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draftech

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Posts posted by draftech

    HELP! Autocad Compatibility

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Garry -

    I did a quick test file, and tried to map line weights as you suggested. When exporting, I did not get the dialog you mentioned that would allow me to assign the DWG index colors to my line thicknesses.

    Regarding the title block, I have been using a 1:1 scale referenced title block for a while now. However, I have been unable to figure out how to get the referenced file to export as a separate file. I am beginning to suspect that VW Fundamentals is unable to accomplish these simple tasks.

    HELP! Autocad Compatibility

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    A newer client of mine is having trouble with the DWG files I have been providing. My typical workflow consists of:

    1. Receive floorplan backgrounds from the architect (99.9% of the time in AutoCad format)

    2. Import with VectorWorks, proceed with my portion of the work

    3. Print to PDF

    4. Export DWG

    5. provide PDF and DWG to my client

    I received the following email from the client's Cad guy, informing me of some issues with my files:

    "You can help me out by using some of these simple standards for your drawings for ICS. Your drawings are fine but it takes me longer to make them "office ready". Here are a few simple standards that will help me out alot.

    1. Use only index colors. True colors don't work well with our standard plotter configurations.

    2. We only use 4 colors to control pen width. Don't use line weight by layer.

    a) green(3) - boldest. We like to use this color for devices so they stand out.

    b) white(7) - next boldest - larger text ( I know with true type fonts it doesn't really make any difference)

    c) red(1)- next boldest. Usually for wire, addresses, cd rating etc

    d) all background (floor plan, rcp, architectural etc. needs to be color 8

    color 8 on our plotter config is 60% screened and helps make the fire alarm

    system stand out.

    3, Also, could you xref the title blocks into Paper Space. Much easier for me since I only

    have to edit tblock info once. I have included the sheet info block in the email. This is

    only the sheet name, drawing name etc. (FA-1.0 etc.) the fields take on the name of

    the drawing tab and drawing file name."

    I also just received a call from the project manager, informing me that if I can't get this figured out, he won't be able to continue to give me work. I really can't afford to lose this client, since they have been providing me with tons of work.

    Without completely dumbing down my drawings (or abandoning VW, and investing a huge amount of time and $$ in order to obtain and learn AutoCad), what can I do to make things more usable on their end? Can I do what he is asking with VW Fundamentals? Or do I need to upgrade to Architect or Designer? Or downgrade to AutoCad?

    Thanks for any input.

    Alan Eby

    Draft Tech Design

    MacBook Pro 15" 2.4GHz Intel Core i7

    Mac OS 10.7.4 Lion

    VW Fundamentals 2012 SP4

    Export Referenced Files?

    in General Discussion

    Posted · Edited by draftech

    I have my drawing package split into several files, using a common Referenced title block for all of the drawing sheets. When I export to DWG for my client, the title block is combined/bound to each individual sheet. I need the Referenced file to remain separate, as a reference (XREF) for my client. Is there a setting or preference somewhere that I am missing?

    Thanks.

    Alan Eby

    Draft Tech Design

    MacBook Pro 15" 2.4GHz Intel Core i7

    Mac OS 10.7.4 Lion

    VW Fundamentals 2012 SP4

    slow VW 9.5.2, Mac OS 10.2.8

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Up until recently I have been doing the majority of my work in MiniCad 7.0.3, OS 9.2.2. Now that I've got OS X running, I am beginning to move from OS 9 to X. I have not used VW 9 much, other than for importing Autocad files, then exporting back to Minicad. Recently I have been trying to spend more time in VectorWorks, but it really seems quite a bit slower than MiniCad, and is causing frustration. 99% of what I do is 2D. I do quite a bit of moving around the drawing - selecting, editing, deleting, etc. In MiniCad, it is fairly instantaneous. With VW, there is a slight delay. I cannot select multiple items in quick succession. When I pan the drawing, it moves jerkily across the screen. trying to drag-select is a nightmare.

    Any ideas? (and please don't say that I need to upgrade to VW 10).

    VectorWorks 9.5.2

    OS 10.2.8

    G4/1.25GHz

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