - PROJECT SHARING IN VECTORWORKS INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT SHARING: THE MULTIUSER ENVIRONMENT
  6. We have found some instances where the Vectorworks Updater is unable to complete the Updates. In these cases the Vectorworks Updater will end with an "Unknown Error" In Vectorworks Sonoma, you will need to add the Vectorworks updater to the OS App Management. Open the Mac System Preferences, and navigate to Privacy & Security After selecting Privacy & Security, scroll down to App Management Click on the + sign to add the Vectorworks Updater App. You may be required to enter your computer password. Then navigate to your Applications Folder, then open the Vectorworks 2024 folder. Select the Vectorworks 2024 Updater app (Not the Vectorworks 2024 app) After the Vectorworks updater app is added to App Management, you should be able to update your Vectorworks to the latest build.
  7. There is a known issue on some intel Based Mac computers running macOS Sonoma that causes the Menu bar at the top of the screen to not function or even completely disappear while using Vectorworks on Sonoma. Many intel MacBook Pro models have two graphics systems, an integrated graphics card and a dedicated higher performance graphic card. By default, the OS is set to automatically switch to the best graphics system for applications running on your computer to maximize battery life. To resolve this, we must disable Automatic Graphics Switching in the macOS System Settings. Step 1: Open System Settings: Click on the “Apple” menu in the top left corner of the screen > select “System Settings” Step 2: Choose “Battery” on the left-hand sidebar (you may need to scroll down to see this) Step 3: Click on the “Options” button on the right-hand side of the Battery section. In the Options window, disable the option marked “Automatic Graphics Switching.” Step 4: Relaunch Vectorworks
  8. If you have the Serial Number of the version of Vectorworks you wish to download readily available: Sign in to the Vectorworks Customer Portal Customers.Vectorworks.net Select Downloads at the top—left section On the Downloads page, locate the section at the bottom of the page to enter a previous version Serial Number (You may need to scroll down) Once you enter your Serial Number in the box shown above, that section of the page will look something like this: Then just click on the Download link under either Mac or Windows, depending on your operating system. If you do not have a serial number on hand for the previous version you wish to install, click on the “View All Previous Versions” link, which will take you to the downloads archive page, which has download links for Vectorworks products going back to 2014. https://customers.vectorworks.net/downloads/archive Note: If you download a previous version installer without a corresponding serial number for that version, you will sill need a valid serial number to install the software.
  9. In order to achieve the goal of having the Lighting Device lens match the color of the “Color” field of the fixture there we must do 4 main things Create a custom glow texture for the lens. Create a custom class for the lens geometry. Assign the custom texture and class to the lens geometry. Edit the Spotlight Preferences to change the custom class color based on the Color field of the lighting device. Create the Custom Texture: In the Resource Manager select “New Resource…” at the bottom left corner of the Resource Manager Select “Renderworks Texture” in the “Create Resource” window that opens, and click “OK” Set the “Color” of the texture to “Obj Attribute.” Set the Reflectivity of the Texture to “Glow” and click “Edit” next to the Reflectivity. In the “Edit Glow Shader” window that opens, set the brightness percentage to 500% (this can be edited later) Uncheck the box to to Cast Shadows Name the texture “Lens Texture” (This is a suggested name, use something that you will remember) See Image for settings. Create the Custom Class Open the Organization Window to the Classes Tab Tools > Organization Select “Classes” at the top of the window. Click “New” at the bottom of the classes list Name the class. I suggest “Lighting-Lens” so that it stays nested with the other lighting classes Make sure the box to “Edit Properties after creation” is selected In the Edit Properties Window make sure that “Use at Creation” is selected for the Attributes and Click “OK” to create the class. Assign the Custom Texture and Class to the Lens geometry: Open the Resource Manager Locate the lighting symbol you wish to change the lens color with the device color field. Right Click on the symbol and choose “Edit 3D components” In the 3D components: locate the Lens geometry (It may be within a group if the light is a moving head) Once you have the Lens geometry selected change its Class to the “Lighting-Lens” class. Now select the “Render” tab of the Object Info Palette Set the “Texture:” menu to “Texture” Choose the custom Lens Texture that was created in the first set of steps. Exit the Symbol Repeat steps 1-9 above for all fixtures you wish to change lens color with the device color field. Edit the Spotlight Preferences Open the Spotlight Preferences Designer: Entertainment > Spotlight Settings > Spotlight Preferences… Spotlight: Spotlight > Spotlight Settings > Spotlight Preferences… In Spotlight Preferences choose the “Classes and Colors” on the left sidebar. Check the box for “Modify Lighting Device Color” Choose the radio button for “Color Field” and check the two boxes below for “Use color field for fill color” and “Use color field for pen color” Then next to “Modify Only Geometry in the Class” use the dropdown menu to choose the “Lighting-Lens” class created earlier See Image Now any fixtures that we have edited to use the custom lens texture and lens class will change the lens color with the Color field of the fixture in the Object Info Palette. Note: Since the texture created is a “glow” texture, it will not stop emitting light even if the lighting device is turned off. To stop it from glowing set the color field to “(1,1,1)”
  10. @Stephanie Desmeules I am following up with you via email.
  11. @Naheed Juan I see your case sent to tech support. I will follow up there.
  12. @gman19 If you go into your PC Settings, under Display and Graphic Settings, You can add Vectorworks and designate the dedicated graphics card to be used. You may need to reboot your computer after to have changes take effect.
  13. @Patrick FritschAre you really running Windows 7 per your signature? That may be the issue. I replied to your tech support email stating I am not seeing the issue you describe. Windows 7 is not a supported OS with Vectorworks 2022. https://www.vectorworks.net/sysreq
  14. @EvelyneB I apologize for missing this, I have sent you a DM and will be in touch through email. Rob
  15. @RafaelPernia Please reach out to us a CAtech@vectorworks.net. If you can, please send us a download link for that file so we can have a look at that issue. Otherwise I will respond with a link to send us the files. Rob
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