Cadplan Architecture

thanks Mike & Pat, It's interesting that you don't have any templates Mike. Is this because you set up worksheets somewhere else? I only show 4 templates non of which I use and two of which are from an earlier fundamentals programme. I also have another template files in Applications Support and that's 2008 versions, however one that I can access when in VW I can't see in either of the file lists so there must be a third location somewhere for templates?! Andrew

I'm in VWAR, and just realised that I don't know where my template files are kept. In 2008 they were in a Template folder in Vectorworks but this is not the case with 2009. The VW help only came up with saving to the Stationery Pad which I don't know about & don't know where it is.

Ah yes I discovered it by accident, it a beautiful mouse now, I wish I had bought it a long time ago instead of the Macally one. thanks AJ

I love the Apple Store glass stairs

LOL! I get your drift and yes thinking about it the design for circulation is plain ridiculous. I thought it was quite breathtaking that he wanted to buy the old folks out just because they were in the way of his space ship! I still think the presentation graphics look awfully crude. A bold design but maybe flawed. AJ

thanks to all, I have bought a Logitech M500 laser mouse now. It's has a quality solid feel to it and it's comfortable to hold. It feels far more responsive and accurate that my previous mouse, the zoom wheel takes a bit of getting used to as it just spins freely rather than having a 'notched' movement but I guess I may get used to it. It's a corded mouse so it's still fairly light as there are not any on board batteries. The only other improvements I can think of would be- 1) that the cable be as thin as the Macally ribbon, and 2) that a wireless version could be made with just a tiny long life or rechargeable battery. I haven't explored all the buttons yet so I need to do that soon. AJ

thanks Tasmin, I never knew that, it looks odd so I thought it might be a 'glitch' connected to my VW beach ball issue. I'm glad it's normal! Andrew

underground

It's interesting and good to know that SJ is a 'local', he comes across as a nice guy. The graphics look incredibly crude for such a cool outfit but the building looks good if just a tad unadventurous, I would have liked to see the donut sliced through or disjointed at some point to link the inside space with the outside world rather than a 'secret garden just for employees AJ

The pallettes on my VWAR2009 are usually greyed out when I start up Vectorworks. Does anyone else have this problem? I am asking partly because I have been having issues with freezing, ie when the beach ball spins when moving objects. AJ

I'm thinking about a tablet but have found a few mixed reviews when used for CAD so I would be interested to hear confirmation that they are more accurate and faster?? thanks so far!

I did try a Trackman trackball a while ago and hated it, thanks anyway

Now that looks cool, I was thinking this might be the route to go as mice seem mainly set up for Googling, and gaming! I would be interested to hear if you get writer's cramp though holding the pen for long periods! AJ

like many people I used Vectorworks for long periods each day, I used to use a Macally Optinet which was great, it was quite ergonomic to use, eventually it broke and they are now obsolete. I have been using a basic PC Line mouse since then, it was ok but not great, that broke recently so I just got a Macally M mouse. It's very light, but it's also small so not so comfortable as it's small, it's also a bit 'glitchy'. Obviously it's quite a subjective area but can anyone suggest a good mouse which is a true joy to use? Please don't suggest the trackballs as I discounted them some time ago, I don't really want batteries on board as it becomes too heavy to slide it about all day, so I'm either looking for a larger version of the M mouse (which has a very light ribbon lead), or maybe a stylus type device. Any ideas?! thanks AJ

according to my Leica rep "the DISTO transfer program does not work on Mac devices." Shame i would hate to have to purchase a PC laptop. It would be perfect if it would work on an iPad! AJ

Yes I guess I could import if I have a reference model of the correct type, as it happens I don't so I'll see if any manufacturers could supply. Modelling could be an optional but not sure how long it would take me to come up with a usable library item! Andrew

Yes I see the 2D dimensions but no 3d DWGs, I guess other European manufacturers might have them so I'll try that route

thanks, yes I guess it might be worth it if you are the cabinet making business, but I'm not, I would just like to indicate kitchen layouts in my interior views of my extension designs.

As kitchen illustrations are only part of what I do when designing a house extension I don't need Interiorcad as I'm not a kitchen specialist or cabinet maker. I'll continue with my exploration of VWA kitchen cabinets to fully assess the capabilities in the hope that with some custom items I can get a suitable symbol library. At the moment I can't see anyway to insert a sink into the worktop though, so I'll make my own WT and cut a hole in just like the real thing. I need to have a good sink though and don't see one in the library.

Thanks for your replies, I've had a quick look at Interiorcad, the examples are ok but not amazing, but it's the price that surprised me, it's the same as buying Vectorworks! and it needs VW 10 or 11, even the very basic version is expensive. It's disappointing that this is another area where Vectorworks falls short even after all this time. Maybe someone out there has found a way to adapt the standard VW kitchen cabinet library items? AJ

I do a lot of domestic house extension design, more and more clients want new kitchens and often either go to the suppliers to get a nice swanky 3d visual, or they go on the IKEA website for instance and do it themselves! I've been exploring the Vectorworks kitchen capabilities today but not got as well as expected and wondered if someone who is an expert at using VW for this Stumbling blocks so far are, a) I could only find one domestic sink in the VW library, and as it can't be converted to a plug-in object I can't customise it, and b) I don't see how to insert it into the worktop. You tube video welcome! AJ

Yes I know about Windoor Jonathan, but I just don't see why we should have to pay for a third party programme just because Vectorworks haven't bothered to add this function, after all clients have been wanting folding doors for many years. isn't it about time VW caught up? Think about how many Architects need this type of feature and then look at how many other alternative CAD programmes probably include it. AJ

Yes I'd be interested to know that as well but avoiding any Microsoft programmes!

Does anyone know if it's possible to specify an uneven number of folding doors? Vectorworks Architect 2009 only has options for 2 or 4, however many applications use an uneven number. AJ

If you live near Bristol UK, can draw buildings in Vectorworks and need some freelance work just email me- planpoint@live.com AJ