BHunter

Might I suggest using the ETC Source 4 par and change the labeling?

This the exact reason why I gave up on doing accurate show-style renderings with WV, and stuck with "non-lit" renders. Trying to insert line light objects and editing the photometric data was/is too much of a p.i.t.a.

You've got mail

How do I import some textures (DuPont Corian)from skp into VW?

What if you were to edit the 2D symbol and delete everything but the "top" chord?

It seems that circumstances are moving me away from entertainment lighting design into architectural illumination -(i.e. roadways and parking lots) I found VW spotlight to be a little lacking in this area, so in my searches, I found a program called DIALux. It's for exactly this, but it's a little dated; I'm finding IES files to plug into it, so I should be able to make it work. Is Landmark or able to do this? In theory, Spotlight can do this, I just need the IES files for the light, and draw a fixture for it, but I'm hoping that VW has such animals already in their libraries. VW's renders are SO much nicer. Thanks for the opinions...

Will do, Thanks Bob Hunter

Thanks Ray and Pat. I was searching the board for answers, and found out exactly that. So, I DLed skp and resaved the symbols as skp 5. While we're here, on a different tack: It seems that circumstances are moving me away from entertainment design into architectural- (i.e. roadways and parking lots) I found VW spotlight to be a little lacking in this area, so in my searches, I found a program called DIALux. It's for exactly this, but it's a little dated; I'm finding IES files to plug into it, so I should be able to make it work. Is Arch. or Designer able to do this? Is there a "modern" CAD that deals with this area? Thanks, Bob Hunter

I am running 12.5.3 on a PC. What versions of SKP are supported? I have been trying to import some items from skp.6 and nothing shows up. Do I need to rerun the 12.5.3 updater? Thanks, Bob Hunter VW 12.5.3 Intel Pentium Dual 1.46 2.00GHz Ram

"I only want to help the product get better. This is why there is a Forum." I agree with you. That IS what there's a forum. And we all do want VW to get better. Understand, I'm not busting on you, rather playing devil's advocate to your points. It's funny- when Windows releases a new OS, the common opinion is "I'll wait for the service pack, or, (I've heard this..) I'll wait a year and let the bugs get worked out." But, when it comes to software; especially software that's as complex as a full 3D CAD, and I'm guilty of this as well; it's expected to work darn near perfectly practically right out of the box. Not knowing how to code, but from looking at; in another thread; the script involved just to hide 2D loci, it's amazing (to me) that it works as well as it does. Give 'em a chance; oh and in the meantime, get a wheel mouse, and zoom from the wheel. I can't imagine working from a trackpad alone. Patience brother.

Kelrock- do you know how to code sir? If your answer is yes, then your rants are moot. Give the tech guys a chance. I'd imagine that they're neck deep in it already. Bob Hunter 315 Design Solutions Atlanta, Ga.

Agreed, VW does import the 3d data from dwg/dxf files. If you're not getting any 3d info from your import, there was no 3d in the original drawing ( as long as your import prefs are set to convert to 2d and 3d- which is...in 12.5...the default.) "However I have to assume that the plans were created with corresponding 3D information as they supplied a "section" view with the files I received" Not necessarily, as was said, a lot of draftsmen use AC like a virtual drafting board. All architectural drawings will have section views. I've noticed that there are very few "as built"docs that have a need for a 3d view except for a concept rendering which would not be needed in the as builts. "I really don't want to have to trace the plan as I would rather not waste time on it." If there's no 3d info, and you want a 3d space, you'll have to build it yourself. Either that, or do without. Reach out for the architects and ask them if they have the dwg in 3d. I agree that building the 3d model from a 2d plan is a huge PITA, but if there's not one, and you need one.....

I second the suggestion to update to 12.5.3 Vista doesn't play nice with VW, and the update helps. The update can be found at support-downloads on the VW home page.

Yea, then go into the security center and turn off that damned UAC.

I don't know about 08, but in 12.5 the engineering symbol is in the EE Engineering document inside the VECTORWORKS BASIC folder in the library. If you're wanting the "?" symbol, you could always draw it.