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Dynamic Phasing & Scheme Filtering This workflow leverages Vectorworks Data Visualizations to create a dynamic "Scheme Filter." By stacking two visualizations—one that preserves existing geometry and another that isolates and colors only new additions—you can instantly toggle between design options using the Phasing bar. This eliminates the need for redundant classes or layers, providing clear, color-coded visual feedback for each project milestone. Part 1: Project Phase Setup First, you must define the "timeline" of your project so Vectorworks knows which objects belong to which scheme. Go to AEC > Phasing > Phasing Settings (or click the Phasing dropdown in the View Bar and select Phasing Settings...). In the Phases tab, create the following list in order: Existing Scheme 1 Scheme 2 Scheme 3 Assigning Objects: * Select your "base" building geometry and, in the Object Info Palette (OIP) under the Phasing section, set Created in Phase to Existing. Select the unique objects for your first option and set their phase to Scheme 1. Repeat this for Scheme 2 and Scheme 3. Part 2: Establishing the "Existing" Foundation This visualization ensures your base building remains visible and "protected" from the hiding rules of the subsequent scheme filters. Create a New Data Visualization: Name it "Phasing 1 Show Created in Existing". Define Criteria: Set to (PHASECREATE='EXISTING'). Display Criteria: Set the dropdown to All Objects. Edit Attributes: * Select the <All Objects> row and click Edit. Ensure Fill, Pen, and Texture are all set to "Retain Original..." * This "claims" these 5 objects so they stay visible, but prevents the visualization from changing their look. Draw Mode: Set Draw Mode for All Other Objects to Show. Part 3: Creating the "Scheme" Filter (New Only) This visualization isolates your "New" work for whichever scheme is currently active and hides everything else. Create a New Data Visualization: Name it "Phasing 2 Show New Only". Define Criteria: Set to (ALL & (INSYMBOL & (INGROUP))). Display Criteria: Left Dropdown: Objects using Function. Right Dropdown: Phase Status in Active Phase. Attribute Mapping: "New" Row: Check the Apply box. Click Edit to set your specific attributes (e.g., Blue Pen, Light Blue Fill). All Other Rows: Uncheck the "Apply" box for every other value (Existing, Demolished, etc.). Draw Mode: Set Draw Mode for All Other Objects to Hide. This hides any object that is NOT "New" in the currently selected phase (e.g., hiding Scheme 2 items while Scheme 1 is active). Part 4: Activating the Multi-Scheme View To make the arrows in your Phasing bar toggle the schemes correctly, you must enable both visualizations simultaneously. In the View Bar, click the Data Visualization dropdown. Select <Data Visualizations>. Ensure both are checked in this specific order: [1] Phasing 1 Show Created in Existing [2] Phasing 2 Show New Only Click OK. How to Use Now, simply use the arrows on the Phasing bar in your View Bar to cycle through Scheme 1, Scheme 2, and Scheme 3. The Existing walls will always stay black/white. The New walls for that specific scheme will turn Blue(as I have in my settings). All other schemes will be automatically hidden. 2026-03-26 11-15-00.mp4 Schemes Template.vwx

VW question for anyone who will listen... If you had a project where you were creating CDs for the third identical building in a series (Phase 3) where a contractor has already built Phases 1 and 2 (one in 2023, one in 2024) from my CDs, EXCEPT now Phase 3 (in 2025) the building is positioned such that it is oriented 180 degrees to the first two phases, would you: 1. Rotate the VW model and adjust all the viewports. 2. Rotate the viewports 180 degrees and tweak a bit. 3. Forget it - keep it as is and rotate the north arrow 180 degrees. I am starting Phase 3 this week or next, and I have a complete Vectorworks model of a building constructed twice. With Phase 3, we needed to rotate (or flip) the building. To make the contractor's life easier, I'll keep North upward on the drawing sheet, which creates a lot of drafting work for me. Have you faced this before? (FYI, I will duplicate the model to retain the original)