Don@Black Dog

I think the question is still out there: if you want to adjust the grid patern itself, not the grid object, ie, move one over a few inches or add a gridline, how do you do it? It would help to have an offset entry in the OIP, or a "start here" option like the framing tool. The VW help is next to useless on this. Thanks!

I have the tag on the bottom right, but it doesn't work. The slider works, but with the roller mouse you get so use to scrolling by roller on everything, it should work here too, a la a web page. Maybe a mystery setting?

Thanks, Pete. I had a great exchange with Mike Oz, and it came down to that the Path has to be a single object. So, I drew it in the layout I wanted, went to Modify/Compose, which created a single object (Mikes idea). I then turned OFF any Fill Attribute (if that class had it on), selected the Path and the Object, did Model/Extrude Along Path, hit "Next" for the path if it was not already highlighted (will show as a much heavier highlight than normal) and hit OK. Voila! A great feeling when something works. I think the Help section is missing something when it does not clarify that the path has to be a single object, since the description implies it can be a plurality of objects.

I would love it if the Help window was stretchable, instead of small or full screen, and would scroll with a mouse. This should be standard window behavior. THanks!

I am trying to create a multi-leg extrusion, a pipe running around a basement, and keep getting the path itself extruding as a plane, sometimes with the shape following the first leg of the path. I follow the order and directions in the help manual, to no avail, and the other videos I have found are more more "how wonderful this tool is" than instructional. Am I missing something? I have used it before for simple single items jsut fine. Thanks! _________________________ Don @ Black Dog Architects Co. Windows 7, i5, VW2012 sp1

Sorry, wrong forum!

Jumping in a bit late on this, but I share Taoist's confusion. I have used this method just fine for single leg elements, a mantle, a gutter, what have you, where in retrospect a standard extrusion in a 3d view would suffice. However, I am trying a multi-leg extrusions, a pipe running around a basement, and keep getting the path itself extruding as a plane, sometimes with the shape following the first leg of the path. I follow the order and directions in the help manual, to no avail, and the other videos I have found are more more "how wonderful this tool is" than instructional. Am I missing something? Thanks!

This happened to me as well, a short time ago. The file is also still with VW though I have not heard back. Simultaneously I found that when I saved in plan view, the cursor would pick up objects as if they were in fly-over. I had to Ctl-5 (Windows) each time, which them pushed my view out of the screen. At first it appeared to be various plug in objects or symbols (cabinets, sinks) but I finally copied/pasted my entire plan (walls and doors) chunk by chunk to a new layer, then deleted the old one. This appeared to have rectified things, though I still get the saving issue above now and then. I had a fairly complicated alternate plan layer structure, but who knows. This was with a new template as well, new file. Subsequently, I have started another project where I do not have this problem at all. Ghosts.

I am experiencing an odd series of conditions. When in plan view, unified views on, and I save, either the Windows Alt/F/S or VW's Ctl/s, the view remains the same but he cursor highlights 3d objects as if I am in flyover (plan view, dashed/highlighted objects). If I then hit the flyover tool, I am immediately into open GL, not wireframe. Actually, if I just click and drag my cursor, as I would in flyover, it puts me into openGL flyover without asking. Lastely, when I Ctl-5to return to plan view, it takes from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes to change views. On the bottom right there is a green progress bar labeled "Destroy List". Anyone else experiencing this? Thanks!

Very cool. Thanks. How do you add the loci? ( I could look it up but this is easier...)

To wrap it up, place a base cabinet with the "draw counter" selection unchecked per JP above. Draw a rectangle for a new counter and make a floor out of it (AEC menu) I have a separate class for millwork counters. Make the thickness what you need then draw a shape you want to cut out of the counter (oval, square what have you) and select both, right click (Windows) and "Clip Surface". Delete the shape and There ya go! You may have to do a Send to Front on the sink to have it appear on top of the counter. and checkout Jonanthans excellent learning materials.

Thanks, Robert. I also realized upon looking further (duh), that when making a symbol, teh insertion properties could be set to break a wall all, part or not at all, which worked perfectly for my use (insert on one side, dont break the other). I used the wall recesses for openings below large window sills and will probably do so again for niches. With the symbol, I wanted something I could copy and paste quickly rather than create an opening for each one which then has to be moved if the grill location changes (which is fairly simple I have found, but still an extra step). Thanks again.

