RickR

Somewhere along the line that tool wasn't in my workspace! I don't see the navigate link either, but otherwise it seems fine. Since I don't have Architect either, that might explain a lot.

@Johnathan - your tip mentions linking but doesn't actually say how. I assume you mean the Detail Reference tool, which forces a viewport of the linked site. I (and I think the OP) want something that doesn't bring part of the original drawing with it. In much of my work a detail is typical for many places and it the existing tool becomes useless. The idea is a fusion of a keynote callout, a viewport link and a hyperlink. I'm open to suggestions!

Linking to a record seems so obvious to me, I did all but the auto incrementing. Sorting the worksheet by location makes numbering or correcting numbering very easy.

+1 All 8 points of the box and even some nice stuff, like vertically centered on the first line of text. <---Right? Even if there is more! and more call out text box formats. Think label legend containers. That goes for Key symbols too.

I posted this over in the Arch forum for someone that wanted to number walls. The file has a symbol, record format and worksheet. Change the symbol and record format to suit. I use the worksheet to set the numbers. Sorting by location can make that pretty easy.

I've got most of my Traveler object done. It calculates and displays the stacking for a basic center split curtain like a front stage drape. There is one issue that isn't quite right. The Softgoods objects take their sub-classes from the current object defaults for the system, rather than the values set by the record nodes. How do I set the default values before the objects are created? My first attempt was to use existing objects as control graphics, but the Softgoods don't respond well to setting their length by record nodes. I welcome other comments as well. What do you need when laying out drapes?

Looks great, Thank You!

This file has one symbol with the record and worksheet built. It's just a minor variant of what I use. Edit them or use them as is. BTW you can select a bunch of items, like the text you already typed, and replace them with a symbol. Modify> Convert> Replace with Symbol.

The Scale node doesn't affect symbols. Any suggestions on how to get it done?

There is a 'legacy' stamp numbering tool. You have to go into your workspace and place it in somewhere. That's a bit complex, so get out the manual first, second make backups of your workspace files! If you have a Designer or Spotlight you can use a 'label legend' with any symbol 'converted' to a fixture or accessory and use it the numbering functions. Many many possibilities. You could also create a symbol with a text field and link it to a record. Then create a worksheet that calls up all those symbols (maybe sort by X, Y, Z) and number them in the worksheet. My second and third suggestions make renumbering much easier. The old numbering tool is pretty basic and just puts a number inside a shape. I'm also a big fan of worksheets and suggest you really get to know what's possible with them. BIM starts with worksheets of data.

How about Modify> Convert> Copy to Lines for a basic 2D view. It's not a section but does what you described. View> Clip cube might be handy as well. Some cleanup is likely in order, especially if you have lots of curves that generate a mess of little 2D lines.

I answered over in controlbooth as well A hyphen in a class name makes for an indented sub class. "Lighting-Incandescent" and "Lighting-Fixtures" will both show up under a "Lighting" header where hierarchical displays are possible. Setting the header to On/Off/Gray will affect all those classes. Symbol sub classes are not available in the OIP, they are baked into the symbol. Recent libraries have been made this way and I personally believe it is a major mistake! The goal is to be able to turn parts of a symbol on and off, like door swings and label legend tags. There is some control over default classes in Document Settings, but only for whole objects. There are 2 ways to deal with it if you hate it as much as I do. #1 Delete the sub classes and when the dialog asks about the objects in that class select 'None' or the class you prefer. #2 Rebuild all your libraries. (use method 1, but now they use many files per vendor so it's still some significant work.) There is much talk of this here in the Vectorworks forums. Some sort of default class import control will likely be in 2017, if you can wait til Sept or Oct.

The USA mostly goes on a standard set by the Architects group "AIA". It is a very loose structure that is always adjusted by each company to suit their opinions of what it 'should' be. https://www.nationalcadstandard.org/ncs6/pdfs/ncs6_clg_lnf.pdf

Down in the shared resources here I posted some basic worksheets. One is a simple count by symbol name. https://techboard.vectorworks.net/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=211698#Post211698

Did you build all your own symbols? Did you try some of the built in ones? When building a fixture there needs to be a locus in the 3D part. That becomes the light source. If none it defaults to the origin.

And you've never known a theater person to swear or throw out gratuitous insults.

Select a group of fixtures and number them in a grid pattern. Now we have Left/Right or Top/Bottom and reverses. How about X+ or X- AND Y+ or Y- AND which first. Think of worksheet sorting as a model. Heck might as well add a Z option while you're in there. Then I could do a whole (simple) stage in one pass, rather than selecting each position and continuing the numbering. Or a grid of up lights at an event, or light fixtures in a architectural plan, or a studio pipe grid.

+1 I believe this has been on this list for years!

I think it's worth noting (to upstairs) that negative plans are valuable information for users. 1. If it's wrong nobody will complain. 2. You are not saying when it will happen so there aren't broken promises. 3. You are confirming plans for a feature so we have some hope. It sure beat wondering if...

Got it, just Un-Group not Convert or other stuff. Now I feel silly. Jim - I've noticed that if 'Snap to Geometry' works then you have vectors. Otherwise I just look for scanning artifacts. Nothing in the document properties seems to say.

I'm a big worksheet user and never knew about the corner drag. Thanks!

Sounds like you're reinventing BIM. BTW col37100 you can use your own symbols for doors that will cut holes in wall. I'm no expert on how but it's there.

Is this broken? For years I imported PDFs and exploded them to get plain lines and text, from vector based files. Now I just get a rectangle, even with PDFs I create myself. Are there alternatives beyond more pricey software?

Marissa is sounds as if you are chasing a different issue. I ask; why is there a white arc at all? Automatic control of the arc and cover line width is great, but switching to individual manual should be available anytime. A white cover line is why we have the tool. But there is no need to draw a white arc only to draw a black one on top of it!

Jim, This is classic example of the frustrations long time users see. This is such a minor tool and minor problem (it used to work well) that it should have been dealt with long ago. But no, a year and a half later it's still here. It's making us all do extra work on a regular basis, and reminding us of all the other old issues. And being tempted by other programs.