taoist

Here is a sample of one of the Templates I use. It uses Story's, Leves, Layers I find it easier to use Layers to turn of o one in place of classes. I am working on simplifying classes, also. 9' Foundation_2x10_9' 1st_2x10_9' 2nd_V2.sta

I do not find it Automated. One still needs to Manually enter Layers, Classes, Levels. Then, one is able to use what they have setup. I still have drawings when I used layers, classes only. Still had to manually enter all those. This is all part of good Design. I recall from years ago when were going to frame a house we would layout a Story Pole of the house. Floor Joists (1st Story) Shoe Plate Cripple Studs Window Sill plate(s) Headers Top Plates Floor Joist (2nd Story) Cripple Studs Shoe Plate Window Sill plate(s) Headers Top Plates Etc...

Just curious. Why AutoCad for 2d? Why not Vectorworks

Another reason for Roof Tool upgrade. We should be able to have a Multi Story Roof Option. Also, more choices in roof styles, even profiles. FWIW

Tom, I am a PC user which means Windows 10. Main reason, a lot of other things i do with a computer, no equivalent software for a MAC. You are correct, does not make a difference, which OS (Operating System) Normally, max of (2) Story's, with Full foundations. In regards to levels; Lets say you have a specific height you want the tops of your windows to be at above the subfloor. Create a Level for that height. Then use that Level as reference for your window elevation (Vertical) placement. Levels can be used for just about anything that requires a vertical elevation height within a story. Levels are universal. Adjust each level on a per Story basis. That is, lets say top of basement windows are even (level) with top of foundation wall. Then on 1st level (main) you want windows at a different height. Remember, levels are reference, not a design layer. Nothing gets drawn in a level. Levels are a guide if you will. I suggest using Method 2. that I outlined. This way, you are able to "see" what layer you are drawing/creating on. Also, remember whatever class is currently showing , whatever you draw will be put in that class. So, if you want whatever you are drawing to be in a different class, then change/create to that class first. Otherwise, you will need to edit later.

Tom W. What is it you are having trouble with?

Depends on how you work. I have found no difference in my work to setup the different models per se. All require a vertical layout of Story's, Levels & Layers, or just Layers as in Method 1.l Even with just using Layers, one still needs to do this. Once done, save as a template. Initially it may seem a little confusing if you are used to doing Layers only, you draw on the respective Layers. You are able to "see" what Layer you are using via Navigation Palette. There is no Menu tab for Levels in Navigation Palette. You do not "switch" to another Level. In method 3. there is only (1) Layer per Story. I use the slab (concrete for foundation), (top of subfloor, wood framed floor systems) as my reference for the Story's. Assuming all classes are visible; Method 1. Layers only method, change the elevations of the layers. Visibility is by Layers, regardless of what is on the given Layer. Easier to "see" as you have the use of the Navigation Palette for the Layers. If you change a Layers elevation, you will need to change all Layers above it. Method 2. Story's, levels, layers for each level - again, one draws on Layers and you are able to change Layers, Levels, Story(s) Elevations Visibility is by Layer. "seeing" is as in Method 1. Might consider it as best of both Method 1. and Method 3. Method 3. Story's, Levels, (1) Layer per Story - What you draw on a given Story Layer (Walls, cabinets, fixtures, etc..) are only things on that Layer. Everything else is referencing a Level. Levels visibility is controlled by classes, not Layers, other than the (1) Layer per Story. "Seeing" (Navigation Palette) is minimal due to all that you have is (1) Layer per Story. So, in a (2) Story Project (assuming full foundation), you have 3 Layers, maybe 4 if you want to put roof on separate Layer. Story's are "containers" for Levels, Layers within a given Story. When one adjusts a Story, everything adjusts with it assuming you have top and bottom references (Bounding) set correctly. Easier if all Methods are created and saved as a Template instead of doing on the fly. This way you spend more time drawing in place of creating and editing. One is always able to Edit (make changes) if need be. FWIW

Finally have (3) different versions of Model Setups. 1. Using Layers only and setting the elevations. What I have been doing for years. 2. Using Stories with levels, & layers for each level, no wall heights. 3.Stories with levels and (1) layer (slab/floor) per story, no wall heights. For item 3. Classes control the level visibility, not the layers other than the single layer per Story. Levels control the heights of things along with correct settings for walls and slabs. Levels can be created and used for baseboard, duplex receptacles, switches, etc... Remember, levels are vertical position marker or reference or benchmark if you will. Levels are for reference only. Nothing gets drawn on a level. Make sure that you have the needed levels. Otherwise, when you draw and bound to the expected levels that are not there (created), you will get error message that you are trying to bound to a level that does not exist. Need to make sure walls and slabs are set to the correct parameters or you will get unexpected results. Yahoo!

You may frame the floor and do takeoffs from that. Floor frame tool has built in worksheets Or do the math based on joist spacing etc.. If done this way you would need to account for joists that are not part of the O.C. framing.

Tom, Thank you for the correction.

Tom, Vectorworks has (3) Stair Tools. I believe the one that shows in the Building Shell is Custom. I am not sure as it has been awhile since I added the other (2) You are able to get the other (2) from legacy folder when adding tools to a Tool Menu. See link http://app-help.vectorworks.net/2018/eng/VW2018_Guide/Start/Modifying_Tool_Palettes_and_Tool_Sets.htm

Last I recall, Residential Building Code requires 6" minimum tread depth. You may need to do the stair sections separately.

Has anyone explored the depths of this new capability specifically for walls? Is it VW's answer to vertical stacked wall components? I currently use VW 2019 Architect. Video looked good, but not enough information. Taoist

Here is Link. There are other tools a well. https://www.weto.com/viskon.html

Paolo, Well Done Sir!

Take a look at CAD Models.

https://www.newenglandstairworks.com/ He has created the railing parts, posts, balusters in Vectorworks. Some Beautiful Stairs!

Thank you for everyone's input. Really great to see how others utilize Notes. Good to have a support group. I have found that using Aspect_Design method is the closest I have found yet. If I need to change Font size on the fly, will use Modify > Edit Symbol. Hot Key Ctrl+[ Windows PC As one can see I have started my list.

Pat! That is Great! Would never have thought that VW "sees" it that way. Really appreciate you taking the time to look into this. Taoist

Boh, Appreciate the reply. Hw do I do this without a Title? IOW, just a note.

Thank you. I will try that. Or other software allows us to create what they call Speed Notes. I have them organized in folders. Say, Room labels Type of Foundation walls Wall Notes Floor Framing You get the idea.

Pat, Thank you! Will set openings by insertion point and distance. Then dimension. Do the math if needed before moving to desired location. This is a needed ability in my opinion. To me, Unconstrained should work like Constrained. Drawing would be easier.

Thank you both. Yes, I have the settings as you show. Let me clarify, When I left click on wall, (I have mine setup for interior walls to snap to left and right of stud as we dimension to framing, not drywall) and try to find center or end of door or window, inline with stud face, it does not associate. No matter where I left click on door or window points. I am able to dimension walls and opening to openings just fine. I do not have this issue with constrained linear dimensioning. I will try again. Rod

I have not been able to get this to work the way I want. I am unable to have associative dimensions work with non orthogonal dimensions. I use the same method on constrained and it does not work. I am unable to dimension to windows, doors then edit the dimension and have the door or window move accordingly. Must be something I am missing or doing incorrectly. Very frustrating.