It depends on what you mean by simple. I used Chief Architect 9 a few years back, before I bought Vectorworks. I think VW is a much more professional program, especially for more complex modeling and document production and is extremely adaptable. But I think CA had some advantages for lighter duty, such as being able to assign a room a type of trim or color individual walls and it would happen automatically, no extruding shapes, etc. At the time the symbols were also better for residential uses and I have since copied over an adapted many of them. I think they really are set up for residential modeling. It was also fairly intuitive to us. I will say that for simple design and plan layouts he might even be able to use a budget homeowner program, such as 3D Home Architect (one of them is made by and can upgrade to CA). No working drawingss of course, but ok for basic modeling for schematics, then hand draw the construction plans or use the 2d functions for basic drawings. He will need CA if he wants to print to full size drawings. It is also fairly expensive for a full program and he might want to look at things like Turbo Cad. Keep in mind that everything has a learning curve and if he was just shown the basics of VW in terms of document set up, layering and classes, modeling or just 2d, and setting up sheets and viewports, he should be able to do a lot and not spend any more money. And finally, nothing will make you an architect unless you think and work that way. Programs just do what they are told.

Well, I very successfully deconstructed a window pio and made a good symbol. Is there a way to associate a recess in a wall as part of the symbol or is it always a separate endeavor? (I think that is self answering....) Always an adventure.

Thanks for the input, guys. Jonathan, I was hoping for a simpler method. I am using the 3d object, wall recess method for some large under-window heater units in an apartment, as well as some doors in thick walls with a recessed raised threshold, but it is a bit of a p-i-t-a to use for multiple items of varying sizes, even to copy and paste. Peter, this might work. Also, I guess I could make multiple copies of varyng sizes. I guess I was spoiled by the adaptibility of PIO's. Thanks again and good to hear from both of you again!

I am trying to insert a vent or register for AC in a wall. So far I have used both the door and window tools, but both cut all the way throught the wall. Is there a way to do a partial cut? I could use a symbol but prefer a plug-in object since the sizes frequently change throughout a house. Thanks!

Cameron, getting this was the coolest thing whenstarting to use vectorworks, since you could have a rudimentary model immediately. I typically (works for me) set the main floor to 0' and the other floor layers from that (basement is -9', Z+ 8', for example) so, for example: Mod-Floor 1 Z = 0', Z+ 8'0" (Height of ceiling) Mod-Slab 2 = Z = 8' Z+ + 8'10" (thickness of floor) Mod-Floor 2 Z = 8'10" z+ 8'0" Mod-Slab 3 (attic) Z = 16'10" Z+ 6" Roof Z = 17'4" Floor alternate floor plans, duplicate a layer after you have drawn one out, and modify it as needed. There are tons of variations depending on complexity, but this has worked well for me. Don

Hey, folks, I have windows in 16" stone walls. When I do NOT do "use wall thickness" for the jambs, the window is a solid grey plane. When I DO use it, the window shows up properly. I want to not use it so I can offset the windows flush to the exterior with no interior trim or jamb. It is properly "in the wall". Any thoughts? Thanks, Don VW 2008 SP3 Windows XP SP3

Thanks, Mike, that looks very cool and applicable to a lot of design problems.

I agree with both of you. I used Chief Architect 9 before I heard of VW, and switched because I felt VW was a more sophisticated program, which I think it is, especially for design and construction drawing organization and production. However, since switching, I have found myself constantly frustrated at the dim and flat default rendering style (Open GL), while CA, while a bit cartoon-y sometimes, is at least bright, cheerful and easier to manipulate colors and materials,such as trim in a room, for a nicer looking image on-the-fly. More symbols and vendor packages as well. Better columns. I have and use Renderworks, but don't have the time to use it when sitting with clients. I think VW is better for most commercial and is more professional, whatever that means, but I do find myself looking back as CA sometimes, or using Sketchup for the same reasons. I do mostly residential design.

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, at this juncture I can't afford the program, and to be honest, with most residential designs I do the layout along with the architectural design of the space, and the client works with the cabinet vendor (big-box or otherwise), so I really don't need the depth of InteriorCad. I would like greater flexibility in the regular program's plug-in or symbols. There really is a derth of symbols for general use when compared with some programs used for residential design. I noted a recent post regarding a comparisoin with Chief Architect, and should note I have translated many of their symbols as well as Sketch-up, but this is second hand and time consuming, and should be available in the base program (or at least Architect).

Thanks, Peter. Good to hear from you again. I was trying to get to 24" or narrower, the kind at the end of a run of cabinets so you don't kill your hip walking by or to allow a better circulation route. When I got that small it disappeared or became an odd "L" shape. What would be really nice is to have a tie- in to a manufacturer.

Hey, folks, In v2008, How can I make a small corner kitchen cabinet with an angled or partially angled front? Am I missing something with the plug in tool? or is ther a reasonable collection of symbols available somewhere? Thanks!

Maybe a different entry page for regular users instead of new visitors, so we don't get blasted when going to the tech forum or looking for other information. I realized later the coloredd bars are a new branding/logo thing, but I think they are a lightweight image compared with the relative sophistication of the rest of the site design. Just an initial gut reaction.

Currently the roof tool makes pairs of collar ties (quaintly called beams)when standard framing is one. Please allow a choice of 1 or 2 when filing out the roof framing tool