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Hi Folks! I'm new to 3D Vectorworks and I could really use some help. Current task is to model an underground parking lot with some 5% mono sloped ramps, some low-sloped slabs (2% to internal drain), and a few filler slabs to join the two types. Desired outcomes: tag/see the elevation markers at the tops & bottoms of the ramps & at the high & low points of the slab drainage tag/see a few interpolated points along the ramps which update when the ramp changes all spot elevation markers and slab elevation input parameters should be actual height - not relative to the floor level So far I've been using the 'hardscape-planar pad' tool for the 5% ramps and the 'hardscape-aligned' tool for the filler slabs. I find it very difficult to control the graphics of these tools, but the 'hardscape-slab drainage' seems to be the worst so I've opted for the 'slab' tool plus 'slab drainage' for the low-sloped slabs. For the ramp elevation markers, I made two data tags - one that displays the 'elevation' parameter and one for the 'elevation at end' parameter, but so far these only work properly if the layer/story height is set to 0'0" so I've used 0' for all parking layer heights. I've discovered that the 'stake' tool can be used to show interpolated grades when applied in a 3D view, but they seem to be static and don't update with the slab. Questions: Generally, does this workflow and use of tools / layer heights / data tags seem logical? Any suggestions to use properly set layer heights while maintaining the functionality of actual heights for design purposes? I noticed the 'slab' objects have a 'Z Ref' option, but I can't change it to anything other than 'Layer Elevation'. How can I change this to another value? How the heck do I change the colour of the slope arrow/text? It's always red despite changing all my project classes to black. It seems that the text within the object is being overridden to be red by default, but I can't change it without going through the right-click menu to 'edit 2D components', but then that breaks all annotation functionality for the object. What the heck am I missing? How can I lighten the drainage lines / text? Both the valleys and slab outline become black when drainage is added. Is there a better way to do add spot elevations in plan view to things like sloped slabs & ramps? Ideally I'd like to drop a tag into the plan and have it display the actual Z-height of whatever it lands on. I'm using Vectorworks 2024.v7 Windows 11 v.24H2 Sorry if any of this is basic 3D VW knowledge, but I've been scratching my head for too long. I remember this all being way easier in Revit, but that was some years ago. Attached are a test file and a screenshot of how I'd like the graphics to appear. Thanks in advance for the help people! 3D Slab & Annotation Test.vwx

As we all know when we draw walls, floors (slabs) and roofs the component portion of each object representing lumber is a monolithic object that in itself can only give area and volume. How does one determine board feet or the number of joists, studs or rafters required from the data we can retrieve from these objects. A formula of course. Would anyone care to share how that is done? I haven't figured it out yet. I'd like to get estimating materials worked out more for the company I work for using the models we create. More BIM! Thanks.

Hi, So, a couple of thoughts: 1. If I combine all walls, slabs, pillars and stuff to one piece of combined solid, will this make a lighter file? 2. If so, how do I do this? I want to make one piece of solid made out of all the walls and slabs I've created. 3. Is this even a good idea? I'm making an arena, so there's gonna be a lot of stuff in the final file, so it needs to be lightweight and easy to understand. Thanks!

Hi, Super basic question I guess, but I can't seem to find the reason why this doesn't work. I'm trying to add a slab to my walls, but nothing shows up. Please refer to short clip I added. Warm regards and thanks all! Martin Slab question.mp4