C. Andrew Dunning

For our present users interested in staying current and for anyone just looking for simple ways to improve productivity, we have just uploaded a few minor updates to our tools. In addition to the usual refinement here-and-there, 2 things you might notice: 1) We've been working with a few Audio ToolSet 2 users in adding a few fields useful for users working in the installation end of things. 2) For those of you who like the look of the graphics produced by the stock Callout tool but who want the convenience of that feature included within in your plug-in instances, SoftGoods 2 and all of the Audio ToolSet 2 tools now include text bubble options: Current users of our tools can use the usual links and passwords to get these updates. If you're not using our tools and want more info, visit: http://www.landrudesign.com/VWPlugIns.htm. Have a good one!

Correct. There are 2 things going on, here: You can select a Class for one or more of the individual parts as you wish - using existing or new Classes. If you only want to assign a single part family, no problem. You can input any prefix you'd like and then automatically assign all parts to Classes, each Class having that prefix. The default "suffixes" are hard-coded. Again, you can change the names as you wish.

Really? How so? Then, simply have the path follow the wall. That's how the EAPs work in all of our tools...

Sounds a lot more difficult than it needs to be. Why not simply edit the Profile so that the Profile Insertion Point is on the face hanging on the wall?

2 instances in which the parts Classes are valuable: 1) For all of the "Landru-sourced" tools, by-Class attributes can be used to assign textures to the different parts - staging legs...drapery...speaker finishes, etc. 2) When assigned to embedded Classes, part visibilities can be controlled. For example, a user might want to see text labels or notes in one view/plate but not another. Just food-for-thought...

Likely, the dimension data in the "__ATS-BumpModData" record attached to the Symbol you're trying to import is either in the incorrect format (must be a text field) and/or does not include units markers (like "mm"). Correcting one or both of those should get you going.

I am trying to get my head around the "Truss Object" workflow as compared to the "truss Symbol" workflow - specifically, in terms of editing truss Systems/assemblies. In the attached file is a truss System/assembly created using the Truss Insertion tool and "Truss Object"-enabled Symbols. What is workflow YOU would follow (VW-ascribed or not) to...: 1) Swap out the 4 silver 10' sections for 4 black sections? 2) Swap out the right-end 10' section for an 8'? 3) Swap out the 4, 10's for 8, 5's? I've included other truss Symbols (enabled to work w. the Truss tool) for your convenience. Really simple under the "Symbol" workflow: Select a Symbol instance and, after clicking "Replace" in either the right-click menu or in the OIP, select the new Symbol - and then, if necessary, add needed sections. I'm not seeing the same simplicity w. the "Truss Object" workflow and would welcome any counsel. 2020_Truss_Tinkering.vwx

Multiple answers: 1) Other than meeting the 4 criteria I posted, yes, that dialog is the only way to assign curtain/drapery color if using the "Opaque" setting. With that setting, the tool generates the fabric Texture and manipulates the color of the underlying geometry - which is used by the Texture. 2) You CAN...if you really want to...change the color by changing the settings of the Texture definition. Just don't change the name. If you do that, the tool will simply re-create and apply the stock Texture. 3) You can also change the color by choosing the "Custom" option and choosing a specific Texture that carries with it specific color (like the Rose Brand fabrics do). As to your last question, to my knowledge, the related calls in the language in which the softgoods tools are written do not allow for "By-Class" color. You raise good questions and I am investigating options. (BTW, I am not a VW engineer or employee. I am simply the developer of several of the Spotlight tools, including Soft Goods.)

4 things: 1) A given part (Curtains, Hardware, etc.) has to be assigned to a Class through the "Classes..."/"Parts Classes..." dialog. 2) The chosen Class has to be set to apply Textures at Creation. 3) The entire Soft Goods/SoftGoods 2 object must be set to "Class Texture" in the OIP Render tab. 4) The Fill Color for the entire object must be set to apply color by-Class. (The actual Fill Color for the over-all object is irrelevant. This simply functions as a toggle to enable by-Class coloring.) I know this seems pretty convoluted. We simply needed to "protect" the settings instated by the "3D Curtain Options..." dialog as much as-possible. The current tools do not have this feature.

Josh and Kevin are correct...: "Curtain" does pre-date SoftGoods 2/Soft Goods. A "converter" routine was never created.

An option: Add that Class to your Template and make it invisible in all of your preset Saved Views.

Those loci are related to Braceworks.

Assume square tubing and extrude squares, rectangles, and polygons (from a side view - for the diagonal lacing).

Grant - Use Stage Plug instead of Stage Deck. And, try either the "Border" or "Simple" structure.

Really??? All of my tools have indenting and enabling controls in kObjOnWidgetPrep (event 41) and, other than the issues in a build or 2 of 2020, I've had no issues.